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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,432 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.
I was driving my Rav4 down my road when I suddenly lost control of the accelerator with my foot on the brake not touching the gas pedal at all my vehicle continued speeding up. I had my emergency brake locked which slowed me down but couldn't stop me. I placed the vehicle in neutral and the car came to a stop but the rpms went up to 9000rpm's immediately so I turned the car off in hopes something would reset. When I turned the car back on the problem continued until I was able to stop in my driveway. Both my kids were in the car and I nearly crashed into an intersection which is why I am reporting this. I have always liked and maintained my car otherwise.
Found fuel leaks on my 2002 Toyota truck Rav4. My car was towed in to Toyota dealer. They fixed it and stated "secure the fitting" on the invoice. They charged me $ $62.50. I always sent to my car to the dealers for maintenance. II do not perform any mechanical maintenance on my car.
November 17, 2006 - after being parked in my driveway for approximately 30 minutes the engine caught on fire. The Rav4 engine compartment and entire interior was demolished, tires exploded, glass exploded over at least a 20 foot radius. Two engine trucks and 10 responders later the fire was out. 63,000 miles, no prior problems, 50K maintenance completed by dealer Jan 2006. VIN has zeros and letter O which are indistinguishable. Try both.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Gilmanton, NH, USA