2003 TOYOTA RAV4

0 recalls — 392 complaints — 110 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

392 total complaints 24 crashes 4 fires 11 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	106
POWER TRAIN	100
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	39
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	27
ENGINE	21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	8
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	6

Incident date: Jun 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and at various speeds, the transmission slipped out of the intended gear. The contact stated that after depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev before the transmission would jolt into gear. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2023

The vehicle is very delayed shifting and will slow down without pushing the breaks

Incident date: Jan 2, 2023

The vehicle is very delayed shifting and will slow down without pushing the breaks

Incident date: Jan 2, 2023

The vehicle is very delayed shifting and will slow down without pushing the breaks

Incident date: Jun 10, 2020

I DRIVE AND THE SLEEP WHILE I'M DRIVING AND THE CAN NOT CHANGE CORRECTLY THE GEAR. *TR

Incident date: Feb 14, 2020

THIS CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND PRESERVED AND ONLY 84000 MILES ON IT. AND THE CAR WONT SHIFT. IT JOLTS ME OR REVS EXTREMELY HIGH AND ALSO ALMOST CAUSED ME AN ACCIDENT AS IT ALMOST SHUT DOWN ON POWER WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN INTERSECTION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. IT'S ONLY WHILE G... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. THE RPMS WOULD REV; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE FORWARD MOMENTUM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2019

MY TRANSMISSION STARTED RAVING UP AND SHIFTING ALL CRAZY AND TAKEN TO SCAN TO SHOW A SHIFT SELINOID B TOOK TO TRANNY SHOP WHO SAYS IT'S COMPUTER AND SEE SEVERAL POST ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. I AM A GRANDMA AND I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE HIM AROUND DON'T FEEL SAFE. IT WAS DRIVING DURING THIS TIME IN ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2019

I JUST BOUGHT A ONE OWNER USED 2003 RAVA4 WITH ONLY 58,000 MILES ON IT RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR ALMOST 4MONTHS NOW AND ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SHIFTING HARD GOING INTO 2ND GEAR, SOMETIMES IT JUMPS/BOUNCES. I LOOKED IT UP AND AM SEEING THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SOME ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2019

ECM FAILED. ORIGINAL OWNER, VEHICLE HAS 50,991 MI. ON IT . 16 YEARS OLD. TOYOTA AWARE OF PROBLEM-- EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 10 YRS./150000. MI. CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER. SERVICE, STATED THAT I'M OUT OF LUCK. ORIGINAL PART CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE EXTENDED BECAUSE OF EXTREMELY LOW MI... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2018

MY WIFE HAD AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY OCT /16/2018 A CHEVY VAN SEVERELY CRASH INTO THE REAR OF MY 2003 RAV4 ,AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED .SHOULDN'T THE AIRBAGS HAVE DEPLOYED?WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 20, 2013

TAKATA RECALL TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN PUT IN GEAR AND WHEN ACCERATING

Incident date: Jul 19, 2018

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 PAR... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2018

Incident date: Jan 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACT... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2018

MY RAV4 HAS BEEN SHIFTING HARD MAKING ME FEEL UNSAFE AS WELL AS PUTTING ME IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON HIGHWAYS AND FREEWAYS AND IN TOWN. NOW HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR PAST 3WKS NOW LEAVING ME STRANDED WHILE THEY REPLACED THE ECM AND AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION WITH REFURBISHED ONE AND THEY HAVE BEEN D... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2017

TAKATA RECALL

Incident date: Jan 16, 2018

LONG STORY SHORT, BOUGHT THE CAR "AS IS" FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN OCTOBER 2017, DID NOT KNOW OF THE TRANSMISSION/ECM PROBLEM UNTIL NOVEMBER 2017 (YES THAT FAST). GOT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THE CODE SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WE ARE NOW IN JANUARY 2018, I GOT THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2017

MARCH THE VEHICLE STARTED JERKING AND WAS NO PULLING OUT CORRECTLY AT STOP SIGN AND RED LIGHTS. THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T DOWN SHIFT SO YOU WERE TRYING TO PULL OUT IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE PULLING A HOUSE. I WAS PULLING OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD HARDLY GO... IT CAUSED... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2017

Incident date: Sep 1, 2012

MY RAVE4 STARTING HAVING PROBLEM WITH SHIFTING ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO BUT WE PARK IT BECAUSE MY MOM PASSED AWAY AND I RECEIVED HER CAR, BUT I WANT TO GET IT FIX AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT AGAIN WITH ONLY SHIFT PROBLEMS IN FIRST GEAR!

