NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota RAV4 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 624 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's Safety Index score of 79/100 places it in the Average band. This assessment reflects a vehicle with strong crash-test performance and a comprehensive suite of standard avoidance technology. However, six recall campaigns and a defect record subscore restrict its overall safety standing.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 ranks 83 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 624 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 83 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid posts a Safety Index of 79/100, a single point above the 2019 model year's 78/100, both sitting in the Average band. That narrow one-point gain reflects stability rather than a meaningful shift in the safety profile. The crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology are genuine strengths, anchored by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim lineup. What compresses the Index is the defect-record subscore of only 8 out of 20, driven by six recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns, the frontal air bag recall and the occupant-classification sensor recall, target systems that are central to occupant protection in a crash, making remedy completion especially consequential. The steering recall covering 2019 to 2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles adds another layer of concern for any unit whose power-assist system has not been inspected. The 624 unverified complaints, with the engine and electrical system drawing the heaviest volume, are consistent with a vehicle carrying a compressed defect-record subscore. The overall picture is a well-tested platform with meaningful recall exposure that buyers must verify has been resolved.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota RAV4 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieved NHTSA's highest overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Its side protection tests earned a perfect 5 star rating. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, matching the 4 star rollover rating. The rollover assessment included a 16 percent risk of rollover and a dynamic no-tip result. All crash-test categories received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14727
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover this vehicle. Components include frontal air bags, an occupant-classification sensor, the fuel pump, electric power-assisted steering, and a front lower suspension control arm. None of the five listed campaigns carries an explicit park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the NHTSA data, but the steering and suspension campaigns warrant prompt attention given the safety-critical systems involved.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has logged 624 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the engine with 179 allegations, the electrical system with 120, and the fuel and propulsion system with 89. All figures are unverified consumer reports, not established defects.
624 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
Five recall campaigns were issued for the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid, a figure notably higher than for many comparable vehicles. These recalls address critical safety components: airbags, steering, and suspension systems. Potential buyers of a used 2020 RAV4 Hybrid should verify the completion of all recall remedies via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Any outstanding recall, particularly those pertaining to airbags, steering, or suspension, represents an immediate safety concern that must be addressed before the vehicle is operated.
- Six recall campaigns are on record for this specific model year, targeting frontal air bags, an occupant-classification sensor, the fuel pump, electric power steering, and the front lower suspension control arm - each requiring VIN-level verification of remedy completion.
- The defect-record subscore of 8 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 79/100 Safety Index, meaning the vehicle's crash hardware scores well but its recall history pulls the overall rating toward the middle of the Average band.
- The one-point Index improvement over the 2019 model year (78/100 to 79/100) is marginal and should not be read as a significant safety upgrade - both years sit in the same Average band.
- NHTSA received 624 unverified complaints for this model year, with the engine category alone accounting for 179 allegations - a concentration worth noting when reviewing a used example's service history, though these remain unverified consumer reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota RAV4 places
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota RAV4 safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota RAV4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota RAV4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Toyota RAV4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Toyota RAV4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota RAV4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 624 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota RAV4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RAV4 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14727), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota RAV4 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 83 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.