Recall 20V734 covers 161 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and RAV4 vehicles for damaged steering-column pins. Free repair at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 161 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles because breakaway pins in the steering column can have production damage. That damage can affect the driver's air bag performance in a crash and increase injury risk; Toyota dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering column is the shaft and support assembly between the steering wheel and the steering gear. Inside this column, breakaway pins in an energy absorption bracket help control how the column moves in a crash. That controlled movement helps the driver's air bag work as designed when it deploys.
On affected Toyota Avalon Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Avalon, and RAV4 vehicles, some pins were pressed into position with higher than specified force during assembly. That process damaged the pins in certain steering columns. Damaged pins reduce the breakaway force, so the column gives way differently during a crash. Toyota found that this condition can affect driver air bag performance and leave the vehicles short of the occupant crash protection standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the steering column, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a normal driving symptom before a crash reveals the issue.
Who's affected?
Covers Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid across the 2020 and 2021 model years, with both steering column and front air bag components tied to the steering column assembly.
| 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid | front air bag |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | steering column |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | front air bag |
| 2021 Toyota Avalon | front air bag |
| 2021 Toyota Avalon | steering column |
| 2020 Toyota Avalon | front air bag |
| 2020 Toyota Avalon | steering column |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | front air bag |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | steering column |
| Units affected | 161 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury. Because this affects crash protection, confirm your VIN and schedule the steering column replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Avalon, or RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free steering-column replacement that addresses the damaged breakaway pins and driver's air bag performance risk.
- Reference recall number 20V734 when you call, and mention Toyota recall 20TB17/20TA17 if the service desk asks for Toyota's number.
- Bring the owner letter if Toyota sent one, plus any prior repair paperwork for the steering column or driver's air bag.
- Drive with normal caution until the repair is complete, and ask the dealer whether your appointment requires special handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the steering column covered by recall 20V734. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Toyota has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid out of pocket before the recall notice. Bring receipts or repair documentation to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim through Toyota's reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 25, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 25, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 18, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V734?
Recall 20V734 covers 161 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles with steering-column breakaway pins that were damaged during production. That defect can affect driver air bag performance in a crash. Toyota dealers will replace the steering column for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Avalon, or RAV4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V734. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the steering column replacement. Reference Toyota recall number 20TB17/20TA17 or recall 20V734 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Toyota to complete the recall repair at no cost, and Toyota's remedy says dealers will replace the steering column free of charge. Schedule the repair with a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall 20V734.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver air bag performance in a crash. The breakaway pins in the steering column are designed to absorb energy and reduce injury, and damaged pins can affect that protection. The dealer repair replaces the steering column for free.
When did Toyota notify owners about recall 20V734?
Toyota began the recall on December 18, 2020. Because that date has passed, owners who never received a letter should check their VIN, then call a franchised Toyota dealer or Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with recall number 20V734.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V734000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V734 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V734000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →