8.6
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,535.00
Average Mileage:
110,630 miles
Total Complaints:
100 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (40 reports)
- replace transmission (24 reports)
- replaced ecm (19 reports)
- new tramsmission (8 reports)
- added a bottle of Lucas transmission treatment (2 reports)
- replace transmission & ecm at the same time (2 reports)
transmission problem
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A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Toyota Extends Warranty on Troubled 2001-3 RAV4 - Toyota is extending the warranty on automatic transmissions and electronic control modules on almost one quarter of a million 2001-2003 RAV4s and offering to reimburse owners who had already paid for repairs.
2011Nov 27
RAV4 1.8L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
I purchased this car brand new and maintained it as required and at 100,000 miles it now needs a transmission and a new computer these items was on the recall list I later found out I was never notified even though I took my vehicle in for regular maintenance now I'm told it's out of warranty. toyota was aware of this problem all along.
2011Jun 05
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
time for Toyota to do a recall on this transmission issue and cover ALL costs- i'm told it's $4,000 or more to fix the issue of non-acceleration and then kicking into gear- nearly been rear-ended numerous times- happens daily- UNSAFE vehicle to drive at all....
Update from Nov 10, 2011: the ECM needed replacing. Toyota HAD a recall on this, but info. was not sent out to owners- they were only told about it IF/WHEN they experienced problems- ha! the warranty was extended, but my vehicle won't be covered- no thanks to your lousy customer "service" TOyota.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Sep 29
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 101,400 miles
It all started just one day, no warning what so ever. It was having trouble shifting, and when it tried to shift sometimes, it shook the whole car body. My car goes to the dealership ever 5000 miles, so when I got the word that my transmission is failing I am in total shock. My Rav4 had the extended warranty up to 100,000, how convenient now that the extend warranty if up my transmission fails prematurely. The dealership is telling me about $5300 to fix it. My Rav4 mostly city driving, so it was never stressed by the open road. I think I am going to look into the Class Action suit in the US District Court for the Northern District of CA!
2011May 27
RAV4
- Manual transmission
- 55,407 miles
Super low mileage on my vehicle. But since I'm over the extended 10 year warranty (with this stupid ass defect, which should be recalled & covered no matter what!!!), Toyota wont help me with repairs or parts replacement. Talk about POOR Customer Service... The vehicle is unsafe. I will NEVER buy another Toyota & will NEVER recommend for people to buy TOYOTA... Called Toyota Corporate, USELESS!!! Very unpleasant people to deal with. I was told basically, "TOUGH! You are over the 10 year warranty, they don't care about the Low mileage!!! So disgusted with Toyota !!!
2011Jul 22
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
My problems started on a Friday. My RAV4 started to have major shifting problems as soon as I drove out of my garage in the morning. It was even shaking.This seemed to only happen after I was stopped. The engine light went on so I was VERY concerned. Couldn't go to my local place to have it checked out because it was closed on weekends so I went to Tires Plus where I've had oil changes and some repairs done. They quoted me 800.00+ for the computer and 7000.00 for the transmission. I told them that was out of my league. They handed me a bulletin from Toyota which said to replace the computer first and if issues continued, to replace the transmission.
Needless to say this put me in a tailspin of sorts. I did drive it sparingly on the weekend. That Monday I went to my local place who told me 2200.00 to replace the transmission. I even considered buying a new car because I wasn't sure I wasn't to throw good money into a 10+ yr old car.
My brother convinced me to call Toyota and ask if this is possibly covered. Surprisingly they told me the warranty had been extended to 10 years/150000 miles. [of course I had not received anything from Toyota on this. I would have remembered!] I made my appointment, took the car in and had the computer replaced at no cost to me.
Thing is...at no time was I notified by Toyota that there was a problem. Fortunately, I just beat the extended warranty deadline by 4 days!! I have been faxing Toyota a list of my complaints and asking for a response. Seems like all they are willing to give is a phone call and a 'so sorry'.
