2020 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain (other) Problems

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for maintenance, and it was discovered that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting roughly while driving. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. There were metal fragments found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA ID

11726424

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

Mileage

133,000 mi

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 the middle of the road and would not want to put my kids or I in jeopardy of being hit.

NHTSA ID

11713174

Incident

Jan 25, 2026

My vehicle Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2020 began lost power and jerk on highway driving and then following messages appeared: Hybrid System Malfunction, A malfunction in electronic control of engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected and check engine light. This happened in September 2024. Toyota dealership replaced the low fuel pressure sensor A after my complaint and vehicle diagnostic, but it did not help. I recently had the same problem while driving on the highway for a long distance.

NHTSA ID

11665668

Incident

May 24, 2025

Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced per Toyota. Many people are having this problem.

NHTSA ID

11633129

Incident

Dec 23, 2024

Wire harness failure according to the Toyota dealership representative I spoke with after inspection on 12/18/24. Rep said this is a known issue with certain years and they will cover cost of replacement. Previously, I had received a message stating, "Hybrid System Malfunction, Visit your Dealer" but could not get an appointment until 12/18. The dealer rep said they needed to order parts to fix the wire harness issue and that I would be okay taking the car and bringing it back when parts were in. The day after the inspection (12/19) I was in a Walmart parking lot and my car started but I could not get it to drive or reverse. A message stated "Vehicle not ready to drive" and "No power to rear brakes". If I put the car into drive or reverse and stepped on the gas, the car interior lit up and the dinging sound (usually associated with unbuckled safety belt) was heard. I had my safety belt fastened. My car could be put into neutral and had to be towed to the dealership. After looking into the issue, I found out that the car could had died while I was driving it resulting in loss of power brakes, etc. I live in a more rural area and could have been stuck with out cell reception, etc. This should be a RECALL and they never should have let me leave the dealership in my car. Note: As of today (12/20) the dealer rep stated they will cover all towing costs and cover a loaner vehicle for me. My dealership is very helpful BUT this could be a serious issue for someone else. Google "Rav 4 Cablegate" for more information.

NHTSA ID

11631744

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

My Toyota 2020 RAV4 has a dangerous design flaw. It rolls when turned off and in drive mode. For example, my driveway is on an incline, and a couple times I have pulled into my driveway, gotten distracted, and I forgot to put the car in Park. When I hit the on/off button, the car rolls backwards, accelerating due to gravity. If you're not quick, you can end up rolling out into traffic, or running someone over that is behind your car. All the other cars I've ever owned didn't roll when the car was turned off unless you were in neutral. I believe this is a design flaw because I've spoken to a few other RAV4 owners that have experienced the same thing, and on one occasion, I tested it on another RAV4 and it was the same. I can see this being very dangerous. If you are standing outside of the car and hit the on/off button while it's in drive, you would get knocked down by the door, and your car would be rolling without you in the car.

NHTSA ID

11626724

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Broken- Coolant bypass valve My safety was put at risk as the coolant bypass value broke leaking coolant over my cars electrical components and not keeping my engine cool. This could have resulted in my engine, overheating, exploding while operating the car and putting my life at risk. Also “engine maintenance alert” that couldn’t not be dismissed by the driver, obstructed the view of my dashboard. This problem was confirmed by the the Toyota dealership There is currently a class action lawsuit against Toyota for this specific issue.

NHTSA ID

11619658

Incident

Oct 13, 2024

The coolant bypass valve is needing to be replaced. The vehicle only has 52k miles and just happened after warranty.

NHTSA ID

11618285

Incident

Oct 5, 2024

Toyota vehicles, namely RAV4’s are having a coolant bypass valve defect. And Toyota is denying this claim and charging to diagnostic and repair. This is a defect and should be set to recall as many owners are experiencing the issue. Mine began on a out of state trip with a engine maintenance light, and leaking fluid from the coolant valve, which can lead to engine stalling and issues while driving. Very dangerous! I took mine to my mechanic and had it repaired since I am beginning not to trust Toyota.

NHTSA ID

11616968

Incident

Sep 14, 2024

After only 35k miles the car start showing a failure in the coolant by pass valve that could cause major failure of the engine. It has been reported that it is an ongoing situation with most 2020 rav4. The repair is not covered by warranty and it cost over $700.

NHTSA ID

11615725

Incident

Sep 7, 2024

I searched online after the Toyota dealership told me that my coolant flow control valve is failing. I became aware that it is a common issue for my 2020 Toyota Rav4. The warranty does not cover it even though it should be part of the powertrain warranty.

NHTSA ID

11605946

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

I bought the 2020 Rav4 XLE back in 2019 and had driven for four and half years now. I went to the dealership to get my routine oil change just this Monday July 29th 2024. As usual, the dealership did multi-inspection on my Rav4 and didn't find any problem that requires immediate attention. Two days later, a warning message popped up on the MID screen right after I started the car and read "Engine Maintenance Required". After searching online, calling both local mechanic and Toyota dealership, it happens to be a well-known issue for many 2019-2023 Toyota models including Rav4, Camry, Corolla that the faulty coolant bypass valve has to be replaced. I'm not a car person and I don't know much about cars but I have had the radiator broken while I was driving on my old car due to coolant related issue and almost got me into an accident so I know I shouldn't overlook any issues related to coolant. That being said, Toyota dealership knew about the issue, my local mechanic heard about the issue, an overwhelming number of users had reported the issue on online forums, and with no surprise, a class action lawsuit was filed regarding this issue on June 2024. For a solid car brand that advertises reliability and accountability for its vehicles, not informing or recalling for affected customers is extremely disappointing and unacceptable. After all, I had to pay $785 out of pocket for a repair that should never be done in less 5 years/45000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11605667

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

my 2020 RAV4 (48,000 miles), when I start the engine and turn on the A/C, the warning light comes on:Engine maintenance required.

