The Lemon Index

All cars · Toyota RAV4 · 2003

2003 Toyota RAV4. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index35100 = average car
Complaints22NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold73,204U.S. model year
Per 100K sold30complaints
Year rank#6 of 21#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 5

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFWD22 / 28 / 24Regular$2,600
2.0L 4-cylAuto 4-spdFWD21 / 26 / 23Regular$2,700
2.0L 4-cylAuto 4-spd4Wheel or AWD20 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spd4Wheel or AWD20 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
Electric2WD87 / 69 / 78Electricity$950

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 77,200 and 118,200 miles. Median 95,100, from 272 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Transmission & drivetrain98,00084,000–119,200190
Electrical98,00083,400–127,10037
Speed control103,20073,500–133,80024
Engine89,00069,000–115,00021
Engine89,00074,600–112,70019

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine23%
Airbags18%
Electrical18%
Tires14%
Transmission & drivetrain14%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
315194902

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023

Manufacturer communications 102

Toyota filed 102 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
  • 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…

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
NoNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2000–1053,777Visibility
2001625786,368Brakes
2002353186,601Airbags
2003352273,204Engine
2004382370,314Engine
2005–1670,518Tires
2006145153152,047Steering

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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