2003 Toyota RAV4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Toyota RAV4: 0 recalls, 315 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (209): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (152), stalls / loses power (30), warning light on (28).
- Electrical (42): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10), noise or vibration (6).
- Speed control / throttle (29): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine & cooling (26): the most common themes are warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (7).
The 2003 Toyota RAV4 has 315 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 32 RAV4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 293). Complaints peaked in 2010 (90 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 95,112 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (527 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (154 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Toyota RAV4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Toyota RAV4. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 Toyota RAV4 problems?
Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (209), electrical (42), speed control / throttle (29).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota RAV4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Toyota RAV4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.