Incident date: Feb 17, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT SHOULDER STRAP STARTED TO SHRED AND PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Incident date: Oct 31, 2016

WHAT I HAVE A 2003 RAV4 THAT DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY AS A SLOW ACCELERATION AND BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND IT'LL SLIP AND REV HIGH ON THE RPM THEN TALK INTO GEAR AND SAME BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD AND 3RD TO DRIVE

Incident date: Sep 17, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE HARD SHIFTED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Incident date: Sep 14, 2016

2003 RAV 4 85,401 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO MISS SHIFT, ENGINE WOULD SPEED UP AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF POWER. FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE ENGINE WOULD REV AND NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. TOYOTA TECH ADVISES THAT THE VEHICLE REQUIRES NEW COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION , A $6,000 EXPENSE. MIND YOU THAT... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE RESPONDED VERY SLOWLY TO APPROXIMATELY 15 ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2016

Incident date: Jun 15, 2016

HARSH SHIFTING, JUMPING FROM GEAR-TO-GEAR, SLUGGISH ACCELERATION AND TRANSMISSION/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. CALLED TOYOTA REGARDING THE EXTENDED WARRENTY. THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DESPITE NOT PROVIDING NOTICE TO THE CORRECT ADDRESS.

Incident date: Jun 15, 2016

Incident date: Sep 5, 2016

WE WERE ON A FAMILY VACATION ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND, WHEN WE MERGED ON THE FREEWAY AND MY TOYOTA RAV 4 WOULD NOT SHIFT OVER. WE ALMOST WERE HIT BY ONCOMING CARS FROM THE FREEWAY. I SWERVED TO AVOID A CRASH AND CRASHED INTO THE DITCH. I CHECKED ON LINE TO GET TOYOTA PHONE NUMBER WHEN I NOTICED THER... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 26, 2016

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 COASTIN... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE ECM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE M... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2016

Incident date: Aug 24, 2016

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 AND ATTEMPTED TO MERGE INTO ANOTHER LANE WHEN I EXPERIENCED A VERY HARD SHIFT FROM THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITH A REVING ENGINE NOISE AND AVOIDED BEING REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. I PURCHASED MY RAV4 BRAND NEW IN 2003 TO ACCOMODATE MY DISABILITY NEE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2016

Incident date: Aug 21, 2016

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SMELLED BAD ODOR. MY FIRST COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH NHTSA IN 2012, AND I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MAPLEWOOD TOYOA, MN 55109, IN 2012 AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT. IT IS SERIOUS ISSUE OF SAFETY WITH THE ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Incident date: Aug 21, 2016

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. AND SMELLED BAD ODOR. MY FIRST COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH NHTSA IN 2012, AND I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MAPLEWOOD TOYOTA, MN 55109, IN 2012 AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT. IT IS SERIOUS ISSUE OF SAFETY WITH THE ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Incident date: Jul 22, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A HARSH SHIFT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REDUCE IN SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AU... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 24, 2016

THE TRANSMISSION ACTED UP. IT WOULD WORK WELL, THEN IT WAS LIKE IF IT WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR.

