2002 Toyota RAV4 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 682 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median RAV4 year — the 2002 model ranks #6 of 32 RAV4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 71 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 56% of all reports (379 of 682), far ahead of electrical system at 109.
682
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
49
Crash-involved
20
Fires reported
71
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other RAV4 years?
What are the most common 2002 Toyota RAV4 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 379 | 56% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 109 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 63 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 36 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 28 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 23 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 8 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 5 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 5 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 3 | 0% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 0% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING MY FATHERS 2002 TOYOTA RAV4 AWD WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY SHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR AND THEN THE DRIVE LINE LOCKED-UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP SUDDENLY. A CAR FOLLOWING ME TRIED TO STOP BUT "TAPPED" MY REAR BUMPER. NO DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM WAS A…”
“MAY 19TH OF 2007, MY 2002 TOYOTA RAV 4 4X4 WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. IT WAS HIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOING 25-30 MPH. AFTER STRUCK, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TWICE, WHILE THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT AN INCREASING HIGH SPEED, RESULTING IN HITTING A GLASS BUS STOP ENDING UP HITTING A BRICK SCHOOL.…”
“NOVEMBER 17, 2006 - AFTER BEING PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE RAV4 ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ENTIRE INTERIOR WAS DEMOLISHED, TIRES EXPLODED, GLASS EXPLODED OVER AT LEAST A 20 FOOT RADIUS. TWO ENGINE TRUCKS AND 10 RESPONDERS LATER THE FIRE WAS OUT.…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH IN REVERSE AND WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE AND WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER. A…”
“I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV4 2002-IN MAY 2006 I WENT TO MILITARY TRAINING SCHOOL, I GOT BACK OCT 2006 WHILE DRIVING MY ENGINE FAILED ON THE HWY. I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS 420 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY AND IT WAS NOT COVERED. I DID ALL MY REQUIRED UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE AND TO MY SURPRISE IT…”
2002 Toyota RAV4 — common questions
Is the 2002 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 682 complaints put the 2002 model at #6 of 32 RAV4 years. It is one of the RAV4 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 RAV4 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (379 complaints), electrical system (109 complaints), engine (63 complaints).
Does the 2002 Toyota RAV4 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota RAV4.
Which Toyota RAV4 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RAV4 years to avoid are 2007, 2019, 2006, 2020, 2008, 2002. The cleanest record among RAV4 years belongs to 1995.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.