2001 Toyota RAV4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 9%of 309 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,162miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Toyota RAV4, 9% of the 309 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,162 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“My vehicle has begun experiencing harsh shifting. It will not accelerate immediately and it will jump forward at times. This is a reported problem with the 2001 rav 4. I received a letter stating there was the possibility of compensation after one has this fixed. As one a person who cannot afford to fix this out of pocket that is not a lot of help. This is a known issue and should be recalled!”
NHTSA complaint #10454270, filed 2012-04, 109,008 miles“5 months after purchase the service engine light came on. A dealer reset it and said it was the gas we used. Every year we go through the same thing when we purchase cheap (no-name brand) gas and had to be reset by a garage or dealer. Now we run a tank or two of better (name brand) gas and the light may go off. I know that this happens to other toyotas.”
NHTSA complaint #10154365, filed 2006-04, 5,000 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“I noticed vehicle was not accelerating or going into proper gear. I was alarmed when I couldn't pick up speed turning left. Engine light lit when I got home. I spoke to Toyota today about the known ecu issue with 2001-2003 rav4s. My car was serviced in 2007 when there was a recall but they will not address the issue now since the warranty expired. I am very disappointed with Toyota not addressing the ecu/ECM issue to a satisfactory manner. This is a safety issue that Toyota should show more concern over.”
NHTSA complaint #10410538, filed 2011-07, 169,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the…
- 10034284Feb 4, 2010Toyota: techstream ecu flash reprogramming procedure. Flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. Flash calibration updates for specific…
- 10021263Mar 26, 2007Reprogram the engine control module (ecm).
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 8 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 24 | 4% |
| 2007 | 41 | 4% |
| 2006 | 40 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 18 | 12% |
| 2003 | 26 | 8% |
| 2002 | 41 | 8% |
| 2001 | 28 | 9% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 6% |
| 1997 | 10 | 19% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Toyota RAV4
190 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology