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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.

2001 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

steering problem

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2001 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #1

Feb 092001

RAV4 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had my vehicle to the dealership on these dates for the sa me repair Feb.9.2001, March 12, March 26, april19 and Sept 14 and instead of fixing it the noise is worse. It is so bad that I take nerve pills to drive this vehicle. I have taken my family doctor for a ride in the vehicle and he had worte in my file that he has heard itand it very anoying if I should take so many nerve pills that I should have a wreck I would hope that Toyota is ready for a law suit my attorney has also heard this. I filled out the lemon law forms and was denied at the arbitration as it was a wendy day and the arbitrator even said that his hearing was not good from working in factories. So he said that he could not hear this. I have also had a body shop ride in this car and they have also heard the noise. I sure hope that you can do something about this as I have 2 grandchildren and my 3 year old was with me the other day and said mimi what is that noise ? you need a new car. That is pretty bad when a 3 year old says something like that. 4.

- Shelbyville, KY, USA

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