2001 Toyota RAV4 Problems
- Complaints
- 309filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 101,500miles, 236 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Toyota RAV4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2001 RAV4 most often report automatic-transmission symptoms — slipping, jerking, harsh or delayed shifts between second and third gear, and in some cases sudden loss of power. Many complaints link these symptoms to the electronic control module (ECM), and several describe dealers recommending ECM replacement, transmission replacement, or both. The rest of the sample is thinner and scattered: electrical faults, cooling and heater-blower problems, brake rotor noise or breakage, and a few airbag and seat-belt items.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission slipping and jerking
- 219 complaints (71%)
- median 104,500 mi at 9.3 yrs old (193 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 47 quotes)
- filed 2001–2021
Complaints describe the automatic transmission slipping under acceleration, jerking or lurching when pulling away from a stop, refusing to go into gear, and occasionally revving without the car moving. Many owners say the symptoms worsen once the car is warm or after a cold start, and some report the car dropping out of gear on the highway. Dealers are described as recommending a new transmission, a new ECM, or first one and then the other, often at significant cost. Most complaints fall between roughly 70,000 and 150,000 miles, with some reported much earlier and a few past 180,000 miles.
What to check: On a test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and from around 30 mph and watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh 2nd-to-3rd shifts. Ask whether the ECM has been replaced or reprogrammed and whether the transmission has ever been serviced or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In our 2001 Toyota RAV4 we recently began experiencing difficulty transitioning between gears. The car jerks and takes a moment to shift. We took it into the dealership and were told that the computer and transmission needed to be replace. Upon researching this I have found hundreds on cases of the same thing happening to 2001-2003 RAV4 owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10302881, filed 2010-01, 114,000 miles“October 11, 2012. On or about october 8 2012 I began having hesitation and jumping into gear as I am driving my 2001 RAV4. This happens mainly when accelerating from a stop sign/light. I am aware there has been a recall on many 2001 RAV4 vehicles. I bought my RAV4 from carmax in north attleboro mass on april 19 2012. So, I have not even had my vehicle for 5 months yet. …”
NHTSA complaint #10479841, filed 2012-10, 114,800 miles - Electrical system
ECM faults behind harsh or erratic shifting
- 133 complaints (43%)
- median 103,092 mi at 9.3 yrs old (122 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 35 quotes)
- filed 2006–2019
A large share of complaints tie the shifting symptoms to the engine control module: owners report check-engine lights, trouble codes such as P0750 and P0770, and shops or dealers diagnosing a faulty ECM. Some say reprogramming or replacing the ECM improved the car for a while, while others say the harsh shifting returned and a transmission replacement was then recommended. Several mention a warranty extension notice from the manufacturer covering this part. Reported typically between about 60,000 and 130,000 miles, with a number of owners seeing symptoms soon after purchase.
What to check: Ask whether the ECM was ever replaced or reflashed under the extended-warranty program, and have a shop scan for stored transmission codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Recently the check engine dashboard light on our 2001 Toyota RAV4 came on. I took the vehicle to an auto parts store that offered a free diagnostic check; it indicated troubleshooting code p0770; the technician explained that the transmission tries to simultaneously shift into 2nd and 3rd gears due to faulty signals from the ECM (electronic control module) that regulates the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10628220, filed 2014-08, 175,691 miles“My spouse has a Toyota RAV4, 2001 and it experienced major stalling problems while driving, almost like the transmission was going out. We took it to the Toyota service team in berkeley, ca three times for a potential fix. First it was the engine control monitor (ECM at $1,040), then it was the transmission fluid at $266, then it was a bend pipe/tube leading to the transmission. The bottom line is we're still experiencing the same problem one month later.”
