MYRModel Year Report

2001 Toyota RAV4

● Typical for this model
2001 Toyota RAV4
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota RAV4 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaints 1996: 47 complaints 1997: 54 complaints 1998: 77 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 2000: 30 complaints 2001: 309 complaints 2001 2002: 527 complaints 2002 2003: 314 complaints 2004: 154 complaints 2005: 141 complaints 2006: 704 complaints 2006 2007: 1003 complaints 2008: 575 complaints 2009: 327 complaints 2010: 400 complaints 2010 2011: 287 complaints 2012: 260 complaints 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 197 complaints 2014 2015: 303 complaints 2016: 237 complaints 2017: 305 complaints 2018: 330 complaints 2018 2019: 875 complaints 2020: 630 complaints 2021: 382 complaints 2022: 141 complaints 2022 2023: 150 complaints 2024: 170 complaints 2025: 81 complaints 2025
2001: 309 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19944
19951
199647
199754
199877
199962
200030
2001309
2002527
2003314
2004154
2005141
2006704
20071003
2008575
2009327
2010400
2011287
2012260
2013257
2014197
2015303
2016237
2017305
2018330
2019875
2020630
2021382
2022141
2023150
2024170
202581

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 62%

62% of complaints: power train — 191 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 60 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and software.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 28 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20120405

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20190222

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, 20231105

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and SUSPENSION

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20010824

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS, ACCELERATING. *JS

NHTSA ODI report, 20120416

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 (191 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (60 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (28 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2000 ▲ 1996 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ■ 2019 ■ 2006

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.