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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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
100,000 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.

2002 Toyota RAV4 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2002 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #2

Jul 022010

RAV4

  • 90,000 miles

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

I recently had a failure of the control module (ECU), I was told by my mechanic that this problem came up frequently for rav 4S of years 2002 and 2003 and that Toyota was aware of this issue since 2006 ' but never recalled the cars! after searching on the internet I noticed that there were hundreds of complaints regarding exactly the same issue and even a class action lawsuit for the same matter filed in 2009. The replacement cost me $758.50 to replace (with a refurbished one) and I had to rent a car during the replacement process ' which cost me $131.32 ' therefore a total of $889.82.

- Glendale, CA, USA

problem #1

Oct 192007

RAV4

  • 110,000 miles
I have a Toyota Rav4 2002-in May 2006 I went to military training school, I got back Oct 2006 while driving my engine failed on the hwy. I took it to Toyota and they told me it was 420 miles over the warranty and it was not covered. I did all my required upkeep and maintenance and to my surprise it had oil sludge. He claims its from sitting but alot of vehicles sit and do not have problems especially military members that are deployed. I had to pay $3989 for a used engine. After researching and finding out 2001 -03 Camry and Lexus had the same problems and were recalled. I fought got and attorney and still no recall. I hope to have a civil lawsuit with Toyota because of this but it never happened. March 2007 my transmission went out while on the hwy. I was driving and notice it kept jerking. Then it would hesitate getting into gear and reverse. I took it to a Toyota dealer and they told me my transmission is going out and it would cost $4980. Ok let me break down the existing problems up until this point. The drivers door electric locking system went out it was repaired 4 times, the check engine light never goes off said its a electrical problem. The alarms comes on and will not go off even when door key or key pad is indicated. So I had to unhook. Yesterday March 31st I was done with the rav 4. I have notice that more than 35 % of owners have this problems and Toyota refuses to recall.

- Wichita, KS, USA

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