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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.

4.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,500 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 exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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2002 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #2

Jun 012010

RAV4

  • miles

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

I have taken my 2002 Rav4 to Toyota on a few occasions. Every time it has been an oxygen sensor or fuel sensor. We had these replaced and now Toyota is telling us we need to replace the entire catalytic converter ($1000). The transmission, according to them, is not fully functional.

- Swansboro, NC, USA

problem #1

Feb 142007

RAV4 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles
This is my third Toyota. I have never owned a Toyota that smokes. I park my Toyota rav 4 for a while, and crank it up it and smoke comes out of the exhaust. This problem started with only 61, 000 miles. I am totally dissatisfied with this Toyota, and disgruntled with the poor quality of manufacturing of Toyota's vehicles. Unfortunately this will possibly be my last.

- Memphis, TN, USA

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