2001 Toyota RAV4 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 309 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Toyota RAV4, 3% of the 309 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles.
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.
“On 10/13/2012 we purchased this vehicle. We headed south on a busy freeway and had the driver's side window down as we proceeded up the entrance ramp gaining speed to safely move on the freeway we attempted to close the power window by pulling up on the designated switch and experienced this window as soon as it closed would instantly go back down. Repeated attempts same outcome. …”
NHTSA complaint #10484982, filed 2012-11, 111,000 miles“While driving my 2001 Toyota rav 4 ( 31000 total mileage ), with the heater motor on high, I heard aloud whirling noise. After a short time ( 5 or 10 minutes ) the heater fan stopped working and the smell of burning wiring filled the vehicle. I immediately shut the fan switch off. A wisp of smoke came out of the dash vent. Examination of the fuse box showed that the fuse for the fan had not blown. I believe that if I had not turned the fan off there would have been a vehicle fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114457, filed 2005-03, 31,000 miles“Consumer went to the garage, opened the drivers door, got in and put on seat belt, and closed the door. Consumer heard an explosive sound of shattering glass, when she looked behind her she saw a lrage gaping hole in the window of the rear door. The manager at rite-way auto glass stated it may have been that the robot at the factory put the glass in wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #564079, filed 2002-01“The brakes screetch when applied. The sound is particularly startling if the brakes are applied quickly. This sound is not the wear sensor sound (dealer checked brakes and said they are fine). This sound is different than the standard squeky brakes you hear on some cars and is very concerning. The windshield would rattle while driving (dealer put in a gasket and sound stopped).”
NHTSA complaint #752835, filed 2001-10“The windshield and rear-view mirror are not set into the window frame causing vibration at any speed and making it hard to see out the rear view mirror.”
NHTSA complaint #739749, filed 2001-01Related service bulletins
- 10131993Dec 19, 2013This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988Dec 19, 2013The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 13% |
| 2024 | 8 | 5% |
| 2023 | 14 | 9% |
| 2022 | 6 | 4% |
| 2021 | 31 | 8% |
| 2020 | 17 | 3% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 21 | 6% |
| 2017 | 12 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 7% |
| 2015 | 8 | 3% |
| 2014 | 8 | 4% |
| 2013 | 13 | 5% |
| 2012 | 59 | 23% |
| 2011 | 50 | 17% |
| 2010 | 24 | 6% |
| 2009 | 7 | 2% |
| 2008 | 18 | 3% |
| 2007 | 50 | 5% |
| 2006 | 30 | 4% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 11 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 0% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Toyota RAV4
190 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
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 29, 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