There are 50 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2020 Toyota RAV4in NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
Engine light shows on in dash. Stopped to fuel up Car stalled, would not restart Diagnosed fuel pump No prior history of engine issue
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 $916. This may cause the engine to overheat and possibly fail due to overheating. This can be very dangerous because it will happen if it does happen while driving which could cause an accident. I have not fixed the issue yet due to a lack of funds but will have to fix it as soon as a get paid because I drive my family in this car and cannot risk catastrophic engine failure. Please have Toyota recall this part as it is a very common failure amongst 2019-2023 Rav4s. A class action lawsuit is underway due to how often this issue arises. Thank you for your time.
Coolant Bypass Valve failure at 40k miles - 2020 rav4. Replacement at dealership is costing over 800$.
The coolant bypass valuve has failed. There looks to be a class action lawsuit currently underway.
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.
Coolant relief valve failure
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).
Coolant bypass valve failure
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.
Warning light: Engine Maintenance Required Coolant Bypass Valve
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"
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.
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.
See attached document for complaint.
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.
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
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.
Service engine message coolant bypass valve circuit short to battery or open code P268115
Engine Maintenance Light on. After inspection at dealership, the cause was determined as Coolant By-pass valve stuck closed
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026