Print this page

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
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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.

2001 Toyota RAV4 windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Toyota RAV4:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #7

Oct 152001

RAV4

  • miles

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

Consumer went to the garage, opened the drivers door, got in and put on seat belt, and closed the door. Consumer heard an explosive sound of shattering glass, when she looked behind her she saw a large gaping hole in the window of the rear door. The manager at rite-way auto glass stated it may have been that the robot at the factory put the glass in wrong.

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #6

Oct 152001

RAV4

  • miles
Consumer went to the garage, opened the drivers door, got in and put on seat belt, and closed the door. Consumer heard an explosive sound of shattering glass, when she looked behind her she saw a lrage gaping hole in the window of the rear door. The manager at rite-way auto glass stated it may have been that the robot at the factory put the glass in wrong.

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #5

Feb 092001

RAV4 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer complains of rattle noise in the windshield, vehicle was brought to dealer for repairs, but dealer could not duplicate problem.

- Shelbyville, KY, USA

problem #4

Oct 152001

RAV4

  • miles

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

Consumer went to the garage, opened the drivers door, got in and put on seat belt, and closed the door. Consumer heard an explosive sound of shattering glass, when she looked behind her she saw a lrage gaping hole in the window of the rear door. The manager at rite-way auto glass stated it may have been that the robot at the factory put the glass in wrong.

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #3

Feb 092001

RAV4 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer complains of rattle noise in the windshield, vehicle was brought to dealer for repairs, but dealer could not duplicate problem.

- Shelbyville, KY, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #2

Oct 022001

(reported on)

RAV4

  • miles
The brakes screetch when applied. The sound is particularly startling if the brakes are applied quickly. This sound is not the "wear sensor" sound (dealer checked brakes and said they are fine). This sound is different than the standard squeky brakes you hear on some cars and is very concerning. The windshield would rattle while driving (dealer put in a gasket and sound stopped).

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #1

Nov 202000

RAV4 4WD

  • miles
The windshield and rear-view mirror are not set into the window frame causing vibration at any speed and making it hard to see out the rear view mirror.

- Tobyhanna, PA, USA

Not what you are looking for?