Recall 20V373 affects 46 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles for water-damaged electric power steering. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 46 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering because water can enter the steering gear box cover and cause loss of power steering assist. That loss can make low-speed steering harder and increase crash risk; Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering gear assembly on the 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid is the steering unit that helps turn driver input at the wheel into movement at the front tires. Its electric assist reduces the effort needed to steer, especially at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.
On affected SUVs, water can enter through the steering gear box cover. Toyota's filing points to a missing screw or a screw that was not tightened correctly as the path that allows moisture into the assembly. If water reaches electrical or metal parts inside the gear, corrosion can build up over time. That corrosion can cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
There is no warning sign before failure. If assist is lost, the steering wheel still works, but it takes more force to turn, especially at lower speeds.
Who's affected?
Covers the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid across the 2019-2020 model years, both tied to the same power steering system.
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | power steering system |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 46 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist raises steering effort at low speeds and increases the risk of a crash. Be careful during parking, turns, and slow maneuvers, and schedule the steering gear box replacement promptly if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free power steering gear box replacement that fixes water entry and loss of electric power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one, and reference recall number 20V373 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially at low vehicle speeds when steering effort increases after power steering assist is lost.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the power steering gear box to correct the electric power steering assist concern. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. Toyota has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you've paid out of pocket for a related steering gear box repair, ask Toyota customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 24, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| June 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 10, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 17, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V373?
Recall 20V373 covers 46 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering. Water can enter through the steering gear box cover and cause loss of power steering assist. Toyota dealers will replace the power steering gear box for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V373. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule replacement of the power steering gear box. Reference Toyota recall 20TB11 / 20TA11 or NHTSA campaign 20V373 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Toyota's remedy says dealers will replace the power steering gear box free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is higher steering effort at low vehicle speeds if electric power steering assist is lost. That condition increases crash risk. If the steering feels unusually heavy, slow down, stop in a safe place, and arrange the free dealer repair.
When did Toyota start owner notifications?
Toyota began the recall on August 17, 2020. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a notice, the VIN check still decides whether your RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid is included and eligible for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V373000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-888-270-9371 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V373 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V373000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →