CarComplaints.com Notes: If you're looking for a vehicle with one of the most complained about transmission on the road, look no further than the 2001-2003 Toyota RAV4.
In 2001 Toyota completely redesigned the popular SUV. While some enjoyed the new look, they did not enjoy the harsh shifting, jumping from gear-to-gear and eventual transmission failure that cost owners well over $3,000 to fix. The problem stems from a malfunctioning Electronic Control Module (ECM).
Consumer outrage coupled with pressure from different agencies led Toyota to extend the warranty nationwide back in 2010. The previous power train warranty only covered 5 years/60,000 miles, while the extended warranty now covers the transmission and ECM for 10 years/150,000 miles. Toyota also pledged to reimburse any owners who had previously paid for repairs, if they had "proper proof". Good luck collecting on that one.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Squealing, howling brakes. Since I bought the vehicle "new" in Nov, 2000, and it is the 2001 Rav4 L model, I have gone back 3-4 times, and nothing they do helps the problem. They tell me the car is safe and that squealing is normal. This is not a normal squeal, or screech, its more like "howling".
Rear brake drums made a noise. When applying brakes, they grab and pull, making vehicle jerk. Also, front brakes would grind, and stopping distance increase when brakes are applied. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated there was a technical service bulletin on vehicle, but consumer can't get adequate information.
Front brakes squeal when coming to a stop on a constant basis, windshield rattles at low temps less than 60 degress, rear suspension creaks when accelerating after stop
- Berkeley, CA, USA
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- Windsor, CA, USA