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2020 Toyota RAV4 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202611 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2020 Toyota RAV4 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 763 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

4.3/ 10

Based on 763 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

176 23.1%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

116 15.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

114 14.9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

89 11.7%

AIR BAGS

52 6.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 23.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 40 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 763 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 23% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 are ENGINE (176), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (116), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (114).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 497 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Toyota RAV4?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2019 RAV4 complaints2021 RAV4 complaints2018 RAV4 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 25 of 25 systems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

76 Reports30% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

GAS LIGHT COMES ON AFTER THE CAR HAS CONSUMED ~10 GALLONS. THE VEHICLE IS ADVERTISED HAVING 14.5 GALLON TANK WITH 580 MILE TRIP.

12/28/2019

VEHICLE INDICATES FUEL EMPTY (GAS GAUGE AND WARNINGS) AFTER APPROX 350 MILES. FUEL TANK SUPPOSED TO BE 14.5 GAL., BUT TANK ONLY ACCEPTS 9-10 GALLONS FUEL BEFORE SHUTOFF. 1 FULL TANK FROM DEALER PLUS 1 FILL-UP WITH SAME RESULT. VEHICLE ALSO ONLY AVERAGING 36 MPG AFTER 2 TANKS MOSTLY HIGHWAY & NOW INTO 1 TANK MIXED CITY/HIGHWAY (TOYOTA INDICATES 38 HIGHWAY/40 CITY). EITHER FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE/CAPACITY IS INACCURATE, GAUGES/COMPUTER/WARNINGS ARE DEFECTIVE, OR BOTH?

12/30/2019

74 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

51 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CONTINUATION, LOST WEBSITE.

2/15/2020

I PURCHASED A NEW 2020 RAV4 XLE IN DECEMBER 2020, IT IS NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS OLD. I PARKED MY RAV4 IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER GETTING HOME FROM WORK. THE FOLLOWING MORNING MY CAR HAD A DEAD BATTERY. I HAD THE BATTERY JUMPED BY TOYOTA ROADSIDE SERVICE. THE CAR STARTED UP, AND I WAS TOLD TO LET THE ENGINE RUN FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES SO THE BATTERY COULD CHARGE. THERE'S NOTHING I COULD HAVE LEFT TURNED ON THE EVENING BEFORE THAT WOULD HAVE RUN THE BATTERY DOWN. IF YOU LEAVE A LIGHT ON, OR A DOOR AJAR THE LIGHTS GO OUT AFTER 20 MINUTES. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH ON TOYOTA RAV4 BATTERY PROBLEMS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE.

3/1/2020

49 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

35 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN OUR BRAND NEW 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID WITH ONLY 5,000 MILES, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUNROOF EXPLODED ABOVE US -- SHATTERING GLASS FRAGMENTS UPWARDS AND OUTWARDS. OF COURSE, SOME MINOR FRAGMENTS LANDED UPON MY WIFE AND I -- BUT FOR THE MOST PART THE GLASS SHOT UPWARDS AND AWAY. IT WAS AS THOUGH SOMEONE HAD FIRED OFF A LOUD SHOTGUN INSIDE THE CAR. AFTER REGAINING CONTROL OF THE CAR AND SEEING THE SUNROOF COMPLETELY SHATTERED I LOOKED BACK AND NOTICED THAT THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES AROUND FOR SOMEONE TO DROP A ROCK AND ONLY A HANDFUL OF OTHER VEHICLES TRAVELING TO THE RIGHT OF US GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. WE GOOGLED THE CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DROVE 5 MILES TO JOHN ELWAYS CROWN TOYOTA. THE SERVICE ADVISOR WHO LOOKED AT THE CAR JUST SHOOK HIS HEAD. WHEN ASKED IF ANYTHING LIKE THAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE -- HE REPLIED, "NO." I THEN LEFT THE CAR WITH THE DEALERSHIP SINCE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A LATE AFTERNOON SATURDAY AND RENTED A RENTAL CAR FROM THEM. THE SERVICE DEPT. FINALLY CONTACTED ME ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON TO INFORM ME THAT THE SUNROOF WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY -- AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY THEM $1,700 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A DEFINITE "QUALITY CONTROL" ISSUE OF TOYOTA'S -- AND FROM MY OWN RESEARCH HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THE SAME SUNROOF EXPLOSION ISSUES OCCUR. BY NO MEANS SHOULD THIS PRODUCT DESIGN FAILURE AND GLASS SAFETY ISSUE BE IGNORED OR SHOULD EVER HAPPEN. IT'S OUTRIGHT DANGEROUS. AFTER MORE THAN A WEEK OF ENDLESS CONVERSATIONS, PROVIDING IMAGES, ETC.WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE FOLKS AT JOHN ELWAY'S DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS (PLANO, TX) THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY REPAIRS -- AND ULTIMATELY LEFT ME HOLDING THE BAG TO REPLACE THE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE WINDOW MYSELF. THIS IS A 2020 RAV4 -- ONLY TWO MONTHS OLD. AGAIN, THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN.

