8.7
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,748.00
Average Mileage:
109,023 miles
Total Complaints:
71 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (31 reports)
- replace transmission (19 reports)
- replaced ecm (12 reports)
- new tramsmission (5 reports)
- added a bottle of Lucas transmission treatment (2 reports)
- chip needed to be replaced (1 reports)
transmission problem
Helpful Websites About 2001 Toyota RAV4 problems shifting
2009Oct 24
RAV4 L 4WD 1.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
A stop light turned green but my rav4 would not go. No previous problem or warning. The transmission just seized. I was able to creep home, about a mile. It has not moved since. Anyone have any idea of what this is and whether or not Toyota has any recalls or bulletins on this? My 2001 Rav4 has about 160,000 miles on it.
2009Sep 25
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
Just like many of the 2002 RAV4 problems, would stall at stop lights and not want to shift into 1 and 2 gear, diagnostics showed internal problems with transmission, very dangerous situation for my college kid in the big city.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 02
RAV4 L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
I was driving my car last Saturday, when suddenly it started hesitating when taking off from a complete stop. It would finally engage and then I was able to continue on. Then the check enging light came on. I had my granddaughter in the car with me and decided I had better get home before we had an accident.
Later, I was speaking to my daughter about it and she told me to check to make sure my gas cap was on tight. I shrugged off her suggestion, but later that evening went out and removed the gas cap and put it back on. The next morning I got up and took the car down to the store. The engine light was no longer on and the car was no longer acting up. I was amazed that the gas cap was such an easy fix. The next day I drove my car the 50 miles round trip to work and everything seemed fine. I was really happy and grateful that I had been so lucky. Little did I know that my luck was about to run out.
The following day on the way to work the car started acting up again. I got to work and tried the gas cap fix again, but that didn't work. I promptly dorve my car to my mechanic. He checked it out and told me it appeared to be a transmission problem and suggested I take it to an AAMCO in a nearby city.
The following morning I took my car to AAMCO. On the way there, the check engine light came back on and the car began having problems not only between 1st and 2nd gears, but also between 4th and 5th. I made it to AAMCO and after waiting for 2 hours for them to look at it and diagnose the problem they came out and told me that the problem was inside the transmission and they would have to take it out to find out exactly what was going on. The cost to remove the transmission to diagnose and provide an estimate for repair was $350.00. I gave them the go ahead and went home to wait for their call. They called me back a couple of hours later and told me that there was 2 broken mounts and the transmission needed to be rebuilt as there was a lot of "munched parts" inside. The cost was going to be $2800.00. I couldn't believe it, but after scrambling to get together the money for the repair I called them back and gave them the go ahead. I was already in it for $350.00 and felt like I didn't have much choice as I have not been able to get my money tree to grow. They told me that my car would be ready on Friday so I told them I would be there after work to pick it up.
On Friday I called AAMCO about an hour before going over to get the car. I was told that they weren't quite done, but it would be ready in an hour. When I arrived to pick it up, they came out after about 10 minutes and told me there was a big problem. I was advised the transmission had been repaired and it was fine, but that the computer needed to be replaced as it was making the transmission to act up as it was before. They advised me that my car was not operable because if I did drive it
2009Oct 10
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 248,000 miles
In addition to the transmission problem, I also have had check engine light issues for over 2 years.
When the car is started, 1st thing in morning, the transmission will hesitate when attempting to shift into the next gear range. I am compelled to take my foot off the gas pedal in order to make it shift. When cruising on the freeway there are no problems.
When driving to work, sometimes it will not accelerate when I step on the gas, and if it does it will jerk significantly to make the car jump. This is the case every time I come to a stop or red light. Trying to get the car moving is problematic. Almost every time I leave a stop it either won't go into gear at first or then finally pops into 1st.
2009Oct 05
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
It happened without warning. The car doesn't want to shift anymore. It makes a big thump when if finally changes gear. I spent $250 getting an analysis and the transmission fluid changed, and told to come back in three weeks, from an import car repair shop. THey did tell me the computer analysis showed that two sensors are bad and it would be $700 to repair them. They do not affect the transmission. However, when I came home and searched online, I find that both are a very common and extremely expensive problem and the dealers don't want to admit it. I will call the Toyota dealer, but I do not expect them to help.
I paid extra for a Toyota because I expected the quality to be better. Since I wasted my money paying extra and did not get the quality, and now I"m reading that the company is not fessing up to the problem....and did not warn us....I will not buy another. Do not reward a company that doesn't treat you right.
Update from Oct 12, 2009: I've been in touch with my local Toyota dealer. They noted that there was a recall on the ECM and they reprogrammed mine a year or two ago. I responded, why would it go bad again? I told him about all the complaints I read about. He said if you have a problem you should take it to the dealer because they are in touch with each other and know the most about your car. It will cost me $87 tomorrow just for diagnostics. THey cannot tell me what is wrong until then. He mentioned that it could be a cellinoid or anything else. I can tell they will not own up to a poorly built transmission. He said that all cars have something wrong with them. I started to tell him that when I chose to buy a Toyota, that I paid extra up front for quality, and I didn't get it. I told him that I looked online and Rav4's had the most complaints of all the Toyotas. He sorta had to go real quick. Really....everyone.....he does have a point. I wasted $250 going to an auto import repair shop and they didn't know what it was. So I still have to go to the dealer's repair shop to get it figured out. Go directly to the dealer the first time for this repair.
