128 complaints reported

2020 Toyota RAV4 Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
128
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2024

My vehicle that's only 4 years old stopped moving forward or backwards when putting the car in gear. The car turns on perfectly fine never gave us a warning or driving issues until the day it stopped moving on a highway. I got the vehicle towed to Avondale Toyota in Arizona and they told me not a single professional technician was able to find anything wrong with the transmission. I think to myself "not one of these professionals can find an issue with a car that's 4 years old? That's odd to me. But they advised me they could fix the vehicle with a brand new transmission for $8,000 but that's my only option at this point. I live paycheck to paycheck and this isn't something that could have happened to me at a worst time expecting a child in the summer. Im hoping it could be just a solinod or something like a misfire. Please help. Sincerely a father in need.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2024
Feb 2024

The coolant bypass valve failed on my RAV4 at 67,757 miles. There are multiple similar complaints online and I would like to bring it to the attention to the NHTSA. The engine service light cut on and the dealership replaced the valve to make it go away.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2024
Feb 2024

2020 Rav4 engine bypass coolant valve is faulty. It could lead to overheating and possible engine damage. This is a known issue and just google to see how many people have been screwed over by this faulty equipment.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Feb 2024
Feb 2024

While driving with the air conditioner on a message appears on the instrument panel ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. From researching this message on the internet it appears this is due to an engine coolant bypass valve problem. From this internet search it appears to be happening to many other peoples Rav4. The cost of having this valve replaced appears to be close to $1000. It appears that this problem is a common thing. Toyota needs to have a recall on this problem. Most people report this happening at various mileage.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2024
Dec 2023

Engine bypass coolant valve… Engine maintenance required pops up intermittently. Per dealer there is a short circuit in valve/ bypass part. The dealer had already known this was issue prior to car being diagnosed. They stated they are aware and this is a known issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

2020 RAV4 with 47,589 miles. The engine maintenance light came on. It turns off once I shut off the vehicle and start it up again. It only comes back on when I put the air conditioner or heater on. I was told it's the heater control valve/coolant bypass valve and would cost around $900+ to repair. I did some research and see that this problem is occurring alot.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Aug 2023
Dec 2023

Engine maintenance required “Visit dealer” Light is on and won’t turn off even when resetting the scheduled maintenance data. Needs a 3 point valve according to dealership. $650 cost for that part to make light go away. This is something that needs fixed and recalled as he says it’s a common issue with the RAV4.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation Type: Equipment, Vehicle: 9999 AIR BYPASS VALVE 20-403, Manufacturer: ADVANCED ENGINE MANAGEMENT
Incident: Oct 2023
Dec 2023

Coolant Bypass valve internal short.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

Dash reported "Engine Maintenance Required / Visit Dealer" - dealer said it was a "coolant bypass hose", not covered by any warranty. $100 part but engine-out procedure costs $800. This vehicle has less than 40,000 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jun 2023
Nov 2023

My coolant bypass valve in the engine malfunctioned and shorted at a mere 27,300 miles on the vehicle and I had to bring it into the dealership to be replaced. A coolant bypass valve failing or malfunctioning can cause the engine to overheat, catch fire, or cause complete seizure. Can also cause the vehicle to stall and possibly cause a crash or wreck. Toyota has acknowledged the problem in the RAV4’s but no recalls have been issued. Dealer knew exactly what the problem was when I mentioned that the ‘engine maintenance required’ light came up on my dashboard BEFORE mechanic diagnosed it and confirmed which tells me they are aware of the issue in these cars.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Nov 2023
Nov 2023

In September 12,2023 I took my 2020 Toyota Rava 4 vehicle in to Cobb Toyota for a coolant by pass valve to be replaced after my check engine light kept coming on. I only had 25 790 miles on my vehicle at the time. Anthony Sullivan was my service rep. at the time And he stated that this something has been common with this type of vehicle. But could not explain why. I just wanted to report this to Toyota. They need to know about this. And I need to be reimbursed for $99.30 for what I paid for this repair under warranty. Thank you,

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2023
Nov 2023

engine coolant bypass valve short to battery

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Mar 2023
Nov 2023

I have 2020 Toyota rav4 XLE and all of sudden I got "Engine Maintenance Required" When I turn off the AC, this message goes away but comes in when I turn on the AC. I believe, it is coolant bypass valve which needs to be replaced. I read my forums in [XXX] and [XXX] and many others have complaint about the same. Toyota has to have a recall on this poorly manufactured bypass value. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Engine maintenance light came on and dealership indicates it’s the coolant bypass valve. This seems to be a common safety issue being ignored by both Toyota and the transportation safety board…

