RAV4 (XA20)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
2AZ-FE
2.4L 4-cyl / 149 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Toyota RAV4 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1AZ-FE
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
2AR-FE
2.5L 4-cyl / 176 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1BM
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2GR-FE
3.5L 6-cyl / 269 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Toyota RAV4 regardless of engine variant.
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.
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Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 problems?
The 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 has accumulated 1,458 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Toyota RAV4 engine is most reliable?
The 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 a good used car?
The 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,458 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 have?
The 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 has 1,458 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota RAV4?
Before buying a used Toyota RAV4, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 1,458 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.