NHTSA complaint #10327933, filed 2010-04, 90,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine oil gelling and check-engine light
- 38 complaints (12%)
- median 102,160 mi at 8.9 yrs old (36 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,650 (median of 14 quotes)
- filed 2004–2017
Some owners report the check-engine light coming on and, in one case, a repair described as oil gel in the engine; others describe an oxygen sensor fault that they were told could damage the catalytic converter. Dealers are described as diagnosing sensors or engine sludge and quoting repairs. Reported from roughly 60,000 to 135,000 miles, on vehicles described as regularly maintained.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition and ask for oil-change records; have any stored check-engine codes read before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought a brand new 2001 Toyota RAV4 from cox Toyota in burlington, nc in november of 2000. The vehicle had 28 miles on it when I bought it. In may of 2001 I had my 15,000 mile service done at cox Toyota and everything was fine. In july of 2001, the check engine light came on and that day,7/16/01, I went to cox Toyota to have it checked out. They told me it was just the o2 sensors and I didn't need to worry about it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086322, filed 2004-08, 15,000 miles“On the 2001 Toyota rav 4 the check engine light came on. I had it checked and the fuel-oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. If the sensor was not replaced, I was told it would damage the catalytic convertor. Unfortunately, it was out of warranty when the problem occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10190789, filed 2007-05, 61,000 miles
Buying note. The transmission and ECM reports dominate this model year, so a pre-purchase scan for transmission codes and a careful test drive in stop-and-go and highway conditions are worthwhile. Because many of these cars are now well past 100,000 miles, service records showing transmission and ECM work, plus a brake and cooling-system inspection, give a clearer picture than mileage alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 309 consumer complaints for the 2001 Toyota RAV4. 236 of the complaints include a mileage, and 8% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 101,500 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 12 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 96 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain190 61%
- Electrical system60 19%
- Engine cooling28 9.1%
- Brakes24 7.8%
- Vehicle speed control22 7.1%
- Air bags13 4.2%
- Other or unknown12 3.9%
- Engine9 2.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (7), Steering (6), Fuel system (5), Seat belts (5), Suspension (4), Equipment (3), Tires (3), Exterior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “We were almost hit at a street light. Upon accelerating our car the engine died due the transmission or malfunction of the electric control module. We were lucky if the person behind had not slammed on brakes we would have been hit. Also the car has problems with shifting while drive on freeway. We always now stay in the slow lane because we fear to pass,”
NHTSA complaint #10810171, filed 2015-12, 120,000 milesElectrical system: “My wife was driving car and it started doing strange changes with the transmission, such as slipping between gear changes and jerking movements. At one point, she told me getting on freway on ramp was a hazard, because of irratic behavior of transmission!!”
NHTSA complaint #10970991, filed 2017-04, 135,000 milesEngine cooling: “My 2001 RAV4 Toyota jerks forward after a complete stop. Had it checked at Toyota dealership, they didn't see what was the problem but they told me it may be the transmission or the engine control. If I decide to do the job, they cannot guarantee that will fix the problems but it will cost about $6,000. Took it a local mechanics they could not help me as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10308533, filed 2010-02, 69,840 milesBrakes: “My 2001 rav 4 rear ended a car in front of me, and it was due to a major unintended acceleration of the engine. I am an experienced driver with no prior accidents and my foot was not on the wrong pedal when I was slowing down - applying my brake pedal when I was approaching a bumper to bumper congested intersection (around 5pm). …”
NHTSA complaint #11182047, filed 2019-02, 111,219 milesMileage when problems were reported
8% of the 236 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 81,000 and 125,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Toyota RAV4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Toyota RAV4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); for electric versions it is the cost of electricity and the rating is in MPGe.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| RAV4 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| RAV4 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| RAV4 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| RAV4 EV 2WD | Electric | 81 | 64 | 72 MPGe | $1,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Toyota RAV4 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 96 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
Other model years of the Toyota RAV4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 91 | 5,500 | 3 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 176 | 13,600 | 3 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 163 | 57,079 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 34 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 149 | 26,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 11 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 389 | 16,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 638 | 2,800 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 884 | 3,000 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 333 | 12,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 307 | 22,910 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 240 | 20,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 305 | 35,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 26 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 197 | 48,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 257 | 20,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 260 | 25,000 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 52 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 287 | 45,468 | 11 | 3 | 24 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 400 | 34,162 | 14 | — | 24 | 75 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 327 | 26,000 | 15 | — | 24 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 575 | 65,631 | 14 | — | 24 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,004 | 63,000 | 14 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 705 | 55,000 | 11 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 141 | 79,650 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 154 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 315 | 95,112 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 527 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 309 | 101,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 30 | 102,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 62 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 77 | 113,250 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 54 | 111,500 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 47 | 84,500 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Toyota RAV4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota RAV4?
Owners of the 2001 RAV4 most often report automatic-transmission symptoms — slipping, jerking, harsh or delayed shifts between second and third gear, and in some cases sudden loss of power. The issues reported most often: Automatic transmission slipping and jerking; ECM faults behind harsh or erratic shifting; Engine oil gelling and check-engine light.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA recorded 309 consumer complaints for the 2001 Toyota RAV4 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Toyota RAV4 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 190 complaints (61% of the total), followed by electrical system with 60.
Has the 2001 Toyota RAV4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Toyota RAV4 (RAV4 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Toyota RAV4 reported?
Among the 236 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 101,500 miles and the middle half falls between 81,000 and 125,000 miles; 8% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.