8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$1,427.00
Average Mileage:
109,656 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace ECU (9 reports)
- replace ecm computer (2 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
electrical problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
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A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Toyota Rav4 Recall Warranty Enhancement 150,000 Miiles - ZTL- certain 2001 through 2003 Model year Rav4 vehicles Customer Support Program (Toyota) - Specific Malfunction Indicator Light "on" diagnostic codes and/or harsh shift of automatic transaxle. If you are not the original owner, then register your vehicle with toyota.com and/or corporate, via telephone.
2010Jul 10
RAV4 LX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
My problem is with Toyota corporate. They knew about this problem back in 2007, when they had a recall and had the ecm flashed. They knew that this didn't solve the problem, but let it go anyway. They notified the dealers, with a "in house" memo. I just recently got a notice (August 3ish) that they have extended the warranty to 150,000 miles. GUESS WHAT...MY CAR HAS 154,000 MILES ON IT. They will not repair it because it is over the warranty. I called corporate on several occasions, and filed a case number. This did me no good at all...because I haven't had Toyota do any repairs/oil changes etc. (My brother is a foreign car mechanic, and so are a couple of my close friends.) so why would I go to toyota for an oil change, when I can do it myself. We all know that when you go to a dealer they charge you an arm and a leg. So now the local dealers won't do it for me out of a courtesy, because I don't do any business with them. I have no problems with my car up until July, and my mechanic said I may need a new transmission; codes PO155, PO158 were coming up.
I went to the dealer, and they said they wouldn't be able to get the code, because the engine light was not on, so m car must be okay. BTW if the light comes on for 2seconds it will have a history (you'd think the mechanics at Toyota would know that).
The end result is they will not help me for a problem they have know about, and if I WAS NOTIFIED SOONER I WOULD HAVE BEEN WITHIN THE NEW WARRANTY.
All I can say.....it has been a great car (no Problems) and just to let everyone know that Toyota DOES NOT stand behind their vehicles, unless you get all your repairs through them as well......because if I did, then I would be considered a loyal customer. Guess they have no problem taking my money to buy the car. I don't think normal wear and tear would include A FAULTY COMPUTER.
2010Jun 29
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I recently had a failure of the control module (ECU), which cost me $758.50 to replace (with a refurbished one) and I had to rent a car during the replacement process which cost me $131.32 therefore a total of $889.82. I was told by my mechanic that this problem came up frequently for RAV4s of years 2002 and 2003 and that Toyota was aware of this issue since 2006 but never recalled the cars!
After searching on the internet I noticed that there were hundreds of complaints regarding exactly the same issue and even a class action lawsuit for the same matter filed in 2009. So far the transmission has not given a problem, though I noticed that many people complained that these two issues were happening almost at the same time.I always buy Toyotas this is my third Toyota. I have written to Toyota asking them to reimburse me for this faulty manufacturing issue. I intend to take this matter much further if I do not get what I asked for. I feel betrayed and cheated on!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Feb 02
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
My car was surging and I took it to 3 mechanics and they all said it was something with the transmission but they couldn't work on it. When engine light went on I was told to take it to a transmission place and they had it for several days testing and discovered that the computer needed to be replaced. I am wondering if this is another case of Toyota ignoring a problem with the computers.
2009Sep 24
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 136,000 miles
2002 - no problem until beginning of September 09 when engine started hesitating, check engine light came on. Took to two repair shops was told need a catalytic converter, but was not an emergency to have fixed. Two weeks later the car stalled and would not start. The error message was that the car was immobilized. After three tows to different shops, the car ended up at the dealership. They said I needed an EMC and that they see this all the time in the Rav 4 2001 and 2002 models. $1700 later we will see if this fixes it.