Incident date: Jun 18, 2016

MY 2003 RAV 4 STARTING SHIFTING GEARS ERRATICALLY, STARTING IN 3RD INTEAD OF 1ST GEAR, VERY SLUGGISH TO GET MOVING AFTER STOPPING. TOYOTA ISSUED A WARNING REGARDING A FAULTY ECM IN THIS MODEL AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS/150000MILES. UNFORTUANTETLY MY CAR IS 13 YEARS OLD AND 95,000 MILES ... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2016

ECM FAILED CAUSING HARSH SHIFT TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN LOWER GEARS

Incident date: May 16, 2016

HAD THIS CAR FOR ONLY 10 MONTHS (MY DAUGHTER WORKED 2 JOBS TO BUY IT) AND IT STARTED CLUNKING WHEN IT WAS PUT INTO REVERSE AND THEN NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS THE COMPUTER, AND IT WOULD BE MINIMUM OF $1000 TO FIX IT. IT HAS 170,000 MILES WHICH FOR A TOYOTA IS NOT A LO... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAI... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2016

Incident date: Apr 2, 2016

TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR

Incident date: Feb 5, 2016

MY TOYOTA 2003 RAV 4 BEGAN HAVING TRANSMIISION SHIFTING PROBLEMS. AT TIMES WHEN IN MOTION THIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT CONTINUE DRIVING FOR A FEW SECONDS. IT ALSO HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND PUT US IN A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE RESEARCHED AND DIAGNOSED THE SITUATION... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2015

SINCE LAST SUMMER OF 2015, MY DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT HAS BEEN FRAYING. THE FRAY IS OVER A FOOT LONG AND A 1/2" INCH OF SEATBELT IS FRAYED. I WILL ATTEMPT TO SEND PICS ALONG WITH THIS FORM. IT IS A HABIT WITH ME TO ALWAYS WEAR MY SEATBELT, AND OF ALL THE OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE OWN THIS IS THE FIRST... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2015

I WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS WHEN THE CAR VIOLENTLY JERKED AND SPEEDED UP. I WAS IN FEAR OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND FEARED FOR MY SAFETY. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK ACTION TO REPAIR THIS CAR THAT WAS IN MINT CONDITION TO THIS POINT. THE 2003 RAV 4 MODULE AND TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 83559 MILES, WHICH IS L... Read more

Showing 50 of 392 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins — 2003 TOYOTA RAV4

110 manufacturer communications from 69 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	16
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	10
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	7
140000 AIR BAGS	7
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION	5
100000 POWER TRAIN	5
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	5

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This 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 Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.

140000 AIR BAGS

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to

350000 EQUIPMENT

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

050000 PARKING BRAKE

TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retai

190000 TIRES

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custom

200000 WHEELS

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

140000 AIR BAGS

Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

200000 WHEELS

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure

020000 SUSPENSION

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The a

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should b

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has be

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

350000 EQUIPMENT

Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14 is obso

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Toyota vehicle becomes submerg

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TSB: REVISION NOTICE October 30, 2017 Rev1: * Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Flash reprogramming allows the

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria lis

140000 AIR BAGS

TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deplo

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

Update on Technician Certification Requirements.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update on Technician Certification Requirements.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or othe

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"TSB: FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD-FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS. THIS BUL

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bull

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing w

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when insta

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general

350000 EQUIPMENT

140000 AIR BAGS

Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the

130000 VISIBILITY

The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.

140000 AIR BAGS

Beginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT

220000 SEATS

350000 EQUIPMENT

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.

100000 POWER TRAIN

The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when

050000 PARKING BRAKE

A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the B

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guide

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, or at the top of the rear glass, the source of the noise may be the two stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield/rear glass, or the windshield retainers

358100 EQUIPMENT:EMERGENCY:ESCAPE/EGRESS/EXIT

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The customer is having difficulty changing the multi-display screen from Day Mode. If the multi-display screen is set to Day Mode when the headlights are on, the setting we be memorized when the engine is turned off.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin contains general vehicle pulling diagnosis and repair procedures along with specific information to help correct pulling complaints.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SSTs are key elements to provide your customers with swift and accurate repairs resulting in superior customer satisfaction.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin de

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-13.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

technicians should confirm the following key points to minimize the potential for future MIL "ON" concerns after HV Battery Replacement.

