2001 TOYOTA RAV4 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

418

Owner Complaints

28 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Death

0

Recalls

NO ACTIVE RECALLS

21

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4

The 2001 TOYOTA RAV4 has received a total of 418 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 21 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (121 complaints), Power Train (63 complaints), and Electrical System (57 complaints).

Recalls for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4

There are no recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4. No Active Recalls

Owner Complaints for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4

418 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 121 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 63 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 57 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 22 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 13
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 12
Engine
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 6 Crashes 3 Injuries
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 7
Air Bags
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries 1 Death
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemsoftware
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11568806 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
My Rav4 is 23 years old and has 76K miles on it. Does it have Takata airbags? If so, I want them replaced. I plan on driving my car until I die and I don't want the airbags to take me out. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11553634 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
2001 Toyota Rav4 was sold at Auction, to a used car dealership. I purchased this car from the used car dealer on August 5, 2023. Unfortunately, the dealer tampered with the brakes. I witnessed their mechanic working on the rear brake system in person on August 4, 2023. The owner told me that because there was a noise coming from the rear, they were "fixing it". Upon buying this car and driving it to a gas station, filled it up, much to my horror, gas spilled out. The gas tank has a leak in it. Also, upon driving it home the engine warning light suddenly illuminated. I promptly brought it to a Toyota Dealership in Wooster, Ohio and requested a complete examination. I have their full report, and they have determined this car to be unsafe to drive. The brakes had been adjusted when in fact, the brakes and brake lines need to be replaced, this was the used car dealer at fault. I feel the used car dealership bought car at auction and was unaware of the gas tank leak and the bearing plates being fragile, the engine cradle could break at any given moment, causing the engine to fall out. The car was purchased at and maintained by an Akron Toyota Dealership since it was brand new in 2001. After 23 years why did this dealership allow this car to be released into the general public? Frame Damage so bad, the bearing plates that hold the engine up are beyond fragile, the cradle that holds the engine integrity is grossly compromised, and the gas tank has a hole in it. Bad brakes + leaking gas tank. One spark and = Ka Boom. I would be dead. So many things wrong in this situation. Personally, my physical and emotional health suffered. I had chronic diarrhea, headaches, and went to the Dr several times. Please let me know how this matter should be resolved. I am upset and financially compromised all from this car. Documentation available.
#11553634 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
2001 Toyota Rav4 was sold at Auction, to a used car dealership. I purchased this car from the used car dealer on August 5, 2023. Unfortunately, the dealer tampered with the brakes. I witnessed their mechanic working on the rear brake system in person on August 4, 2023. The owner told me that because there was a noise coming from the rear, they were "fixing it". Upon buying this car and driving it to a gas station, filled it up, much to my horror, gas spilled out. The gas tank has a leak in it. Also, upon driving it home the engine warning light suddenly illuminated. I promptly brought it to a Toyota Dealership in Wooster, Ohio and requested a complete examination. I have their full report, and they have determined this car to be unsafe to drive. The brakes had been adjusted when in fact, the brakes and brake lines need to be replaced, this was the used car dealer at fault. I feel the used car dealership bought car at auction and was unaware of the gas tank leak and the bearing plates being fragile, the engine cradle could break at any given moment, causing the engine to fall out. The car was purchased at and maintained by an Akron Toyota Dealership since it was brand new in 2001. After 23 years why did this dealership allow this car to be released into the general public? Frame Damage so bad, the bearing plates that hold the engine up are beyond fragile, the cradle that holds the engine integrity is grossly compromised, and the gas tank has a hole in it. Bad brakes + leaking gas tank. One spark and = Ka Boom. I would be dead. So many things wrong in this situation. Personally, my physical and emotional health suffered. I had chronic diarrhea, headaches, and went to the Dr several times. Please let me know how this matter should be resolved. I am upset and financially compromised all from this car. Documentation available.
#11553634 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
2001 Toyota Rav4 was sold at Auction, to a used car dealership. I purchased this car from the used car dealer on August 5, 2023. Unfortunately, the dealer tampered with the brakes. I witnessed their mechanic working on the rear brake system in person on August 4, 2023. The owner told me that because there was a noise coming from the rear, they were "fixing it". Upon buying this car and driving it to a gas station, filled it up, much to my horror, gas spilled out. The gas tank has a leak in it. Also, upon driving it home the engine warning light suddenly illuminated. I promptly brought it to a Toyota Dealership in Wooster, Ohio and requested a complete examination. I have their full report, and they have determined this car to be unsafe to drive. The brakes had been adjusted when in fact, the brakes and brake lines need to be replaced, this was the used car dealer at fault. I feel the used car dealership bought car at auction and was unaware of the gas tank leak and the bearing plates being fragile, the engine cradle could break at any given moment, causing the engine to fall out. The car was purchased at and maintained by an Akron Toyota Dealership since it was brand new in 2001. After 23 years why did this dealership allow this car to be released into the general public? Frame Damage so bad, the bearing plates that hold the engine up are beyond fragile, the cradle that holds the engine integrity is grossly compromised, and the gas tank has a hole in it. Bad brakes + leaking gas tank. One spark and = Ka Boom. I would be dead. So many things wrong in this situation. Personally, my physical and emotional health suffered. I had chronic diarrhea, headaches, and went to the Dr several times. Please let me know how this matter should be resolved. I am upset and financially compromised all from this car. Documentation available.
#11399628 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 125,000 miles
MY2001RAV4 WITH 125000 STARTED JUMPING INTO GEAR ALSO THE RPM REVS UP BUT VECHICLE LOSSES POWER VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND JERK INTO GEARS

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4

Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 21 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TC-10-034 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TOYOTA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIFIC MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON AND/OR HARSH SHIFT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ON CERTAIN RAV4 VEHICLES. HAD RECEIVED REPORTS THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH SHIFT CONDITION AND/OR A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT)...

SB-0156-10 REV 2 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TOYOTA: THERE MAY BE A HARSH SHIFT CONDITION OR A MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON WITH FIVE POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES STORED. 2001-2003 RAV4. *RM

5259 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION FOR ALL OF VEHICLES - INTRODUCTION. '01 RAV4. 00400-RM797-U1. *TT '04 RAV4. 00400-RM107-7U1. *TT '05 RAV4 - 00400-RM116-0U1. *TT

05030 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LSC) 5A1 - ELECTROLYTE MAY SEEP FROM THE EV BATTERY AROUND ONE OR MORE OF THE EV BATTERY NEGATIVE (-) TERMINALS, DETECTING A MALFUNCTION, ILLUMINATING THE WARNING LIGHT AND SET A DIAGNOSTIC CODE(S). *TT

00104 — SUSPENSION

COWL NOISE. *JB

00703 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON CONDITION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1349, INDICATING A VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (VVTI) MALFUNCTION. *TT *JB

NV00102 — EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A RATTLE OR BUZZ SOUND FROM THE ROOF RACK ASSEMBLY WHEN TRAVELING OVER ROUGH ROADS. *TT

NV01301 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON NOISE FROM TOP OF DASH. *TT

NV00401 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

SUBJECT REGARDING TICK NOISE AT BASE OF WINDSHIELD. *YD

NV00501 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SQUEAK AND RATTLE SERVICE TIPS. *YD

Showing 10 of 21 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2001 TOYOTA RAV4

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the TOYOTA RAV4

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Other TOYOTA Models

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