128 complaints reported

2020 Toyota RAV4 Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
128
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

Engine light shows on in dash. Stopped to fuel up Car stalled, would not restart Diagnosed fuel pump No prior history of engine issue

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2025
Dec 2025

The coolant bypass valve has been failed prematurely therefor engine heat up and there is a warning on my dashboard that say "engine maintenance required"

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2025
Oct 2025

Coolant bypass valve failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2025
Sep 2025

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, insurance representatives or others? No inspection was conducted by Toyota, police, or insurance representatives. However, Toyota later issued a recall for this same component, confirming it as a known safety defect. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The vehicle experienced noticeable performance issues prior to the failure, which prompted me to call a mechanic. I did have multiple warning message and coolant leaking in addition to the performance issues of the vehicle. These symptoms appeared several months before Toyota’s recall notice for the flow shut-off valve coolant leak arrived.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2025

Engine coolant bypass valve

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2025

Engine maintenance message appeared on my dash. I took it to Big O's Tires and Service a car repair service provider. Upon connecting to the car and inspecting they told me it was a faulty possibly leaking engine coolant valve. The cost to repair is $916. This may cause the engine to overheat and possibly fail due to overheating. This can be very dangerous because it will happen if it does happen while driving which could cause an accident. I have not fixed the issue yet due to a lack of funds but will have to fix it as soon as a get paid because I drive my family in this car and cannot risk catastrophic engine failure. Please have Toyota recall this part as it is a very common failure amongst 2019-2023 Rav4s. A class action lawsuit is underway due to how often this issue arises. Thank you for your time.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Coolant Bypass Valve failure at 40k miles - 2020 rav4. Replacement at dealership is costing over 800$.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2025
Jun 2025

The coolant bypass valuve has failed. There looks to be a class action lawsuit currently underway.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jun 2025
May 2025

I have a 20202 Rav4 Hybrid and the engine short block has malfunctioned due to no error on my part, in my research there was a recall for this EXACTLY this issues in other cars of this year/make/model - although my vehicle initially did not qualify for this I believe that this in fact related and that Toyota should be responsible for the repair or replacement of the engine. The car is currently with a Toyota Dealership Service Center, Lake City Toyota in Seattle, WA but they have not been helpful. They have given me vague answers and have sent the engine offsite to a machine shop and keep requesting that I pour additional money into fixing an engine that clearly had a manufacturer defect. My car has always been serviced at Toyota dealerships, as suggested by Toyota. My car has never had previous issues until the engine light came on one day, i checked the coolant and it was empty - first replaced the fluid, let it sit overnight, then drove it around the block to circulate the coolant - when the reservoir emptied again I immediately made an appointment to take it in. The Dealership has not given me any paper invoices or written confirmation/notice of what is happening aside form continuing to ask me to pay more money to fix an engine that is clearly related to the national recall issued.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2025
Apr 2025

Coolant relief valve failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

My Rav4 xle 2020. Starting the engine up it shakes and blows white smokes for 5 seconds and smooths out. This symptoms happens every time when engine is turn on I have to fill coolant once a week.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

Shortly after having vehicle serviced at Toyota the engine maintenance light came on. Imagine my surprise at learning that many other Rav4 owners have the same exact issue right around the 65,000 mile mark. But regardless I toke it to the Toyota dealer to have them diagnose the issue and under the advisement of the technician opt in for the repair so that my car “wouldn’t have more serious problems as a result [of not fixing the coolant bypass valve].” So now I have to pay $1000 for repair when I have had the car just the tiniest bit over 4 years (which is how long the warranty lasted).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 9999 TBD TBD, Manufacturer: ODI Demo Co
Incident: Apr 2025
Mar 2025

Continuous Warning light display : Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer. The OBD diagnostic scanner lists the faulty system as follows: Code P268115. Engine coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open circuit. This appears to be a common fault on certain Toyota RAV4 years.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of white smoke and an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

Warning light: Engine Maintenance Required Coolant Bypass Valve

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2025
Dec 2024

Check engine light came on and noted a malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or transmission. When taken to the dealer they found code P012807 related to engine cooling and suggested a replacement of the thermostat. This part should have a life of 100k or 8-10 years and car currently has less than 60k miles and 4 years old. Asked the dealership about known recall 20TA04 - for engine cooling recall but they insisted my car was not impacted. This is a safety issue as it could result in overheating of the engine leading to fire hazards.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2024
Dec 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve B failed. The check engine light comes on and disables All-Wheel-Drive, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and interrupts functionality of the infortainment system. I am also worried that it could have a negative effect on the operation of the engine. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety or the safety of others was not put at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2024
Dec 2024

Bypass Coolant Valve malfunctioned resulting in Engine Maintenance Required triggered. Because I do distance driving at high speeds, any potential engine issue poses a risk to safety. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer/service center. The component in question has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The warning sign that states "Engine Maintenance Required" appeared on the dashboard and remains.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 9999 TBD TBD, Manufacturer: ODI Demo Co
Incident: Dec 2024
Dec 2024

Service engine message coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open code P268115

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2024
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant bypass valve failure. The contact was informed that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that coolant bypass valve had been replaced twice. The contact stated that previously in August 2024, the failure had occurred, and the coolant bypass valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,793.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2024
Dec 2024

The problem starts with a service notice for the engine. when they check it at the dealer they say it is the coolant bypass valve and they charge 1000 dollars to fix the problem. a new car is not supposed to have these types of problems. they are making a lot of money by changing this part because there are many cars of the same year and with few miles that come to the Toyota dealer for the same problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2024
Oct 2024

Engine Maintenance Light on. After inspection at dealership, the cause was determined as Coolant By-pass valve stuck closed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2024

I have had an "Engine Maintenance Required" warning light on since I purchased the vehicle (used) and have had it checked out by my local mechanic and the Toyota dealer. It is due to the coolant bypass valve malfunctioning. Apparently this is an extremely common issue according to the class action lawsuit and should NOT be put on the customer to pay for this when my odometer has not even hit 60k. A recall needs to be issued for this once and for all.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2024
Oct 2024

Engine coolant valve failed. Known Toyota issue for this model and no recall has been issued.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2024
Oct 2024

I got the "Engine maintenance required. Visit your dealer" warning. (conveniently after my scheduled oil change 1 week later) My vehicle is a 2020 Rav4. I purchased it 2022. It has UNDER 30k miles. I have researched this warning and found it to be very common. And the price to fix it upwards of $900 ??!! I was even quoted this when I called my dealer. I have found threads going back 1 to 2 years stating this repair. No warranty, no recall. as I said I have UNDER 30k miles too.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2024

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 128 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.