2009Jul 13
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
My check engine light was on in my 2002 Toyota RAV4 with the problem attributed to possibly the "gas cap" but nothing came up after the computer scan. I had the ECM serviced 04/24/2007(reprogrammed,not replaced) per the recall. Now there are 105,000 miles and the car started clunking and stuttering in the lower gears. My repair shop replaced the c20 based on the computer diagnosis but told me they were not sure that would solve the problem and if so I was advised to go to the dealer. The problem was not solved, the car still stuttered and shifted randomly. I went to the Toyota dealer and for $94 dollars (1 hr labor) they said the ECM needed to be replaced ($1,270) with a 60/40 percent chance that was the problem because it could be the transmission which would cost $3,000-$5,000 to repair. Reluctant to spend money and take a chance that it could turn into a money pit of repairs, I am waiting to decide what to do. I checked on line and this web site was a wealth of info and apparently a common problem. I called Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 as recommended and explained the problem. They wanted to know what I expected of them. I explained that obviously it is a known, serious problem and I did have the recommend recall repair made, I felt that even though the vehicle is over the 80,000 miles, the recall "fix" should be honored for more than a year since it obviously did not last and the dealer could not satisfactorily guarantee the problem would be fixed after spending $1,270. He stated what everyone else did that they need to receive numerous complaints before a "recall" would be made. The problem which I'm sure is the same for everybody, is being on a tight budget, I need a more definite guarantee that if I spend the money for a repair the vehicle will actually be fixed and not be a safety hazard. Thanks for listening, Any advice is welcomed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Apr 04
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 128,500 miles
We received a recall notice in the mail.Right after buying the RAV, the check engine light came on...took it to dealer immediately, and they reprogrammed the ECM. Then we received a recall notice from Toyota that the ECM needed reprogrammed again. I took this to local Toyota dealer and had it done. Within 2 weeks of reprogramming being done, there was hesitating, jerking and unsteady and unreliable shifting. I made decision to have it looked at by a ATRA Certified shop. He rebuilt the transmission; clutch and seals were bad in the third/reverse gear. Within one half hour of paying him and leaving, I noticed the trans was slipping even more noticeably than b4. I took back to the same shop, and 2 sensors were showing as bad on the diagnostic machine. Sensors were replaced, the more I drove it the WORSE it became with the shifting.
We took to local Toyota dealer for 2nd opinion; test drive; tech looked like a deer in headlights...he didn't know what to think; Toyota's diagnosis was bad trans to be replaced at cost of $5000. Frustrated, we took it back to the ATRA shop where the owner rode around with us with car hooked to diagnostic machine; computer showed car going into first into second and from second straight into fourth gear. Then the bucking began again; RAV was put on a shifting diagnostic machine (much more thorough and technically superior to Toyota shop diagnostics); indication was the transmission was mechanically sound. The owner asked for a day to do research. He came up with service bulletin BSB 002-06, from Toyota, which specifically states about "bucking transmission and slipping gears". The remedy is replace the ECM.
Our Rav has not been in our full time possession in 37 repair days! We were told by the local Toyota dealer, that they (Toyota) do not rebuild the transmissions. They merely "swap them out". We are still waiting for the ECM to come from California and are not in possession of the Rav. We have had to borrow our daughters car, inconveniencing her also. We wrote to Toyota and received a response similar to the previously submitted form letter already on this site. We wrote Toyota complaining that this letter was unacceptable and they have offered and have accepted a 3 day review of all the issues that we mentioned in the letter. The next day, we got call from local Toy dealer. Cust. service dept.said they are going to review the case and will get back to us with their findings. If I hear from them, I will post again.
2009Mar 20
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 92,700 miles
Finally, after a month of trying to fix my 2002 Rav4 it is fixed for now. I tried to buy new ECU/ECM unit from parts stores, but couldn�t find one. Then I sent the ECU unit in my car off to be tested and rebuilt. The company sent it back and said the unit tested fine. Next, I took to a local transmission shop and they said that it wasn't the computer and that my transmission needed to be service. Well that didn�t fix the problem. Finally, I took it to the dealer and they said that it was either the computer or the transmission. The dealer wanted $2076 for a new ECU. I found a used unit for $540 and that fixed the problem for now. Since the computer was used, I wonder if the same thing will happen again. Toyota should issue a recall on the ECU and everyone needs to file a complaint with them.
2009Feb 23
RAV4 L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,388 miles
Like so many people on this website, I am having issues with my 2002 Toyota RAV4. A few weeks ago, I noticed it bucking and then the "check engine" light came on. I immediately took it in to the Toyota dealership and was told that I needed a new computer. (Note: I had the computer "flashed" last year and have taken it in a few times before that due to the check engine light coming on for no apparent reason. I can't help but think that all those issues are now connected). Again, like so many people, I was shocked because I have always considered Toyotas to be so reliable. The real clincher though...the car had 80,338 miles on it and the warranty expired at 80,000. I went ahead and had the computer replaced (for about $1300) because it seemed like a huge safety risk not to. This appeared to fix the problem, but after reading on this website and others, I remain skeptical. I contacted Toyota and was told that they stand firm on their warranty and that even though I was only 388 miles outside that warranty, there was no help for me. They said they do issue Special Service Campaigns if there are enough issues with a vehicle to warrant them either paying for the fix or reimbursing people who have already paid out of pocket to fix the problem. They told me that every claim is assigned a code and that if the upper level people see enough of those codes coming in, they will take action. So, I urge everyone to PLEASE call Toyota if you have had or are having this problem. Additionally, if anyone has had any better luck with this issue, I would love to know. It is incredibly frustrating, especially in these economic times.
