NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota RAV4
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV and one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, aimed squarely at families and commuters who want versatility without stepping into a full-size hauler. Spanning model years 2019 through 2025, it competes at the heart of a fiercely contested segment and carries a reputation for practicality and broad appeal across a wide range of buyers.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the RAV4 as a well-rounded compact SUV that delivers a comfortable, composed ride and a practical, spacious cabin. Most find the interior materials acceptable for the segment without calling them exceptional. Driving dynamics are described as smooth and confidence-inspiring rather than sporty. The RAV4 is broadly seen as a strong value proposition within its class.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14727
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL20V734000
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.
Reported 2020-11-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM20V373000
Risk: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.
Reported 2020-06-24
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM20V286000
Risk: If a suspension control arm breaks, it can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower suspension arms, free of charge. This recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08.
Reported 2020-05-20
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING20V064000
Risk: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Reported 2020-02-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
624 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.