NHTSA ID

11601879

Incident

Jul 13, 2024

My 2020 Rav4 Limited AWD alerted me that the engine needed maintenance, and, so I parted it until Tuesday, After talking to the service professional at Passport Toyota, they told me about everything else but did not see that the light was on. They did my regular 55,000 miles maintenance on my car. So before driving away, I noticed that the alert was still blinking on my car. Their findings is that the coolant bypass valve/hose etc., has gone bad and is remaining in the open position. Apparently, this part isn't covered by warranty. After reading, there are a lot of years such as 2019, 2018 to name a few having had the same problem. And to fix the problem it is $857.22. Since this problem is occurring in a lot of Rav4's, and I noticed Camry's as well, should they look into why this is happening in a lot of models of their cars, SUV's etc.

NHTSA ID

11591322

Incident

May 25, 2024

Coolant bypass valve failure. 2020 model year Vehicle has 38,000 miles with a failed coolant bypass valve.

NHTSA ID

11590357

Incident

May 16, 2024

My car is 55000 Miles and coolant by pass valf is broken. it is common issue for this engine . Toyota shoul fix this issue as recall.

NHTSA ID

11581112

Incident

Apr 4, 2024

“Engine maintenance required visit your dealer” appeared on screen. After searching for similar issues. The coolant bypass valve has malfunctioned or failed. The fact that hundreds if not thousands of others have had this issue and it has not yet been recalled coupled with the fact that this isn’t covered under powertrain warranty is just crazy. Considering when reporting this issue I had to select powertrain that showed coolant / hoses under the menu baffles me even kore that it wouldn’t even be considered covered under warranty. There needs to be a recall. $700+ to replace a sub $100 hose and sensor that has nothing to do with normal wear and tear.

NHTSA ID

11580710

Incident

Apr 2, 2024

Engine maintenance required signed popped on and wouldn’t go away. Took it to the dealership. They say it’s a common coolant bypass valve. Was charged a hefty amount of nearly $700

NHTSA ID

11554983

Incident

Nov 12, 2023

-Inspection found coolant bypass valve seized recommendation, was to replace coolant hose with bypass valve. YES, the car is available for inspection upon any request -Safety risk unknown if not fixed -Michaels Toyota of Bellevue Washington confirmed on September 23rd 2023. I brought the car in originally on September 9th 2023 for a 10,000 mileage service and oil change. when I called to ask why the engine maintenance notice wouldn't turn off. I was scheduled to bring the car back on September 23, 2023 the needed part was not in stock nor covered by the factory or powertrain warranty with 31,2002 miles on it. The warning light came on at the same time the service and oil change was due. I was stopped a month prior by a random mechanic who noticed the car was leaking abnormal amounts of what he said could be coolant on the passengers front undercarriage. This leaking has been happening for approximately a year and I was not notified the previous 3 times the car had been in for inspections.

NHTSA ID

11549804

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Engine bypass coolant Valve needs to be replaced. The Engine Maintenance required light turned On. My car only has 74k miles and a 2020 model car and this is a $900 replacement. This is quite concerning as multiple owners have reported this part failing after even 30k miles. This part needs to be recalled.

NHTSA ID

11548253

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

Engine stalled on highway, was fortunate other drivers allowed us to get to the inside lane and on the shoulder. It bucked a couple times a few minutes earlier. A host of warning lights came on the dash. car did restart after ignition cycled off and on. Had over 1/2 tank fuel. Dash warnings that remained on CEL yellow. parking assist Radar and lane assist. Power steering seemed weak. No cruise control. Over the next 550 miles with engine shut offs during fuel stops dash warnings went out and car returned to normal. No longer trust this car with 70,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11539918

Incident

Aug 20, 2023

Got an oil change Monday 8/7/23 When I left the dealership & arrived home the “engine maintenance required” light came on. Contacted dealership next day (service was done at Maita Toyota of Sacramento) let them know about what happened they told me they’d do a diagnostic on the vehicle. Car was at 43,772 miles when I dropped it back off at dealership. They ended up letting me know the diagnosis was the coolant by pass value / hoses were bad and needed to be replaced. However - Toyota would not cover the repair because of their current powertrain warranty expiring on my vehicle. After researching online this seems to be a common issue with this year of rav4. I was luck enough to have extended warranty and only had to pay a $200 deductible but had I not it would be been almost $800 I would have had to pay. Toyota should be made aware of this issue. As an overheating issue can cause dozens of other problems with the car.

NHTSA ID

11538275

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11534433

Incident

Jul 25, 2023

$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

NHTSA ID

11533476

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

Only 46,000 miles and needing a Coolant Bypass Valve replacement

NHTSA ID

11530087

Incident

Jun 5, 2023