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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.

3.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,173 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.

2003 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #1

Jul 062006

RAV4 0-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,173 miles

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

We have a Toyota Rav4 electric vehicle. Car rolled away from charging station while plugged in - person in car shifted into 'neutral' by mistake. Ripped out charging paddle down to the electrical wires - potential electrical hazard. Could be avoided by a simple relay that will prevent people from shifting out of 'park' when car is plugged in. Happens to many Toyota electric vehicles - I don't know how many complaints have been filed. Picture (jpeg) available if needed please do pass on this complaint to Toyota.

- Davis, CA, USA

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