140000 AIR BAGS

Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devi

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

181000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED. *PE

140000 AIR BAGS

TOYOTA: INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR REPLACING THE SEAT COVERS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *PE

220000 SEATS

TOYOTA: INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR REPLACING THE SEAT COVERS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *PE

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TOYOTA: CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM (CSP ZTL) WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT FOR SPECIFIC MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ON DIAGNOSTIC CODE AND/OR HARSH SHIFT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. *PE

103000 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

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TOYOTA: HARSH SHIFT AND/OR MIL ON DTC P0750, P0753, P0755, P0758 AND/OR P1760. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH SHIFT CONDITION AND/OR MIL ON WITH DTC STORED. (DRIVE TYPE(S)-2WD, 4WD; TRANSMISSION(S)

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NHTSA Safety Investigations — TOYOTA RAV4

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2014

Battery Hold Down Bracket Thermal Events

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to understand the contributing factors and frequency of vehicle fires originating from the battery region of the engine compartment in Model Year (MY) 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles on 25 February 2021. At the time of ope... ning, ODI attributed eleven allegations and additional EWR events to this PE. PE21005 focused on replacement batteries installed in the subject vehicles. No reported fire event identified in PE21005 involved the originally supplied 12V battery. The reported fires took place in vehicles known to contain aftermarket batteries or whose age exceeded the expected life of the original equipment battery. ODI identified battery dimensioning as it relates to the battery retention system (hold down bracket, radiator support bolt, J-hook, and battery tray) as the main factor set in the contact between the battery hold down bracket contacting the positive terminal of the 12V battery. The subject vehicles carried over the same battery tray and retention system from the prior generation (MY2006 â MY2012) of RAV4 vehicles. However, the subject vehicles were equipped with a dimensionally smaller battery (Group 35) than the prior generation (Group 24F). The smaller- length measurement in the Group 35 battery size in a battery tray originally designed to fit a Group 24F battery contributed to increased potential for battery movement which was exacerbated by the diversity in aftermarket battery configuration and irregularities intrinsic to battery replacement procedures. Battery movement coupled with the proximity of the B+ terminal on the battery and the grounded electrically conductive hold down bracket set the stage for a short to ground leading to an engine stall (if in operation) followed by a vehicle fire. This investigation was not able to classify the installation status, battery size, or cause of every allegation due to the fire event causing damage to the area, inaccessible vehicle, modification to the battery retention system after the event, and/or inconclusive photographic evidence. Toyota's investigation of the issue identified aftermarket battery catalogs that listed an improper battery replacement size (Group 26R) that would nevertheless fit into the subject vehicles whose battery retention system is incapable of reliably restraining a Group 26R battery. On 18 November 2021, Toyota initiated a consumer advisory campaign (21TG01) to the subject vehicle owners, notifying them of the correct size battery and offering a free inspection of the battery and retention hardware, a caution label to affix to the hold down bracket, and a discounted replacement 12V battery. This investigation with Toyota established three broad categories to characterize the battery retention system state of a given vehicle: "correct", "minor mis-installation", and "major mis-installation". - The "correct" terminology references the front bolt, bracket, and J-hook installed in a position not in contact with the positive battery terminal and the front bolt torqued to 17 Nm and the J-hook engaged with the tray hole and torqued to 4.9 Nm. - A "minor mis-installation" would describe the three retention components installed in the prescribed location, however not to the correct torque values. - The "major mis-installation" condition would constitute a retention component missing or disconnected from the system. Toyota's own testing used five exemplar batteries installed on a subject vehicle in each battery categorization resulted in: - Contact between the B+ terminal and hold down bracket in "major mis-installations" - Movement of the battery in "minor mis-installations" - No observable motion in "correct" installations. ODI conducted its own evaluation of the Toyota- specified replacement battery and 5 aftermarket Group 35 batteries. The six batteries tested conformed to the Group 35 Battery Council International (BCI) standard on overall dimensional tolerance and terminal location. That standard does not define the edge shape or material of battery casing. Physical interaction between the hold down bracket and the battery case and the friction between the casing material and the battery tray resulted in a large variability in movement forces required to incite movement when the battery was installed in the "correct" condition. Resulting in movement at an induced lateral load between 0.6 G and 1.91 G equivalent force across each battery. This force is higher than a typical vehicle could exert in a steady state turn and would only experience loads through brief shock or impulses. Multiple shock or impulse loads across time would contribute to a delay between the replacement battery installation and the fire event. Likelihood of a fire event increases as the installation method degraded from the "correct", to "minor mis-installation", and then to "major mis-installation". Protruding vent caps atop some of the batteries tested aided in restricting battery movement relative to the hold down. An absence of vent caps permitted additional movement. Following several discussions and vehicle inspections with ODI during this investigation, on 01 November 2023, Toyota filed a safety recall (NHTSA 23V-734) of 1,853,568 MY 2013 through MY 2018 Toyota RAV4 vehicles to reduce the risk of a vehicle fire with redesigned battery retention components. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2007

