Faults:

Slippage of the automatic transmission when shifting first gear.

General Comments:

Everything else on the car works fine, and have done previous maintenance regularly. The car has never been abused in driving.

Faults:

Check engine light turn on and off.

Took it to the dealer at 60000 miles and they told me there was a recall on the onboard computer. It gives faults positive error codes. After they re-program the onboard computer the car was fine for another 10,000 miles. The light has come on again. This time a error code P0161 Oxigen Sensor (Bank 2 sensor 2). I'm getting quotes of around $320.00 (if I'm lucky and this is the only problem). Also, at 75000 miles had to replace the brake caliper on both tires, since the brakes keep getting stock. one night I saw my disk breaks red hot and smoking. I heard of cars caught on fire because the brakes got stock.

Faults:

Paint job leaves something to be desired. Paint started to peel near the edges and where the bumpers connect to the body. This occurred about 1.5 years after purchase of the car.

I would like the interior to be a bit more quiet.

General Comments:

In general, this car has served me well over the past 6 years. My only complaint is I wanted the car "trunk" area slightly longer, so I can put more stuff in it! I only want about 4 inches more, as in California, it's tough to park cars that are any longer or bigger. The narrow body also fits into a "Compact" parking space. I love how it rides higher. It would be tough for me to get back to driving a lower clearance regular car. Now that my 70,000 miles warranty is nearly up, I would buy another RAV4 if it's a bit longer.

Unlike several of you, I did not have "Check Engine" light come on. I was lucky.

Faults:

Several days after purchase of a 2001 Rav4, the engine light came on. The car has about 50,000 miles on it, and came with a warranty for any work needed for the first 30 days after purchase. I sent the car in, they switched off the engine light - it came back on 5 miles down the road. The second time it was sent in, they kept it for a month, replacing the catalytic converter, spark plugs and eventually an engine rebuild... all to get the light to turn off! After a month of scratching their heads the car was returned to me, and of course, the light went back on as expected. The vehicle runs great, but beware if you live in a state that requires emission testing. We are unable to pass the test, and are required to spend $800 more in useless repairs by the state to correct a problem that doesn't exist. A recent recall has been posted by Toyota, and we're hoping having the ECM reprogrammed will set this whole issue to rest.