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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:
88,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace the seat belt (1 reports)
2003 Toyota RAV4 seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2003 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #1

May 102009

RAV4 LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

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

At first there was just snags in the seatbelt webbing. We rarely used the back since I rarely have anyone seat in the back seat. But for the last couple of years since I had a daughter we had been using the back seat to place her there. At first there was snags on the seat belt webbing. And with use the last 2 years the snags had turned into the ravel edges that we had to take the seat belt out and use the straps that came with the car seats. After taking the seat belt out we found out that the metal loop where the strap retracts through was very sharp and was what caused the seat belt to snagged, frayed and unravel.

- Ranel M., Seattle, WA, US

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