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
- 309
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
None on file
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 309 complaints
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 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 331 |
| 2019 | 879 |
| 2020 | 635 |
| 2021 | 387 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2023 | 157 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 88 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
62% · 191 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Electrical system
19% · 60 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and software.
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
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, 2012-04-05
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Service brakes
8% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2001 rav 4 rear ended a car in front of me, and it was due to a major unintended acceleration of the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-22
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and structure
2001 Toyota Rav4 was sold at Auction, to a used car dealership. I purchased this car from the used car dealer on August 5, 2023. Unfortunately, the dealer tampered with the brakes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-05
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and suspension
Vehicle speed control
7% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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, 2001-08-24
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Started having problems shifting gears, accelerating.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-16
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 191 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 28 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.