2003 Toyota RAV4 recalls and problems
No recalls and 315 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 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.
2003 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.
See attached document for complaint
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 vehicle is very delayed shifting and will slow down without pushing the breaks
I DRIVE AND THE SLEEP WHILE I'M DRIVING AND THE CAN NOT CHANGE CORRECTLY THE GEAR.
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…
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 |
| 2006 | 11 | 705 | 26 | 5 |
Across all years, the 2007 RAV4 has the most complaints (1,004). All Toyota RAV4 years →
Questions
- Does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Toyota RAV4 as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota RAV4?
- Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (209 complaints), followed by electrical system (42).
- How many 2003 Toyota RAV4 complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 19 of 315 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 1, 2026.