3/4/2020

TOYOTA TELLS ME THAT THE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM (LDA) AND THE LANE TRACING SYSTEM (LTA) ARE INDEPENDENT BY DESIGN. THIS CREATES AN UNSAFE DRIVING ENVIRONMENT AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS. I HAVE ABOUT 4700 MILES ON MY CAR AND MANY MILES OF DRIVING WITH THE LDA & LTA ENGAGED. I HAD POSITIVE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL TIMES IN THE INCIDENTS DESCRIBED BELOW. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE LTA CONSTANTLY MAKES CORRECTIONS TO THE RELATIVE POSITION OF THE CAR IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. IT REGULARLY TRIES TO STEER YOU OUT OF YOUR LANE. USUALLY, WHEN THE LTA IS STEERING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE LANE, THE LDA SIGNALS. THE LTA DOES NOT MAKE A CORRECTION DESPITE THE LDA SOUNDING. IF THE LTA/LDA COMMUNICATED, RATHER THAN BEING SEPARATE MODULES, THE LDA WOULD TELL THE LTA IT WAS ABOUT TO STEER THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE AND MAKE THE CORRECTION. INSTEAD, THE LTA STEERS THE CAR OUT OF THE LANE AND THE LDA TELLS YOU THAT YOU LEFT THE LANE OR WILL LEAVE THE LANE. WHEN I DROVE 40 PLUS MILES TO THE DEALER, I TOLD HIM THAT I FELT AS IF I HAD WRESTLED THE VEHICLE THE ENTIRE WAY. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED THE CONDITIONS I AM DESCRIBING. HE TOLD ME THAT TOYOTA TOLD HIM THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. I ALSO CALLED TOYOTA USA AND WAS TOLD THE SYSTEMS ARE INDEPENDENT AND FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. I TOLD THE DEALER AND TOYOTA USA THAT THE SYSTEMS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. AS AN INDEPENDENT SYSTEM THE LTA CREATES A HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITION. IT IS TRYING TO STEER YOU OUT OF YOUR LANE, AND IF YOU DON'T MAINTAIN STRONG PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU WILL LEAVE YOUR LANE. THAT IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IF YOU IF DRIVE BY AN EXIT LANE. ON AN EXIT LANE TO THE RIGHT, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A LANE MARKING TO THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE, IT MAKE A SHARP PULL TOWARD THE RIGHT,

3/31/2020

33 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE GAS TANK WILL HOLD UP TO 10 GALLONS OF GAS AND TRYING TO ADD MORE CAUSES THE TANK TO OVERFLOW, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL LIGHT INDICATES THE GAS TANK ISN'T FULL. VEHICLE IS ADVERTISED TO HOLD 14.5 GALLONS. *TR

5/9/2020

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 ALERT, AIRBAG ALERT, POWER STEERING ALERT, EVERY LIGHT ON INSIDE VEHICLE FLASHING WITH ALERTS THAT THEY ARE FAILING. *TR

6/2/2020

11 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

YESTERDAY 05/21/2020 6 PM IN LAKE NONA ORLANDO , I STOPPED MY CAR ON THE ROAD DUE TO HAIL STORM AND RAIN AT 6 PM , I DIDN'T NOTICE THE DAMAGE IN THE NIGHT , WHOLE BODY IS DISFIGURED , NO GLASS BROKEN , EVERYWHERE DEPRESSION , I HAD RAV 4 2006 , PRADO 2014 IN UAE , THE BODY WAS VERY STRONG , BUT MY POOR 2020 RAV4 PREMIUM XLE CANT TOLERATE A SIMPLE HAIL STORM , I AM VERY UPSET , IF IT IS MADE OF STEEL IT WILL HAPPEN LIKE THIS , ITS PAPER LIKE ALUMINUM , I NEED A TOYOTA VEHICLE STRONG , NOT LIKE PAPER . KINDLY DO THE NEEDFUL, I BOUGHT THE CAR UNDER CAR LOAN , I SPEND ALMOST 38000$ ON IT 31000 PLUS INSURANCE PLUS INTEREST 4000 , TAX ETC WAITING FOR THE REPLY , OR PLEASE EXCHANGE WITH A STRONG SUV ANY MODEL WITH STEEL BODY , WHAT SAFETY FOR PASSENGERS , IN CASE OF A COLLISION , VERY UPSET WITH THIS SITUATION. *TR

5/22/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SUNLIGHT WAS REFLECTED OFF THE CHROME ON THE DASHBOARD, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VISION TO BE IMPAIRED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE SIDE MIRRORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150. *BF*JB

6/24/2020

11 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I AM WRITING THIS LETTER REQUESTING YOUR ASSISTANCE IN RESOLVING A CONTINUING PROBLEM I HAVE EXPERIENCED REGARDING MY RECENTLY PURCHASED 2020 TOYOTA RAV 4. IT SEEMS MY CAR CANNOT STAY IN THE DRIVING LANE, EVEN FOR A SHORT DISTANCE, WITHOUT MY HAVING TO CONSTANTLY ADJUST THE STEERING. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR FOUR TIMES TO AUTHORIZED TOYOTA REPAIR SHOPS, BUT EACH TIME THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IN FACT, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR, AND THIS IS HOW A TOYOTA RAV PERFORMS. I ALSO HAD A TIRE ALIGNMENT, THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM, BUT TO NO AVAIL. GERMAINE TOYOTA ALLOWED ME TO TEST DRIVE A SIMILAR CAR, AND I NOTED IT STILL NEEDED CONTINUAL ATTENTION, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS MY CAR. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE CAR AND MAY LEAD TO MANY UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WILL BE OF ASSISTANCE TO ME AND OTHERS WHO MAY BE IN THE SAME SITUATION. I ANXIOUSLY AWAIT HEARING FROM YOU.

3/31/2020

TRIED TO SET RADAR CONTROLLED CRUISE CONTROL FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A WORK TRIP TO MICHIGAN AT 70 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY TURNED TO THE LEFT AND TOOK CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE TO KEEP VEHICLE STRAIGHT. TOOK SUV IN TO SHOP AND THEY SAID THE RADAR CONTROLLED ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING FINE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS WEEK TOOK ANOTHER WORK TRIP TO MICHIGAN AND THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED ABOUT 20 TIMES WHILE TRYING TO SET CRUISE CONTROL AT 70 MPH. WHEN I DISABLED THE RADAR CRUISE CONTROL THE PROBLEM VANISHED BUT THE SUV WOULD NOT DETECT TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF IT AND OF COURSE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WILL TRY TO VIDEO THIS PROBLEM AND TAKE SUV BACK TO SHOP FOR A FIX.