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: May 2023
Oct 2023

Coolant bypass valve shorts out and doesn't open or close to allow coolant through it. "Engine Maintenance Required" message pops up for this. Toyota dealer inspected it and it replacing the part. NOT covered under my warranty.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Engine coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. Seems to be a very common issue in 2019-2023 RAV4s but Toyota has not issued a recall and is making customers pay $600-900 to fix. I ask that Toyota take responsibility and issue the recall now so this can be fixed!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Unknown engine maintenance light alert check light Recommend engine coolant bypass valve with gallon of coolant

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Part # 16260-f0010 - engine coolant bypass valve failed due to open or internal short and caused a Engine maintenance required warning which blocked other safety items on the display. This is a wide spread and known issue for Toyota which can result in engine overheating due to leaking coolant and result in engine failure (severely damage the engine) leading to engine stall and/or fire risk, causing potentially unsafe situations to occur for the driver and others in the vehicle. The error code is "P268115" for "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit Short to Battery or Open". Yes. the problem has been reported with NHTSA by others and from some dealers. When I took the vehicle into the dealership, and they stated that they had many RAV4's come in with this same message. They immediately said it is some engine component failure. There is a related NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V064000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and also a recall related to it (but not for my vehicle's VIN): [XXX] Yes, the component has been inspected by the dealer. No, there was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear Engine maintenance required warning sign did not go off which is good to have warning but blocking other safety items on the display dash board is a safety hazard. This could only be removed if we spend $185 for diagnostics (which is charged knowingly that this has been a reported/unreported problem around the 2.5-4yr/30-60k miles for the vehicles with this part) and fixing the part at the dealer and resetting the code. The cost of the part is affordable but the labor charge of $700 is exorbitant. The part replacement isn't covered under manufacturer's warranty. This part warrants recall as this is accidental poor manufacturing issue that is outside the scope of normal wear and tear and especially when the owner is not at fault. I'm expecting more repairs in future. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

There was a warning message pop up all the time and I went to Toyota service. They said I need to pay for a coolant bypass valve replacement and it costs approx 600-800 dollars. Also, they did not fill up for the engine oil even it’s in very low to dry position.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Engine maintenance required light came on. Scan code came up engine coolant bypass valve stuck open. Had to replace it. Cost me $120 for the part with hoses attached.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2023
Oct 2023

Coolant Bypass Valve breaks easily and in many RAV4s and Corollas. When this happens an "Engine Maintenance Required" see your dealer message comes up in the heads up display and won't go away. Makes seeing the important details of speed, miles to empty, etc on the screen impossible read. It is a known issue by Toyota and they refuse to do a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jan 2023
Sep 2023

My RAV4 doesn’t even have 40,000 miles on it. I found out that the coolant bypass system needs to be replaced. After investigating online, I realized that this is a very common problem for RAVs. I believe this should be a recall!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE failed internally causing an open circuit.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

In my 2020 Toyota RAV4, a "Engine Maintenance Required: See Dealer" message came onto my dashboard and would not go away when I cleared it. I took it into the dealership, and they stated that they had many RAV4's come in with this same message. They said it was most likely the engine's coolant bypass valve. After diagnosing the problem, the dealership confirmed it was the coolant bypass valve. This was very expensive to fix, and for a car that is just over 3 years old it seems unusual for this to occur so soon and to so many other card within the same year and time period. This part needs to be recalled and reimbursement should be provided to those who had to pay hundreds of dollars to get this fixed when it is very likely a faulty part.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Apr 2023
Sep 2023

The engine maintenance required light came on at 56,000 miles and would not reset even after a scheduled oil change. The Toyota dealership neglected to evaluate this light when I brought my car in for servicing. After getting a diagnostic, it was found that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced which was at least $600. I was advised that the vehicle was to not be driven long distances as it could result in more damage to the car. This is my 4th expensive repair on this 3 year old car in 1 year. This is my very first Toyota, & I am extremely disappointed. I bought a Toyota anticipating a low maintenance, high quality vehicle and have had nothing but issues.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4, Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Corporation
Incident: Jul 2023

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Quick Summary

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has 128 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.