compact SUV

2020 Toyota RAV4 used car buying checklist

A 2020 RAV4 can be a practical used SUV, but drivetrain configuration, tire condition, safety-system calibration, and documented maintenance deserve close comparison.

Check a RAV4 listing free

What to inspect before buying

VIN campaign status

Model-level recall results do not show whether this specific VIN still needs a remedy.

AWD tires, if equipped

Matched tire size, brand, and wear matter on an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Safety sensors

Confirm that the dash is warning-free and previous glass or front-end work was calibrated.

Underbody and fluids

Inspect for impact damage, corrosion, leaks, and signs of hurried cleanup.

Ask the seller

  1. 1Is this front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
  2. 2Are all recall remedies complete for this VIN?
  3. 3Were the tires replaced together?
  4. 4Can I review the maintenance and repair invoices?

NHTSA recall campaigns

NHTSA currently returns 6 campaigns for this year, make, and model.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.

A model-level search cannot tell whether a specific vehicle is affected or repaired. Verify the VIN on the NHTSA recall site.

Use this guide on the actual listing

Enter its asking price and mileage for an instant screen you can save or share. Then upload listing photos if the car still looks worth your time.

Run the free check

More buyer checklists

This checklist is educational and does not predict the condition of a specific vehicle. Always verify records, obtain a vehicle-history report, and arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection.