Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine control unit failed or there was possible transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,650.
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.
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
The vehicle is very delayed shifting and will slow down without pushing the breaks
Inspect and replace water pump and serpentine belt on feb 2009, engine issue again feb 2012 check engine light is on/flashing - estimate $955.98+tax - four wheel alignment $69.95+tax tech road tested and found front sway bar end links are worn/loose $435.82+tax (repairs completed) feb 2012 brake noise ~|~customer states noise when braking ~|~front and rear brake inspection done at this time ~|~inspection only no concerns found at this time (another mechanic replaced entire front brakes shortly after as they were found highly damaged) transmission service ~|~customer requests transmission service w/differentials ~|~maintenance ~|~drained and refilled automatic transmission fluid w/transfer case and differentials as needed (less than year later had trans fluid again replaced as continued issues) now is seemingly worse and more often. …
The vehicle with 71,000 miles and perfect service record had a engine failure, without warning, while driving on the highway. The oil pressure light came on and before I had time to pull over to the shoulder to inspect the engine started knocking badly. I barely made it to the shoulder before the vehicle stalled. After having it towed to the dealership, they came out with the diagnose that the "engine threw a rod" for no apparent reason. There was sufficient engine oil and last oil change was done 4500 miles before. Basically, engine at this point is beyond repair and has to be replaced. Beside the financial lose, now I extremely concern about the safety and reliability of the vehicle and more importantly the engine or any other part that caused the engine to fail. …
Vehicle driven by elderly widowed mother (josephine beasley, age 70) no more than 6,200 miles per year and began experiencing harsh shift in transmission in March 2014. Aamco informed us that a malfunctioning electronic computer module (ECM) caused the damage to transmission. Aamco technician notified us that the ECM repair claims are covered under a Toyota settlement agreement (www.[VIN].com). Repair cost for transmission $2,890 and ECM part $1,227.91 paid for out of pocket. The RAV4 was purchased from carmax on April 18, 2009; elderly mother does not have access or understanding of internet. She did not realize that she had to register the vehicle with Toyota in order to receive recall notices or any other important information pertaining to her vehicle from the manufacturer. …
I purchased a 2003 Toyota RAV4 from the Toyota dealership that only had 13 miles on it in August 2003. In August of 2014, I started having trouble with the automatic transmission shifting harsh when changing. The car would strain to change gears, then all of a sudden it would jerk into gear. No lights came on at all. I took it to the Toyota dealership to have the problem inspected and they told me about an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. This was the first that I had heard about this warranty. Toyota never contacted me to let me know about the warranty. After inspecting my RAV4, they told me that I needed to replace the ECM and if that didn't solve the problem, I would need a transmission. I feel like Toyota should have informed me of the problem sooner. (before all that time had gone by.) I was very disappointed with the outcome. …
Engine complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Toyota RAV4, 15% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is engine (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Toyota RAV4 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Toyota RAV4. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota RAV4 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.