Update from Oct 13, 2009: OKay....I really did not need to go to the dealer because it was the same thing wrong that everyone else is describing. But, when I called the Toyota 1-800 number and complained, the girl told me that I needed to go to the dealer and have it diagnosed. So, I spent $87 for the dealer's repair shop to tell me that, guess what, my ECM or ECU...needed replaced. Price: $1385.65. I asked if the transmission was damaged. Well, they could not tell me that until the EMC was replaced and then they could tell. Cost for new transmission? $3700 more. Total would be: $5200. I was flabbergasted. I told the guy the blue book value of the car was that much.
So, I flipped through the phone book and found a Transmission shop and talked at length to a sympathetic person. He said he would try to get a used EMC. I said NO! They are not made right. They've "improved" them. If you put in a used one, the same thing will happen again. He then said he could try to rebuild the transmission depending how bad the damage is. He said the dealer's repair shop will just install a new one. So, I drove the car to the transmission store and am waiting to see what happens after he installs the EMC.
I also called the Toyota place: 1-800-331-4331. They tell me that when I got my recall letter, it was to reprogram the EMC. They would not say that it was faulty. Then they said that they had extended teh warrenty to 80,000 miles. I said, well if you extended teh warrenty, that means you knew that there was something wrong with it. And what good does that do us? It goes bad after the warrenty is over. I also told him that from what I read, by the time the engine warning light goes on, it's too late. The damage to the transmission is done. I told him that the least the company could have done was warn us to have the EMC changed to the "improved" version so we could have avoided the transmission damage. I told him that people reported that it was dangerous when they drove their cars adn they wouldn't shift and almost caused accidents. I told him that this car was my sixth Toyota, but there will not be a seventh purchase and that from what I read, the other people felt the same way, and that we would be mentioning our experience to our friends and family. I feel that the company has gotten "too big for their britches". They did not want to admit a fault, so they let us get blindsided with an enormous, needless repair. If they had warned us that the EMC could go bad and what the consequences would be, we could have prevented the repair of teh transmission. So, I say to all of you. call that 1-800 number and tell them of your experience and how you feel about it. The more complaints they have, the more likely they will be to do something about it. By the way, the transmission repair person, said that Ford has been making some pretty reliable cars lately.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
Toyota should have a recall on this...apparently it is a known issue with this vehicle. The ECM goes haywire and destroys the transmission. The result is you need a new ECM=$800 and a new transmission =$2800. Toyota has admitted this problem to me and actually paid for half of the ECM cost after much harassment. The headquarters tried to get me to pay for the full amount and they would reimburse me...lol. Taking me for an idiot, I suppose. I refused so they credited the Toyota dealership for half the amount. This shows they need to recall it...everyone has this problem and because of this hassle I will never, ever buy a Toyota again..and then they wonder why they are not doing so well in the American Market.
2008Mar 22
RAV4 2WD 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 108,000 miles
I have 108,000 on my RAV 4L 2WD. I definitely take my car in for regular maintenance and treat my car as though it were a child. However, this week the car started kicking like a horse between 0-30. Initially, I thought I had it in the wrong gear, but after paying close attention, I noticed the check engine light came on.
My friend owns an Auto shop and he did a free computer diagnostic test on my car and said it was the solenoid. He made a few phone calls to Toyota to see if it was an approved recall and said Toyota is aware of the problem, but "claim" it is a wear and tear on the vehicle.
Toyota said, you could try to change the solenoids, but there is no guarantee it will work, then said once you purchase these parts, they are non-refundable. They found no metal in my transmission.
So my friend-mechanic said it would be gamble to pay $800 for parts to labor, only to find out it may not fix the problem. He said its a gamble.
Another option he recommended was to rebuild the transmission. He called 3 different shops and got 3 different quotes for the transmission, $1600, $2200, $2800. Each said that even if the transmission was rebuilt, there is no guarantee that the computer will read it and will malfunction. Next and final step would be to drop another $600 (minimum) to have TOYOTA reprogram to the transmission.
At first, I thought what did I do to cause this expensive, and unexpected repair. My car has 108,000 miles and I do everything that is required for the recommended maintenance. I am very frustrated, and did not expect the repairs to be this costly. I really have no choice, but to pay for a new transmission.
Anyone have a better solution,
Lara
2009Jul 17
RAV4 L 2L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
So, I haven't taken the car to the dealership yet.
I'm nervous too- as I can't really afford a costly repair. And I definitely can't afford a new car. But, my car isn't so safe to drive right now.
The car is constantly hesitating on gear shift. Occasionally seems to shift to neutral or a far to high gear. I know that the longer I drive it like this, the more damage I'm causing, but I'm reading people's complaints and seeing multi-thousand dollar repair bills.... aaaaaaa!
