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.

2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,500 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 body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2003 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #2

Jun 032014

RAV4

  • 97,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle made a loud noise and the came to a sudden halt. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the K-frame and the control arm was fractured due to corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the K-frame and control arm needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 97,000.

- Killington , VT, USA

problem #1

Jun 172008

RAV4

  • miles
I have a 2003 Toyota rav 4. for several years now there has been a squeaking/crunching noise in the dashboard that no one has been able to get rid of. My mechanic has put packing behind my radio and in the vicinity and for the first day the noise is gone but it always returns. It is horrible in the winter in the midwest when everything is cold and stiff but gets a little more tolerable when its hot and humid.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

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