Most common 2003 Toyota RAV4 problems
Share of the 315 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota RAV4 complaints by model year
Best RAV4 years: 2014. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Toyota RAV4:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2003 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 209 →
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.
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 automatic transaxle failed and the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Engine & cooling all 47 →
My vehicle began to "buck" and then shortly thereafter the check engine light came on. I initially took it to the closest mechanic and was told I needed a new transmission and that they couldn't replace it. Told them to take it to krause Toyota. Was then told by krause it needed a new ECM but they were too busy and couldn't look at the vehicle for 2 weeks since I wasn't a "regular" customer. I then took the car to bennett Toyota - class outfit. They replaced the ECM immediately - which wasn't cheap. Cost me $1200. I have since heard that there was a recall on the ECM on my year RAV4 which I wasn't ever notified of. I feel Toyota should pick up this tab. I have low mileage for a 2003 car, and have always maintained it properly.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Toyota rav 4. While driving 10 MPH and making a left turn the vehicle would not accelerate when the pedal was engaged. The contact was unable to shift gears which caused a vehicle to crash into the rear end of the contacts vehicle. The dealer confirmed that they have had problems with the ECM on this year, make and model vehicle and that they will not help her with the repairs. They estimated repair cost was approximately $1227. There were no injuries. The failure has occurred and was reported to the dealer on two occasions. The failure mileage was 70000 and current mileage was 90,000.
Electrical system all 42 →
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 needs and only have 82,000 miles.I checked with my mechanic today and he looked up the Toyota recall on these RAV4 transmission failures and not once did Toyota inform me about the recall. How is disabled individual on fixed income to afford $3000.00 for a transmission on a well maintained Toyota with only 82,000 miles. I wish Toyota would show some empathy to accommodate an individual whose sole purpose of a brand new RAV4 would fulfill his daily physical challenges in life and now left with a Toyota with 82,000 miles in need of a transmission. …
Experiencing abnormal behavior when shifting gears (auto trans). Transmission was shifting oddly - harsh shift condition . It was not a frequent problem and no engine light and I took it to the local mechanic and he connected to his computer and could not find any error codes. The problem happens every time I move from a stop. Found out that Toyota put out a technical service bulletin in early 2006 after defects started surfacing stating to replace the car's computer ECM/ECU and possibly the transmission.. The company did not inform owners about this defect which is now surfacing and did not recall due to cost of replacing the ECU and transmission it destroys. The defective ECU burns up the clutch and other parts in the transmission
2003 Toyota RAV4 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 2WD | 87 / 69 / 78 MPGe | 95 mi | |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 28 / 24 | — |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 26 / 23 | — |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 25 / 22 | — |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 25 / 22 | — |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Toyota RAV4 a good car?
Based on 315 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 RAV4 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the RAV4 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota RAV4?
The transmission & drivetrain — 209 complaints, 66% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (47) and electrical system (42).
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Toyota RAV4. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota RAV4?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025. See the full Toyota RAV4 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota RAV4 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 9% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.