Owners have filed 682 complaints
about the 2002 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA between 2002 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 84
Against the median year of the Toyota RAV4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 78
15.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
25589.5%
Engine
134.6%
Frontal
51.8%
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
41.4%
Accelerator Pedal
20.7%
Exhaust System
20.7%
Front Underhood
20.7%
Manual Transmission
20.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
20.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
142.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
91.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
457.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
9715.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
19431.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
19832.1%
150,000+ miles
589.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2002peak 30May 2024
Recalls on the 2002 Toyota RAV4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesChula Vista, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS WERE THE ONLY ONES NOT TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN FINGER, MULTIPLE BUMPS, AND BRUISES ALL OVER THE BODY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11066988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesElkview, WVCrashFire2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN JUNE 2016 WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD VEERED INTO MY LANE AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND ME AND MY SPOUSE SUSTAINED INJURIES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US HEAD ON WERE DEPLOYED, PROTECTING THE DRIVER. HOWEVER, MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED ME AND MY SPOUSE TO HAVE SEVERAL INJURIES INVOLVING ME BEING ADMITTED TO THAT HOSPITAL.MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH AND THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US HEAD-ON WAS GOING MUCH FASTER. IF MY AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO THEN MY SPOUSE AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INJURED LIKE WE WERE. THERE HAS TO BE A REASON THAT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11030581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesElkview, WVCrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL! MARCH 28, 2017 [XXX] [XXX] TELEPHONE: [XXX] EMAIL: [XXX] MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY! DEAR SIR: I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IN JUNE 2015 WAS DRIVING MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV AND I HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD RUN A STOP SIGN AND THE DRIVER VEERED INTO MY LANE AND HIT ME. I WAS STUCK IN MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE IMPACT OF THE COLLISION HAD PUSHED THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE BACK AND THE FRONT DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN AND PEOPLE STANDING AROUND SAID THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHEN THE POLICE CAME, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL TRIED TO PRY OPEN THE FRONT DOORS AND FINALLY AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT THE FIRE I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS ON MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV FAILED TO DEPLOY AND I SUFFERED INJURIES TO MY HEAD, NECK, CHEST, STOMACH AND LEFT HAND. ALL OF THE PEOPLE FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL ALL ASKED THE SAME QUESTION: WHY DID YOUR AIRBAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY. I TOLD THEM THAT I DID NOT KNOW. MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV WAS TOTALED AND I ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL FOR SEVERAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DRIVEN BY A LADY WHO WAS TALKING ON HER CELL PHONE AND DID NOT SEE THE RED STOP LIGHT UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE AND SHE RAMMED INTO ME GOING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT MY VEHICLE, ALL OF THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE LADY DRIVING HAD NO INJURIES. I AM STILL RECEIVING CARE FOR MY INJURIES. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT LEFT THE IMPRINT OF THE TOYOTA EMBLEM ON MY CHEST (THIS IS WHERE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IS SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY FROM). I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY HEAD, NECK, AND LEFT HAND AND TO MY STOMACH AREA. PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU. [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #10969094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesElkview, WVCrashFire2 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: ME AND MY WIFE WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN JUNE, 2015. A LADY TALKING ON HER CELL PHONE LOST CONTROL OF HER SUV AND HIT MY TOYOTA RAV4 SUV HEAD-ON. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, I SUSTAINED SEVERAL INJURIES TO MY HEAD, NECK, RIGHT KNEE AND LEFT ARM AND HAND. THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD THAT THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS PUSHED BACKWARD WHICH BLOCKED THE TWO FRONT DOORS FROM OPENING. MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND SOMEONE CALLED THE POLICE, THE FIRED DEPARTMENT, AND AN AMBULANCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT IN MY VEHICLE AND HAD TO PRY THE TWO FRONT DOORS OPEN TO GET ME AND MY WIFE OUT OF MY VEHICLE. EVERYONE THAT CAME TO MY RESCUE, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE, AND THE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL ALL ASKED THE SAME QUESTION, WHY DID YOUR AIRBAGS WORK. I TOLD THEM THAT I DID NOT KNOW. EVERY ONE OF THE RESCUE PEOPLE SAID THAT I PROBABLY HAD TAKATA AIRBAGS WHICH HAD FAILED TO DEPLOY BECAUSE DUE TO THE TEMPERATURE CHANGES IN WEST VIRGINIA ARE EITHER VERY HOT OR VERY COLD. IF THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE WORKED IN MY TOYOTA RAV4 SUV. THEN MY WIFE AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INJURED. AS THE RESULT OF THE WRECK, MY TOYOTA RAV4 SUB WAS TOTALED. THE AIRBAGS IN THE OTHER SUV THAT HIT US HEAD ON DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO AND PROTECTED THE LADY DRIVING HER SUV. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOUR AGENCY TO FIND OUT WHY MY TAKATA AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM VERY CERTAIN THAT THERE A LOT OF OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 SUVS ON THE ROAD THAT HAVE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, GOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MPH AND THE LADY WHO HIT US HEAD ON WAS DRIVING MUCH FASTER. THE IMPACT WAS LIKE HITTING A STONE WALL. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10934266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesElkview, WVCrashFire2 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA RAV4 SUV IN JUNE AND I WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY A LADY TALKING ON HER CELL PHONE. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 DEPLOYED WHICH CAUSED ME TO BE INJURED. MY HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD, MY KNEE HIT SOMETHING WHICH CUT IT, MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE ONE OF THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND I HAD TWO DAMAGED RIBS AND ALSO I HAD INTERNAL INJURIES ALONG WITH DAMAGE TO MY LEFT HAND. MY WIFE AND I WERE WEARING OUR SEATBELTS AND MY WIFE ONLY INCURRED BRUISES TO HER RIGHT ARM. WE COULD NOT GET OUT OF MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE IMPACT HAD PUSHED THE FRONT OF MY TOYOTA RAV4 SUV BACK WHICH BLOCKED MY FRONT DOORS. MY VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE AND WE COULD NOT GET OUT. SOMEONE CALLED THE FIRES DEPARTMENT, AMBULANCE, AND A WRECKER. THE FIREMEN HAD TO FORCE THE FRONT DOORS OPEN TO GET US OUT. THE POLICE, THE FIREMEN, AND THE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL ASKED WHY MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I TOLD THAT I DO NOT KNOW. THEY SAID THAT I PROBABLY HAD DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND I SPENT TIME IN THE HOSPITAL AND I HAVE NOT FULLY RECOVERED YET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE NHTSA HAS INSPECTED TOYOTA RAV4 SUVS FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS THAT HAVE FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A HEAD-ON COLLISION. MY TOYOTA RAV4 SUV HAD ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS IN MINT CONDITION. I THINK THAT THE NHTSA SHOULD GO BACK AND INSPECT EARLIER MODELS OF TOYOTA RAV4 SUVS FOR DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS. MY WIFE AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE TAKATA AIRBAGS FAILING TO DEPLOY. WE WERE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND I WAS GOING 45 MILES PER HOUR. EVERYONE THAT KNOWS ABOUT MY ACCIDENT HAS SAID THAT I HAD DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS IN MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV. PLEASE FOR MY SAKE AND FOR THE SAKE OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN AND DRIVE A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV PLEASE CHECK INTO WHY MY AIRBAGS FAILED. *TR ...UPDATED 03/29/17 *BF UPDATED 9/5/18
NHTSA complaint #10917962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesElkview, WVCrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. I HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION LAST JUNE, 2015 AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED ME EXTENSIVE INJURIES AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. I HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND REMAINED A PATIENT. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IF ANY OF THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THEN I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE SEVERELY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10874455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Gloucester, MA
POWER TRAIN
