2020 Toyota RAV4 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 205 Engine complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4, 32% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 10,000 miles. A related engine recall (20V064000) covers 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models with 2.5L engines for a knock/block issue.
- Engine complaints
- 205
- 32% of 634
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 10,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, including in parking lots, that ended in a crash into a building or curb.
- Multiple owners report the coolant bypass valve failing or seizing, triggering an 'Engine Maintenance Required' warning light.
- Some owners report the check engine light coming on with a diagnostic code for a coolant bypass valve circuit short.
- One owner reported an unoccupied, parked vehicle catching fire, which the fire department attributed to the electrical system or fuel pump.
- Owners note the brake pedal felt stuck or unresponsive during unintended acceleration events, with the vehicle failing to stop.
When 2020 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 9, 2020, latest Aug 26, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4
- NHTSA 20V064000Feb 6, 2020Engine44,191 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Engine complaints by RAV4 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have engine problems?
- NHTSA lists 205 Engine complaints for the 2020 RAV4, which is 32% of the 634 total complaints filed for that model year. The most commonly described issues are unintended acceleration and coolant bypass valve failures.
- Is there an engine recall on the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
- Yes. Recall 20V064000 covers 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles with 2.5L 4-cylinder engines. Toyota dealers inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine block.
- At what mileage do 2020 RAV4 engine problems occur?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 10,000 miles at the time owners reported engine-related failures.
- Are 2020 RAV4 engine problems dangerous?
- NHTSA records 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries linked to Engine-area complaints on the 2020 RAV4.