2002 Toyota RAV4 recalls and problems
No recalls and 527 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota RAV4.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2002 Toyota RAV4 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
My car engine light goes on and off due to transmission fault. It continuously has a hard time shifting gears in between 2500-3000 rpm and gives a jerky stop before continuing to speed up/accelerate despite when I have not let go of my foot from the pedal. After taking it to the auto shop, I was told this is the same…
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an…
2002 Toyota RAV4 AWD transmission problems and will be available upon request. Transmission caused vehicle to disengaged , jerks, stalls with severed engine braking while driving creating a safety performance and hazard on the roads to myself and other unexpected drivers. Upon reading similar complaints of other…
The contact owned a 2002 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard. The brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle spun 360 degrees and stopped on the opposite side of the road. No warning light illuminated. The contact called the independent mechanic who advised…
2002 TOYOTA RAV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.
RAV4 model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 30 | 5 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 | 309 | 18 | 2 |
| 2002 | 0 | 527 | 36 | 15 |
| 2003 | 0 | 315 | 19 | 4 |
| 2004 | 2 | 154 | 16 | 4 |
| 2005 | 5 | 141 | 22 | 2 |
Across all years, the 2007 RAV4 has the most complaints (1,004). All Toyota RAV4 years →
Questions
- Does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Toyota RAV4 as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota RAV4?
- Owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (376 complaints), followed by electrical system (92).
- How many 2002 Toyota RAV4 complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 36 of 527 complaints report a crash and 15 a fire; 48 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 24, 2024.