Fuel
Electricity
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 521 of 527 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 472 of 527 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
379 complaint records1 fire report7 crash reports
"HARD SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND GEAR OF 2002 TOYOTA RAV 4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AFTER 100,000 MILES ON ODOMETER. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Electrical system
93 complaint records3 fire reports3 crash reports
"ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE RIGHT AFTER CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
63 complaint records2 fire reports3 crash reports
"WHEN I WENT ON MERGER RAMP ON HIGHWAY .THE CAR NOT ACCELERATE ENOUGH OR TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY. THE CAR BEHIND ME HIT MY CAR. *JS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021723 2021-11-24 | Electrical | 55,683 | Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 Dec 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 Jul 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-SB-0061-23 Rev1 May 2024 | Structure | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. | |
| T-SB-0062-23 Rev1 May 2024 | Structure | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. | |
| T-SB-0035-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. | |
| T-SB-0038-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. | |
| T-SB-0039-24 Apr 2024 | Structure | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. | |
| T-PANT-2024-004- Mar 2024 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Jan 2024 | Equipment | OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18. | |
| TSB003220 Aug 2023 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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 ? | |
| T-SB-0057-18 May 2023 | 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. | |
| TTT063620 Mar 2022 | Service Brakes | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions | |
| T-SB-0014-22 Mar 2022 | 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 retainer(s). | |
| Toyota PRO19-02 Jan 2022 | Wheels | 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 customer that requests it. | |
| Toyota Safety Re Mar 2021 | Air Bags | Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| T-TT-0636-20 Rev Mar 2021 | Service Brakes | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions. | |
| T-SB-0032-20 Rev Feb 2021 | 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 ? | |
| T-TT-0636-20 Dec 2020 | Service Brakes | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions. | |
| T-SB-0063-20 Jun 2020 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0391-08 Obs Jun 2020 | Suspension | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20. | |
| T-SB-0304-17 Obs Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates | |
| T-SB-0032-20 Apr 2020 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0008-20 Jan 2020 | 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? | |
| T-SB-0134-16-Rev Jul 2019 | Electrical System | 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: ? | |
| PG004-97-Obsolet Aug 2018 | Equipment | Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| PG006-01-Obsolet Aug 2018 | Equipment | Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| T-SB-0304-17_Rev Jul 2018 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0057-18 Jul 2018 | 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-0304-17_Rev Jan 2018 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0229-12_Rev Nov 2017 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0134-16_Rev Oct 2017 | Equipment | 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. | |
| T-SB-0304-17 Oct 2017 | Structure | 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 listed in this Service Bulletin. | |
| T-SB-0218-17_Rev Jul 2017 | Equipment | 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 deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner... | |
| TSB018217 Jan 2017 | 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 versions should be discarded. | |
| T-SB-0012-13 Rev Nov 2016 | Electrical System | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16. | |
| T-SB-0134-16 Sep 2016 | Engine | 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 Bulletins. | |
| Safety Recall an Jul 2016 | Equipment | Update on Technician Certification Requirements. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Rev Jul 2015 | Equipment | 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. | |
| T-SB-0083-13 Rev May 2015 | Equipment | 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. | |
| T-SB-0101-11 Rev Apr 2015 | Electrical System | TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| T-SB-0012-13 REV Jan 2015 | 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. | |
| TSB-0012-13 Rev2 Jan 2015 | Engine | 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. | |
| T-SB-0014-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | 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. | |
| T-SB-0134-14 Sep 2014 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Rev Jul 2014 | Equipment | 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. | |
| T-SB-0043-14 Jul 2014 | Equipment | 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. | |
| T-SB-003-01 - OB Jul 2014 | Unknown Or Other | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. | |
| T-SB-0012-13 Rev Jun 2014 | 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. | |
| T-TT-0010-10 Rev May 2014 | Engine | Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft. | |
| T-TT-0132-11 Feb 2014 | Service Brakes | 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. | |
| T-TT-0213-13 Jan 2014 | 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. | |
| T-SB-0185-13 Dec 2013 | Visibility | The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance. | |
| TS-BO030-01 Obso Dec 2013 | Visibility/Wiper | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13. | |
| T-SB-0122-11 Rev Nov 2013 | 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 recommended by Toyota may affect side... |
Showing 60 of 103 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Toyota Rav4 →