How many steering complaints does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have?

NHTSA lists 27 steering complaints for the 2020 RAV4, which is 4% of the 634 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

Yes. Recall 20V734000 covers a steering column defect where breakaway pins may not function correctly, and recall 20V373000 covers a power steering gearbox that can let water in and cause a short.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2020 RAV4 is 7,500 miles.

Did the steering issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to steering complaints on the 2020 RAV4, with no fires reported.

2020 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 27 steering complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4, 4% of its 634 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 7,500. Two related recalls exist: one for a steering column defect and one for a power steering gearbox that can let water in.

Steering complaints: 27; 4% of 634
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 7,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of electric power steering assist, with a warning message appearing and the wheel briefly stiffening or freezing before returning to normal.
Some drivers describe the vehicle pulling or veering to one side while on the highway, requiring constant correction to stay in the lane.
Several complaints mention a low power steering error message flashing on and off within the first minutes of driving, sometimes recurring across multiple trips.
One owner reported the power steering failing completely at a stop, making the wheel very hard to turn even after restarting the engine.
A grinding or crunching noise was reported when turning the steering wheel, along with cruise control not tracking straight.
One driver described the steering as too loose to control confidently at highway speed, despite dealer inspections finding no fault.

When 2020 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 31, 2020, latest Jun 17, 2026.

27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2020 to Jun 2026; peak Jul 2020 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2020 Toyota RAV4

NHTSA 20V734000Nov 25, 2020Steering161 vehicles
Steering:column
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. 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."
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.
NHTSA 20V373000Jun 24, 2020Steering46 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.

Steering complaints by RAV4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201018 (5%)
201115 (5%)
20129 (3%)
201311 (4%)
201421 (11%)
201546 (15%)
201610 (4%)
201712 (4%)
201811 (3%)
201932 (4%)
202027 (4%)
202121 (5%)
202220 (14%)
202326 (17%)
202427 (16%)
20255 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have?: NHTSA lists 27 steering complaints for the 2020 RAV4, which is 4% of the 634 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2020 Toyota RAV4?: Yes. Recall 20V734000 covers a steering column defect where breakaway pins may not function correctly, and recall 20V373000 covers a power steering gearbox that can let water in and cause a short.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2020 RAV4 is 7,500 miles.
Did the steering issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to steering complaints on the 2020 RAV4, with no fires reported.