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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Toyota > RAV4

2003 TOYOTA RAV4
4 Dr. Wagon/Sport Utility
All wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 TOYOTA RAV4. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used TOYOTA.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 3 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   A
Structure/Safety Cage   G
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   A
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   A
Leg/foot, right   A
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2001 model year. All 2001 and later RAV4 models manufactured after October 2000 include structural and airbag modifications to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door). Further structural modifications were made beginning with 2004 models manufactured in January 2004 and later, so these ratings do not apply to the latest models.</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a 2001 RAV4 with the initial structural and airbag modifications in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar. Measures taken from the neck and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that head injuries would be possible. Forces on both tibias indicate that injuries to the lower legs would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was negligible. 2001 Toyota RAV4 3104 none 98 166 70 2.0 L 4-cylinder 23 27

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Side Impact Crash Test Rating:  
Overall Evaluation   P
Structure/safety cage   M
Injury Measures
Driver Passenger
3113 none 98 167 70 2.0 L 4-cylinder 22 27 Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries as well as a fracture of the pelvis would be likely in a crash of this severity. Serious neck injuries would also be possible. Measures taken from the dummy indicate that a fracture of the pelvis would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low. The dummy's head was hit by the window sill and glass of the rear passenger door. These impacts did not produce high head injury measures, but the head protection is inadequate. 2003 Toyota RAV4 L 4wd <p>The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2001 model year. Beginning with 2004 models, side airbags were added as options and structural changes were made to improve occupant protection in side-impact crashes.</p> <p> Note: Toyota reported that the structural changes alone would not significantly affect side-impact performance; therefore, the overall side impact rating for 2004-05 models without side airbags is the same (Poor) as for 2001-03 RAV4s. However, based on an Institute test of a 2004 RAV4 with side airbags, the structure rating improves to Acceptable for all 2004-05 models.</p> <p>A redesigned, larger RAV4 will be introduced late in 2005.</p> The dummy's head was hit by the intruding barrier. This impact did not produce high head injury measures, but head hits with intruding objects such as other vehicles, trees, and poles should be prevented.
Head Protection
  P   M
Head/neck
  A   G
Torso
  P   G
Pelvis/Leg
  P   M

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 123 Worse than average
Collision Index 104 Average
Theft Index 54 Better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued no safety recalls for this 2003 TOYOTA RAV4.


This 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 4 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 2.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 2.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 2.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 4.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    RAV4 4WD 4 Dr Sport Utility:
Depreciation $7,861
Financing $2,525
Insurance $6,905
State Fees $387
Fuel $3,924
Maintenance $1,089
Repairs $684
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $23,375

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 5 years or 60,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance No roadside assistance.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Safety belt and inflatable restraint system are covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. No roadside assistance. Safety belt and inflatable restraint system is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Basic warranty covers surface corrosion, batteries, and adjustments. Alignments and wheel balance are limited to 1 year or 20,000 miles.  

This 2003 TOYOTA RAV4 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Practical and stylish.
By Sam Moses, NewCarTestDrive.com

Toyota RAV4 looks aggressively cool. When popular options are added, it isn't the cheapest small utility. But it's a pleasant companion and comes with Toyota's legendary levels of quality, durability and reliability.

Overview:

Toyota's RAV4 is stylish and useful, and comes with Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. RAV4 handles well and feels stable out on the open road. It's comfortable for running around town, easy to park, and its low load floor makes it convenient for hauling stuff.

Toyota completely redesigned and re-engineered the RAV4 for model-year 2001, producing a more refined and better-looking vehicle than the previous-generation model.

For 2003, RAV4 adds an optional Sport Package with unique trim inside and out, plus popular comfort and convenience features such as air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, six-speaker stereo, and carpeted floor and cargo mats.

Read the complete 2003 Toyota RAV4 review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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