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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
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
1,100 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
2003 Toyota RAV4 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2003 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #1

Sep 242003

(reported on)

RAV4 LX

  • 1,100 miles

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

I HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED TWO TIMES BY THE DEALER. THEY CLAIM ITS NORMAL. MY CONCERN IS WHEN THE ROADS BECOME SLIPPERY THAT THE DOWN SHIFTING WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SLIDE. ALSO THIS PROBLEM IS MOST ABLE TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS GOING DOWN A LONG HILL AND WHEN THE CAR IS IN OVERDRIVE. JUST HOW APPLYING BRAKES CAN CAUSE THIS IS A MYSTERY. I HAVE DROVE A ANOTHER RAV 4 AND IT DID NOT DOWN SHIFT. TOYOTA ANSWERE, DA.

- Arthur J., Waymart, PA, US

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