2003 Toyota RAV4 problems
Owners have filed 392 complaints about the 2003 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 53.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 10.7%.
Complaints392
Crashes24
Fires4
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 53.3% · 209
Electrical system 10.7% · 42
Vehicle speed control 7.4% · 29
Engine and engine cooling 6.6% · 26
Engine 5.4% · 21
Unknown or other 3.8% · 15
Air bags 2.8% · 11
Electronic stability control (ESC) 1.8% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 24 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Toyota RAV4 in this data, 2003 sits 15th by complaint volume. 2007 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 10 in the last three years against 39 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 95,362 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota rav 4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, transmission failed. The failure recurred several times and without warning. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic twice, who diagnosed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,597. Power train · reported at 67,597 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota rav 4. While traveling 10 mph, the contact attempted to accelerate yet the vehicle would not respond. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact had the transmission and engine control module was replaced, however the failure persisted. There were no prior warnings of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000 and the current mileage was 146,000. Power train · reported at 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota RAV4. The vehicle began to hesitate and then rapidly accelerate after the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where he was informed that the ecu and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 83,000. Updated 11/05/10. *Lj updated 02/03/11*lj updated 02/04/11 Power train · reported at 83,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…