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.
2.9
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,000 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 was sold at Auction, to a used car dealership. I purchased this car from the used car dealer on August 5, 2023. Unfortunately, the dealer tampered with the brakes. I witnessed their mechanic working on the rear brake system in person on August 4, 2023. The owner told me that because there was a noise coming from the rear, they were "fixing it". Upon buying this car and driving it to a gas station, filled it up, much to my horror, gas spilled out. The gas tank has a leak in it. Also, upon driving it home the engine warning light suddenly illuminated. I promptly brought it to a Toyota Dealership in Wooster, Ohio and requested a complete examination. I have their full report, and they have determined this car to be unsafe to drive. The brakes had been adjusted when in fact, the brakes and brake lines need to be replaced, this was the used car dealer at fault. I feel the used car dealership bought car at auction and was unaware of the gas tank leak and the bearing plates being fragile, the engine cradle could break at any given moment, causing the engine to fall out. The car was purchased at and maintained by an Akron Toyota Dealership since it was brand new in 2001. After 23 years why did this dealership allow this car to be released into the general public? Frame Damage so bad, the bearing plates that hold the engine up are beyond fragile, the cradle that holds the engine integrity is grossly compromised, and the gas tank has a hole in it. Bad brakes + leaking gas tank. One spark and = Ka Boom. I would be dead. So many things wrong in this situation. Personally, my physical and emotional health suffered. I had chronic diarrhea, headaches, and went to the Dr several times. Please let me know how this matter should be resolved. I am upset and financially compromised all from this car. Documentation available.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that he heard noises coming from the tires when driving through curves. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front end of the vehicle, near the engine and wheels, started to rust. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 6/4/12 the consumer stated the engine cradle rusted, which caused the steering to fail
- Shelton, CT, USA
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- West Salem, OH, USA