2002 Toyota RAV4
This year had more than double the complaints 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
48% of complaints: power train — 255 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231003
22% of complaints: power train — 118 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY WIFE DRIVE A 2002 RAV4 TO WORK. ON APRIL 15 2013 WHILE ON HER WAY TO WORK LIKE ALWAYS SHE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT .
NHTSA ODI report, 20130515
THE CAR MAKE NOISE,BY THE TRANSMISSION AREA AND THE 3 GEAR NOT WORKING WHEN THE CAR IS ALREADY HOT. I THINK MY CAR STILL UNDER GARANTY IS ONLY 128,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180124
I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE OR LETTER FROM TOYOTA ABOUT EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO THE TRANSMISSION FOR THE RAV4 SENT TO OWNERS. I EVEN WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER IN RAPID CITY FOR CAR MAINTENANCE AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171222
17% of complaints: electrical system — 88 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN I WENT ON MERGER RAMP ON HIGHWAY .THE CAR NOT ACCELERATE ENOUGH OR TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY. THE CAR BEHIND ME HIT MY CAR. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20140430
VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WITHOUT PRESSING ACCELERATER. VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO COLLISIONS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB....*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030110
My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240524
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (255 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (118 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (88 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota RAV4 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.