2009Sep 02
RAV4 L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
I was driving my car last Saturday, when suddenly it started hesitating when taking off from a complete stop. It would finally engage and then I was able to continue on. Then the check engine light came on. I had my granddaughter in the car with me and decided I had better get home before we had an accident.
Later, I was speaking to my daughter about it and she told me to check to make sure my gas cap was on tight. I shrugged off her suggestion, but later that evening went out and removed the gas cap and put it back on. The next morning I got up and took the car down to the store. The engine light was no longer on and the car was no longer acting up. I was amazed that the gas cap was such an easy fix. The next day I drove my car the 50 miles round trip to work and everything seemed fine. I was really happy and grateful that I had been so lucky. Little did I know that my luck was about to run out.
The following day on the way to work the car started acting up again. I got to work and tried the gas cap fix again, but that didn't work. I promptly drove my car to my mechanic. He checked it out and told me it appeared to be a transmission problem and suggested I take it to an AAMCO in a nearby city.
The following morning I took my car to AAMCO. On the way there, the check engine light came back on and the car began having problems not only between 1st and 2nd gears, but also between 4th and 5th. I made it to AAMCO and after waiting for 2 hours for them to look at it and diagnose the problem they came out and told me that the problem was inside the transmission and they would have to take it out to find out exactly what was going on. The cost to remove the transmission to diagnose and provide an estimate for repair was $350.00. I gave them the go ahead and went home to wait for their call. They called me back a couple of hours later and told me that there were 2 broken mounts and the transmission needed to be rebuilt as there was a lot of "munched parts" inside. The cost was going to be $2800.00. I couldn't believe it, but after scrambling to get together the money for the repair I called them back and gave them the go ahead. I was already in it for $350.00 and felt like I didn't have much choice. They told me that my car would be ready on Friday so I told them I would be there after work to pick it up.
On Friday I called AAMCO about an hour before going over to get the car. I was told that they weren 't quite done, but it would be ready in an hour. When I arrived to pick it up, they came out after about 10 minutes and told me there was a big problem. I was advised the transmission had been remanufactured and it was fine, but that the computer needed to be replaced as it was making the transmission act up just as it was before. They advised me that my car was not operable because if I did drive it, the transmission would be destroyed again. They advised me it was going to be another $1100.00 to replace the ECM.
I was speechless. This repair bill was now $3907.14. I'm not sure if a 2001 RAV4 is even worth $3900.00. I was l already in this repair for $2800.00, did not have a second vehicle and had arranged a loan for the repair. I felt sick and was not sure if what they were telling me was the truth. I was over a barrel and felt I had no choice at all. Again, I okayed the repair and went home. I came home and did research and found that this computer/transmission issue was for real and was happening to a lot of people.
Yesterday morning I went and picked up my RAV. It appears to be running okay. I am not sure what to do at this point. I now owe $3400.00 plus interest for this repair.
It is my understanding that Toyota has known about this computer/transmission problem for years and has chosen to do nothing about it. My receipt from AAMCO states "After installing transmission we found it was trying to engage two gears at once which is same condition as orginal failure (binding up). Found bad computer was sending bad info to trans is what caused original failure. If computer had not failed transmission would not have failed."
This is not the first problem I have had with my RAV. While I initially loved this car, I don't think I would ever buy another Toyota.
While I do understand that my car is 8 years old and things will go wrong, I don't believe these kinds of things should be happening. If they knew about this problem and chose to ignore it instead of recallind and correcting the problem, they should be held accountable.
I am a 52 year old grandmother. I am not rough on my vehicle. It has never been in an accident and I believe I have been doing all I can to maintain the vehicle but in the past 2 years I have had over $7000.00 in repairs.
I will write to Toyota and if I don't get any satisfaction, I will file a complaint. Class action suit, count me in.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 14
RAV4 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 104,500 miles
As many others have mentioned I too, have a 2001 Toyota rav4 that's having difficulty changing gears. It seems to happen between 1st and 2nd gear. While at a complete stop and then trying to accelerate the engine seems to slip as if you are free revving and or neutral. After the slipping it would catch up to the right gear after knocking the engine around. All other gears were ok and downshifting was no problem. While putting it in reverse and then drive seemed to be beating on the tranny.(loud clunking noise)took it to the dealership and they said my transmission was good & that it was the computer. Also took it to auto zone where they had hooked it up to there computer and came up with a code of P0755-low tranny fluid and faulty solenoid. And here we are trying to figure out what route to take. Why do I have a feeling if I get the computer fixed---that they are going to say that the tranny needs replaced also........
2009Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
Guys i just paid over 3,100 today to fix my trans and it's still not right, there is precedence to a class action lawsuit being filed for engine sludge problems for other Toyota brands that was successful do a google search on it, i say we all ban together and do this now for the transmission
2008Aug 01
RAV4 Limited 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
this is really getting worst everyday and now i need to push the car because it won't go reverse anymore it just don't move and i can't drive more than 25mph and sounds so awful.