Here's the fax number......310-468-7814. Please please please inundate them with your complaints and concerns. Ask for copies of the service bulletins and extended warranty information. We as consumers have a right to this information.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
2001 RAV4 automatic with 60,000 current original miles, had a slight problem since owning it with shifting hard when cold, but it was occasional and resolved quickly. Last week drove the car and could not get it to shift when entering the freeway. Dragged as cars were piling on my rear and then jumped into gear. Now every time it shifts it shifts hard, like a pop.
Stopped driving it. Called Toyota and it is 3 months out of warranty. We had called them about a year ago about the problem and they suggested we take it to a dealership, but we lived on an island in Alaska and were 100 miles by water to the dealership (no roads). Waited until we moved. Toyota says it will not extend the warranty. Hard to believe a car with 60,000 miles can't run properly! Hard to believe Toyota will not stand behind the reliability of their vehicles and do what is right! We have been a loyal Toyota family our entire lives, but this is probably the last Toyota I will ever own.
I suggest anyone living in rural America that does not have access to a Toyota dealership may want to think hard about owning a Toyota!
2011Mar 09
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 174,000 miles
transmission just started slipping last week, seems mostly to be from 1st to second gear. It will hesitate then clunk into gear. I don't want to put much money into this, do I fix or junk it? No way I will go to the dealer, they are big time crooks............
2010Apr 01
RAV4 L 2.0L L4
- Automatic transmission
- 147,000 miles
I had the same problem with my RAV4 (2001) and the mechanic told me exactly the same, that I had to replace both the transmission AND the ecm, but I found out that the transmission was ok by repairing the ecm. The problem was that the technician couldn't properly diagnose the transmission while the ecm was defective. As for the ecm, yes, it is extremely expensive, but we sent it to a repair shop (http://www.rav4repair.com) that a mechanic I know recommended me. For aprox. $240 they fixed it and my RAV4 was on the road again, running like new in no time, It was last year and until today, we have had no more transmission problems at all.
As a curious thing, my RAV4 was less than 150,000 miles at that time and the dealer told me that it applies only to "certain" letter or number in the VIN number. Not sure which one, but they denied the service in warranty. I guess that Toyota is tightening the ropes on this, as maybe there are more vehicles involved than they thought.
I hope this helps fixing problems of others with the same issues.
2010Nov 14
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
Car started having problems shifting . . . would either hesitate / not accelerate or slam into the next gear and scare me to death . . . am just not sure what to do about it. The Toyota dealer charges an arm and a leg just to diagnose a problem . . . and it sounds like the fix for this will be more than I should probably put into a vehicle with 160,000 miles! From the similar situations mentioned on this site, it sounds like this should be a flat-out recall because it's DANGEROUS to drive. Barely got my 3 year old granddaughter home safely the last time I drove it.
Update from Dec 11, 2010: Dealer gave me a "discount" and replaced the ECM for $922. Seems to be working OK, transmission doesn't appear to be damaged. Still doesn't seem right that these weren't recalled and that so many people are paying so much. Hopefully I'll get enough miles out of the RAV to make it worth my while.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Aug 26
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
Car was operating normally until yesterday morning when I noticed it was shifting properly. Shop ran diagnostics and told me that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and a few other things to the tune of $800. When the called me to tell me that the work was completed, they asked if they could keep the car overnight because the mechanic still didn't like the way it was shifting. They later called to tell me that the transmission had to be replaced because the "planetary gear was coming apart" and that this was a known problem with the Rav4. They gave me an estimate of $6,000 to replace. I am going to get a 2nd opinion.
2009Mar 02
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I always had thought toyota's where the only cars that i would buy. but now i have a change of heart.i got a recall notice but its over the miles now not fair at all im sure toyota new about this problem years ago. its bad when they want help u and thats all your family will buy. my parents have three toyota's and i have one brother and he has two toyota's and i have three. toyota im going else where when looking for a new car.
