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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,000 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2003 Toyota RAV4 Owner Comments

problem #2

Apr 032009

RAV4

  • 40,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle began to drift uncontrollably toward the right. As an attempt to gain control of the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and turned the steering column. As a result, he crashed into a traffic dividing wall. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the tie rod failed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an authorized repair shop and the technician concluded that the tie rod fractured and caused the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 40,000.

- Alexandria, , VA, USA

problem #1

Apr 032009

RAV4

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle began to drift uncontrollably toward the right. As an attempt to gain control of the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and turned the steering column. As a result, he crashed into a traffic dividing wall. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the tie rod failed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an authorized repair shop and the technician concluded that the tie rod fractured and caused the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 40,000.

- Alexnadria, VA, USA

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