7/5/2020

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES 3-4 TIMES AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO PARKED VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE CRASH A WITNESS SAID THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE DAUGHTER ALSO HEARD A NOISE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE DID CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CRASH OCCURRED FEB 3, 2020. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1300. *DT*JB *BF*JB

2/3/2020

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (NEW) ON 6/03/2020. ON 6/16/2020, WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS WENT ON AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE WARNINGS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES, AND THAT I SHOULD PULL OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DROVE TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO WORK. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT, THINKING IT MIGHT BE A COMPUTER GLITCH IN WHAT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, I BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT TO "TEST" THE BRAKES. THE CAR STOPPED, BUT THE BRAKES SEEMED WEAKER. ULTIMATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER'S SERVICE REP CONTACTED ME TO TELL ME THAT THE BRAKE ASSIST ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. I ASKED IF THIS WAS SOMETHING THEY HAD SEEN BEFORE AND HE SAID NO. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I DETERMINED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL WITH CERTAIN 2019 AND 2020 TOYOTA VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE 2019 RAV4 HYBRID. IN ADDITION, THIS DEFECT AFFECTS NOT ONLY THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. I SUSPECT THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR IS A CONTINUATION OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2019 MODEL YEAR. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE EITHER CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM OR CHECKED THE 2020 CARS SUFFICIENTLY TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE SAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THE BRAKE ASSIST ASSEMBLY WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. *TR

6/23/2020

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SIDE VIEW MIRRORS ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SHAKING WHEN ON HIGHWAY SPEED

11/27/2019

SIDE MIRRORS VIBRATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MAKES IT HARD TO SEE WHEN CHANGING LANES. *TR

5/30/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE THE RAV4 LE BASE MODEL. IN THE FIRST 3 GEARS, TRANSMISSION JERKS A LOT DURING ACCELERATION, ALWAYS FEELING IT IS HAVING A HARD SHIFT. WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PADEL PARTIALLY OR ROLLING STOP, THE CAR LURCHES, THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS WHEN I MAKE TURNS, I FEEL THE CAR IS NOT STABLE. VERY DISAPPOINTED AT TOYOTA.

2/17/2020

AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHEN I FOOT OFF THE BRAKE FOR ACCELERATION THE VEHICLE JERKS EVERY TIME.

10/7/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF INSTANCES WHERE MY VEHICLE'S LANE KEEP ASSIST WILL RANDOMLY JERK ME OUT OF MY LANE. IN SEPT 2020 I EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE OF AN INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED RIGHT SUDDENLY, PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND ALMOST DROVE ME OFF THE INTERSTATE. ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT INSTANCE HAPPENED ON 1/23/2021. I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I-44 AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF 3 LANES. MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT INTO THE LEFT LANE OF TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME SWERVED ONTO THE SHOULDER THINKING I WAS GOING TO HIT THEM. THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER REGULAR INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT NOT AS SEVERE AS THESE TWO.*DT*DT THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON I-44, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS TRAFFIC. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE DULICATE THE FAILURE BUT, UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.