My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault. It continuously has a hard time shifting gears in between 2500-3000 rpm and gives a jerky stop before continuing to speed up/accelerate despite when I have not let go of my foot from the pedal. After taking it to the auto shop, I was told this is the same problem other Toyota RAV 4 between 2001-2003 experiences and the mechanics told me that there was a lot of recall for the same code my car is giving (2 codes that the computer diagnosed were p0775 and p0161). While Toyota extended the warranty to 10years/150,000k and my car is 1-2 years past the warranty, it's only been barely 80,000mi and it should not be causing this problem. This transmission/ECM problem puts me and the passengers to risks because both the speed and RPM don't go past certain numbers which is low at most times, limiting myself as the driver to go even within the speed limits. All the more, with this happening more frequently these days than it had in the past, I am highly concerned for my safety and not feel safe to have someone in my car. I have been to 4 different mechanics and they have told me the same problem and that it's the same case as they saw from different RAV4's recall problem. This car was handled very carefully and this is the only occurring problem. With engine light being on and off, it is my concern that I need to have this car inspected, related to Toyota RAV4 recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11590615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gloucester, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault. It continuously has a hard time shifting gears in between 2500-3000 rpm and gives a jerky stop before continuing to speed up/accelerate despite when I have not let go of my foot from the pedal. After taking it to the auto shop, I was told this is the same problem other Toyota RAV 4 between 2001-2003 experiences and the mechanics told me that there was a lot of recall for the same code my car is giving (2 codes that the computer diagnosed were p0775 and p0161). While Toyota extended the warranty to 10years/150,000k and my car is 1-2 years past the warranty, it's only been barely 80,000mi and it should not be causing this problem. This transmission/ECM problem puts me and the passengers to risks because both the speed and RPM don't go past certain numbers which is low at most times, limiting myself as the driver to go even within the speed limits. All the more, with this happening more frequently these days than it had in the past, I am highly concerned for my safety and not feel safe to have someone in my car. I have been to 4 different mechanics and they have told me the same problem and that it's the same case as they saw from different RAV4's recall problem. This car was handled very carefully and this is the only occurring problem. With engine light being on and off, it is my concern that I need to have this car inspected, related to Toyota RAV4 recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11590615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gloucester, MA
ENGINE
My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault. It continuously has a hard time shifting gears in between 2500-3000 rpm and gives a jerky stop before continuing to speed up/accelerate despite when I have not let go of my foot from the pedal. After taking it to the auto shop, I was told this is the same problem other Toyota RAV 4 between 2001-2003 experiences and the mechanics told me that there was a lot of recall for the same code my car is giving (2 codes that the computer diagnosed were p0775 and p0161). While Toyota extended the warranty to 10years/150,000k and my car is 1-2 years past the warranty, it's only been barely 80,000mi and it should not be causing this problem. This transmission/ECM problem puts me and the passengers to risks because both the speed and RPM don't go past certain numbers which is low at most times, limiting myself as the driver to go even within the speed limits. All the more, with this happening more frequently these days than it had in the past, I am highly concerned for my safety and not feel safe to have someone in my car. I have been to 4 different mechanics and they have told me the same problem and that it's the same case as they saw from different RAV4's recall problem. This car was handled very carefully and this is the only occurring problem. With engine light being on and off, it is my concern that I need to have this car inspected, related to Toyota RAV4 recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11590615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesStewartstown, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11547973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
POWER TRAIN
2002 Toyota RAV4 AWD transmission problems and will be available upon request. Transmission caused vehicle to disengaged , jerks, stalls with severed engine braking while driving creating a safety performance and hazard on the roads to myself and other unexpected drivers. Upon reading similar complaints of other owners reported similar transmission problems. This was believed to be a reproduced problem and should be investigated for Safety-Related defects. The vehicle was inspected by manufacture according to previous owner. Manufacturer recently replaced transmission and updated ECM per previous owner. The vehicle appeared in working order for 3-4 months then the transmission problems occurred again as mentioned above. There was no warning lights while I experienced this transmission problem.
