One problem related to starter solenoid has been reported for the 2003 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the 2003 RAV4.
Often (and unpredictably), vehicle does not accelerate from stop. It creeps forward as tack jumps, then with a loud "clunk" it jerks into 2nd (or 3rd) gear and suddenly leaps forward. Check engine light goes on and off. Took vehicle to Toyota dealer more than once and told "no problem found. " when this issue was finally demonstrated, the Toyota dealership reported that solenoid b is faulty and entire transmission needs to be replaced starting at $4600. Now I read that many owners of 2001-3 Rav4s have exact problem caused by a faulty emc that should have been replaced when Toyota originally admitted the problem in 2006. Instead the damage to my vehicle has progressed to a repair 4 times that amount. I have found no reasonable repair rate so far.