2003 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2003 Toyota RAV4 has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is ECM Failure Causing Harsh Shifting, No-Start, or Stalling ($600-$1,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $120 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2001-2003 Toyota RAV4 2.0L 1AZ-FE, early third-party and owner reports, along with Toyota service information, document engine control module failures on 2001-2003 RAV4 models. Failed ECMs can corrupt transmission and engine control signals, leading to harsh or erratic shifting, illuminated warning lights, intermittent no-start, stalling, and poor drivability. This issue is distinct from normal transmission hesitation because the root cause is the ECM hardware itself.
Diagnose by checking for communication and shift-related faults, verifying power/ground to the ECM, and ruling out transmission mechanical failure. Toyota issued a warranty enhancement and service campaign guidance for ECM replacement on affected vehicles. The fix is typically ECM replacement or remanufacturing, followed by immobilizer/key programming where required and confirmation road testing.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2012 Toyota RAV4, owners across first-, second-, and third-generation RAV4s report cabin blower problems where the fan only works on high, works intermittently, or stops entirely. The usual causes are a failed blower motor resistor/fan control module, overheated connector, or a worn blower motor drawing excessive current. This is a common age-related HVAC electrical issue rather than an isolated defect.
Check blower fuse, power and ground at the motor, and inspect the resistor/module and connector for heat damage. Replace the failed resistor or transistorized blower control module and, if current draw is high or the fan is noisy, replace the blower motor as well. Repair any melted connector to prevent repeat failure.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4, second-generation RAV4 models with the rear-mounted spare tire commonly develop sagging rear doors, hinge wear, latch misalignment, and metal fatigue around the carrier area. Owners report difficulty closing the tailgate, rattling from the rear door, and visible cracking or distortion near the spare tire mount or hinge area. The issue is worsened by heavier aftermarket spare tires or frequent rough-road use.
Inspect the rear door hinges, latch striker alignment, carrier mounting points, and sheet metal around the spare tire bracket for cracks or elongation. Repairs range from hinge and latch adjustment to hinge replacement, reinforcement, or rear door replacement if cracking is advanced. Avoid oversized spare assemblies that add more load to the door.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2012 Toyota RAV4, rAV4 owners across multiple model years report EVAP system faults caused by a saturated or failed charcoal canister, sticking vent valve, or related vacuum switching valves. This commonly turns on the check engine light and can also cause difficulty refueling, fuel odor, or repeated emissions-test failures. The issue is well documented in repair databases and owner reports, especially in vehicles exposed to dust, overfilling, or age-related deterioration.
Smoke-test the EVAP system, inspect the canister assembly and vent valve for blockage or sticking, and verify purge/vent solenoid operation. Replace the failed canister or valve assembly, clear codes, and confirm the monitor runs to completion. Advise owners not to top off the tank after the pump clicks off, as overfilling can damage the canister.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2001-2012 Toyota RAV4, rAV4 owners in this era frequently report A/C systems that stop cooling due to compressor clutch failure, internal compressor wear, or seizure. Symptoms range from intermittent cooling to loud squealing, smoke from the belt area, or complete loss of cold air. The problem appears across multiple generations as vehicles age and compressor internals or clutch components wear out.
Verify refrigerant charge first, then check compressor clutch engagement, clutch air gap, and system pressures. If the compressor is noisy, seized, or contaminating the system, replace the compressor, receiver-drier as required, and flush the lines/condenser when contamination is present. Install the correct oil amount and evacuate/recharge to specification.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SUSPENSION:REAR
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 27, 2008, to December 19, 2012 and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, water may drip onto the joint that connects the wiper linkage to the wiper motor.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
+ 15 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2003-2003 Toyota RAV4 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ECM Failure Causing Harsh Shifting, No-Start, or Stalling, Spare Tire Carrier and Rear Door Hinge Sag/Cracking on Side-Hinged Tailgate Models, EVAP Charcoal Canister / Vent Valve Failure Triggering Check Engine Light and Refueling Vapor Issues. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2003-2003 Toyota RAV4 has 5 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: ECM Failure Causing Harsh Shifting, No-Start, or Stalling. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Toyota RAV4 issues range from $120 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, ECM Failure Causing Harsh Shifting, No-Start, or Stalling, typically costs $600-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Early third-party and owner reports, along with Toyota service information, document engine control module failures on 2001-2003 RAV4 models. Failed ECMs can corrupt transmission and engine control signals, leading to harsh or erratic shifting, illuminated warning lights, intermi… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.
Second-generation RAV4 models with the rear-mounted spare tire commonly develop sagging rear doors, hinge wear, latch misalignment, and metal fatigue around the carrier area. Owners report difficulty closing the tailgate, rattling from the rear door, and visible cracking or disto… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: medium.
RAV4 owners across multiple model years report EVAP system faults caused by a saturated or failed charcoal canister, sticking vent valve, or related vacuum switching valves. This commonly turns on the check engine light and can also cause difficulty refueling, fuel odor, or repea… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
RAV4 owners in this era frequently report A/C systems that stop cooling due to compressor clutch failure, internal compressor wear, or seizure. Symptoms range from intermittent cooling to loud squealing, smoke from the belt area, or complete loss of cold air. The problem appears… Repairs typically run $500-$1,600. Severity: medium.
Owners across first-, second-, and third-generation RAV4s report cabin blower problems where the fan only works on high, works intermittently, or stops entirely. The usual causes are a failed blower motor resistor/fan control module, overheated connector, or a worn blower motor d… Repairs typically run $120-$500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
