2002 Toyota Rav4 problems
The Toyota RAV4 (Japanese: トヨタ・RAV4, Hepburn: Toyota Ravufō) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers.
It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.
For the third-generation model, Toyota offered both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the RAV4. Short-wheelbase versions were sold in Japan and Europe; long-wheelbase versions in Australia and North America. Toyota of Japan also sold the longer-wheelbase version as the Toyota Vanguard (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴァンガード, Hepburn: Toyota Vangādo) at Toyopet Store dealership chain from 2005 through 2016. RAV4 for the Japanese market were sold at two different Toyota dealership chains, Corolla Store and Netz.
In 2019, the RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of any type in the world, and the fourth best-selling passenger car overall. North America is the largest market, with 535,000 units sold in 2019, followed by Europe (133,000) and China (127,000). By February 2020, a total of 10 million RAV4s had been sold globally.
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Common 2002 Toyota Rav4 problems
The Toyota RAV4 2002 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another common problem with the 2002 RAV4 is engine control module (ECM) failure, which is the culprit behind the transmission problems. This untrustworthy ECM can cause the transmission to behave erratically, leading to a frustrating driving experience.
Additionally, some 2002 RAV4 owners have reported issues with the electric system, including the brake system not working correctly, and even cases where the vehicle would accelerate when the brakes were hit, leaving drivers to brace for impact.
Furthermore, RAV4s from this year with factory white paint could experience bubbling and peeling, leading to cosmetic issues that can be costly to repair.
Lastly, the 2002 RAV4 engines are more likely to fail before owners get the chance to sell them, as these cars are two decades old and have seen tens to hundreds of thousands of miles.
In summary, the 2002 Toyota RAV4 has several common problems, including transmission issues, engine control module failure, electric system problems, and cosmetic issues with factory white paint. These problems can be costly to repair and may require extensive mechanical work or even replacement of major components. Therefore, prospective buyers should be aware of these issues and consider their options carefully before purchasing a 2002 RAV4.
How many miles does a 2002 Toyota RAV4 last?
Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.
Is 2002 Toyota RAV4 a good car?
Extremely Reliable Around Town and On the Road
Very comfortable for long road trips. Economical at up to 27mpg highway. Great for hauling an amazing variety of things you might never think would fit inside or on top. Rear seats are removable to create a generous cargo area.
What is the common problem of Toyota RAV4?
The RAV4's issues include excessive oil consumption, steering wheel problems, lagging transmissions, fuel system problems, and electrical complications, among other troubles. Here, you'll see which RAV4 model years frequently experience what issues and what might cause them.
What year Toyota RAV4 has transmission problems?
2001 to 2003. When Toyota released the second generation RAV4, it addressed concerns in the older model. It was bigger and came with a lot more punch than the pre-2000 RAV4, with a 148-horsepower VVT-i engine. However, around 2001, a new problem crept into the blossoming C-SUV: transmission failures.
Is 2002 Toyota RAV4 a good car?
Extremely Reliable Around Town and On the Road
Very comfortable for long road trips. Economical at up to 27mpg highway. Great for hauling an amazing variety of things you might never think would fit inside or on top. Rear seats are removable to create a generous cargo area.
What is the common problem of Toyota RAV4?
The RAV4's issues include excessive oil consumption, steering wheel problems, lagging transmissions, fuel system problems, and electrical complications, among other troubles. Here, you'll see which RAV4 model years frequently experience what issues and what might cause them.
Is Toyota RAV4 2002 fuel efficient?
Toyota RAV4 2002 Fuel consumption
The Toyota RAV4 currently offers fuel consumption from 8.2 to 8.3L/100km.
How many miles does a 2002 Toyota RAV4 last?
Experts tend to agree that you can put upwards of 200,000 to 250,000 miles on a Toyota RAV4 if it has been properly cared for.
