2001 Rav4 question (brake problems)

[BigJoe]

I noticed in CR, CR rated the 2001 as having some problems with the brakes. Anyone know specifically what the probelm was. Also any problem areas with the 2001 model?

[toyotanut3717]

I believe it had to do with noise from the rear drums when braking. The fix, was to replace the rear drums. I think this was done by Toyota for free when they were under 3yr/36,000. I think the new drums were thicker to prevent the noise.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by toyotanut3717

I believe it had to do with noise from the rear drums when braking. The fix, was to replace the rear drums. I think this was done by Toyota for free when they were under 3yr/36,000. I think the new drums were thicker to prevent the noise.

EXACTLY

[BigJoe]

No wonder this is a great place to visit. This place ALWAYS has the answer!
thanks a million!!! A 2001 Rav4 with 49,000 miles pw,pl,pw,cd player, Ac, 4wd, cassett, cruise,manual transmission.....What would be a great deal?

[tamu1996]

Sorry, joining the thread late...................

My wife drives a 2001 RAV4, 2WD, and it's been a joy, all things considered.

We knew we took a chance in buying the first year model of a major redesign, but we've experienced very few problems, and none impacting the safety or driveability of the vehicle (unlike some others: VUE, Trailblazer/clone, etc.).

1. Front rotors replaced under warranty - squealing problem
2. Front dash anti-rattle kit installed - dash rattles were very common on 2001s
3. Catalytic converter - bad code in ECU burnt up the cat at 21K miles, replaced under warranty

A great site for resources, including links to AllData recall and Toyota TSB information, is www.rav4world.com. I spent a lot of time there researching the new purchase and the few problems we've run into. Great site, check it out.

Best of luck in your new Ravy, we love ours (73K miles now). In some ways, I like driving it more than my Tacoma. The RAV is stylish, versatile, extremely maneuverable and gets great gas mileage (approximately 25 mpg, in all types of driving, almost 30 on the highway, sometimes).

--Ryan

[LuvMyTac2004]

Hi
We are very happy Tacoma owners and plan to keep that for the long haul but we are *considering* getting a compact SUV to replace our older model Camry (100,000 plus miles and still going strong). We are looking @ sometime around the end of the year -so we have time. Plan to go check out the Rav4s soon.

Figured this is the best place to ask-Are there any particular things (problems, ideosyncracies etc) common to the newer Rav4s that we need to research further and be aware of? or in general is it a great little runabout vehicle? Whatever we get will rack up a lot of highway miles so good gas mileage and reliability are important. Not expecting a Lexus but a little comfort would rule too

Thanks! this forum is great! Have stayed up late nights reading even! Thanks also for whoever posted the Rav4world site address. Will check that out too

[Wstar425]

We bought my wife a 2004 Rav4S with the sunroof back in July. Had too look around a little due to the apparent fact that they don't make a lot of that model with the sunroof. Anyhow, she loves it and has over 15,000 miles on it in six months, no wonder I never see her. I took it on a 600 mile trip due to the fuel milage difference with the Tundra and have to say it is not a bad traveling vehicle. Went through Chicago and could scoot around with the best of them. We got the 5 speed, the auto seemed real gutless. No problems until the day before Christmas she got T-boned by a guy that slid through a stop sign and did $3200.00 damage, but she wasn't hurt so I guess it can be fixed. It is a beautiful little vehicle, think I got 27 or better running 70+ mph.
I would suggest at least taking a 5 speed for a test drive to see the difference since it is a big difference. Maybe you don't want to do all the shifting but sometimes it is nice to be able to.

Happy Hauling,

Doug