Rear Suspension Arm Assembly Failure

In a letter dated August 1, 2012 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall No. 12V-373) to the NHTSA identifying a safety defect regarding possible separation of the Rear Suspension Arm No. 1 Assembly (arm) at the thread... ed portion (shaft and turn buckle) of the component in MY 2006 through MY 2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles built from October 2005 through September 2010 and in MY 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured from July 2009 through August 2010.According to Toyota, if the adjustment nuts for the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened when alignment is performed in service, backlash may develop at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation.The threads may then wear causing the arm to separate, which may result in a loss of vehicle control.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Toyota, ODI identified 131 non-duplicative reports alleging failure of the subject rear suspension arm (Note:some of the complaints and related service records refer to the arm as a rear tie rod).Six of the complainants allege the failure resulted in some loss of vehicle control.For purposes of this analysis, loss of control events involve alleged complete or partial departure from the intended lane of travel.An additional four complaints reported difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle when the arm failed.Recalled vehicles will be inspected for proper torque of the adjustment nuts and replaced as necessary.In addition, Toyota will take several actions to reduce the potential for improper torque in future alignment procedures.This includes:(1) providing proper tightening sequence and torque specification information to two major wheel alignment equipment manufacturers, who would disseminate the information to alignment shops using their equipment; (2) installation of a clip on each arm with an instructional label showing proper tightening sequence and torque specification (the clip must be removed to perform a wheel alignment); (3) installation of additional labels on the front and back vertical surfaces of the Rear Suspension Arm No. 2 assemblies; and (4) providing an instruction booklet to owners to place in the glove box.This investigation is closed.Read more

TOYOTA RAV4 — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the TOYOTA RAV4 across all model years (1996–2025).

669 Total Recalls

11,842 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

1,170 Reported Crashes

437 Reported Fires

15 Reported Deaths

TOYOTA RAV4 — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	157	71	View
2024	167	223	View
2023	158	219	View
2022	1	184	View
2021	2	475	View
2020	13	778	View
2019	11	1,144	View
2018	6	426	View
2017	6	405	View
2016	8	289	View
2015	8	394	View
2014	8	267	View
2013	6	328	View
2012	7	355	View
2011	12	400	View
2010	15	494	View
2009	16	391	View
2008	15	707	View
2007	15	1,240	View
2006	11	880	View
2005	6	168	View
2004	3	180	View
2003 (current)	0	392
2002	0	682	View
2001	0	418	View
2000	4	34	View
1999	6	75	View
1998	6	92	View
1997	1	61	View
1996	1	54	View
1995	0	1	View
1994	0	4	View

Other TOYOTA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
TUNDRA	787	9,074	View
HIGHLANDER	677	6,756	View
CROWN	548	141	View
TACOMA	406	10,562	View
VENZA	404	969	View
GRAND HIGHLANDER	388	332	View
PRIUS	365	15,456	View
HIGHLANDER HYBRID	355	1,103	View