2009Jun 01
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,778 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
I have a Toyota Rav 4, 2001, 2.0 with transmission problems for the ECM......only the ECM was the problem...they put an other ECU from the dealer $ 680 CN dollars, now the Rav 4 running good.
Thanks
Technical Automotive Centre
London, ON, Canada
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 17
RAV4 4WD
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
I had never had any problems with my RAV4 until the check engine light came on in March 09. I took it to a local gas station and they found that there was an O2 sensor that needed to be replaced. During that visit, the gas station recommended a transmision flush so I had it done--- WORST MISTAKE EVER!!!! About 1 month later, my car started losing acceleration and spiking RPMs or jumping when shifting around 25 MPH. By the next day, the car did not want to accelerate and I had to have it towed to the gas station. They had no idea what was wrong with it other than 'it wasn't there fault', so I had it towed to a transmission shop. It ended up have a rebuilt transmission. After 2 weeks, I got it back, but within a few days, started have the same troubles and back to the transmission shop it went. After replacing the clutch and multiple other pieces that had been thought to be faulty, I got it back another 2 weeks later. As soon as I got it, it was having the same exact problem, so when we spoke to the transmission guy, he was at lost and recommended that we take it to the dealer to get reprogrammed because he having trouble doing it manually. After 5-6 days, the same problem happened for the THIRD time and it had to go back. This time they replaced the clutch and other possible faulty parts for a 3rd time, and when they ran the tests, found that the transmission would shift perfectly when done manually but still had the same problem when in automatic mode (it is an automatic transmission). The transmission shop called their tech people and was told that the problem is a faulty computer. Now, they are trying to find out from Toyota if they will cover the costs because it was there recalled piece or if I have to cover it. But it's at a point that I either pay for the computer or I can't even resell/trade the car in! SOOOO FRUSTRATING!!!
2008Dec 23
RAV4 Limited 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 93,206 miles
Return from a trip to learn that my Toyota would not start after the engine was washed. A local licensed mechanic suggested it was the 'brainbox'. He managed to get a secondhand replacement and got the car started. A couple of days later came to realize that the gears were not really changing and jerks sometimes. The problem has been on and off but now seems to persists annoyingly. Local Toyota Dealer/Agency wants me to change the whole brain box at almost US$ 3,300.00. I feel like abandoning the car but I don't want to miss this smooth ride.
2009Apr 12
RAV4 4L
- Automatic transmission
- 133,000 miles
My 2001 RAV4 is also acting up and I don't know where to start to get it fixed
it definitely needs a new transmission. When I took it to the mechanic he told me to
drive till it fails on me because it needs it anyways. He also warned me that once the transmission is fixed that I will need to take it to Toyota and have the new transmission flashed with the computer in my car. Nine out of ten times the computer does not register with that transmission so I will need to purchase a whole new computer. I don't think I have a warranty on it. I have only had it almost 3 years and put an extra 30,000 miles on it.
2009Apr 24
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
I am very upset with my Toyota Rav4. I bought this vehicle used after my 1999 Honda CRV was wrecked. I thought it would be great as I had heard that Toyotas last a long time. Well I have had it for about 2 years and the engine light had been on most of the time. I had to have the Catalytic Converter replaced (over $1,000) then about two weeks ago, I pulled away from a stop sign and the car lurched into 2nd gear and 3rd. Almost every time I leave a stop it either won't go into gear at first then finally pop into 1st. I had the transmission fluid pumped out and replaced along with a new filter and pan gasket. It didn't help a thing. From the postings I see, this can be very expensive.....so my car is parked for the time being. I wish I had bought another model or another Honda CRV. Also when I turn a corner it seems to shift into neutral or low momentarily then pop back into gear...the transmission is just doing whatever!
2009Apr 27
RAV4 ES 2.0L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
I have a 2001 Toyota RAV 4. I love this suv, but now the trans is going bazuca on me. To fix the problem is going to be from $1,300-$3,500?????????????????????????What...???
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO WAY.... so I went to car max and they will give me $3500.00 dollars for it. What the hell, I thought that this Toyotas went over 200K miles...From what every one tells me about this AWD rav 4 trans they go bad around 80K miles....We need to get a recall on this ravs....
2009Mar 27
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I'm having problems with my 2001RAV4. First it would hard shift from 1st to 2nd, then my check engine light came on. I took it into Aamco and they charged me $700 to open it up to see what was wrong. They then proceeded to tell me it was going to cost $4,128 to fix it, by replacing the transmission and I can't remember what else they told me had to be replaced. I was pissed! Here I am retired, thinking I wouldn't have to buy another automobile and shame on me. I don't have that kind of money laying around. I need help on the class action suit against Toyota.
2009Feb 14
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Man I have the same problem with my car, just like the rest of you nice people. We have to do something about this issue, it looks like some of you people have spent a lot of money for nothing. What we need is a lawsuit. We need someone that is a lawyer up in here. Sounds to me like, "Toyota" knows about this problem but no one has done anything about it yet. So they just keep on doing what that do best, take people's money.
For anyone that is reading this, do not get anything fix at dealer shops, unless it is a recall. They will try to take anything they can...go find some other small repair shop to do the job.
