2020 Toyota RAV4

"Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failed suddenly on highway (Code P2681-15), risking engine overheat and stall. Toyota acknowledged this defect under CSP 24TE04 but refused assistance due to vehicle having 103,660 miles (just past 100k miles). Failure causes immediate safety and overheating hazard."

**VEHICLE:** 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE **VIN:** [XXX] **CURRENT MILEAGE:** 126,776 miles **PURCHASE DATE:** October 2020 **COMPONENT:** Automatic Transmission (Power Train) **PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:** On XXX, I took my 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE to a transmission specialty shop (TJ'S Transmission Service Inc., Bedford, PA) because the automatic transmission was slipping while driving. The professional diagnosis (Invoice #XXX) confirmed the following stored fault codes: P2681, P2816, P08BA, P2713 The technician also confirmed that the transmission fluid was black and contained metal debris, indicating significant internal wear of clutch/band components. While researching these codes, I found that Toyota previously issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) T-SB-0160-18, titled "Transaxle Whine Noise, Harsh Shift, MIL ON, or Reduced Power," which acknowledges these SAME fault codes (P2816, P08BA, P2713, among others) as a known problem in the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80/UB80 family, manufactured by Aisin). This TSB was officially issued only for the 2017-2018 Highlander and Sienna models, but the 2019 and later RAV4 uses the same transmission family (UB80E/UB80F) for the 2.5L engine, suggesting this is the same design or manufacturing defect that has not been officially acknowledged for this model. This issue represents a safety risk, as unexpected loss of power or transmission slippage while driving (for example, when merging onto a highway or passing) can create a dangerous situation for the driver and other vehicles on the road. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether a similar failure pattern exists in other 2019-2021 RAV4 vehicles equipped with this transmission, and that consideration be given to whether Toyota should extend coverage of TSB T-SB-0160-18 (or issue a specific one) to include the RAV4. No repair was performed at this time due to the high estimated cost without warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Front driver side door is not locking remotely or with manual door lock button. Door lock is open when driving. And need to be locked with finger.

I ordered a plastic underbody cover (about 12×20 inches) through Toyota Arapahoe and paid $70 for the part. I was given an appointment for installation. When I arrived, I was told that the installation would take an hour and a half, even though the work consisted of fastening nine screws, while the old cover had been factory‑attached with only five simple self‑tapping fasteners, and this work was supposed to be free. After about an hour, I found my vehicle in the general parking lot, with no notification, no status update, and no explanation from the employees. When I asked why the work had not been completed, I was told: “There is not a single screw in the station,” “The screws may arrive in a week,” “The installation will cost about $100.” I asked the manager: “You want one hundred dollars just to fasten nine screws?” At that moment, the situation escalated. A man appeared who claimed to be “the boss of the entire station.” His behavior was aggressive and unprofessional. He refused to give his name or provide a business card. Because I speak English poorly, I asked him to say his name again. I tried to say “last name,” but due to stress I mistakenly said “famaly.” Instead of offering an electronic translator, this person began acting in a disturbing and irrational manner: shouting “family, family!”, rolling his eyes, moving around the room in an agitated way, and repeating the word loudly. I was confused and repeated the word after him, not understanding what was happening. Two other employees approached and began repeating “Go, go,” pressuring me to leave. Their behavior was clearly aimed at intimidation and forcing me out of the premises. After returning home, I measured my blood pressure: 170/90, which is significantly higher than my usual level of 140/80 and is considered a pre‑heart‑attack indicator. This dangerous spike in blood pressure was a direct result of the aggressive and humiliating treatment by the employees of Toyota Arapahoe.

The contact owned a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while pulling into a vertical spot and making a right turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, the sidewalk, and continued driving down the sidewalk and crashed into a building. The brake pedal was depressed but was stuck. The vehicle failed to turn off, and the parking brake failed to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The EMS workers were unable to depress the brake pedal. The undercarriage of the dashboard ripped the skin off both shins. The contact was transported to the trauma hospital, where medical attention was provided for four weeks to close the wounds. A skin graft was performed on both legs. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The black box data was retrieved, which showed the acceleration, but no information if the brake pedal was depressed. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.