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2002 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems

92 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 93,215. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
92
of this car's complaints
17%
typical mileage
93,215
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Wiring: front underhood
    2
  • Wiring
    1
  • Ignition
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota RAV4 electrical problems in other years

1996200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Toyota RAV4 electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 8

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2002 Toyota RAV4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 129,000 miles · AZ

2002 rav4 ecu shifting problem (dtc code p0755). The car jitters when switching from gear 1 to 2 as well on reverse. It also jitters when it drives on low gear. There is an well known problem with rav4 2001-2003 but toyota has failed to recall it, despite being a safety hazard as it has caused accidents and bodily injury. It has the high likelihood to destroy the transmission.

Filed Apr 10, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 162,344 miles · UT

The past couple weeks my car had been laghing more an more when at complete stop. This past week it has been the worst. Whenever I try to accelerate from.a complete stop my car with lag and jerk like it is trying to shift into gear but cant. When I took it in to a transmission specialist they said it was my ECM and that this year specifically has had problems recorded fron others with the same issues with the emc. One incident I had specificaly was when inwas trying to go up a mountain to get to work my rpms were spiking as my rav was trying to shift gears to get up the mountain and my car staller out. I had no clue it died untill I was driving down the mountain and turning my steering wheel became a struggle. I had to put on my e break just to stop and try and turn it on to shift into neutral so I could get down the mountain. I have had serveral cases when I have almost been re ended because of the jerking has been so rough.

Filed Nov 23, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 91,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. After starting the engine, the vehicle would not properly accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to fred anderson toyota (9101 glenwood avenue, raleigh, nc) where it was diagnosed that the electronic control module and transmission were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 91,000. *tt consumer stated transmission failed while in traffic, car was able to accelerate properly and was longer shifting gears.

Filed Feb 12, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Federal emissions warranty for the ECM on 2001-2003 toyota rav4's palm springs toyota failed to notify or advise that this much needed repair needed to be done, however did notify and repair thousands of dollars of other repairs in the open available and allotted time frame that this ECM should have been replaced.

Filed Dec 7, 2015 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · WI

The ECM which controls the transmission failed.

Filed Nov 6, 2015 · Electrical, Transmission · 71,890 miles · FL

Car went into neutral while negotiating an intersection on several occations. Has bucked stalled pulling into traffic, and failed to shift while passing, im told its a know problem with ecu, but toyota cut a deal and did not have to notify owners! Bought this car new now there telling me 6000 to 9000$

Filed Jan 4, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 95,000 miles · MO

Ecm malfunction.

Filed Nov 19, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 150,000 miles · VA

My mother had the engine control module fixed june of 2013. She had to pay for this repair herself because toyota refused to fix it, even though they sent letters out to people saying that they would cover the cost to repair this known issue. After 1900.00 later, she paid for it. A year later I own this same vehicle and the same thing has gone bad. Its just out of the warranty. I almost got hit due to the car stalling when I pulled out at an intersection. This is a known problem, and it was paid for by another family member. Yet it has the same issue. Toyota needs to fix this problem. Horrible costumer service.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Electrical · 94,000 miles · MO

The ECM malfunction.

Filed Dec 30, 2013 · Electrical, Transmission · 88,970 miles · UT

We bought this car off my mom (who was the original owner and has taken immaculate care of it!) just two months ago! Out of nowhere the car started to experience "hard shifting". Because it couldn't shift like it should, it was a road hazard/safety issue! We took it into the toyota dealership that very day. They told us it was the ECM and maybe even the transmission! The approx. Cost would be $1,100 to replace the ECM, and thousands more if it was the transmission. They said they would have it done by tuesday (christmas eve.) I started researching the problem because it didn't make sense that this car that had such low miles would have this problem. Well, I found out this is a widespread problem with the rav4. Toyota knows about it and has not recalled this part! There was even a lawsuit against them, but that only LED to an extension of the warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first! Our car only has 88,900 miles but because it is 11 years old, it won't be covered by a warranty! We are out $1,180 right at christmas time! And they did not get the car fixed until dec. 27th! (kind of puts a damper on christmas plans when you don't have your car!):( I called toyota in hopes that they would help us because they know this part is faulty, but I was met with an unsympathetic response! Basically, "its out of warranty so it won't be covered!" toyota needs to recall this part, and reimburse those who have already had to fix it, not only because it is their moral obligation to do so, but also because someone could be killed if they don't! Please recall this part, be decent human beings, instead of being worried about your bottom line! There are more important things than money, toyota! As mad as I am about being out the money to fix this problem (that toyota knew about) I am glad that I am only out the money, rather than mourning the loss of a loved one.

Questions about the 2002 Toyota RAV4 electrical

Does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 92 complaints about the electrical of the 2002 Toyota RAV4, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 Toyota RAV4 electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 93,215 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Toyota RAV4 electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota RAV4 have the most electrical problems?

The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (130 complaints), 2020 (120 complaints) and 2017 (108 complaints).

Other 2002 Toyota RAV4 problems

Transmission 376Engine 63Acceleration 36Airbags 22Driver assistance 17Steering 8Body 5Brakes 5Fuel system 5Locks 5Suspension 4Lights 3Tires 3Seat belts 2Visibility 2

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