2002 Toyota RAV4 power train problems
376 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2002 Toyota RAV4 — 71% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed May 24, 2024
“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…”
filed Oct 3, 2023
“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…”
filed May 5, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other RAV4 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 RAV4 | 6 | 8% |
| 2024 RAV4 | 7 | 4% |
| 2023 RAV4 | 10 | 7% |
| 2022 RAV4 | 10 | 7% |
| 2021 RAV4 | 20 | 5% |
| 2020 RAV4 | 36 | 6% |
| 2019 RAV4 | 80 | 9% |
| 2018 RAV4 | 26 | 8% |
| 2017 RAV4 | 16 | 5% |
| 2016 RAV4 | 11 | 5% |
| 2015 RAV4 | 25 | 8% |
| 2014 RAV4 | 20 | 10% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Toyota RAV4
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.