Toyota literally started the cross over trend with its concept rav4 in 1994. The second gen Toyota Rav4 started its sales in 2000 and ended in 2005 with over 430k sales in the US alone. There are many still driving with over 300k miles. But, with that said, there are some problems and issues with this Toyota Rav4 that are not deal breakers but just stuff to look out for.

Today, ill be going over the common issues with the Toyota Rav4 to better educate you about your ride or future purchase, lets get started!

(Toyota Rav4 ECU)

2001-2003 The transmission would feel like its failing. This is the most complained and mainly the only issue complained about within these years, yet it was only the ECM failing. The ECU or ECM had a high failure rate, which is the brains of the Crossover. Basically, a solder within the unit would peel over time. Those computers Range from 160 for a rebuild and up to $300 for a new one. And it is pretty easy to replace. Just remove the glove box and its right there.

Overall, the car is built with higher quality materials that usually last a very long time.

(2l v 2.4l)

Not necessarily an issue, but something to be conscious about. From 2001-2003, Toyota had a 2l i4 engine with 148 hp, which was ultimately problem free. In 2004, Toyota upgraded the engine with a 2.4l and gave it 161 HP, which actually had a bit more problems and Toyota gave the car standard side air bags, so just something to look out for if you are in buying one of these.

(Engine oil Consumption Issue) 

In the 2.4l 2AZ-FE Engines on the 04 models and up, the engine had a Fault design, as miles piled up, around 70k ish miles, the engine would start to consume oil.  Which is due to defective piston rings, which does not have enough holes in the oil ring grove to return oil efficiently.  To fully fix this issue, a rebuild would be in order. Or you just simply keep the engine topped off with fresh oil. But, if you keep burning oil and topping it off, you may end up clogging the catalytic converter down the line. This issue did persist into the next generation and other Toyota cars, yet the 3rd gens did have an extended warranty issued, which should have fixed most Rav4s. But, I would be cautious.

(Engine head bolts stripping)

Around 120k miles it is common for the bolts that attach the head to the block to strip out and cause a coolant leak. The best fix, if you didn’t blow the engine would be the NS300L Insert System . If you are a DIYer, then this may be something you could tackle, but it would require a lot of patience, research, and good decisions. Other than that, you could take it to a mechanic and have them fix it with the Kit, instead of doing an engine swap. Ill have a website link down below.

Ultimately, it’s a very reliable car from 2001-2003, especially if you get yourself a new ECM, which was the main issue for the year. Compared to the Honda CRV for the same generation, the 01-03 Rav4 is much more reliable because the CRV is plagued with the Black death. In my opinion, I would simply steer clear from the 2004-2005 models and most cars with the 2.4L engines, unless you are ready to sign the potential agreement to work on the engine.

If you do not want to read all this, watch this instead: