NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Coolant bypass valve just gave out on car was informed by dealership that this is an ongoing problem with my make of car.
There is a known issue with the coolant bypass valve failing. Dealerships are charging over $600 to fix and many people are having the same issue. The engine maintenance required message is persistent, and will not allow you to bypass it.
The Coolant flow control valve is malfunctioning. This was diagnosed by a Toyota dealer. My car is 3 years old and has 56k miles. Upon doing more research, a lot of people have complained that the same things are happening to their vehicles as well. To my understanding, this is not something typical for a car as young as mine.
The coolant bypass valve is defective on a 3 year old single owner, well maintained under 50,000 miles vehicle. This is a wide spread and known issue for Toyota which can result in engine overheating, causing potentially unsafe situations to occur for the driver. This can also severely damage the engine.
Coolant valve replacement
Coolant Bypass Value Replacement required on my 2020 Rav 4. I have 33,000 miles & purchased in 2019, so it is not covered under warranty. The dealer is charging me over $850 to replace. I have been told by the Dealer that this is a "KNOWN" problem with this and other Toyota models. Why is there not a recall or extended warranty on this repair if so many owners are paying hundreds of dollars on relatively newer cars with the same FAULTY PRODUCT? I would like Toyota to reimburse me. I am having the car repaired tomorrow because I have been told it is dangerous to use the vehicle in this condition. Please assist me with ways to get reimbursed from Toyota and for others to receive repairs at no cost, especially on vehicles under 5 or 6 yrs old. thank you.
I was traveling at approximately 40mph when a car ran a light and came across in front of me at an intersection. I T-boned the other persons car which totaled my vehicle. The airbags in my vehicle did not deploy and I feel they should have. I was injured and have been to a doctor.
It is a common occurence on the 2020 models that the driver and passenger side mirrors begin to extrmely shake after being exposed to water. There are rentention clips that just fall out which results in the mirror itself beiginning to shake extremely making the driver disoriented along with making it very difficult to use see traffic coming from behind. Especially in high speed situations such as freeways.
Car shut off while driving and once restarted check engine light came on. Safety was at risk because I was driving with cars behind me. After check trouble code it was determined faulty gas pump.
The engine maintenance required light came on at 56,000 miles and would not reset even after a scheduled oil change. The Toyota dealership neglected to evaluate this light when I brought my car in for servicing. After getting a diagnostic, it was found that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced which was at least $600. I was advised that the vehicle was to not be driven long distances as it could result in more damage to the car. This is my 4th expensive repair on this 3 year old car in 1 year. This is my very first Toyota, & I am extremely disappointed. I bought a Toyota anticipating a low maintenance, high quality vehicle and have had nothing but issues.
$900 Coolant Valve Bypass repair at Toyota Dealership, only 32k miles on vehicle. Unbelievable. Incredibly common failure on 2020 Rav4’s. Wouldn’t be such an issue if the part wasn’t built with cheap plastics
Coolant bypass valve required replacement due to faulty equipment, causing sensor to read “engine maintenance required”. Costs $650 to replace and dealership will not cover in warranty or admit fault. Many other Rav 4 owners are having same issue. This should not be on the customer, but rather Toyota for having faulty equipment in vehicle. Also “engine maintenance required” sensor will not go away. Since this is not an engine issue, this is unsafe, false alarming.
Car has 26K miles on it (3 year 2 months old). A light appears saying Emergency Engine Maintenance is required. After research as this error is not in manual, found out it was a failed coolant bypass valve and this was a common failure/faulty equipment but we are being asked to pay full price to repair. A simple internet search shows 100's of consumers with same issue in same model and low miles.
2020 Toyota Rav4, just around 25K miles, took to dealership to get regular maintenance service, (oil change, tire rotation). After a couple days, "engine maintenance required" message pops up. Plugged in code reader and brings up code "P268115" for "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit Short to Battery or Open". This issue is popping up for many recent year Toyota models (Rav4, Camry, Corolla) and is not being repaired by Toyota for free. They are charging $600 - $1000 to repair faulty part that is not the owner's fault and issue needs to be recalled.
The coolant bypass valve failed. If this was not repaired it could have resulted in leaking coolant which would eventually cause engine failure. The issue started with a message on the dash stating there was "engine maintenance required" on 6/28/2023. I took my vehicle to my service provider the next day, 06/29/2023. The dealer service tech knew exactly what the issue was before diagnostics because they had 4 RAV4's come in that week with this same issue. The bypass valve was replaced on this visit and I paid for the job. I have since seen many posts online with this same failure on 2019 and 2020 RAV4 models. It appears Toyota had a recall for this in 2020 for Hybrid RAV4's and some non hybrid RAV4's but apparently my vehicle and many others were not included in this recall. https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1127163_some-2019-2020-toyota-and-lexus-hybrids-recalled-for-coolant-leak-concern This recall needs to be extended for the other vehicles like mine that are currently being affected by this faulty part.
The Coolant Bypass Valve failed for my RAV4 at 59,210 miles. This was confirmed to me by Hoover Toyota. The part has not been inspected by the manufacture, police, insurance representatives, or any others. I had a message appear at 59,202 miles on my dashboard screen that said, "Engine Maintenance Required." I have already gotten Hoover Toyota to fix my part. My concern comes in part that reading through online forums, it appears this is a very regular/common problem for RAV4s (2019-2022) and seems to happen between 45,000 - 65,000 miles. If this is a known issue, I am curious as to why Toyota has not recalled this part since you wouldn't expect a car under 5 years old and driven less than 100,000 miles to have this kind of problem.
Per my research and talking with dealerships, the coolant bypass valve on this generation of RAV4’s is a known issue at 45,000 miles. Many users online and the dealership report seen many cars experiencing the same issue but it’s not currently under recall and would be a $1300 fix right now to drive my car safely without blowing up the engine.
The ABS and brake booster systems failed, and my traction control was not working as intended. Every light related to the braking system came on all at once and the ability to break became slowed, could not stop if needed to at anything other than a slow decline in speed (wouldn’t be able to go to a full stop without ample planning or control - being cut off, too close to a red light or car needing to turn, or on the highway would’ve ended in an accident). Thankfully was on surface streets both times. Problem was recurrent. Toyota dealership confirmed issue and noted loss of braking power but noted the code was intermittent and failure not definitive, hard to reproduce. Attempted to repair issue, which temporarily worked but re-occurred 1 month later. End result - needed to replace battery, stroke position sensor, brake booster with master cylinder/ABS actuator, which was almost $4,000 in repairs, with no promise it would fix the issue. No warning lamps, signs, or notable symptoms before braking failure. Battery died twice before brakes situation, but attributed to a faulty update system sending data continuously.
Dash reported "Engine Maintenance Required / Visit Dealer" - dealer said it was a "coolant bypass hose", not covered by any warranty. $100 part but engine-out procedure costs $800. This vehicle has less than 40,000 miles.
At approximately 60K on my 2020 Toyota Rav4 XLE The Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer message came on my dash. It's been a known issue for many Rav4's not to mention other Toyota models for the engine coolant bypass switch to have gone bad. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and whom I may be transporting can be put at risk if the engine refuses to start or operate as normal and can leave us stranded. The problem is known by Toyota and many of these valves have been replaced at the dealer for a very high cost.
Only 46,000 miles and needing a Coolant Bypass Valve replacement
Power liftgate does not close evenly on both sides. Upon checking, I found that the right side hinge is on the verge of breaking.
Our RAV4 was parked in an open lot (not under any trees or overhangs) and was no inclement weather. The glass sunroof spontaneously shattered— we were lucky the cover was closed (we have heard of many such instances with Toyota from other people and have kept the cover closed when not in use), no one was injured, thankfully.
Over a month ago, I had an engine maintenance required error light come up on my dashboard. I had done some research and found that this has been an ongoing issue with multiple RAV4s. I discussed this recently with the dealership as well as contacting Toyota’s customer service and they did not address the issue as a concern and replied I would have to have the dealership run a diagnostic to see what the issue was. I already knew the answer from multiple threads I had read prior to my appointment. I ended up paying $190+ for the diagnostic of what I already knew was going to be the issue. And now I have an appointment to have the part changed next week for another $600+
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a failure code was retrieved for an engine coolant bypass valve circuit short, and it was diagnosed that the bypass hose and valve needed to be replaced. The local dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Coolant Bypass Valve failure/malfunction. Frequently reported issue for model/year.
Code p268115 part failed at 60k miles outside of warranty. Plastic wasn't designed to withstand normal operation. Cracked and leaks coolant causing a short to battery.
Despite the upkeep of maintenance the light warning light won’t go off. I follow rav4 groups this is a common problem.
Every time I take my car to the car wash I have a really bad roof leak my head liner is damaged from water linking
There is a recall for the roof rails leaking water which can damage the air bags and electrical components. They will not fix the roof with new gaskets unless you actually see the water coming in. My concern is that it is leaking and I'm just not seeing it because the 110 degree weather. I do not want to be in an accident with my wife and kids in the car and have the air bags not work. They should fix the gaskets before it leaks and leads to further potential damage or even life threatening results(air bags being wet and not deploying). They will not fix my roof until it actually starts leaking even tho there is a recall in place. This is ridiculous.
Engine maintenance required notification came on. Car is only 3 years old. Dealership stated that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced and it could potentially cause a fire. Service professional at the dealership stated that this is a common issue and most of the time Toyota warranty doesn't want to repair it, also said that it should be recalled. I have also seen hundreds of people complain about this on Rav4 forums.
I took my vehicle to the dealership (Doral Toyota) on 22-Apr-23 and spoke to Mr. Rafael Sanchez (title: Toyota Advisor) because the "Engime Maintenance Required" light went off. Mr. Sanchez verified the vehicle and confirmed that the "Enginge Coolant Bypass Valve" was defective but he stated that there are 597 other owners also waiting for the same part. They were not able to resolve the issue and no estimated time to get the part.
Coolant Bypass Valve on my 2020 RAV4. There needs to be a recall; even Toyota dealerships in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex say that there needs to be a recall. Service advisors say this is a big problem they see daily and with all cars and at all mileage. The cost to replace the Coolant Bypass Valve in my car = $855- RIDICULOUS!! In addition, due to the constant “Engine Maintenance Required” message on the screen triggered by the Coolant Bypass Valve needing to be replaced, that can’t be removed, all other car related information and/or service issues, is unable to be seen…which is dangerous!! Toyota used to be one of the best car manufacturers for quality and reliability, but now, their quality has tanked…
The front suspension has problem I noticed recently the sway bar and front studs of the car is not reliable and also the fuel tank also has issue even if the tank is not fuel it refuses to take more fuel
The engine coolant bypass valve was faulty. The car would not start so I was left stranded 15 miles from home and had to have car towed to Toyota dealer. The problem was confirmed by dealer and they were aware that it was a known issue. The vehicle was inspected by multiple Toyota dealerships. My vehicle displayed an engine maintenance light. The dealerships found the code P268115: Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit short to battery or open
At about 51,000 miles the engine maintenance required light came on. After taking it to the dealership I found out it was the coolant bypass valve.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that soon after he had the vehicle serviced at the dealer, the "engine maintenance required" message was displayed. The contact stated that the warning advisory remained displayed, which rendered the speedometer unviewable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with a defective coolant bypass valve. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The parts to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
A code for the coolant bypass valve appeared through an independent service center. Warning message shows "Engine Maintenance Required", when air conditioning is turned on and does not go away. Warning message does not show when air conditioning is turned off. I had a independent service center check any damages to the coolant bypass valve, show that the part was faulty. Through various testimonials Toyota Rav4 owners, they also had the same issue. Warning message started at approximately 55,000 miles and has not gone away even after service. Quote for repair goes above $700, although part has been claimed to be faulty and not disclosed.
