MotorDeets

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 5 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 40 mpg combined.

5vehicle recalls
13owner complaints
0mention a crash
40best combined mpg
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #20V064000 · 2020 · 44,191 vehicles

What's wrong: 5l 4-cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings May result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020.

Suspension Vehicle recall #20V286000 · 2020 · 9,502 vehicles

What's wrong: The front lower suspension arms May have cracks, which May result in the suspension arm separating from the front wheel assembly.

Why it matters: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020.

Steering Vehicle recall #20V373000 · 2020 · 46 vehicles

What's wrong: Water May enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.

Why it matters: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020.

Steering, Airbags Vehicle recall #20V734000 · 2020 · 161 vehicles

What's wrong: Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."

Why it matters: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020.

Airbags Vehicle recall #23V865000 · 2023 · 999,901 vehicles

What's wrong: A short circuit May develop in the occupant classification system (ocs) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags4
Engine2
Electrical2
Steering1
Fuel & propulsion1
Hybrid system1
Speed control / throttle1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has 13 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 11 RAV4 Hybrid model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 13). Complaints peaked in 2025 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 53,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (22 complaints, 3 recalls), 2021 (22 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cyl hybridAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive413840Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid manual

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FAQ

Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (4), engine (2), electrical (2).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid get?

EPA ratings run up to 40 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other RAV4 Hybrid years

20162017201820192020202120222023202420252026