2020 Toyota RAV4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Toyota RAV4: 6 recalls, 635 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V682000 · 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles
What's wrong: The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank May fail.
Why it matters: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts…
Airbags, Steering 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. 5 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (180): the most common themes are electrical failure (30), warning light on (23), overheating (20).
- Other / unknown (121): the most common themes are electrical failure (16), noise or vibration (12), stalls / loses power (10).
- Electrical (119): the most common themes are electrical failure (65), stalls / loses power (19), won't start (12).
- Fuel & propulsion (90): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (6), electrical failure (2).
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 635 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 32 RAV4 model years for complaints (2.2× the average RAV4 year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (176 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 2,800 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (879 complaints, 7 recalls), 2021 (387 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4. 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 problems?
Owners have filed 635 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (180), other / unknown (121), electrical (119).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Toyota RAV4 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.