So, here's what I did to help my car run a little better, but not perfect. I undid the battery and cleaned up all of the ground wires with a wire brush and fine sandpaper and reconnected it. I hope that will help you a little, like it did me.
2009Apr 03
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 157,000 miles
Was the class action suit filed against Toyota? If so, anyone has an update? I had my catalytic converter replaced at 65K in 2004 and fortunately, it was covered under warranty. Fast forward to 2009 and the same issues are still there today. I encountered the same issues as everyone else with the transmission having difficulty from 1st to 2nd gear. In 2008, I spent over $1,200 on a new ECU because the Toyota dealership said that I needed to have it replaced because the engine was misfiring. I asked if this was a common problem at the time and they said that they had not heard about it before. Yeah right...My check engine light has been on for 5-6 months since late 2008 and I'm now needing to replace my catalytic converter again. I'm tired of this BS that Toyota is claiming to not acknowledge any of this. Any thoughts or suggestions?
2009Mar 17
RAV4 LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I am having problems with my transmission and have been told that it's due to a faulty Powertrain Control Module (which I received a recall on and brought into the dealership as instructed). Now I not only have to rebuild my transmission but I also have to purchase a new PCM. I spoke with customer service and waited two entire days to hear back from them. When I called back I received VERY poor service and I threatened to start a class action. I've since been googling and am realizing that this is a very big problem
2009Feb 26
RAV4 AWD 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
Toyota should be held accountable for this faulty error. They do know of the problem, there is a class action law suit against them...were signing up people, getting the word out...The only true way to fix your car, replace the transmission, replace and reprogram the ECU entirely...running you, thousands of dollars.
2009Mar 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 123,000 miles
So much for a reliable Toyota! In addition to the transmission problem, I also have had check engine light issues for over 2 years. I have taken it to Toyota on more than one occasion to have them not be able to turn it off. I now find myself with a failed transmission after taking excellent care of this car since I purchased it in 2001. Shame on Toyota for not owning up to this huge problem!
2009Jan 06
RAV4 LS V4
- Automatic transmission
- 115,320 miles
The transmission was slow shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Also the car jumped. I had the transmission rebuilt. I got the car back, but the same thing began happening again. Now I am told that the problem is the computer. It ruined the transmission and if I use the car, it will ruin the fixed transmission. What is going on???? Does anyone know if there has been a recall for the computer?
2009Jan 31
RAV4 AWD 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 61,692 miles
Toyota RAv4 2001 AWD, from 1/31/09 onwards the transmission problem starts. It do not shift, it tries to shift but do not. during this it gives jerking and stalling or stopping. after reading some transmission problems reported regarding the same kind, I am going to contact dealer tomorrow. i will write up later after that.
2009Jan 10
RAV4 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd. After driving around town, the car will not accelerate and will jump down the road until it finds 2nd or 3rd gear. Sometimes, I will shift into reverse or drive and the car will not move. Had it towed to a dealer. They said they checked the computer, but I needed a new transmission. Then, I received a notice from Toyota to reprogram my computer for free. Took it to another dealer. Just had the computer reprogrammed for free b/c of the recall. They said I needed a transmission flush, and my fluid was a little low. We decided to drive the car home b/c we are new to the area and do not trust the dealers here. Car drove fine home. Now, it's happening all over again. Going to have it towed once more to see what the problem is. I hope it's just the transmission fluid/flush. If not, I have a feeling my computer damaged the transmission. I had a Corolla for YEARS and never experienced problems like this.
Update from Oct 22, 2009: MY ADVICE TO EVERYONE IS TO REPLACE YOUR ECM. REPROGRAMMING IT DOES NOTHING! DO NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FIRST.
THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCHEME. IF TOYOTA TOLD YOU YOUR ECM WAS DEFECTIVE, THEN THEY WOULD BE ADMITTING THE DAMAGE TO YOUR TRANSMISSION IS CAUSED BY THEIR DEFECTIVE PART (ECM).
AAMCO IS ALSO SCHEMING CUSTOMERS INTO PURCHASING A TRANSMISSION WHEN THEY KNOW THE ECM SHOULD BE REPLACED.
I HAD TO PURCHASE AN ECM FROM A DEALERSHIP IN WASHINGTON FOR A DISCOUNTED PRICE. IT CAME WITH A ONE YEAR WARRANTY. I HAD A MECHANIC INSTALL IT. OVERALL, I FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR LESS THAN $900.
THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE CHARGED ME ALMOST $7,000 FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ECM. THE ECM ESTIMATES WERE AROUND $1500. THIS IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE THIS IS A TOYOTA CREATED DEFECT AND PROBLEM. BELIEVE ME, REPLACING THE ECM IS MUCH CHEAPER THAN WHAT THE DEALERSHIPS WILL CHARGE YOU TO FIX THE PROBLEM ONLY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION THEN THE ECM.
THEY TOLD ME MY TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT, AND MY COMPUTER WAS FINE. I REPLACED THE COMPUTER, AND THE HARD SHIFTING WAS ELIMINATED. I KNOW MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT GOING TO LAST FOREVER, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY CHEAPER TO FIX THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM FIRST.
2009Jan 09
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 156,889 miles
Please help! I'm having problems with my 2001 RAV 4 shifting gears. I was told by toyota to replaced the chip, and the cost associated with such is close to $3000 dollars.
I'm not quite sure what to do! I can not stand the jerk and the noise that the makes while trying to shift gear. Toyota need to fix this problem right now!
2008Jan 12
RAV4 1az-Ff
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
I have this 2001 RAV4 with the same problem with the rest, the ECU is malfunctioning and the shifting is really bad in 1st and 2nd gear. I almost got an accident twice in the freeway. I called toyota regarding this issue and had told me that there was no recall regarding RAV4 ECU's malfunctioning and told them to visit this website.
I am sick and tired of this car!!!
2008Dec 22
RAV4 L
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I'm sad to add myself to this list of unhappy 2001 rav4 complaints about the transmission. Has anyone had any luck getting this resolved with the deal/toyota? or has a law suit been filed?
2008Dec 01
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I would like to share my frustration with the transmission of my 2001 Toyota RAV4. The car is in excellent condition (no problem what so ever) but recently the car jumps when shifting from 1 to 2 gear. I had the transmission fluid flushed (may be not needed) and I am curious to know whether anyone out there has any opinion what could be the cause of this?
2008Apr 10
RAV4 L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
I bought the car used from a dealer in 2006. I didn't purchase the warranty because it didn't seem worth the money per month since I was buying a well made, long lasting Toyota. While I still believe that once upon a time Toyotas were great, they clearly have not been making them like they used. I had the car for a year and half and the transmission failed. It started to shift smoothly in and 'uh oh something is really wrong way' and then it finally just stopped, in the middle of the road. I had to be towed and subsequently had to fork over $2800 for my transmission to be replaced. Am I angry? Yes! I loved my car, was very excited to have it. Now I curse it everyday for being a stupid money pit. I had heard of these things happening to Fords and Chevy's, not toyotas and hondas. And now my husbands 2002 Honda accord seems to have the same issue!!!
2008Jun 30
RAV4 4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 10,000 miles
my rava 4 transmission went out on me while on vacation I was 500 mile from home,durning my time on the hwy i smelled something thinking it was the 18teenwheelers with the heavy loads, after reentering stop and go traffic i realized that I HAD A PROBLEM. Took it in to transmission shop they said yes there is something wrong with my transmission had it restored but still there was problem so I tolled it back to Virginia the dealer service manager said that the computer had begin causing owner problems. it cost me 1200 for a replacement of a new computer 1600plus for restoration while on vacation transmission doctor would not honor there warranty so I had to spend 2300plus at aamco third and fourth gear failure. plus attorney cost (1000 plus)
2008Nov 23
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 134,850 miles
I just started having problems with the automatic transmission on my Toyota 2001 Rav4 with regards to the hard shifting from 1st to 2nd gear just a couple of days ago. I have not done anything yet and I am not sure what to do at the moment. Should I call the local dealer, the car is definitely out of warranty? What repairs should be done to fix this problem. It is a very dangerous problem and can cause an accident because of the car stalling briefly while going from 1st to 2nd gear. Please help!!!
2008Nov 08
RAV4 L 4
- Automatic transmission
- 86,540 miles
This is the 10th or 11th site I've looked at for the RAV4 ECM/transmission problem. Here's what I've deduced after many hours of research:
1. The engine light comes on.
2. The tranny slips and jerks from 1st to 2nd, and sometimes from 2nd to 3rd.
3. If you drive more than about 50 miles in this state, the transmission is ruined.
4. Toyota put a faulty code into the ECM of lots of Rav4s, Camrys, and other models.
5. After years of hundreds of angry complaints, Toyota issued a recall on these models.
6. A large percentage of these people lose their transmissions and pay big.
7. Once the ECM is reflashed (or reprogrammed) the engine light stops coming on.
8. The transmission is only OK if it hasn't already been damaged.
9. Toyota mechanics plead ignorance, non-Toyota mechanics are bewildered.
10. Toyota refuses to admit that they've even ever gotten complaints.
11. People are angry, but Toyota works to keep them in small groups by model.
12. People in small groups are ineffective in calling Toyota to account for mistakes.
My RAV4 fits nicely into this recurring 12-step nightmare for Toyota owners. Even a number of chat sites try to isolate the responses by brand, much of their advertising coming from Toyota or its dealerships. I can just pay for my new transmission if I don't take a vacation this year, but there are lots of drivers who just can't afford to pay for a new transmission.
I used to be a loyal Toyota owner, but after watching the company dodge its responsibility and lie about why, I'm going elsewhere from now on. Go to the site http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/toyota/TEACK3S8TKGJN6IA3 and read on and on ad nauseum. People are looking for a class action lawsuit there. I'll join it if you will,,,
2008Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 124,000 miles
I bought my Rav used and loved it, took care of it and then started to shift funny from 1st to 2nd and the engine light came on. Took it to the dealer and told me it need a ecu and a transmission. The cost was 5500.00 Didn't have the money to fix it so it is sitting in my yard. Toyota should do something to fix this problem. Maybe a class action suit. Not a happy camper.....
2008Oct 20
RAV4 L
- Automatic transmission
- 96,900 miles
an ordinary morning driving to work, out of nowhere my rav4 would not accelerate when i stepped on gas, and if it did it would jerk significantly to make the car jump. when i would step on the accelerator smoothly it would go easy to 2 RPMs n instantly jump to almost 4 RPMs with barely stepping on the gas n then instantly go back down to about 1-2 RPMs. This is the case every time i come to a stop, red light, trying to get the car moving is problematic. 2 days later the engine light turned on. When we connected it to the computer it gave a trouble code P0750. After speaking to several mechanics n the toyota dealer itself they admitted multiple cases with this problem. The issue is known but the solution not quite. Suggestions ranged from replacing solenoid yo maybe even whole transmission an expense that could go up to $3,000 however, not guaranteeing it will solve the problem. Im debating on the best and wisest way to take care of it. what are the updates with this problem?
2008Oct 16
RAV4 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
our rav4 auto, started hard shifting,not going into low gear,rev. up going into 3rd gear.real piece of crap and when i read the forums here with $$$$.when i read about dealer resetting emc. i disconnected battery cable ,left it off for 11/2 days (wasn't going anywhere anyways) I'm not advertising for them in any way, but i added a bottle of lucas trans treatment.was told it would take about 200 miles to see if it worked. i then went to a trans shop to tell my woes they did a code scan with nothing showing up.(battery was disconnected and cleared all codes)guy at trans shop told me it would take about 30 miles for computer to reset its self and rav4 would work like s--t til it did reset.well my tale is a happy one so far.s rav4 started shifting like it should.my problem went away just about as quick as it came and i sure hope it lasts.i at least have some hope now while i still think of those $$$$ NO REPAIR costs. hope this helps someone.
2008Oct 06
RAV4 2.0L 4-cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
I am so glad we found this site - at least I know I am not crazy! I am experiencing the same symptoms: not shifting properly between 1st and 2nd AND 2nd and 3rd gears, lurching when moving from Park to Reverse, jerking in traffic, not moving when I let off the brake (from stop, to the chagrin of all drivers behind me) - all makes me scared to drive this car that has been so great! I can't believe Toyota...especially with the large number of complaints about this SAME issue on 2001-2003 models. My husband is looking for a rebuilt transmission and also ECM thanks to the other posts on this site. I had a Honda before and will definitely go back - never buying a Toyota again, and warning everyone I know not to buy either! Please contact me if there is a class-action lawsuit - I will definitely be involved.
2008Sep 25
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
hard shifting in my toyota 2001 rav4 cost me 1042 $ from my pocket i was lucky because it didn't damage my transmission .toyota wont cover ecu because i am over 80000 miles if Does anyone know if there is a class action suit regarding the transmission/ECM problem? If so,let me know please
2008Oct 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I see a common ECM/tranny theme here that I can relate to. The dealer charged me $100 to tell me that the bad shifting and red light meant a $1300 ECM cost. As I was crying the blues at my church group, a guy that owns a garage said, "I could have given you that info for free. The real problem can sometimes be what they don't tell you." I took it to him to read out and he said the code said it was a problem with the #2 shift solenoid in tranny. He said the dealer knows odds are you'll go to an outside tranny dealer cuz they're much cheaper, so they are just trying to extort money from you before they lose you as a customer. Well, all that sounded so harsh to me that I just dismissed it as someone who had a really biased opinion and economic resentment. WELL GUESS WHAT! He was absolutely right! I went back to the dealer and paid the $1300 ECM cost and there is NO IMPROVEMENT in the shifting and NOW THEY'RE TELLING ME it's the tranny. They won't cover the tranny, so has anyone found any way to pressure them into covering these trannys that should be lasting longer?
2008Sep 28
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 106,500 miles
I have owned this one for almost 8 yrs with no issues. Yesterday noticed sudden jerk while shifting from 1st to second gear. Today it has become worse, car hardly moves in first gear and suddenly slips to 2nd. Then it is normal until I have to stop again.
Fortunately lady driving behind me had lot of patience and didn't honk even once.
Check light has also come on. I thought of checking web and found I am not alone.
Its difficult to believe that only solution is $spend 6000 on ECM + Trans.
I have written to toyota and plan on taking to dealer once I hear something form toyota.
2008Aug 21
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
Like everyone else i have the same problem with the car jerking so i took it in to get checked out. They told me i had a bad transmission. I can't believe it, i thought Toyota suppose to last. i brought the car without doing much research, but who knew they would put a car on the market when they know there's problem with it. feel like i got ripped off. so i am shopping for a car, but i will not consider buying a toyota again.
