2020 Toyota RAV4 electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 30, 2026CAElectrical System

   If I don't drive the car for 1 to 2 weeks, the car's 12v is completely drained of power and the care needs to be jumped, otherwise, it will not start. This is consistent. I've taken this to several Toyota dealerships and they all have reported my 12v battery is healthy. However, Toyota is aware and is charging for the fix, labelled as T-SB-0089-21. The known issue is a piece of electronics in the car that continually drains power because it does not properly shut off. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11741051 · source
2. Filed May 28, 2026176,009 miNJElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 59,475. The contact stated that while his father was driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled several times. The contact's father was a mechanic and was able to repair the vehicle. It was later discovered that Carfax reported the vehicle mileage as 176,009.

   NHTSA complaint #11740650 · source
3. Filed May 22, 2026NJElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11739481 · source
4. Filed Jan 25, 2026FLElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   When trying to start my vehicle this morning, the car was having a noticeable issue the minute I turned on the vehicle. It was making some weird noises under the hood, and it was starting to lose power. Then the engine would cut out and a warning would appear on my dash that read, "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" Thank God this happened while I was at home. What if this had happened while I was driving down the road, at a red light. I would have been a sitting duck in…

   NHTSA complaint #11713174 · source
5. Filed Sep 17, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11687947 · source
6. Filed Sep 16, 202547,000 miTXElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Engine Maintenance Required” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the heater control valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the…

   NHTSA complaint #11687639 · source
7. Filed Aug 27, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngine

   Shorted Coolant Bypass Valve, only 14500 miles on my 2020 Rav4, Class action Suit and dealerships want you to pay $800-$1000 to fix problem with a leaky defective plastic poorly designed valve that eventually leaks into the electrical connectors and shorts circuits the valve. There is no recall for this fix and Toyota won't honor the repair. This is a common issue and Toyota Turns a Blind Eye. Error Message: Engine Maintenace Required Call Toyota Dealership. I Did and they…

   NHTSA complaint #11683443 · source
8. Filed Jun 26, 2025GAElectrical System

   The CarPlay disconnects constantly during every drive. It’s is extremely dangerous because when my directions are being displayed the navigation cuts out, and you have to fiddle with your phone to attempt to reestablish the connection.

   NHTSA complaint #11669510 · source
9. Filed Apr 30, 2025MIElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   "Engine maintenance required. Visit your dealer" prompt after turning on Air conditioning. Message of Engine coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open upon diagnostic test

   NHTSA complaint #11657851 · source
10. Filed Apr 8, 2025NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

    The wiring harness to the lithium battery is corroded, and it is unregulated. My repair shop said the car is unsafe to drive because of the amount of unregulated electricity in the battery. Also, the cruise control doesn't work. My repair shop says this is happening to other vehicles. Parts and labor total almost $7,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11653453 · source
11. Filed Mar 12, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    at only 55k miles my 2020 toyota rav4 has shown an “engine maintenance required” sign. not to be mistaken with general maintenance. apparently this is a widely common issue where brand new toyotas are having cooling bypass valve issue. however concerningly so, because there are no recalls for this problem yet seemingly every rav4 has this problem? how is there no recall, everyone is paying out of pocket for essentially poor manufacturing, its outrageous, also considering the…

    NHTSA complaint #11647901 · source
12. Filed Mar 8, 2025WIElectrical System

    Hybrid System Malfunction. The warning lights came on notifying of an issue with the hybrid system. A certified Toyota service center inspected the vehicle and found the hybrid floor wire traction cable/wiring harness corroded. Issue started 3/1/25, car was inspected on 3/3/25. This is a known issue with Toyota. Vehicle will no longer start and could have shut off while driving without warning.

    NHTSA complaint #11647146 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology