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
- 527
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
None on file
72% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 527 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
72% · 379 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
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, 2013-05-15
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, 2023-10-03
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, 2018-01-24
Electrical system
18% · 93 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment caught on fire right after consumer parked vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-25
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Vehicle speed control
7% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-30
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....
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-10
When backing up, the vehicle either accelerated or the gas pedal got stuck. Ts
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-16
Air bags
4% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
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, 2018-02-05
While traveling at 25 MPH, vehicle was involved in a head on collision and airbags did not deploy. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-07
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, 2002-06-21
Also filed under Suspension
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 →
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2002Complaint volume 527 complaints filed for this model year.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 379 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 93 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 41 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.