2002 Toyota Rav4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Rav4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Toyota Rav4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Toyota Rav4
The NHTSA has received 555 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Toyota Rav4. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-09
- VIN: JTEHH20V826
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault. It continuously has a hard time shifting gears in between 2500-3000 rpm and gives a jerky stop before continuing to speed up/accelerate despite when I have not let go of my foot from the pedal. After taking it to the auto shop, I was told this is the same problem other Toyota RAV 4 between 2001-2003 experiences and the mechanics told me that there was a lot of recall for the same code my car is giving (2 codes that the computer diagnosed were p0775 and p0161). While Toyota extended the warranty to 10years/150,000k and my car is 1-2 years past the warranty, it's only been barely 80,000mi and it should not be causing this problem. This transmission/ECM problem puts me and the passengers to risks because both the speed and RPM don't go past certain numbers which is low at most times, limiting myself as the driver to go even within the speed limits. All the more, with this happening more frequently these days than it had in the past, I am highly concerned for my safety and not feel safe to have someone in my car. I have been to 4 different mechanics and they have told me the same problem and that it's the same case as they saw from different RAV4's recall problem. This car was handled very carefully and this is the only occurring problem. With engine light being on and off, it is my concern that I need to have this car inspected, related to Toyota RAV4 recalls.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- VIN: JTEHH20V726
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-01
- VIN: JTEHH20V426
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 Toyota RAV4 AWD transmission problems and will be available upon request. Transmission caused vehicle to disengaged , jerks, stalls with severed engine braking while driving creating a safety performance and hazard on the roads to myself and other unexpected drivers. Upon reading similar complaints of other owners reported similar transmission problems. This was believed to be a reproduced problem and should be investigated for Safety-Related defects. The vehicle was inspected by manufacture according to previous owner. Manufacturer recently replaced transmission and updated ECM per previous owner. The vehicle appeared in working order for 3-4 months then the transmission problems occurred again as mentioned above. There was no warning lights while I experienced this transmission problem.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-07
- VIN: JTEHH20V026
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owned a 2002 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle spun 360 degrees and stopped on the opposite side of the road. No warning light illuminated. The contact called the independent mechanic who advised her to turn off the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and drove the vehicle approximately 3-feet before the rear wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and diagnosed with rear differential failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the contact took the vehicle back to the used car dealer. The contact stated that the used car dealer stated that the mechanic did not diagnose the correct failure. The dealer's independent mechanic diagnosed the failure as a transmission transfer case failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-03
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2002 TOYOTA RAV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *LD *JS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-08
- VIN: JTEHH20V726
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ERRATIC SHIFTING ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. CAR MAY LOCK IN HIGH GEAR (4 SPEED AUTOMATIC) OR SEEM TO BE STUCK IN 2 GEARS AT ONCE AND REFUSE TO MOVE AT ALL. CAN BANG HARSHLY WHEN SHIFTING. LOCKED UP AT A BUSY INTERSECTION NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AT OTHER TIMES IT WORKS PERFECTLY. HAS NOT OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM JUST BEGAN A FEW DAYS AGO. BEFORE THAT THERE WAS NO HINT OF A PROBLEM.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-22
- VIN: JTEGH20V620
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS AND JERKS CONSTANTLY WHILE DRIVING; UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPLIGHT. VERY UNPREDICTABLE.THIS IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE ECM WHICH TOYOTA HAS BEEN AWARE OF BUT REFUSES TO LIST AS A RECALL.I PURCHASED THE USED CAR 1 MONTH AGO --- HAD NO IDEA IT HAD THIS SERIOUS, DANGEROUS PROBLEM. TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER WHICH IS SAYING IT WILL COST $5K TO FIX !! CAR ONLY HAS 77K MILES.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-12
- VIN: JTEGH20V720