2010Jul 01
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 157,000 miles
Today is aug/3/2010 for about 3 weeks i do not use my rav4 because is terrible and perhaps will have an accidente ans affect more persons, i saw a mechanic and told me the problem was the trasmision but after a week i receive a letter where toyota explain de problem but, i went to the dealer and explain the problem, they check and told me the solution is the the computer. my rav4 has 157000, they said i have to pay 1200 for fix the problem because is cover ten 10 or 150000 miles the occurs first and also have to pay 72 dollars for the inspeccion. please help me how get help, because i think toyota must pay for all. pedro aviles
1920Oct 20
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 172,000 miles
Like many others, my ecm chip malfunctioned in Oct. 2009 but I refused to pay the $1200 to replace it. After driving with occasional clunks in the transmission, it finally went out completely when I was out of state in July 2010. Now estimates range from $3000-$5000 to rebuild or replace the transmission. Unfortunately, my car is not worth that much due to high mileage. I wish toyota would have alerted owners and fixed the problem. Now I can identify with all the toyota issues in the past year.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jul 08
RAV4 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 93,206 miles
I brought the vehicle to the toyota dealership who first charged me over $60 to look at and said there wasn't a problem because it wasn't showing any problems then. After I drove it out of there, it started jerking and shifting badly to the point that I almost got into an accident when it downshifted and I had to pull over the major highway. Toyota then said I had to have the ECM changed but first they had to open up the tranny case to see if there were any damage. Upon seeing no filings they said the fluid that was replaced was wrong so they changed that only to phone me afterwards to say that I needed a new transmission! I am never going to buy a toyota again.
2010Apr 05
RAV4 LX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Just don't understand why companies seem to hate to admit they and/or their suppler's made a mistake and once it shows up refuses to admit and/or fix it at their expense, yea right, it's the money and status.
2010May 05
RAV4 3.2L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
well.. too scary to drive. it gives thud moving from 1st gear scare to accelerate.
2010Jan 13
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 187,000 miles
My 2001 RA4 started giving me problems in Jan. 2010. The transmission started slipping jerking, shifting hard into 2nd and I lose the power to accelerate.I have to put my flashers on to keep from being hit from behind. There have been no codes found & no check engine light by anyone who has checked it. I had the transmission rebuilt. I drove it for two days and the same problem occurred. I paid $1,700 to have it repaired. I took it back to the transmission shop, they said there is nothing wrong with the trans, it must be electrical. This is really sickening. Toyota needs to do something. I didn't know that there were so many complaints about the RAV4.
Update from Jun 17, 2010: I have my car back and it's running O.K. I finally had the ECU/ECM replaced after the check engine light came on again; that seemed to have fixed the problem. I'm sorry that I had to spend a total of $2,800 to get my car working properly. The ECU cost $1,089.00. (I think the best way to describe the problem was that the car felt like you were stepping on the brakes when you really weren't.) If you have this problem with your Toyota please have the ECU checked first. It could save you time and money.
2009Oct 17
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
I purchased this vehicle with less than 12,000 miles on the odometer after owning a Honda CRV in 2002. My wife complained that she wanted her CRV back from the time I purchased this vehicle but I really thought it might be a better vehicle than the CRV. This proved to be so until the car reached 60,000 miles and the MAF sensor failed and I noticed then the transmission did not change exactly like I thought it should but I thought it might be just the age of the vehicle. We only put about 8 to 9000 miles a year on the vehicle. So I ignored it. I gave the vehicle to my daughter who has gone back to school to drive. She lives 6 hours from me. She has driven the car about 10,000 miles and began complaining about the transmission not changing properly and since Oct 2009. Last week she called and stated the vehicle's transmission was slipping badly and not changing properly. She took to independent Toyota shop and they diagnosed it as the ECM failure. The cost is $1200 and since I have over 80,000 miles on the car I am on my own. This was a recognized malfunction by Toyota but the car was never recalled. This really upset me and that is why I am writing this blog. I have found a number of places on the internet that will repair the ECM at a reasonably price but I feel Toyota should recall the car and replace the ECM and possibly the transmission. I am not sure at this point but the transmission may have to be replaced!!! This is a safety matter. My daughter told me that she was almost hit in traffic when she attempted to pull into traffic and as a result of the transmission not working properly was unable to move into traffic and was almost involved in an accident!!!!!!!!!
