The Lemon Index2002 Toyota RAV4.
The 2002 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 31 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 35, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, 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 527 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2002 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 73K to 116K miles on the car (474 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 79K–118K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 79K–119K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 71K–111K 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 116 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Subject regarding engine control module (ecm) calibration update - malfunction indicator light
- When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in…
- Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft…
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 $950–2900 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
While traveling at 25 mph, vehicle was involved in a head on collision and airbags did not deploy. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts
2002 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 10002195
More owner reports
Consumer was in a accident and the air bags didn't deploy upon crash.consumer also that she was going 35 mphat the time of the accident. Ph
NHTSA complaint 10002139
Engine compartment caught on fire right after consumer parked vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
NHTSA complaint 8008573
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 35; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (23%), electrical (19%) and speed control (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 73,900 and 116,500 miles. The middle report was at 94,000 miles, from 474 complaints.
Does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $950 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2002?
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