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 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 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 303 |
| 2016 | 237 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 330 |
| 2019 | 875 |
| 2020 | 630 |
| 2021 | 382 |
| 2022 | 141 |
| 2023 | 150 |
| 2024 | 170 |
| 2025 | 81 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
67% of complaints: power train — 209 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20121211
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, 20231002
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, 20180116
13% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
FIREShow 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, 20041008
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
CRASH7% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (209 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (29 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.