NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota Yaris Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota Yaris scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Toyota Yaris earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the "Strong" safety band. This assessment is bolstered by the excellent crash-test results published by NHTSA, which show the Yaris performing well across nearly all evaluated categories. The vehicle’s single recall has a documented remedy, indicating a clear path to resolution for owners. While the avoidance technology score represents a notable weak point in the safety profile, the overall picture for the 2020 Yaris is genuinely solid based on the data.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Hatchback/Wagons from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota Yaris ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 4 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota Yaris?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Yaris in safety scoring. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed to 87 out of 100 from 81 out of 100 for the 2019 model, a 6-point gain within the same Strong band. That movement is driven primarily by the crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, which reflects the NHTSA 5-star overall rating and the clean 5-star frontal and side results. The rollover score of 4 out of 5 stars and a 13 percent rollover risk are the only crash-test softness in an otherwise high-performing NHTSA result. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the most significant drag on the Index this year. The 2020 Yaris Hatchback ships without forward collision warning or lane departure warning, carrying only electronic stability control as standard active-safety equipment. That gap explains why a vehicle with near-perfect crash-test stars still lands at 87 rather than higher. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 reflects the single fuel-pump recall and a modest complaint count of just nine unverified reports, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged among them.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota Yaris perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback achieved a nearly perfect safety assessment from NHTSA, earning an overall 5 out of 5 stars. This strong performance included top 5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact crash tests. The vehicle's rollover rating was the single exception, receiving 4 out of 5 stars with a 13 percent rollover risk. In the dynamic tip test, the Yaris Hatchback did not tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14739
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota Yaris have any recalls?
The 2020 Toyota Yaris carries one NHTSA recall, targeting the fuel system, specifically the gasoline delivery fuel pump. The campaign covers certain 2019 and 2020 Yaris models across hatchback and sedan body styles. An impeller defect was cited. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is recorded in the data for this campaign.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V617000
Risk: A fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB05 and 21TA05.
Reported 2021-09-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota Yaris?
Nine unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Yaris Hatchback. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine, fuel system and gasoline components, and unknown or other categories, each drawing three reported complaints. Vehicle speed control and the electrical system each appear in two unverified allegations.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota Yaris?
A significant concern for the 2020 Yaris Hatchback is the unremedied fuel-pump recall. Any prospective owner of this model year must check the specific vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database to confirm recall completion, as the responsibility for addressing open recalls on used vehicles falls to the buyer.
- The 2020 Yaris Hatchback Safety Index rose 6 points over the 2019 model, reaching 87 out of 100 in the Strong band, driven by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, and 5 stars side, with the only sub-5 result being a 4-star rollover score and a 13 percent rollover risk.
- The sole recall for this model year targets the fuel delivery fuel pump and covers certain 2019 and 2020 Yaris vehicles; used-market buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, meaning the strong crash-test stars come without the active-prevention features that lift scores higher.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota Yaris places
The 2020 Toyota Yaris qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota Yaris safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota Yaris crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota Yaris, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Toyota Yaris crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Toyota Yaris earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 13%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Yaris have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Toyota Yaris. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota Yaris?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota Yaris. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Yaris years
Rivals in Hatchback/Wagon (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station | 89/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Ford Transit Connect | 74/100 | not rated | 8 |
| 2020 Ford Transit | 64/100 | 3 of 5 | 9 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14739), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Yaris 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 2 of 4 in the Hatchback/Wagon 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.