1/25/2021

NEW VEHICLE BROUGHT IN FOR IT'S 5K MAINTENANCE, TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. I POINTED OUT SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK RANGE, BSM, CAMERA SHUTTING OFF, AND THAT I HAVE TO KEEP THE STEARING WHEEL TURNED TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO GO STRAIGHT. 5K MAINTENANCE IS PERFORMED, THEY NOTICED THE CAR NEEDED TO BE REALIGNED. DRIVING HOME, NO DIFFERENCE FROM WHEN FIRST BROUGHT IN. BRING IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY, THE DAY AFTER, I'AM NOTIFIED THAT THE CAR IS READY FOR PICK UP, I ASK WERE IF THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND WHAT CAUSED THE AGLINMENT TO GO OUT A SECOND TIME. THERE RESPONSE IS THAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF WHAT CAUSED IT. INFORM THEM THAT 1. I'AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND 2. THE LONG TERM DAMAGE THIS IS CAUSING. THEY INFORM ME THAT THEY WILL LOOK INTO THE PROCESS, AND HAVE MANAGEMENT INVOLVED. NEXT DAY, MANAGER INFORMS ME THAT THE AGLINMENT MACHINE WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION, HE HAD TO STOP A TECHNICIAN FROM WORKING ON THE CAR, HAD THE MACHINE CALIBRATED, AND THAT HE PERSONALLY PERFORMED THE ALGINMENT. I PICK UP THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE LEFT TO GO STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 35-45MPH, SLOWING DOWN/STOPPING & ACCLERATING. BRING IT IN NEXT DAY, MANGER HAS 3 ALGINMENTS PERFORMED TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY VARIATIONS, TELLS ME EVERYTHING IS IN SPEC. IT IS SO PERFECT THEY DIDNT EVEN HAVE TO TAKE A WRENCH TO IT. REASSURES ME NUMEROUS TIMES THAT IT IS SAFE AND IN SPEC, HANDS ME A PAPER "PROVING" SO. DRIVE HOME, STEERING WHEEL IS STILL TO THE LEFT. I LOOK AT THE PAPER AND IT CLEARLY LISTS 3 VALUES THAT ARE MARKED AS NOT WITHIN SPEC, AND THAT IT MAY CAUSE WEAR, HANDLING AND SAFETY ISSUES. CAR IS TOWED TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. DURING THERE TEST DRIVE THE TECH NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS JERKING TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEARING WHEEL NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE & THE ALGIMENT IS OUT OF SPEC.

2/23/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 ALERT, AIRBAG ALERT, POWER STEERING ALERT, EVERY LIGHT ON INSIDE VEHICLE FLASHING WITH ALERTS THAT THEY ARE FAILING. *TR

6/2/2020

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED WAS STOLEN AND IN A SINGLE CAR COLLISION WITH A TELEPHONE POLE. EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE OCCURRED WITH NO DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. *TR

6/4/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADAR ENHANCED CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN HOWEVER, THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWIN CITY TOYOTA (301 AUTUMN RIDGE DR, HERCULANEUM, MO 63048) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59. *BF*JB

6/23/2020

TRIED TO SET RADAR CONTROLLED CRUISE CONTROL FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A WORK TRIP TO MICHIGAN AT 70 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY TURNED TO THE LEFT AND TOOK CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE TO KEEP VEHICLE STRAIGHT. TOOK SUV IN TO SHOP AND THEY SAID THE RADAR CONTROLLED ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING FINE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS WEEK TOOK ANOTHER WORK TRIP TO MICHIGAN AND THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED ABOUT 20 TIMES WHILE TRYING TO SET CRUISE CONTROL AT 70 MPH. WHEN I DISABLED THE RADAR CRUISE CONTROL THE PROBLEM VANISHED BUT THE SUV WOULD NOT DETECT TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF IT AND OF COURSE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WILL TRY TO VIDEO THIS PROBLEM AND TAKE SUV BACK TO SHOP FOR A FIX.

7/5/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TETHER ANCHORS ARE MISSING OR NOT VISIBLE. THE LABELS ARE MISSING AS WELL. I'M TRYING TO USE A CARSEAT FORWARD FACING AND NEED TO USE THE TETHER ANCHORS. COULDN'T UPLOAD THE PICTURES.

12/21/2020

UNLESS ALL BACK PASSENGER SEATBELTS ARE FASTENED, THE 'FASTEN SEATBELT SEAT' LIGHT AND BEEPING CONTINUOUSLY GOES OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHEN NOTHING IS ON THE SEATS AND NO ONE IS SEATED IN THESE SEATS. THIS HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY ONGOING, WHILE DRIVING, SINCE THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE DEALER LOT IN MAY 2020.

4/6/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WAS LOOSE AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOM WOOD TOYOTA (6408 CRANE DR, WHITESTOWN, IN 46075) ON THREE OCCASIONS WHERE THE ALIGNMENT WAS ADJUSTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANDY MOHR TOYOTA (8941 E US HWY 36, AVON, IN 46123) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MISSING FRONT TOE LINK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. SHE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO ANDY MOHR TOYOTA FOR THE SECOND TIME WHERE THE MECHANIC MANUALLY ADJUSTED THE STEERING WHEEL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED HER FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V286000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60.

