Problems · by component

2020 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

180 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 cite engine, 28% of all 639 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
180
28% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“"Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failed suddenly on highway (Code P2681-15), risking engine overheat and stall. Toyota acknowledged this defect under CSP 24TE04 but refused assistance due to vehicle having 103,660 miles (just past 100k miles). Failure causes immediate safety and overheating hazard."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026EngineODI 11759760
“Coolant bypass valve leak. An known issue however dealership will not pay for repairs due to vehicle having 106000 mile. 6000 over what the bulletin 24TE04 states it will cover.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 23, 2026EngineODI 11739682
“Toyota made a defective coolant valve in their 2019-2021 cars that leaked spontaneously in these vehicles. Over 950,000 cars have been affected to date, including my 2020 Rav4. They are aware of the issue and made a customer support program for this issue which led to engines overheating/electrical code problems, which can cause a severe safety issue if left unrepaired. The program however has a limitation until November 2025 or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. When I was alerted of this, I brought my car to the dealer for service, but they wouldn't replace the part because it wasn't leaking too much at the time to need repair. However, just 4 months after the primary coverage expired, my engine code went off and when I brought my car, the coolant valve turned out to be defective and leaked into the electrical wire harness which then also had to be replaced in addition to the coolant valve. The repair cost was $1200 and both were required to keep the car driving safely and reliably on the road. Because my car had 120,000 miles and the known issue presented after Nov2025, Toyota refuses to cover the service, although it is a known manufacturing defect.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 22, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11739481
“Sudden and complete failure of the water pump causing an explosion of the part. While traveling down the interstate, put lives in danger due to sudden jolt and rapid deceleration. Recently brought the vehicle in to correct recall on the engine coolant bypass valve. Issue with the bypass valve hastened the deterioration of the water pump to the point of failure. Told by mechanic that this is a known issue that just happens with Toyota’s. If this is a known issue, then it seems to me there should be another recall on the water pump. Plastic parts with highly corrosive liquids at high temps do not mix. Toyota needs to fix this costly issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2026EngineODI 11727069
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The flow shut-off valve (coolant leak) failed. This exact component was later included in Toyota’s official recall. The defective part was diagnosed by a mobile mechanic and replaced at a licensed independent auto repair shop. The failed component itself is no longer available, but all receipts and repair documentation are available upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure of the flow shut-off valve caused a coolant leak that created a significant safety hazard, as it affected the vehicle’s performance and drivability. This posed a risk to both my safety and the safety of others on the road, which is why I had the repair completed immediately before the recall was issued. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was first diagnosed by a mobile mechanic and then confirmed by a reputable independent auto repair shop, who identified the flow shut-off valve coolant leak as the root cause. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2025EngineODI 11690288
“Bought the car with 114k on it now with 115k and I brought it in to Toyota because I have a “engine maintenance required” on the dash now they are trying to charge me almost $1000 because my car has over 100k miles on it and they said they won’t cover it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2025Electrical system, EngineODI 11687947

Showing 6 of 180 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.