Update from Apr 25, 2010: I am happy to post the solution to my problem was corrected for aroung $100. I researched the problem on the net and learned that a service to repair the computer was available for around $60 and i had the computer removed and sent it to the company and they repaired it, It was re-installed and after driving the vehicle for about 25 miles the computer corrected the problem. Now after approx. 4 weeks of driving it seems to be okay.
2010Mar 31
RAV4 L4WD 2.0L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I've had the ECM reprogrammed per Toyota's recalls, and about 15,000 miles ago the Check Engine light came on. It's come on many times before, all supposedly fixed by the reprogramming, and a diagnostic "revealed" that I needed a new catalytic converter. Since this car has spit out bad codes before (causing the car to stall on the highway and need a reset) I chose to continue driving the car as it was driving fine and the gas mileage hadn't really been affect. Then today, out of the blue, it starts acting like it's choking whenever I give it gas trying to get it up out of first gear. Once it gets out of 2nd it's generally okay, but shifting up or down is totally unpredictable and unsafe any time any gas pedal is applied because it affects the transmission. This happened, literally, from one car start to the next. Got out of the car, got back in, turned it on, and this hard shifting immediately happened. I'm extremely disappointed as there is clearly a problem with the electronics module in this particular model year and Toyota needs to own up to it by fixing these cars for free. I haven't taken it to be looked at yet as I'm dreading what I'm going to hear since this current economy has me using my car for delivery and I can't afford even a thousand-dollar fix, especially if there's no guarantee the same thing won't happen again.
2010Mar 27
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I had this car for 4year and I never had any trouble I though it going to last along time but on march 27 it star with a knock when I brake since then just couple days after I hardly move on the street and can you believe that Toyota transmission will not get to 100000 miles I use to know only American car do that I will not trust Toyota no more it suck like the other
2009Oct 20
RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I LOVED my Rav4... UNTIL NOW!! My car all of a sudden starting puttin & jerkin one day just out of nowhere. It lasted for 2 days then stopped for a month. When it happened again I took it into a service shop well basically they didn't know what was wrong & since I was a woman who knows NOTHING about cars had me fix everything but what was causing the problem & $1,600 later they tell me that its transmission problems & that there is a recall with the ECM & If I take it to my Toyota dealer that it will be fixed FOR FREE!!!! so I spent my tuition money on a problem that Toyota should have told me about in the 1st place! Toyota doesn't need anymore bad publicity & they just keep digging their own grave! Im so angry at the car shop & Toyota I cant see straight.... This will be my last Toyota they have truly dropped the ball on customer service skills.
2009Nov 19
RAV4 4 Cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 159,000 miles
I have the same problem with my rav 4. started shifting hard , and acting like it was stuck in 2nd gear. took it to dealer said it was the ecm, replaced that left the dealership and it was twice as bad.. I have two young boys and cant drive them around in an unsafe vehicle.. toyota needs to look at all of this and fix this problem also.
2008Apr 18
RAV4 L
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
I was driving my 2001 Rav4 home from work one day and it felt like it was stuttering, by the time I got to my driveway it was really crawling. I turned the car off, waited a moment and then turned it back on and it started so I parked it. I knew something was really wrong and didn't attempt to drive it except to take it to be fixed. I never made it to the mechanic, the car died half way there and had to be towed. It was the transmission, it had to be replaced. I didn't purchase the warranty when buying the car used because it's a Toyota, they are supposed to last forever. What a lie. If that was once the truth it isn't any longer. It cost my about $3500 US to get a new transmission.