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 2002 RAV4 ECU SHIFTING PROBLEM (DTC CODE P0755). THE CAR JITTERS WHEN SWITCHING FROM GEAR 1 TO 2 AS WELL ON REVERSE. IT ALSO JITTERS WHEN IT DRIVES ON LOW GEAR. THERE IS AN WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RAV4 2001-2003 BUT TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO RECALL IT, DESPITE BEING A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS AND BODILY INJURY. IT HAS THE HIGH LIKELIHOOD TO DESTROY THE TRANSMISSION.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-12
- VIN: JTEGH20V620
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING STOPPED WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE HAD TO BE MANUALLY STEERED TO LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. SHOP STATED THEY HADN'T SEEN POWER STEERING SPEWING FROM POWER STEERING FLUID WELL UPON REMOVAL OF LID WHILE VEHICLE WAS ON.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-24
- VIN: JTEGH20V620
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE PAST COUPLE WEEKS MY CAR HAD BEEN LAGHING MORE AN MORE WHEN AT COMPLETE STOP. THIS PAST WEEK IT HAS BEEN THE WORST. WHENEVER I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM.A COMPLETE STOP MY CAR WITH LAG AND JERK LIKE IT IS TRYING TO SHIFT INTO GEAR BUT CANT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST THEY SAID IT WAS MY ECM AND THAT THIS YEAR SPECIFICALLY HAS HAD PROBLEMS RECORDED FRON OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE EMC. ONE INCIDENT I HAD SPECIFICALY WAS WHEN INWAS TRYING TO GO UP A MOUNTAIN TO GET TO WORK MY RPMS WERE SPIKING AS MY RAV WAS TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS TO GET UP THE MOUNTAIN AND MY CAR STALLER OUT. I HAD NO CLUE IT DIED UNTILL I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AND TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME A STRUGGLE. I HAD TO PUT ON MY E BREAK JUST TO STOP AND TRY AND TURN IT ON TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL SO I COULD GET DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. I HAVE HAD SERVERAL CASES WHEN I HAVE ALMOST BEEN RE ENDED BECAUSE OF THE JERKING HAS BEEN SO ROUGH.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
- VIN: JTEGH20V220
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOUD WHILE IDLING AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED ON OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,789.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
- VIN: JTEGH20V720
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA (9101 GLENWOOD AVENUE, RALEIGH, NC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE IN TRAFFIC, CAR WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND WAS LONGER SHIFTING GEARS.*JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-28
- VIN: JTEGH20V220
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER FUTURA SCRAMBLER C14L TIRES, SIZE: P215/70/R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT?S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-26
- VIN: JTEHH20V926
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT SWITCHED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT PROCEED FORWARD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTEGH20V420
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS WERE THE ONLY ONES NOT TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN FINGER, MULTIPLE BUMPS, AND BRUISES ALL OVER THE BODY. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-15
- VIN: JTEHH20VX26
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR MAKE NOISE,BY THE TRANSMISSION AREA AND THE 3 GEAR NOT WORKING WHEN THE CAR IS ALREADY HOT. I THINK MY CAR STILL UNDER GARANTY IS ONLY 128,000 MILES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-14
- VIN: JTEHH20V126
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE OR LETTER FROM TOYOTA ABOUT EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO THE TRANSMISSION FOR THE RAV4 SENT TO OWNERS. I EVEN WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER IN RAPID CITY FOR CAR MAINTENANCE AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I DONATED THE CAR TO MY DAUGHTER WHO LIVES IN SEATTLE AND SHE IS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR TRANSMISSION. THE TOYOTA DEALER IN SEATTLE WANTS TO CHARGE $4500 FOR FIXING IT. WHAT DO I OR MY DAUGHTER DO? I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-18
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTEHH20V720
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN JUNE 2016 WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD VEERED INTO MY LANE AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND ME AND MY SPOUSE SUSTAINED INJURIES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US HEAD ON WERE DEPLOYED, PROTECTING THE DRIVER. HOWEVER, MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED ME AND MY SPOUSE TO HAVE SEVERAL INJURIES INVOLVING ME BEING ADMITTED TO THAT HOSPITAL.MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH AND THE VEHICLE THAT HIT US HEAD-ON WAS GOING MUCH FASTER. IF MY AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED LIKE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO THEN MY SPOUSE AND I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INJURED LIKE WE WERE. THERE HAS TO BE A REASON THAT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-01
