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2020 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

28 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 10,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
10,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota RAV4 steering problems in other years

199620052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Toyota RAV4 steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 5

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported June 24, 2020 · 46 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
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.

Recall number 20V373000 · Recall details

What 2020 Toyota RAV4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL

Vehicle electrical failure when Driving with the automatic start/stop option turned on Vehicle shows a low voltage abnormality that kills all my electrical components including battery, sometimes it happens while driving on the Highway at 70 speed

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Steering · 74,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle felt like it was going to flip over. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V373000 (Steering). The contact associated the failure with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Steering · 133,255 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electronic power steering module failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not inspected. The contact was provided a diagnostic test fee, and the contact declined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 133,255.

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · FL

When trying to start my vehicle this morning, the car was having a noticeable issue the minute I turned on the vehicle. It was making some weird noises under the hood, and it was starting to lose power. Then the engine would cut out and a warning would appear on my dash that read, "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" Thank God this happened while I was at home. What if this had happened while I was driving down the road, at a red light. I would have been a sitting duck in the middle of the road and would not want to put my kids or I in jeopardy of being hit.

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Steering · CA

unknown power steering issues

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Steering · IL

For the last 2 months, a code comes up it says loss of electric power steering assist. It came up 15 times in two months. What happens is a steering wheel ceases up for a second or two and then the code goes away. This is something that could happen anytime especially if I have my grandchildren with me and ex steering wheel could freeze up and I wouldn’t be able to steer around an accident at an intersection or something. This is very hazardous to me and my family. There was a recall on some of the 2020 Toyota RAV4’s in the past. I’m telling you I’m not a liar. I do get this coming up this way too many times.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · MD

i cant use my cruise control its not going straight and everytime im turning i can hear a grinding noise its coming from power steering

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Engine, Steering · MD

I was driving the car with no issues on [XXX]- made two 30-minute trips with no issues the same day. During a 15-minute drive, the car was fine until I was at an intersection 12 minutes into the drive [XXX] and [XXX] ). I was stopped at the intersection for maybe a minute, and when the traffic light turned green, I released my brake and went to accelerate when I got the following display message: "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low." The engine turned off, and I couldn't get the car to budge in drive or reverse. When I tried pressing on the gas pedal, it wouldn't budge and felt very stiff. I'm thankful this happened at a smaller intersection on a Sunday evening because my car wouldn't start back up and was stuck in the dead center of this intersection. Cars going East and South all had to drive around me. This put my safety at risk because I had to hop out of my car and redirect people around it until a kind passerby pulled over to help push my car to the right-side turning lane. I was standing in the middle of an intersection on a road with a 35-40 mph speed limit. After pushing the car to the curb and calling a few towing places (maybe 20 minutes later), I tried starting the car again, and it started with no issues whatsoever. I drove it the rest of the way back (for 3 minutes) with no problems, and I made another three 20-25 minute drives on it today. Nothing sounds wrong with the car; it's running with no issues. I would take my car to the dealership for a diagnostic, but I can't afford to right now. I will put my battery on a tender and use a multimeter to check the voltage within the next few days. Regular maintenance has been kept, and the car has never had this happen prior. I've never received the "Engine Stopped Steering Power Low" message prior to this incident. The car is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Steering · TX

After 4 to 5 years vehicle has begun to sporadically upon the first 10 minutes of driving to show a low power steering error message. The error message turns on and turns off within one second many people have been reporting the same issue with even their newer model RAV4’s. This is not acceptable.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · LA

Since I've owned the vehicle it has made loud squeaking, scraping, popping, and clicking noises in the suspension and steering. When I first turn the vehicle on and use the brakes they are very loud as if they are worn. I've had the brakes checked and the dealer said the brakes are fine. When I turn the steering wheel it makes a loud crunching rubbing noise that I can feel in the floor board. My vehicle is less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles. I've never had a vehicle made so many noises and it's terrifying to wonder if something is just going to break off or stop working.

Questions about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 steering

Does the 2020 Toyota RAV4 have steering problems?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Toyota RAV4, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2020 Toyota RAV4 steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 10,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2020 Toyota RAV4 steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V373000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota RAV4 have bad steering?

The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most steering complaints are 2007 (271 complaints), 2006 (230 complaints) and 2008 (73 complaints).

Other 2020 Toyota RAV4 problems

Engine 193Electrical 120Fuel system 90Body 62Airbags 55Transmission 39Brakes 20Driver assistance 20Visibility 17Acceleration 15Suspension 10Seats 6Locks 5Seat belts 4Lights 2Wheels 2

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