MYRModel Year Report

2002 Toyota RAV4

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2002 Toyota RAV4
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota RAV4 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 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 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
2002: 527 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 72%

72% of complaints: power train — 379 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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 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

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT AFTER CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020425

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

Also filed under ENGINE

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

WHEN BACKING UP, THE VEHICLE EITHER ACCELERATED OR THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021016

AIR BAGS 4%

4% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180205

WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH, VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20030107

WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH TIRES SOMEHOW GOT CAUGHT BETWEEN PAVEMENT/GROVE ON SIDE OF ROAD. TRUCK THEN PULLED TO RIGHT, AND OWNER TRIED TO MAINTAIN STABILITY. TRUCK WENT OFF THE ROAD, ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020621

Also filed under SUSPENSION

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2002 — complaint volume: 527

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (379 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (93 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (41 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 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, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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