2008Sep 08
RAV4 4WD 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
Hello everyone with a toyota RAV4. I always loved my car and always wanted to stay with toyota. After my wonderful adventure today I am not so sure now. I got a recall notice back in march to reprogram the ECM. Not only did it take 2 hours out of my time it still did not fix the check engine light coming on. Well starting today shifting out of first gear scared the sh*t out of me. I have never had the jerking, no power in the gas pedal, clunking noise EVER. Well with doing some research i found that NUMEROUS complaints about the ECM and the transmission. I called the customer care center of toyota and he stated that there are no reports that the two problems are related. He told me I have to convince the dealership that they are one in the same problem. I WILL NOT PAY for this problem considering they are so many complaints about this. How can you tell me there is not a direct relation? Hopefully we can do something about this and make Toyota replace the ECM and fix the transmission at not cost to the consumer. If you have any information regarding this problem PLEASE let me know. Thanks
2008Sep 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 100,503 miles
My 2001 Rav. 4 seems to have the exact same problem with the ECM and Transmission. This to the tune of $6,000!!!!! I am going to get the car back from Toyota and take it to the Triple A diagnostic center (for $35) and see what they come up with. I'm pissed - Really pissed!!! I have 105,000 miles. It was helpful to see everyone else's post. Now at least I'm armed with a bit of info when i deal with the dealer tomorrow. Wish me luck!!
2007Jan 23
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
When the car is started, 1st thing in morning, the transmission will hesitate when attempting to shift into the next gear range. I am compelled to take my foot off the gas pedal in order to make it shift. Once engine (transmission) warms up it appears to stop.
2008Jul 10
RAV4 L 2.0L Vvti
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I just brought my car to have my oil changed. After a few days the transmission starts skipping and not able to shift up (from 1 to 2) Check engine came on a week later ..
I think Toyota Dealerships should consider fixing the problems......
there are too many complaints with transmission & ECM.
I'm no longer a Toyota fan.
2008Jul 07
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
I have got the same problem (fault code P0755 - Harsh shifting) what everybody else are reporting here. I did not do any repair yet other than spending one hundred dollars for the diagnostic test from the dealership. Dealer is recommending to replace the Engine Control Module and if that does not fix the problem, replace the transmission itself on my own cost. As everybody else reports here this is not acceptable as this inconvenience that we are all are going through was created by Toyota (by installing faulty ECM's at the first place on 2001 - 2003 RAV4's). I have reported to NHTSA and have also called Toyota customer service. They did not want to listen to any of our / customer concern. She is keep saying your car is out of warranty and Toyota cannot do anything about it. Where else we should report about this so that Toyota will recall the ECM's for all RAV 4's, which has this complaint and reimburse the expenses for people who had spent the money from their pocket already? Did anybody filed a law-suit already? If yes i am willing to join.
P.S. Its good that i have landed on this website before working on the transmission which was recommended by an AAMCO transmission tech. As some of you have suggested let me just replace the ECM first and see if that fix the problem.
2008Jul 14
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
While I enjoy meeting new people with common interests, this is not exactly the place I'd like to be doing it! A few days ago, the check engine light on my '01 rav4 popped on, but I wasn't experiencing any mechanical difficulties. Was hoping maybe a faulty gas cap or something minor, but then yesterday, started experiencing some "skipping" and hesitation while driving. Checked fluids, topped them off, etc..thought maybe bad gas..
This morning the skipping and hesitation lasted all the way to work. I remembered getting something in the mail that i thought may have been a recall, which lead me to the internet and all of you lovely people with lint in your pockets where money used to be! Forgive me for making light of this, but if i don't i may loose my mind...I DO NOT have $5000 to replace these things, particularly when they are the fault of Toyota. I am alway bragging about how dependable my rav is..yeah..not so much!
I spoke to a guy at one of the dealerships and he told me probably $1200 for ECM replacement and I couldn't bare to hear the rest! He said he had one other woman with the same problem, but said she drove her care for a very long time with Engine light on (guess that made it her fault). He also said that it can just happen naturally...I told him we both know it is a defective part and b/c i am over 80,000 miles, I am SOL!!!
I am bringing to my mechanic tonight..if I make it there..and letting him put it on the computer to see what he thinks. I feel like I am just throwing away $90 to get bad news, but what else can i do??
I will post again with the findings and if I am one of the unluckies, I will be more than happy to jump on the legal bandwagon---This is ridiculous and I am tired of getting screwed by companies/people like this. It's bad enough our government does it and we pay through the nose for gas and anything made from, transported by or serviced through petroleum (which is everything)....
Sorry for the rant..just freaking out!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Oct 19
RAV4 2.0L
I was driving on the InterState when the first incident of shifting occurred. It scared me, but it didn't happen again until about a week later. I had the transmission flushed and it ran well for about 2 days. Now it occurs daily and I've been trying to find a solution. I took it to a transmission repair shop and the mechanic said I needed to have it rebuilt because the gears were stripped at a price of approximately $1800. I was going to take it to another transmission shop tomorrow; but after reading these complaints I don't know what to do. I can't afford a new transmission or the cost of the ECM. I've driven Toyotas since 1986 and I've never had a problem like this before. This will be my last Toyota. Please let me know if a class action suit is started. I am calling Toyota today!!!
hughessullivanms
Jackson, MS, USA
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