- VIN: JTEGH20V320
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MPG ISN'T AS RATED. RATED 25 CITY/30 HWY. IM GETTING 18 CITY/22 HWY. IV HAD IT CHECKED AT THE TOYOTA RAV4 2002 DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I'VE REPLACED ALL O2 SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, AIR FILTER. THE CAR RUNS PERFECT BUT THE MILEAGE SUCKS!! THERE MIST BE A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. I'VE SEEN THAT THERE SEVERAL OTHER RAV4 OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. YET THERE MANY THAT GET THE RATED MPG.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-03
- VIN: JTEHH20VX20
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: FAULTY ECU COMPUTERS CAUSEING VARIATIONS IN SPEED AND PROBLEMS WITH HARD SHIFTING, DAMAGEING TRANSMISSONS, CAUSEING VEHICLES TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IN MOTION VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY. MY VEHICLE STOPPED IN AN INTERSECTION AND I WAS NEARLY HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR WHILE TURNING LEFT. I FELT I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY ON COMMING TRAFFIC WITH NO ABILITY TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. TOYOTA DEALER AND MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A WELL KNOW DEFECT AND PROBLEM KNOW TO TOYOTA WITH RAV 4 2001-2003. ALSO, 02 SESSORS GO BAD EARLY LEADING TO HAZARDOUS EMISSIONS TO PUBLIC AND THIS BURNS OUT CATALITIC CONVERTERS WHICH CAN ALSO CAUSE HARMFUL EMISSIONS. RAV 4 2001 TO 2003 HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS HAVING FAULTY ECU'S, AUTO TRANSMISSIONS AND 02 SENSOR DEFICITS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM ACCIDENTS RELATED TO POOR SHIFTING, UNSAFE SPEED CONTROL AND HARMFUL EMISSIONS TO THE PUBLIC. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING BECAUSE THEY OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARNETY BUT THAT EXPIRED AFTER 10 YEARS AND THEY NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF ANY PROBLEMS TO LOOK OUT FOR WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I FEEL THESE VEHICLES MAY BE A DANGER TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO BUILT IN ENGINEERING DEFECTS THAT AFFECT SPEED CONTROL AND EMISSIONS. THEY ALSO LEAD TO VERY COSTLY REPAIRS FOR THE CUSTOMERS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTEHH20V720
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL! MARCH 28, 2017 [XXX] [XXX] TELEPHONE: [XXX] EMAIL: [XXX] MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY! DEAR SIR: I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IN JUNE 2015 WAS DRIVING MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV AND I HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD RUN A STOP SIGN AND THE DRIVER VEERED INTO MY LANE AND HIT ME. I WAS STUCK IN MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THE IMPACT OF THE COLLISION HAD PUSHED THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE BACK AND THE FRONT DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN AND PEOPLE STANDING AROUND SAID THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHEN THE POLICE CAME, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL TRIED TO PRY OPEN THE FRONT DOORS AND FINALLY AFTER THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT THE FIRE I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS ON MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV FAILED TO DEPLOY AND I SUFFERED INJURIES TO MY HEAD, NECK, CHEST, STOMACH AND LEFT HAND. ALL OF THE PEOPLE FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THE AMBULANCE PERSONNEL ALL ASKED THE SAME QUESTION: WHY DID YOUR AIRBAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY. I TOLD THEM THAT I DID NOT KNOW. MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV WAS TOTALED AND I ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL FOR SEVERAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DRIVEN BY A LADY WHO WAS TALKING ON HER CELL PHONE AND DID NOT SEE THE RED STOP LIGHT UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE AND SHE RAMMED INTO ME GOING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT MY VEHICLE, ALL OF THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE LADY DRIVING HAD NO INJURIES. I AM STILL RECEIVING CARE FOR MY INJURIES. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT LEFT THE IMPRINT OF THE TOYOTA EMBLEM ON MY CHEST (THIS IS WHERE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IS SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY FROM). I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY HEAD, NECK, AND LEFT HAND AND TO MY STOMACH AREA. PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU. [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-26
- VIN: JTEHH20V220
