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Body and structurePart report

2001 Toyota RAV4 Body and structure Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
2%of 309 total for the year
Median mileage
88,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 Toyota RAV4, 2% of the 309 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“I believe that the clearance between brake pedal and accelerator on the Toyota rav 4 2001 and perhaps other years is inadequate. A while back my foot became trapped between the two pedals and I was unable to apply the brake. A small accident occurred. I suspect that the problem is aggravated by the height difference of the two pedals..”

NHTSA complaint #10305568, filed 2010-02, 50,000 miles

“Consumer started vehicle up and airbags deployed. Vehicle had been sitting all night. Door automatically locked once vehicle had started up. Consumer was pinned to seat and couldn't get out for a few seconds. Dealer inspected airbags and couldn't find a problem. An airbag specialist looked at vehicle to determine fault.”

NHTSA complaint #888691, filed 2001-05

“Premature wearing of brake pads, making vehicle hard to stop. The vehicle makes noise. At first the dealer turned pads, second the dealer installed updated front brake pads, then replaced both rear drums but the problem remains unsolved. While driving with the A/C fan on there was a vibration in dash area. The roof rack screw was loose and fell out. The center seat belt was missing trim piece. The rear door rattles while closing.”

NHTSA complaint #8008654, filed 2002-04

“Vibration/rattle at all speeds from windshield area of vehicle. Appears to be from plastic cowling around windshield and wipers. May be due to improper mounting of either windshield or cowling. May interfer with wiper action.”

NHTSA complaint #744383, filed 2001-04

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202589%
2024169%
2023106%
20221913%
2021215%
20206210%
20199010%
2018144%
2017196%
2016156%
20153110%
2014189%
20132811%
2012156%
2011166%
2010133%
2009175%
2008193%
2007242%
2006233%
200543%
200443%
200362%
200251%
200172%
200027%
1999610%
199834%
1997611%
199612%

Other parts of the 2001 Toyota RAV4

Transmission and drivetrain
190 complaints
Electrical system
60 complaints
Engine cooling
28 complaints
Brakes
24 complaints
Vehicle speed control
22 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Engine
9 complaints
Electronic stability control
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Fuel 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 28, 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