There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Toyota RAV4, but owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Toyota RAV4 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 209 | |
| Electrical System | 42 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 26 | |
| Engine | 21 | |
| Unknown or Other | 15 | |
| Air Bags | 11 | |
| Structure | 7 | |
| Seat Belts | 7 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 7 | |
| Tires | 3 | |
| Steering | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 106
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
- Structure › Body — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 2
- Tires › Sidewall — 2
- Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 2
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 95,225 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Toyota RAV4 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Power Train · at 103,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2023
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. The contact stated that after depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev before the transmission would jolt into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Electronic Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of…
Engine · at 84,100 miles · reported Feb 15, 2020
This car has been maintained and preserved and only 84000 miles on it. And the car wont shift. It jolts me or revs extremely high and also almost caused me an accident as it almost shut down on power while making a left turn in intersection. The check engine light comes on and off. It's only while going from 2nd to 3rd or shifting down from 2 to 1st. I had my mechanic look at it and he said it's a common issue with the ECU to take it to dealership to replace for free and they want to charge me 150 just to examine it.
Power Train · at 100,000 miles · reported Nov 29, 2019
The contact owns a 2003 toyota rav4. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle failed to shift into gear correctly. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to shift into third gear. The rpms would rev; however, the vehicle would lose forward momentum. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Power Train · at 150,000 miles · reported Nov 26, 2019
My transmission started raving up and shifting all crazy and taken to scan to show a shift selinoid b took to tranny shop who says it's computer and see several post about this happening to others. I AM a grandma and I can't even drive him around don't feel safe. It was driving during this time in the city streets
Power Train · reported Apr 11, 2019
I just bought a one owner used 2003 rava4 with only 58,000 miles on it right before christmas. I have driven it for almost 4months now and about 6 weeks ago it started shifting hard going into 2nd gear, sometimes it jumps/bounces. I looked it up and AM seeing that alot of people have had the some problem and they are saying it's the emc. Wondering if anyone was able to get any help at all out toyota. I do not know if the previous owner's where ever made aware of the situation & have no way to contact them. Think it's pretty crazy to have to pay a bunch of money when there is such low milage…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Toyota RAV4 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota RAV4?
Owners report power train problems most often (209 reports), followed by electrical system (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 95,225 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.