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Vehicle speed controlPart report

2020 Toyota RAV4 Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
2%of 639 total for the year
Median mileage
8,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2020 Toyota RAV4, 2% of the 639 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On february 6, 2021 in atlanta ga, the vehicle, while in motion at around 30mph, displayed a 'hybrid system malfunction' warning and began beeping and trembling. The warning said that the car must be stopped within 0.9 miles but lasted far less than that, fully losing any effect of the accelerator pedal mid-traffic. The vehicle coasted into a parking lot on momentum and was stopped with a final warning that braking power was reduced. Had this very situation occurred on an interstate, it easily could have been fatal to my wife, who was driving at the time, and to our unborn child. …”

NHTSA complaint #11395034, filed 2021-02, 15,000 miles

“Tried to set radar controlled cruise control for the first time on a work trip to michigan at 70 MPH. The steering wheel immediately turned to the left and took considerable pressure to keep vehicle straight. Took SUV in to shop and they said the radar controlled adaptive cruise control was working fine and they could not duplicate problem. This week took another work trip to michigan and the same problem happened about 20 times while trying to set cruise control at 70 MPH. …”

NHTSA complaint #11337561, filed 2020-07, 1,000 miles

“Wire harness failure according to the Toyota dealership representative I spoke with after inspection on 12/18/24. Rep said this is a known issue with certain years and they will cover cost of replacement. Previously, I had received a message stating, Hybrid System Malfunction, Visit your Dealer but could not get an appointment until 12/18. The dealer rep said they needed to order parts to fix the wire harness issue and that I would be okay taking the car and bringing it back when parts were in. …”

NHTSA complaint #11631744, filed 2024-12

“Vehicle was taken in for a oil change. At check-in I was told that I would be given a rental vehicle due to the overhead rails recall, leaking inside the vehicles at that time I advised of a gas smell which I have been smelling for several years and it was getting stronger. I was told that there was something wrong with the fuel pump and it would need to be replaced and they would also be replacing rails from the top of my vehicle because there was water leaks inside my car, I advised that water has been leaking in my car for several years and clips were already placedbout two years ago. …”

NHTSA complaint #11571919, filed 2024-02

“I was driving on an Interstate highway with th speed control on in extremely light traffic and very heavy, slushy snow when the brakes were applied full and the instrument panel flashed red. There were (fortunately) no other vehicles in front or behind me. Since there was no reason for stopping, I stepped on the accelerator and the vehicle operated normally EXCEPT that I was no longer able to use the speed control. Calls to Toyota's 800 number were of no help, but a service advisor at Sunrise Toyota suggested cleaning slush off the Toyota logo on the grill. …”

NHTSA complaint #11467436, filed 2022-06

Related service bulletins

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202578%
2024127%
202374%
202275%
202162%
2020152%
2019303%
2018206%
2017134%
2016125%
2015217%
201474%
2013177%
20124919%
20116924%
20108321%
20099930%
20089216%
200710110%
20067411%
2005139%
20042013%
2003299%
2002367%
2001227%
2000723%
19991423%
19981216%
1997713%
199612%

Other parts of the 2020 Toyota RAV4

Engine
180 complaints
Other or unknown
122 complaints
Electrical system
120 complaints
Fuel system
90 complaints
Body and structure
62 complaints
Air bags
55 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
38 complaints
Steering
28 complaints
Brakes
20 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaints
Engine cooling
15 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Toyota RAV4

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology