CarComplaints.com Notes: If you're looking for a vehicle with one of the most complained about transmission on the road, look no further than the 2001-2003 Toyota RAV4.
In 2001 Toyota completely redesigned the popular SUV. While some enjoyed the new look, they did not enjoy the harsh shifting, jumping from gear-to-gear and eventual transmission failure that cost owners well over $3,000 to fix. The problem stems from a malfunctioning Electronic Control Module (ECM).
Consumer outrage coupled with pressure from different agencies led Toyota to extend the warranty nationwide back in 2010. The previous power train warranty only covered 5 years/60,000 miles, while the extended warranty now covers the transmission and ECM for 10 years/150,000 miles. Toyota also pledged to reimburse any owners who had previously paid for repairs, if they had "proper proof". Good luck collecting on that one.
2 months ago my RAV4 strated having trouble shifting in and out of 1 and 2 gear. A weird ticking sound and clunking also. It's not consistent though and will be ok for a few days. My father who is really knowledgeable about cars drove it and said that it was definitely a problem and annoying but that it would not hurt the vehicle to continue to drive it. I took it to have the transmission fluid flushed and that did not help. Am taking it to the dealership to be put on diagnostics but already know by reading all these complaints that there is no real answer. It is 8 years old and I will continue to drive it into the ground.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2 months ago my RAV4 strated having trouble shifting in and out of 1 and 2 gear. A weird ticking sound and clunking also. It's not consistent though and will be ok for a few days. My father who is really knowledgeable about cars drove it and said that it was definitely a problem and annoying but that it would not hurt the vehicle to continue to drive it. I took it to have the transmission fluid flushed and that did not help. Am taking it to the dealership to be put on diagnostics but already know by reading all these complaints that there is no real answer. It is 8 years old and I will continue to drive it into the ground.
- smclean, Portland, OR, US