2009Apr 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 180,000 miles
So I did get the transmission fixed and before I had driven it all the way home (about 50 miles) it started with the lurching jerking and whatever else you want to call it and it's been sitting in my driveway ever since. I now know that the ecm and transmission should have been replaced at the same time, but don't have the money to fix it. Especially since I have a new transmission with less then 60 miles on it. I know other people are brave and drive with this problem, but I live in the mountains and am too afraid a tourist will run into me when it stalls or I won't be able to make it up the various hills around town or it will just die and I'll be stranded. I loved the car but am now hoping a big tree will fall on it and put it out of my misery!
2010Jan 24
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
rav4 had no power pulling out, found out it was trying to pull out in 2nd gear, code PO755 came up so they replaced the solenoids at a cost of $700. 2 days later car was slipping in 2nd gear and still sometimes trouble pulling out, took it back to mechanic who said we need a rebuilt transmission. took it somewhere else for a second opinion they had my car now 2 days they say the engine transmission control is causing the problem $1000 to fix, this is the computer I am not sure if it is the same as the ECM mechanic told us that once this is fixed, the transmission may still be damaged and I will need to spend up to $2K - $3K more if thats the case
2009Apr 18
RAV4 Util 04
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
My rav4 Toyota started giving problems once in the while on shifting than I took the car to Ira Toyota in Milford MA. They charged me $350,00 and did not fixed the problem and did not gave my money back. Few weeks after the car were really bad I couldn't even drive I took to another mechanic and end up spending more money and no solutions. Finally my friend recommended his friend"s shop "Franklin Transmission". They found out that my car need to replaced EMC costing me $1,121.18. The worst came when he said that the transmission has been ruined and will have to be rebuilt too. I end up spending $4,000.00 to get my car running again. Plus all the money on rentals I spend for almost a month until I decide what to do and have the money to fix the car. If Toyota had sent a letter telling us about the problem I would have to replace only the EMC but they knew the problem and didn't do anything. It is a shame what they did. We need to stand up and ask for our rights.
2009Dec 08
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,678 miles
My 2001 Toyota RAV4 started to hesitate when shifting between 1st and 2nd gears. This seemed to start overnight. Independent NAPA service center told me to take it to a Toyota dealer for a reflash, Eau Claire Wisconsin Toyota Dealer drove it and said there was nothing wrong with it except it was a quart low on tranny fluid. Left the Toyota dealer and it continued to hesitate when shifting at low speeds and lower gears. Took to an Independent Transmission Repair shop. They said, the transmission is bad, needs to be rebuilt. $3000 to $3500 is the estimate. I went home and googled "Toyota RAV4 Transmission problems" and found this web site and hundreds of stories. Based on a couple of stories and went back to the Transmission shop, showed him the stories. He did research on his own and decided the best thing to do first is replace the ECM. That will cost me $900. I will get the word on whether it fixed the shifting problems or if the transmission has been ruined and will have to be rebuilt too. More to follow.
2009Dec 18
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
loved my 2001 rav4 since purchase in 2001, brand new but something went wrong all of a suddenly this year (2009) at 98,000 miles... lots of other 2001 rav4 owners having same problem -- transmission problem. It hesitates when i step on gas pedal; it jolts or jerks with I let go of gas pedal, an accident is inevitable. I can't afford to 2500 - 5000 to get the thing replaced, there's gotta be another way, Toyota need to step it up.
2009Oct 19
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 172,443 miles
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Dec 28
RAV4
Took the car to the dealership today because I heard of recall on ECM problem that ruins transmission. Waiting to hear back on what they say. Looking for any information so I have my facts straight since this seems to be a common problem.
Douglas H.
Omaha, NE, USA
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