2003 Toyota RAV4 Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 5%of 315 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2003 Toyota RAV4, 5% of the 315 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall I was driving on a city street on my way home late afternoon...auto started to jerk and felt like something was pulling at it...it slowed up then jerked again...it continued on...I was driving at 45 speed limit...as I was turning the shifting was sounding like it was sticking...I parked it at home and next morning I had it checked and diagnosed as solenoid problem causing transmission burnout...also Toyota revealed problems with the ECM and transmission failure”
NHTSA complaint #11119009, filed 2018-08, 79,279 miles“While driving my vehicles rpms cut out and the throttle would not respond it started to slow down and then died in the middle of the hwy in lawton oklahoma. It took me 2 and a half hours to get the vehicle home in ryan oklahoma because I had to constantly put the vehicle in neutral all while coasting and let it die then turn it off and try several times to get the vehicle to stay started and even then it would only review to 2000 rpms and die. …”
NHTSA complaint #10899682, filed 2016-08, 204,000 miles“Hi about my 2003 Toyota RAV4, its seems to stall and shutting off the engine while driving. For exaple it happen more then 5 time on me this month7/1/2011, and almost getting bump in rear end. I took it to Toyota dealer, and paying $100 for what they could find anything wrong. This model should be recall or accident will happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10417146, filed 2011-08, 212,000 miles“The transmission started shifting erratically and it wouldn't accelerate. I took it Toyota and they told me I had to replace the ECM and then if that didn't resolve the issue I would have to replace the transmission. Found out Toyota had faulty ECM's in some rav4s. Replacing the ECM & the transmission if its damaged costs $4,000.00 or more. Unfortunately I didn't buy the vehicle until after the warranty extension period had passed & this vehicle was never repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10777729, filed 2015-09, 164,000 miles“I have a 2003 Toyota RAV4! On july 21, 2015 my vehicle started harsh jerking and slow performance when coming from a stop and red light! I accelerated the pedal to the floor and the vehicle still were performing slow! I could have got hit since it wouldn't move any faster! On july 22, 2015 I drove my vehicle to loving lincoln-mercury. They perform a test and told me that the ECM needed to be replaced! The service manager told me that Toyota had a customer support program to replace the malfunction ECM! …”
NHTSA complaint #10745184, filed 2015-07, 67,088 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10132721Jul 7, 2014TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10022143Apr 26, 2007Techstream ecu flash reprogramming procedure.
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | 26% |
| 2024 | 49 | 28% |
| 2023 | 43 | 26% |
| 2022 | 37 | 25% |
| 2021 | 77 | 20% |
| 2020 | 122 | 19% |
| 2019 | 172 | 19% |
| 2018 | 71 | 21% |
| 2017 | 65 | 21% |
| 2016 | 33 | 14% |
| 2015 | 61 | 20% |
| 2014 | 45 | 23% |
| 2013 | 40 | 16% |
| 2012 | 28 | 11% |
| 2011 | 15 | 5% |
| 2010 | 38 | 10% |
| 2009 | 23 | 7% |
| 2008 | 29 | 5% |
| 2007 | 43 | 4% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 8% |
| 2004 | 9 | 6% |
| 2003 | 15 | 5% |
| 2002 | 23 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota RAV4
209 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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