5/28/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V286000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER STAPP TOYOTA LOCATED AT 8019 RASPBERRY WAY, FREDERICK, CO 80504, WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

8/28/2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (NEW) ON 6/03/2020. ON 6/16/2020, WARNING LIGHTS AND BUZZERS WENT ON AS I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE WARNINGS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES, AND THAT I SHOULD PULL OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DROVE TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO WORK. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT, THINKING IT MIGHT BE A COMPUTER GLITCH IN WHAT WAS A BRAND NEW CAR. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, I BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT TO "TEST" THE BRAKES. THE CAR STOPPED, BUT THE BRAKES SEEMED WEAKER. ULTIMATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER'S SERVICE REP CONTACTED ME TO TELL ME THAT THE BRAKE ASSIST ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. I ASKED IF THIS WAS SOMETHING THEY HAD SEEN BEFORE AND HE SAID NO. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I DETERMINED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL WITH CERTAIN 2019 AND 2020 TOYOTA VEHICLES, INCLUDING THE 2019 RAV4 HYBRID. IN ADDITION, THIS DEFECT AFFECTS NOT ONLY THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. I SUSPECT THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR IS A CONTINUATION OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2019 MODEL YEAR. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE EITHER CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM OR CHECKED THE 2020 CARS SUFFICIENTLY TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE SAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THE BRAKE ASSIST ASSEMBLY WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. *TR

6/23/2020

BATTERY "DIED" THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST - JUMP STARTED AND DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND THAT "SHORT DISTANCE" DRIVING CAN DRAIN THE BATTERY - SINCE I DRIVE 45 MILES A DAY TO AND FROM WORK, THAT IS NOT A VALID "EXCUSE". NOW, 3 WEEKS LATER, MY CAR WAS PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE FOR 36 HOURS WITH NOTHING LEFT ON - AND THE CAR IS COMPLETELY DEAD. TESTED THE BATTERY MYSELF BEFORE JUMPSTARTING IT - AND IT FULL. ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WHY MY CAR SHOULD NOT START.

8/23/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V064000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LE MIEUX TOYOTA (2550 S ONEIDA ST, GREEN BAY, WI 54304) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.

6/23/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE COOLANT TANK WAS LOW. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILLIAMS SCION OF ELMIRA (951 COUNTY ROAD 64, ELMIRA, NY 14903) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC FAILED TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE MECHANIC FOUND NO VISIBLE LEAKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V046000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,800.

9/23/2020

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARKQUART TOYOTA (1844 COMMERCIAL BLVD, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI 54729), ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800.

6/24/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 MILES, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE ACTIVATED. WITHIN ANOTHER 2-4 MILES THE FAILURE WAS INDEPENDENTLY REMEDIED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DELUCA TOYOTA (1719 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 732-0770) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. *LN*JB *BF *JS

7/21/2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE TOYOTA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL KEEPS A SAFE DISTANCE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, SLOWING AND ACCELERATING PROPERLY TO KEEP A SET DISTANCE EVEN DOWN TO A FULL STOP. HOWEVER, WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND ANOTHER CAR ENTERS MY LANE IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE NEW VEHICLE AND HOW CLOSE IT IS TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. IT DOES NOT SLOW AT ALL EVEN IF THE DISTANCE TO THE INTRUDER IS ONLY A CAR LENGTH OR LESS. I HAVE TO MANUALLY BRAKE QUICKLY TO PREVENT FOLLOWING TO CLOSE AND CAUSING A POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME A CAR SQUEEZES IN FROM OF ME WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUSE ON AND IS VERY REPEATABLE. I'VE EXPERIENCED IT IN ANOTHER NEW RAV 4 TOO. THIS HAS BEEN REPEATABLY GOING ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW ON JAN, 2020

1/19/2021

I bumped the car in front of me when starting from a red light at an intersection. Impact speed was less than 3 MPH. The damage from this impact resulted in repair cost of almost $4,200. This is outrageous and an example of poor design on the part of Toyota. It is my understanding that the standards require vehicles to absorb up to 5 MPH frontal impact with no damage. Had I known this vehicle was so poorly protected I would have chosen to purchase something else.

6/21/2021

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS SHATTERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF GLASS SHATTERED WITHOUT INCIDENT OR IMPACT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS EXTREMELY BUSY AND WAS UNABLE TO INSPECT OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

5/17/2021

My name is [XXX]. My wife, myself, our 2 month old baby and our dog were driving back from a family vacation when our moon roof spontaneously exploded outward. It was an extremely loud noise and then sounded like it was raining glass. Our baby started screaming and crying from the noise. We were able to immediately and safely pull off the freeway to examine the vehicle. Upon inspection we noticed the remaining glass on the edges of the moon roof looked as if it were being pulled upwards. We are very lucky the screen was shut and nobody got hurt. The incident occurred on a sunny & clear, early afternoon while we were on the freeway going 55mph, there were no cars in front of us or beside us for more than a half mile, we were not near or passing under a bridge or an overpass. There were no warning lights or other symptoms before the incident happened, as well as no warning lights after the fact. There was absolutely no reason this should have happened or anything that we did to cause it or to stop it from happening. I took photos of the damage immediately after and it shows the remaining glass lifting outward. I did some online searching and found that this has happened to multiple other drivers with this exact make & model of vehicle, as well as multiple other years. I brought our car into Toyota within an hour of the incident occurring. One of their employees working said that she has heard of this happening before. I see this as a recurring incident with this model of car and it is extremely dangerous. We bought this vehicle with only 5k miles on it, less than 3 months ago from a Toyota dealership. We bought this car because we have a new baby and wanted a safe family vehicle. We are now terrified that this will happen again. We never would have imagined that anything like this would happened in the first place. From my recent research I am shocked that this vehicle issue has not been recalled. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

11/9/2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

BATTERY ISN'T HOLDING A CHARGE. TEMPS OUTSIDE ARE GETTING COLDER BUT NOT THAT COLD. DON'T DRIVE IT ON SUNDAYS, BATTERY IS DEAD DEAD ON MONDAY MORNINGS. DRIVE AN AVERAGE OF 30 MILES PER DAY. BATTERY WAS REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND STILL SLOW TO START IN THE MORNINGS. NOW RUN IT IDLING FOR 20 MINUTES SUNDAY EVENING TO ENSURE IT STARTS MONDAY MORNING

11/20/2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUEAKS DUE TO THE BREAK ACTUATOR. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA HYBRIDS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU

1/30/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 RAV4 XLE HYBRID, I NOTICED THAT MY BRAKES SQUEAKS WHENEVER I MAKE A QUICK STOP, OR AFTER I RELEASE THE BRAKES AFTER STOPPING OR WHEN I AM BACKING UP. IT DOESN'T MATTER ON THE KIND OF ROAD THAT I AM ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A HYBRID TO SQUEAKS DUE TO THE BREAK ACTUATOR. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH TOYOTA HYBRIDS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU

1/30/2021

WHEELS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TWO RIGHT HAND SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING ABOUT LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND IN ADDITION TO THAT, THIS IS A BRAND NEW 2020 LEASED VEHICLE (1 YEAR OLD). ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

5/5/2021

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the mirror housings of the vehicle were melting. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 8,500.

9/23/2021

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the mirror housings of the vehicle were melting. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the failure was a manufacturer defect. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. A case was opened. The contact stated the dealer took photographs of the failure. The contact stated the manufacturer contacted her and informed her that their field experts determined that the failure was not a manufacturer defect but an environmental issue called solar conversion. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000

9/23/2021

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is ENGINE, with 176 owner reports. That is about 23% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 497 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Toyota RAV4?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 severe?

497 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota RAV4: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
763
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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