2003 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
- 315
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
66% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 315 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
66% · 209 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
I backed up in reverse and then put 2003 rav 4 into drive expecting to go forward when motor began to race and car flew backward over 12-foot high embankment into woods while engine continued racing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-11
Also filed under Structure
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and at various speeds, the transmission slipped out of the intended gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-02
Long story short, bought the car "As is" From a Toyota dealership in October 2017, did not know of the transmission/ECM problem until November 2017 (Yes that fast). Got a diagnostic test, the code said the transmission needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-16
Electrical system
13% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
As my husband and I drove we smelled a strange odor we thought it was the air outside. My husband noticed there was smoke rising from the hood. He drove to the shoulder and got out of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-08
Vehicle speed control
9% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
Engine
7% · 21 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 209 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 29 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota RAV4 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota RAV4?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 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.