2003 Toyota RAV4 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Toyota RAV4 recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2003 Toyota RAV4.

Most common 2003 Toyota RAV4 problems

Problem areas named in the 315 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	209
Electrical System	42
Vehicle Speed Control	29
Engine And Engine Cooling	26
Engine	21
Unknown Or Other	15
Air Bags	11
Structure	7
Seat Belts	7
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	7

What owners report

2026-10-01, Suspension
See attached document for complaint

2023-10-02, Power Train
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 contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Electronic Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

2023-03-16, Engine
The vehicle is very delayed shifting and will slow down without pushing the breaks

2020-06-16, Power Train
I DRIVE AND THE SLEEP WHILE I'M DRIVING AND THE CAN NOT CHANGE CORRECTLY THE GEAR. *TR

2020-02-15, Engine
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 GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD OR SHIFTING DOWN FROM 2 TO 1ST. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID IT'S A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE ECU TO TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE FOR FREE AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 150 JUST TO EXAMINE IT.

2003 Toyota RAV4 questions

Does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2003 Toyota RAV4 at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota RAV4?

Based on 315 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (209), Electrical System (42), Vehicle Speed Control (29).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Toyota RAV4 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.