RAV4 (XA20)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1AZ-FE
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota RAV4 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2AZ-FE
2.4L 4-cyl / 149 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
2AR-FE
2.5L 4-cyl / 176 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1BM
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2GR-FE
3.5L 6-cyl / 269 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota RAV4, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4
On a used 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (806), the electrical system (241) and the engine (189). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 806 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 241 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 189 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 153 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 117 owner complaints on the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Recalls (5)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 complaints?
Owners have filed 1,447 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,447 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA has 1,447 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota RAV4?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the RAV4?
The 2003 Toyota RAV4 received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,447 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.