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR AND LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED; HOWEVER THE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT ENDED IN 2012. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,612. UPDATED 04/25/17 LJ *CN
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-01
- VIN: JTEGH20V320
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TSB = TC002-06. KNOWN ECM ISSUES CAUSED TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INCORRECTLY AND RUINED TRANSMISSION. ECM HAS TO BE REPLACE AND TRANSMISSION REBUILT. SEARCHING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY GENERATION RAV4. IF A FAULTY PRODUCT CAUSES SO MANY PEOPLE TO RISK DRIVING SAFELY AND BE OUT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL PLACED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AFFECTED. HTTPS://MBEACH1B.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM/2010/10/TC002-061.PDF HTTP://WWW.TOYOTAPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/RAV4-TRANSMISSION/
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-26
- VIN: JTEGH20V420
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON, BUT AFTER CHECKING, NO ISSUES ARE TOUND
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-08
- VIN: JTEHH20V226
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY RAV4 DOWN MY ROAD WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE ACCELERATOR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL AT ALL MY VEHICLE CONTINUED SPEEDING UP. I HAD MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED WHICH SLOWED ME DOWN BUT COULDN'T STOP ME. I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP BUT THE RPMS WENT UP TO 9000RPM'S IMMEDIATELY SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF IN HOPES SOMETHING WOULD RESET. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON THE PROBLEM CONTINUED UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY. BOTH MY KIDS WERE IN THE CAR AND I NEARLY CRASHED INTO AN INTERSECTION WHICH IS WHY I AM REPORTING THIS. I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED AND MAINTAINED MY CAR OTHERWISE. *TR
Negative 2002 Toyota Rav4 car reviews
Positive 2002 Toyota Rav4 car reviews
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When I was searching for a car back in 2006, I consulted the consumer report and found that this car had the best rating of all, not just among small SUVs. I ended up buying it used and over the years (up to 2010), I have found that the reports were indeed true. The Rav4 is incredibly spacious, with the ability to easily remove the back seats for even more cargo room. The spare tire also adds a sporty touch to the car's appearance, and unlike other vehicles, it doesn't take up any valuable space inside the car. This means that the height of the base of the trunk is at or below your needs, making it much more convenient. I encourage you to compare this car with others and see for yourself how much more spacious it is.
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Your ECM will cause issues with your transmission. I had to purchase a new transmission and was informed that my ECM was reprogrammed, but the problem persisted. It is quite alarming when your car slows down and drags while crossing an intersection, causing you to be jolted around inside. This experience has left me with a negative impression of Toyota, and I am now exploring other car options. It is frustrating because the car was flawless until this issue arose.
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I absolutely adore my 2002 Rav4, even though it has 233kmiles. A few years back, I had an issue with the tranny ECM, but Toyota replaced it for free since my car had less than 100k miles and was less than 10 years old at that time. I recently replaced the struts and got a spring strut assembly for about $300 in total. It only took about an hour to swap out on the lift. I plan to keep my Rav for another 2-4 years and I have no doubt that it will easily surpass 270kmiles. I wish Toyota made washing machines because I would definitely buy them - they're indestructible! At 200k miles, I had to put on a new exhaust, but considering how much I've gotten out of the original one, it was well worth it. Unfortunately, my radio died and I need to put in a replacement, but the car still runs and drives great!!
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The car is excellent, however, the power could be improved. It's not as powerful as it could be.
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It's great to hear that you already own a 1998 Rav 4 with 168000 miles and it has not required a single trip to the repair shop. It's wonderful that you purchased the 2002 Rav 4 as a second vehicle and would recommend the Rav4 to anyone interested in purchasing a small, economical and fun to drive vehicle. I hope Toyota continues to make this model for many more years to come. It's impressive that you drove your 1998 Rav4 through 11 inches of snow on unplowed roads last January and passed many larger vehicles that were stuck.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Toyota Rav4 problems:
Watch This Before Buying a Toyota Rav4 2nd Gen 2001-2005 ...
