Which model of the 2020 RAV4 experienced engine oil emulsification?

2 Answers
AdelynFitz
07/29/25 4:32am
2020 RAV4 model that experienced engine oil emulsification is the Toyota RAV4, which is the basic model in Toyota's compact multi-purpose off-road vehicle family. The vehicle dimensions are 4630mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1685mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. Engine oil emulsification occurs when coolant mixes with the engine oil, mainly due to the following reasons: 1. Coolant leakage into the oil from the heat exchanger (cracked water chamber); 2. Water from the combustion chamber entering the oil, water from the cylinder head entering the oil (poor sealing or cracked water chamber), or improper sealing of the cylinder water jacket (wet cylinder liner), cylinder liner cavitation.
Was this review help?
12
3
Share
SanAustin
08/12/25 8:14am
I remember seeing a lot of online discussions last year about the oil emulsification issue with the 2020 Toyota RAV4, especially the hybrid version RAV4 Hybrid. Emulsification refers to the engine oil turning into a milky paste-like substance, primarily affecting owners in cold regions who frequently drive short distances. This was due to a design flaw in the oil cooler of the 2.5L engine, allowing condensation or coolant to mix in. If not addressed promptly, the insufficient oil film protection could lead to engine wear or even major repairs. Personally, I recommend RAV4 owners regularly check the oil dipstick, especially after winter. Hybrid version owners should be extra cautious, as Toyota has issued recall notices for certain batches of vehicles. Getting a timely inspection at an authorized service center can prevent major troubles.
Was this review help?
19
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What are the reasons for the engine malfunction indicator light staying on during normal driving?

There are mainly 7 reasons for the engine malfunction indicator light to illuminate: Sensor malfunction: The sensors mentioned here include coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake air temperature, oxygen sensors, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or signal interruption, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will then cause the engine malfunction indicator light to illuminate. Fuel quality issues: If fuel and engine oil are not added according to the manufacturer's requirements, it may cause engine wear, leading to the malfunction indicator light illuminating. Poor mixture combustion: Poor mixture combustion can cause engine carbon deposits or knocking. After being detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the malfunction indicator light will illuminate as a warning. Spark plug failure, ignition coil failure, fuel pump failure, fuel line blockage, etc., can all cause poor engine mixture combustion. Turbocharging issues: The intake turbocharging pipeline and turbocharger can also cause the engine malfunction indicator light to illuminate. The most common issue is turbocharger damage, accompanied by symptoms such as oil leakage, high oil consumption, reduced power, metal noises, blue or black smoke from the exhaust pipe. Intake issues: If there is a problem with the car's intake, it may cause engine pipeline blockage, and in severe cases, the engine malfunction indicator light will illuminate. If the air filter is not clean and not regularly cleaned, it can lead to intake problems. Exhaust issues: Exhaust faults can also cause the engine malfunction indicator light to illuminate. The rear oxygen sensor, three-way catalytic converter, exhaust camshaft, and bearing failures are all causes of exhaust problems, with the three-way catalytic converter being the most common. Using leaded gasoline, lead or silicon-containing lubricant additives, impact damage to the three-way catalytic converter, and engine fuel supply system failures can easily cause three-way catalytic converter faults. Anti-theft system malfunction: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions, or if the anti-theft controller does not match the engine electronic controller, the anti-theft system can also cause the engine to not work properly, and the engine malfunction indicator light will illuminate. If the engine malfunction indicator light is on, you can follow these steps to handle it: First, check whether the engine is operating normally, whether there is shaking, black smoke, etc. If there is, try not to start it again. Especially note, do not start the engine if the red light is on. If the engine can start, after turning it off for 5-10 minutes, do not press the brake, directly press the start button, or without pressing the clutch, turn the car key halfway to the 'on' position. The car will perform a self-check function after powering on. Wait for 5-10 seconds and observe whether the malfunction indicator light on the dashboard goes off. If the malfunction indicator light does not go off, please go to a service station as soon as possible to find out the reason. The service station can read the fault code through a portable diagnostic tool to obtain fault information and perform targeted repairs.
11
1
Share

What to Do When There's a Nail in the Tire?

Tire with a nail solution: 1. If the tire is not leaking, drive slowly to a repair shop without removing the nail; 2. If the tire is leaking, pull over and call for roadside assistance. Do not remove the nail immediately as it may cause the tire to deflate rapidly. Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the suspension system, they help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring a comfortable ride and smooth handling. They also provide good traction between the wheels and the road, improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability.
5
5
Share

What is the recommended winter tire pressure for SUVs?

The recommended winter tire pressure for SUVs is between 2.3bar and 2.7bar, while the standard tire pressure for SUVs ranges from 2.2bar to 2.5bar. In winter, due to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, the tire pressure should be slightly higher than in summer. Therefore, it is advisable to increase the tire pressure by 0.1bar to 0.2bar based on the SUV's standard tire pressure. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a device that alerts the driver when there are abnormalities such as air leakage, excessively high or low tire pressure, or high temperature. It works by automatically alerting and displaying the tire status to ensure driving safety.
15
5
Share

What Causes Engine Idle Shaking When Cold?

The causes of engine idle shaking when cold include: 1. Engine mechanical faults, such as uneven cylinder pressure among cylinders; 2. Intake system faults, such as intake pipe leaks; 3. Engine management system faults, such as incorrect coolant temperature or intake air temperature signals; 4. Ignition system faults, such as excessive spark plug carbon buildup or damaged ignition coils; 5. Fuel supply system faults, such as excessive internal carbon deposits in fuel injectors causing poor sealing or clogging. In daily life, if you encounter cold engine idle shaking, it is recommended to visit a 4S shop as soon as possible for inspection and problem resolution.
12
1
Share

What Causes Loud Engine Acceleration Noise?

Engine acceleration noise can be caused by: 1. Overheating engine coolant; 2. Issues with the exhaust system; 3. Excessive oil viscosity causing engine operation problems; 4. Loose belts increasing noise in the engine compartment; 5. High vehicle idle speed. Solutions for loud engine acceleration noise: 1. Perform engine maintenance; 2. Regularly schedule car maintenance and oil changes; 3. Visit a professional repair shop for throttle body cleaning. Engine types include: 1. Piston engines; 2. Ramjet engines; 3. Rocket engines; 4. Turbine engines.
4
0
Share

What is the national emission standard for Automotive IV?

Automotive IV refers to China's National Phase IV Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard, abbreviated as "National IV Emission Standard" or simply "Guo IV Standard". The main pollutants emitted by vehicles include hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, these standards aim to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits. Compared to the National Phase III standard, the National IV standard requires approximately a 50% reduction in pollutant emissions for light-duty vehicles, a 30% reduction for heavy-duty vehicles, and an over 80% reduction in particulate matter emissions.
15
0
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.