Toyota RAV4 XA20 (2001-2005) Questions & Answers

Hi Nomi, The 2004 Rav 4 didn't have any more issues with the transmission then any other model. Generally, the auto's are really good. A test drive of the car will soon show you if it has any problems. Maybe take someone with you that has a bit of mechanical ability, when you look at it, so that they can put the transmission through it's paces. If it slips, noisy or even hangs on during a gear change, then you've got problems, otherwise grab it and enjoy the ride!

Transmission ECM in auto model was/is a problem . As soon as notice inconsistency on auto gear changing immediately get a new ECM (an electronic control management chip which sits behind glove box and only takes minutes to replace) before you damage transmission too which will cost you $2 or $3000 to replace. Last time i checked new genuine Toyota ECM was about $700 or $800 . I would not buy a 2nd hand wreckers ECM ( about $150 to $300) because you may be just buying a problem waiting to happen. Just maybe a Toyota dealer spare parts might be holding old stock he's prepared to sell cheaper given the age on vehicle , especially if replacement work is done with dealer and or you are a regular there.

It will make your life easier not having to bend down to put the kids in their seats but a lot more room you will not gain. Also as it's a full time 4 wheel drive your fuel consumption will be higher as well. It's just a matter of weighing up your needs and priorities. The RAV4 is a pleasant drive though as you have better vision on the road being a higher vehicle. Knowing myself I would prefer the Toyota above a Mazda as I have owned both brands in the past. Having said all that though it's just down to a matter of preference I feel and your needs and priorities.

Any Toyota Dealership will be able to fix it for you are you sure you haven't pressed on the button on the door by mistake that locks doors that's why you can only open one door or make sure before you take it to Toyota check that you haven put your childlock on your doors that won't open it's easy to do when you wash or clean your Rav 4 it's very easy to do

This is likely the door sensor which is a mechanical switch as you close the door, it sits behind a rubber covering I replaced one on a rear door it fixed the problem. its two screens and getting fingers under the door seal needs a little mechanical understanding but a very straight forward fix. Else take to Toyota and if they do not diagnose to replace a switch then beware as its a common fault with remote locking of all the doors.

in the back seat u have three anchor points, just look at the back side it back seat where u will see black color box type mark and if u remove u will see the points where u can tie the seat. if you still can not, u can refer manual and find it. its easy

To tell you the truth. i have no idea. the 2015 Rav 4 i bought is my first Toyota, have to see of it lives up to the HYPE.

Not sure because I have a 2013 model.

I'm afraid i can't help you, my rav is a 2014/15 and have only 7500 k's on the clock. :)

I am sorry but it is highly unlikely that you could get seven seats in a RAV4 because it was never designed for that. On top of a space issue is weight distribution. Look in the back, there are no anchor points and no seat belts either. You may have to up size to a Prado.

Cops may have issues when you ride out first time with a full load. Talk to the Toyota dealer and after he stops laughing, take his advice.

Several things could cause vibration while driving, unbalanced wheels, faulty tires, bent clutch plate, loose universal joint, cheap tires, it's just a process of elimination. As far as the steering wheel goes, it all depends on the electronics and whether they are transferable from one to the other.

Absolutely Brilliant vehicle. I've owned mine for 5 years and never had any problems. Engine is beautifully smooth, servicing is standard pricing ($200-300) at my mechanic. I've taken her off road a couple of times a year when I go on holidays. No where I can't get on sand that a proper 4wd can. Torque is good at 4k revs. Plenty enough for what I use it for. I use the cruise control every time i drive - its just habit now, and it works perfectly. Economy for Perth city driving is about 9.5l per 100 km, but i don't flog it at all in city driving.

Highly recommend. Car has done 188k km . Love the versitility of being able to take out the back seats completely and use for transporting stuff. Also has 2 12volt adapters in the front which i have usb charges on. Pretty handy. I've replaced my stereo deck and now have all the mod cons.. so love it.

What do you mean slips to the side? Is it when breaking, what speed and road conditions when this happens? Usually the road angles to side for drainage reasons so naturally a car pulls left if you let go of the steering wheel. Other reasons are front wheel alignment servicing, mixed tires and sizes and uneven wear etc

It could even be a steering problem in which case a steering specialist workshop might be able to help such as pedders suspension shocks workshop they also work on brakes and steering to the best of my knowledge @ although there are other workshops that can help pedders are great

You should explore every option you can think of @ the Toyota Australia workshop / a auto electrician shop if it's a problem with the computer or sensor or some electronics problem or it could be a problem with the brakes where a rotor or a calliper is catching somewhere in which case a braking specialist workshop might be able to help

Hi, it could be many issues but check if the battery is too old after 4 years they lose charge, engine spark plugs too old, check engine oil, starter motor or you have water in the engine. Best to see the repair shop.

Hi, I'm not mechanic but it may be loose tappets that need adjusting but best to get professional to check it. 2001 is getting to be quite an old engine. Check google for possible issues

Debbie, I've observed others talking about transmission problems, even on the 2000-2003 models but I've observed no such thing on my car. Our 2003 Cruiser automatic has had no issues and continues to be as reliable as the day we bought it. Since it is now 10 years old and just passed the 100,000 km mark I've started checking the oil occasionally but it doesn't use any! Maybe it's true that some RAVs have transmission problems but if that is true it may have been a particular batch. My RAV continues to pull smoothly and is normally doing 8km a litre. I'm not easy on it either, I'm normally the lead car in the pack. I lent the car to another family for a few weeks early in its life. We're a busy family. It's not had any special circumstances, but it continues to start and run trouble free. I keep on thinking I should replace it because it's now getting to 10 years but I can't see the point because it is so reliable.

Might be a bit late to mention it, Debbie, but we just had the transmission go last week on our 2003 automatic RAV4 Cruiser, at around 102,600 km. Apparently the ECU sends bad signals and damages the transmission. We spent $3,500 to get a refurbished transmission and new computer (ECU) and it's back to normal. I wouldn't let me put this off but you could use it to negotiate down a purchase price if the car is over 100,000 km to cover the risk. Mechanic says 1 in 5 automatic RAVs get it, up to a certain model (2006 I think I heard).