Dec 24, 2020 ... 2002-2006 2nd Gen Honda CRV Issues: • Watch ... Common Toyota Rav4 Problems. The Car Doctor ... Top 5 Problems Toyota RAV4 SUV 3rd Generation 2006- ...
2002 Toyota RAV4 Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Toyota RAV4? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Toyota RAV4.
Common Toyota Rav4 Problems - YouTube
Mar 7, 2018 ... In this video I discuss common problems associated with the second generation of Toyota Rav4 vehicles. These vehicles span year models ...
2nd Generation (2001-2005) RAV4 Problems
Jan 27, 2017 ... RAV4 ECM Transmission Failure ... There are a ton of vehicles out there eligible for the title of 'worst transmission on the road' and the 2001- ...
2002 Toyota RAV4 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Transmission Minor · Climate System · Engine Minor · Noises And Leaks · Fuel System/Emissions · Transmission Major.
Other years of Toyota Rav4
Are you having problems with your 2002 Toyota Rav4?
Elmo Tromp 2025-01-25
I recently had an issue with my car's transmission, which was quite frustrating. However, I was able to find out that it is a common problem with 2001-05 Rav4s and is caused by a bad ECM (Engine Control Module). After contacting the dealership, I was initially quoted a high price for the repair, but later found out that I am covered by a 'Federal Emissions Warranty' mandated by the government. Although the warranty only covers the ECM and not the transmission, I am grateful for the coverage. It's unfortunate that this happened to my Toyota with only 72,000 miles, but I'm glad that the issue is being resolved.
Guiseppe Cole 2025-01-06
I see that you purchased this car in 2002 and it has 56,000 miles on it today. The leather seats are ergonomic and provide great back support. Additionally, the seats are removable and the car has great handling. While there have been some issues with the interior rattling and the 2.0 engine being a bit wimpy, there have been no major engine problems. The dealership (not Toyota) recalled and reprogrammed the ECM (computer) for the transmission, but as of today, there have been no problems. I understand that there are some scary forums on RAV Transmission computer problems, but I want to assure you that the car is running smoothly. The thermostat needed replacement, and there have been some concerns with side crash tests. Additionally, there has been some rear suspension noise and corrosion of the AWD system, which makes alignment a bit of a nightmare. Overall, I appreciate your honest feedback, and I hope that you continue to enjoy your car. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
Skye Rath 2024-09-18
I had a car for 4 years (until 2019) that was simple to repair and maintain. It got good gas mileage in town and had decent acceleration. Although, I had to get rid of it after the computer problem reared its head AGAIN. Two years after purchasing the car, I experienced problems with it braking when I was not pressing the brakes, and accelerating when I was either coasting or PRESSING THE BRAKES. After having it looked at, it turns out that multiple SUVs had computer problems that needed replacing. Unfortunately, my mechanic could not find a compatible new part, so I had to purchase a $500 computer from the same year and hope it did not display the same issue. Fast forward 2 years and it happened again. Only this time it was so sudden that the car almost hit someone and my brakes refused to work. That is when I decided to get rid of it. If you get a specific vehicle that does not have this issue, it is a great car, but be warned that it could pop up. Lastly, it had 180,000 miles on it and was not good in snow.
Ahmad Schamberger 2024-08-04
The car handles great in snow and rain, but unfortunately, I have had some issues with it. It seems to be underpowered and I had to replace the catalytic converter at 62,000K ($2200). Shortly after, the transmission started slipping at 74,000K and required a new ECU ($2800). Although my average mileage is 20.8, it's not the most fuel-efficient car out there. Unfortunately, the transmission is starting to act up again at 100K, so I have decided to sell it before it becomes a bigger issue. While I have had some problems with this Toyota, I appreciate the good times we had together and will consider other options in the future.
Wyman Murphy 2024-07-11
Hello! We're sorry to hear that you and your wife are experiencing issues with your Toyota Rav. We understand how frustrating it can be to have unexpected maintenance problems with your vehicle. We would like to help you resolve this issue as soon as possible. Please let us know how we can assist you further. Thank you for choosing Toyota!