The Lemon Index2001 Toyota RAV4.
The 2001 Toyota RAV4 is better than average by owner complaints: 57 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, and it has 0 recalls. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 309 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 80K to 125K miles on the car (236 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 84K–127K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 81K–127K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 50K–129K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 127 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
- Subject regarding engine control module (ecm) calibration update - malfunction indicator light
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side — · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $1050–2900 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
Front brakes squeal when coming to a stop on a constant basis, windshield rattles at low temps less than 60 degress, rear suspension creaks when accelerating after stop
2001 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 750256
More owner reports
While driving 35mph down a hill, had applied brakes, and vehicle failed to slow down. Vehicle jumped the sidewalk, and hit a cement wall. Driver suffered injuries.
NHTSA complaint 8002573
Brake shoe or drum grind when coming to full stop everytime. Brake might not be working properly. Dealer kept saying no problem, grind sound is normal.
NHTSA complaint 750251
Quick answers
Is the 2001 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2001 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (33%), engine (16%) and speed control (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 80,200 and 125,600 miles. The middle report was at 101,500 miles, from 236 complaints.
Does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2001 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $1050 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2001?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2022 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works