NHTSA complaint #11463498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesHemingway, SC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2002 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle spun 360 degrees and stopped on the opposite side of the road. No warning light illuminated. The contact called the independent mechanic who advised her to turn off the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and drove the vehicle approximately 3-feet before the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and diagnosed with rear differential failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the contact took the vehicle back to the used car dealer. The contact stated that the used car dealer stated that the mechanic did not diagnose the correct failure. The dealer's independent mechanic diagnosed the failure as a transmission transfer case failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11446602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverton, WY
POWER TRAIN
2002 TOYOTA RAV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11399415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesEdgecomb, ME
POWER TRAIN
ERRATIC SHIFTING ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. CAR MAY LOCK IN HIGH GEAR (4 SPEED AUTOMATIC) OR SEEM TO BE STUCK IN 2 GEARS AT ONCE AND REFUSE TO MOVE AT ALL. CAN BANG HARSHLY WHEN SHIFTING. LOCKED UP AT A BUSY INTERSECTION NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AT OTHER TIMES IT WORKS PERFECTLY. HAS NOT OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM JUST BEGAN A FEW DAYS AGO. BEFORE THAT THERE WAS NO HINT OF A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11348557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,010 milesWilliamsburg, VA
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE STALLS AND JERKS CONSTANTLY WHILE DRIVING; UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPLIGHT. VERY UNPREDICTABLE.THIS IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE ECM WHICH TOYOTA HAS BEEN AWARE OF BUT REFUSES TO LIST AS A RECALL.I PURCHASED THE USED CAR 1 MONTH AGO --- HAD NO IDEA IT HAD THIS SERIOUS, DANGEROUS PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER WHICH IS SAYING IT WILL COST $5K TO FIX !! CAR ONLY HAS 77K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11341007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
POWER TRAIN
2002 RAV4 ECU SHIFTING PROBLEM (DTC CODE P0755). THE CAR JITTERS WHEN SWITCHING FROM GEAR 1 TO 2 AS WELL ON REVERSE. IT ALSO JITTERS WHEN IT DRIVES ON LOW GEAR. THERE IS AN WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RAV4 2001-2003 BUT TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO RECALL IT, DESPITE BEING A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS AND BODILY INJURY. IT HAS THE HIGH LIKELIHOOD TO DESTROY THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #11244996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2002 RAV4 ECU SHIFTING PROBLEM (DTC CODE P0755). THE CAR JITTERS WHEN SWITCHING FROM GEAR 1 TO 2 AS WELL ON REVERSE. IT ALSO JITTERS WHEN IT DRIVES ON LOW GEAR. THERE IS AN WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RAV4 2001-2003 BUT TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO RECALL IT, DESPITE BEING A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS AND BODILY INJURY. IT HAS THE HIGH LIKELIHOOD TO DESTROY THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #11244996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 RAV4 ECU SHIFTING PROBLEM (DTC CODE P0755). THE CAR JITTERS WHEN SWITCHING FROM GEAR 1 TO 2 AS WELL ON REVERSE. IT ALSO JITTERS WHEN IT DRIVES ON LOW GEAR. THERE IS AN WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RAV4 2001-2003 BUT TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO RECALL IT, DESPITE BEING A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS AND BODILY INJURY. IT HAS THE HIGH LIKELIHOOD TO DESTROY THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #11244996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
STEERING
POWER STEERING STOPPED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAD TO BE MANUALLY STEERED TO LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. SHOP STATED THEY HADN'T SEEN POWER STEERING SPEWING FROM POWER STEERING FLUID WELL UPON REMOVAL OF LID WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON.
NHTSA complaint #11220357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,344 milesSalt Lake City, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PAST COUPLE WEEKS MY CAR HAD BEEN LAGHING MORE AN MORE WHEN AT COMPLETE STOP. THIS PAST WEEK IT HAS BEEN THE WORST. WHENEVER I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM.A COMPLETE STOP MY CAR WITH LAG AND JERK LIKE IT IS TRYING TO SHIFT INTO GEAR BUT CANT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST THEY SAID IT WAS MY ECM AND THAT THIS YEAR SPECIFICALLY HAS HAD PROBLEMS RECORDED FRON OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE EMC. ONE INCIDENT I HAD SPECIFICALY WAS WHEN INWAS TRYING TO GO UP A MOUNTAIN TO GET TO WORK MY RPMS WERE SPIKING AS MY RAV WAS TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS TO GET UP THE MOUNTAIN AND MY CAR STALLER OUT. I HAD NO CLUE IT DIED UNTILL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AND TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME A STRUGGLE. I HAD TO PUT ON MY E BREAK JUST TO STOP AND TRY AND TURN IT ON TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL SO I COULD GET DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. I HAVE HAD SERVERAL CASES WHEN I HAVE ALMOST BEEN RE ENDED BECAUSE OF THE JERKING HAS BEEN SO ROUGH.
