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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.

2002 Toyota RAV4 accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2002 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #1

Oct 312009

RAV4

  • miles

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

I have a Toyota Rav4 2002. I am now experiencing a nightmare. A few weeks ago, my car started shifting gears, shaking, and the engine light went on. I brought it to hyannis Toyota. The csr told me it was a defective computer. The car was under warranty and they would replace it. Approx. 3 weeks later, my car started with the same problem. Shaking, moving into a different gear and the engine light went on. I brought it back to hyannis Toyota and was told, "this is not the same problem." You need a new coil. It will cost you $250. Also, I had to rent a car. Of course at my own expense. Now, I do not know how to deal with this company. If the computer was defective, and was replaced. Why am I still experiencing the same problems?

- Centerville, MA, USA

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