There is a class action lawsuit against toyota for known issues with leaks happening because of plastic being used in the roof racks of 2019-2020 Rav4 models https://www.motorbiscuit.com/lawsuit-alert-toyota-rav4-roof-leak-causes-water-damage-electronics-airbags/
I bought my car brand new in August 2020. In September 2021, my car died, I couldn’t get it on at all, even to turn off the automatic emergency brake. No lights were left on, no doors ajar. Toyota came and jumped it so I could drop it off at the dealership. They ran tests and found no issues. Fast forward to March 2023, my car died again in the driveway. No lights left on, no doors ajar. It seems unreasonable that a brand new car would die twice in less than 3 years. Replaced the battery after the second time it died. How long until it happens again? I’ve read that there seems to be a battery issue with the 2020 Rav 4. Will there be a fix? I no longer feel confident in my car.
In preparing for a trip, the automatic tailgate went out of alignment and would not close. A local body shop diagnosed the issue as a bent hinge. There was no incident that caused this - the hinge appears to be insufficiently sturdy for a heavy tailgate. The body shop temporarily hammered the hinge back into place, but the seal of the tailgate is imperfect, allowing exhaust fumes to enter the cabin when driving at low speeds. This may also have been true before the gate failed to close, but was not noticed. This is beginning to show up on other RAV4s. The local Toyota dealer would not accept a warranty claim for the issue. A permanent repair is scheduled, but will require several weeks due to scheduling.
error code P1C80-49 because of Toyota terrible manufacturing defect
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound of slushing water coming from inside the front driver’s side door panels. Additionally, water from the door panels had leaked into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the door seals were faulty and needed to be replaced, and the drainage holes needed to be modified. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was concerned that mold contamination might occur due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the battery was replaced. After the battery was replaced, the "Battery Charging" message would display on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced several times due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Coolant Bypass Valve breaks easily and in many RAV4s and Corollas. When this happens an "Engine Maintenance Required" see your dealer message comes up in the heads up display and won't go away. Makes seeing the important details of speed, miles to empty, etc on the screen impossible read. It is a known issue by Toyota and they refuse to do a recall.
The vehicle fails to start if it has been sitting for only 2-3 days, once it failed to start just after an extra long day at work. I have it serviced faithfully every 5,ooo miles and have brought it in an additional 4 times for this problem. I filed a report with Toyota Corporate on January 5, 2023 and they had someone call the next day while I was at work. I called back 6 times but have never been able to actually speak to a case manager. I keep getting promised a call back multiple times but never received one. I even called tonight when I was promised a call, the case manager was available, but told the agent on the phone with me that he would call me by the end of the day. He never did. I called back again and was promised a call tomorrow. I keep getting the same run around. I have literally spent hours on the phone with them, many many hours at the service shop, and many hours inconvenienced by having my car battery jumped.
The original battery completely drains when the car is off and no electrical equipment is kept on. This has happened on at least four occasions and car is unable to be turned on or even jumped with another car. The dealer (Toyota Umansky - Charlottesville, VA) has been unable to fix the problem and it it reoccurs. Based on my reading of this issue in similar models of the 2020 Rav 4 Hybrid, the "parasitic battery" can cause other electric malfunctions that would affect safety. Also, the description of this defect is substantially similar to the problems I face with my vehicle. I would like to add my model/ vin to the known batch of defective models with this problem.
The engine maintenance light came on to visit the dealer. It's because of the Coolant Bypass Valve.
The battery in my hybrid Rav 4 repeatedly goes dead if I don't drive the vehicle for 2 days. I reported the issue to my dealership and they charged the battery but it didn't fix the problem. The next time I brought it in for the same issue they did a software update they said would fix it. However, I have had the same problem once more and they again claim it's just a software update to fix, even though there have been no technology changes to my vehicle since they last "fixed it". In consequence, my vehicle will not start reliably which has left my husband stranded after work on a cold January day, and left me stranded at home from getting to work two additional times. Every time I bring it to the dealership they dismiss the problem but none of their attempts have resolved the issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side rear doors were retaining water. The water was sloshy inside the doors while driving. The contact had to drain the water from both doors. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.