NHTSA complaint #11195491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,344 milesSalt Lake City, UT
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE PAST COUPLE WEEKS MY CAR HAD BEEN LAGHING MORE AN MORE WHEN AT COMPLETE STOP. THIS PAST WEEK IT HAS BEEN THE WORST. WHENEVER I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM.A COMPLETE STOP MY CAR WITH LAG AND JERK LIKE IT IS TRYING TO SHIFT INTO GEAR BUT CANT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST THEY SAID IT WAS MY ECM AND THAT THIS YEAR SPECIFICALLY HAS HAD PROBLEMS RECORDED FRON OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE EMC. ONE INCIDENT I HAD SPECIFICALY WAS WHEN INWAS TRYING TO GO UP A MOUNTAIN TO GET TO WORK MY RPMS WERE SPIKING AS MY RAV WAS TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS TO GET UP THE MOUNTAIN AND MY CAR STALLER OUT. I HAD NO CLUE IT DIED UNTILL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AND TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME A STRUGGLE. I HAD TO PUT ON MY E BREAK JUST TO STOP AND TRY AND TURN IT ON TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL SO I COULD GET DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. I HAVE HAD SERVERAL CASES WHEN I HAVE ALMOST BEEN RE ENDED BECAUSE OF THE JERKING HAS BEEN SO ROUGH.
NHTSA complaint #11195491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,789 milesHenderson, NV
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOUD WHILE IDLING AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED ON OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,789.
NHTSA complaint #11170658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesSummerfield, FL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVENUE, RALEIGH, NC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE IN TRAFFIC, CAR WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND WAS LONGER SHIFTING GEARS.
NHTSA complaint #11153376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesSummerfield, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVENUE, RALEIGH, NC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE IN TRAFFIC, CAR WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND WAS LONGER SHIFTING GEARS.
NHTSA complaint #11153376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesPembroke Pines, FL
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER FUTURA SCRAMBLER C14L TIRES, SIZE: P215/70/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT?S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11114783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAnacortes, WA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SWITCHED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT PROCEED FORWARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11075301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesChula Vista, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS WERE THE ONLY ONES NOT TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN FINGER, MULTIPLE BUMPS, AND BRUISES ALL OVER THE BODY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11066988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesSalisbury, MD
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR MAKE NOISE,BY THE TRANSMISSION AREA AND THE 3 GEAR NOT WORKING WHEN THE CAR IS ALREADY HOT. I THINK MY CAR STILL UNDER GARANTY IS ONLY 128,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11064724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesRapid City, SD
POWER TRAIN
I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE OR LETTER FROM TOYOTA ABOUT EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO THE TRANSMISSION FOR THE RAV4 SENT TO OWNERS. I EVEN WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER IN RAPID CITY FOR CAR MAINTENANCE AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I DONATED THE CAR TO MY DAUGHTER WHO LIVES IN SEATTLE AND SHE IS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR TRANSMISSION. THE TOYOTA DEALER IN SEATTLE WANTS TO CHARGE $4500 FOR FIXING IT. WHAT DO I OR MY DAUGHTER DO? I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11056083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesElkview, WVCrashFire2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN JUNE 2016 WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD VEERED INTO MY LANE AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND ME AND MY SPOUSE SUSTAINED INJURIES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US HEAD ON WERE DEPLOYED, PROTECTING THE DRIVER. HOWEVER, MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED ME AND MY SPOUSE TO HAVE SEVERAL INJURIES INVOLVING ME BEING ADMITTED TO THAT HOSPITAL.MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH AND THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US HEAD-ON WAS GOING MUCH FASTER. IF MY AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO THEN MY SPOUSE AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INJURED LIKE WE WERE. THERE HAS TO BE A REASON THAT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11030581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,585 milesSacramento, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MPG ISN'T AS RATED. RATED 25 CITY/30 HWY. IM GETTING 18 CITY/22 HWY. IV HAD IT CHECKED AT THE TOYOTA RAV4 2002 DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I'VE REPLACED ALL O2 SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, AIR FILTER. THE CAR RUNS PERFECT BUT THE MILEAGE SUCKS!! THERE MIST BE A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. I'VE SEEN THAT THERE SEVERAL OTHER RAV4 OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. YET THERE MANY THAT GET THE RATED MPG.
NHTSA complaint #11012868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.