Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 11/01/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (28.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 2.4× the median for that category across the 2588 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 180 · 28.2% | Recalled | Recall 20V064000 |
| Electrical System | 118 · 18.5% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 90 · 14.1% | Recalled | Recall 20V682000 |
| Air Bags | 54 · 8.5% | Recalled | Recall 20V734000 · Recall 23V865000 |
| Structure:body | 41 · 6.4% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 38 · 5.9% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 639 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 2020 · reported 11/04/2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V734000 · 2020 · reported 11/25/2020
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V064000 · 2020 · reported 02/06/2020
A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V373000 · 2020 · reported 06/24/2020
A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V286000 · 2020 · reported 05/20/2020
If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 2023 · reported 12/20/2023
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“NEW 2020 RAV4 HYBRID MAKES LOUD GRINDING NOISE SOMETIMES WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE AND EV MODE IS ENGAGED. APPEARS TO BE FAILURE OF SPRAG-TYPE DEVICE…”NHTSA complaint 11367034 — filed 10/29/2020 · ENGINE
“SERIOUS D-CELL BATTERY DISCHARGE ISSUE. TWICE OUR NEW RAV4 HYBRID HAS HAD TO BE JUMPED AND TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A DEAD BATTERY. DEALER FOUND…”NHTSA complaint 11343488 — filed 08/05/2020 · ENGINE
“PURCHASED 5/22/20. UNIT PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. WENT OUT TO USE THE AUTO AND ALL SYSTEMS FAILING IN AUTO. VEHICLE WILL NOT START. BRAKE ALERT, ENGINE…”NHTSA complaint 11327007 — filed 06/02/2020 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 180 of 639 NHTSA complaints (28.2%), followed by unspecified/other issues (121), electrical system (118), fuel/propulsion system (90). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
639 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Of those, 17 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 14 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V682000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
