2001 Toyota RAV4
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 314 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 286 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 255 |
| 2014 | 194 |
| 2015 | 302 |
| 2016 | 234 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 327 |
| 2019 | 867 |
| 2020 | 624 |
| 2021 | 375 |
| 2022 | 132 |
| 2023 | 140 |
| 2024 | 161 |
| 2025 | 69 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: power train — 121 distinct reports on file.
CRASH20% of complaints: power train — 63 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE COMING TO COMPLETE STOP BY PRESSING ABS BRAKES, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A STONEWALL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010824
STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS, ACCELERATING. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120416
MY VEHICLE HAS BEGUN EXPERIENCING HARSH SHIFTING. IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY AND IT WILL JUMP FORWARD AT TIMES. THIS IS A REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 RAV 4.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120405
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MY VEHICLE HAS BEGUN EXPERIENCING HARSH SHIFTING. IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY AND IT WILL JUMP FORWARD AT TIMES. THIS IS A REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE 2001 RAV 4.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120405
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (121 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (57 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Toyota RAV4 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.