2002 Toyota RAV4 L 4x4 1.8
Summary:
A low performance expensive mistake!
Faults:
Problems with braking system. This vehicle has issues when driving on snow covered roads. When attempting to apply brakes the vehicles front end starts to make loud grinding noises and the steering wheel starts to pull to one side or the other. The noise is so loud that other drivers look and get out of the way. The car then goes into a mini skid until you completely release the brakes. When the car was first purchased we had this happen within the first few months and was told that was normal. Normal because it has ABS. I have informed the dealership that my experience with ABS differs from theirs. The problem is that every time this occurs in the snow we rush down to the dealer and when they get the car they say they didn't hear or feel it. Because the snow has melted. One time the service department was closed and I caught the Owner of the dealer and took him for a ride. He was amazed at the sounds coming from the car and wrote out a letter for us so we could prove this is really a problem. Nobody seams to care about the letter or the DEFECT in the ABS.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 10th March, 2004
11th May 2004, 19:01
It's ABS working the way it is suppossed to. I'm surprised the dealer wrote the letter, although I doubt if it was the service manager. I know it isn't great to think that the car is designed to 'out-think' you, but in general, ABS has saved a lot of lives. I only wish there was a switch to turn it off in the snow!
3rd Jun 2004, 21:05
I would never own another car with ABS. The system in my former car, a 2002 Cavalier would engage on any surface that was not glass smooth, i.e., over railroad tracks, manhole covers, slightly bumpy roads. It was scary as many times I almost didn't stop in time.
23rd Jan 2009, 06:28
2002 Rav4 has computer problems that show up just as the warranty expires. Not only is this bad but it wipes out the transmission also. Cost is very expensive, almost more than the car is worth. I am working with Toyota right now but they are little to no help.
7th Sep 2009, 12:18
I would never advise anyone to purchase a Rav 4. I have owned 3 Tacomas, but the Rav 4 most certainly does not live up to the Toyota name. The ECM and the transmission have both failed on this car, and Toyota is not willing to do anything about it. There have been hundreds of complaints about the 2002 Rav 4s having the same problem. As a matter of fact, one of the major players in the Toyota Company had to change his telephone number because he was getting so many complaints at his home number. This could have all been prevented if the Toyota Company would have just simply done the right thing. I will never purchase another Toyota.
12th Mar 2004, 15:33
I drive my 1997 in the snow all the time, I do hear that noise, but most ABS vehicles have the same noise. It sounds like you may be applying a bit too much brake for the snowy conditions. All my experiences in the snow have been great, and any other owners I ever talk to say the same, maybe you should try a winter driving course.