2009Jan 02
RAV4 AWD 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 168,000 miles
hay i feel for all the rav4 owner Toyota had good sex with me i got f when i found out about the E C M was a factory defective flaw i call this # 1888-270-9371 California customer experience center that when i had sex with Toyota again i was told there was never a problem with the E C M two auto shop gave me the recall paper work i paid 75.00 twice to be shur it was the E C M but Toyota love me so much it F me one more time they said only a Toyota test unit that cost 35.000 could tell me the problem no one els onely at the deler 92.50 i paid and they think it the E C M or the transmission that the time i got to F the dealer i paid with my credit card and i will fight the bill because there not paying for a E C M i finding them for 810.00 + tax dont go to the dealer they like sex to izzy
2007May 15
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
7-18-2002. I just had a transmission failure that Toyota refuses to cover, although there are numerous others with the same problem. Now I understand that the ECU issue is connected to the transaxle failure?!
Last year in May/June, I started having a problem with the "check engine" light. I took the car into my dealer in Winston-Salem NC (Modern Toyota) and they fixed it, but it came right back on. The second time I went in I asked them about it and they did nothing. Then I moved to Kansas, and I took it to Emporia Motors in Emporia. They didn't say or do anything about it, either, although I asked the mechanic about it at least twice at routine oil changes.
Finally, my dad got out his diagnostic tool and found out in about one minute what the issue was. I took it to another mechanic, NOT Emporia Motors, because I wanted the problem diagnosed and handled effectively. They diagnosed it and sent me back to Emporia Motors because it was an ECU issue and they could not reflash it. Emporia Motors reflashed it for no cost to me, as it should be.
So... to sum up: For a year I drove around with that stupid light on, no Toyota service people would diagnose it even though I asked them to, I had to get my dad and another mechanic to identify the problem before they would respond, and now the transmission has to be completely replaced and it might be connected to the ECU problem, but Toyota is not taking responsibility for their faulty product.
I want to get a hybrid for my next car, but hellz no I will NEVER, EVER buy another Toyota!
2008Apr 02
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Took the car in last month to have the ECU reprogrammed as directed by Toyota's little mailer, now this month being told the ECU is totally shot and must be replaced. Of course the vehicle is 8,000 miles out of warranty! Never had issues with this car. Explained to Service Dept. that the ECU seemed to be working fine until they serviced it. They explained that one thing has nothing to do with the other. For $1000, this had better work -
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Sep 11
RAV4 4 cyl
The dealer replaced my ECM because of the vehicle jerking when shifting into neutral. I asked them to check the ECU because of the online help at CarComplaints.com. It says in the repair order "replace ECU per TSB-06" (tsb = technical service bulletin).
FYI, I think this is related to special service campaign 601. My car had the check engine light on with codes p0420 and p0430. Despite checking at an independent shop, the catalytic converter is the Toyota original.
The main thing that makes this a really awful repair is that the ECM gave the 2002 model year problems since the get-go. The original TSB for ECM code problems started in 2007:
49 TOZ60I, SSC # 601:
"Certain 2001 through 2003 model year Highlander and certain 2001 through 2002 model year RAV4 engine control module reprogramming."
"In recent months, Toyota has received reports that some customers may experience a specific malfunction indicator light (check engine light) "on" condition. Toyota has investigated these concerns and discovered an issue with the program logic in the Engine Control Module (ECM). New program logic has been developed to correct this condition.
What will Toyota do?
Before you are inconvenienced by this condition, Toyota would like to reprogram the ECM in your vehicle. Any toyota dealer will conduct this serve at NO CHARGE to you.
What should you do?
Please contact your authorized Toyota dealer to make an appointment to reprogram the program logic in the Engine Control Module (ECM) with improved logic. This can also be done during your next scheduled maintenance (California residents, please see special vehicle registration requirements below). Please inform the dealership of this campaign when you schedule your appointment. The reprogramming will take approximately 30 minutes. However, depending on the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.
Please present this notice to the toyota dealder when you bring the vehicle in for your service appointment. If you no longer own the vehicle, please indicate so on the enclosed psotage paid form, providing us with the name and address of the new owner.
What if you have other questions?
Your local toyota dealer will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and set up an appointment to perform the update. If you require further assistance, you may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am through 3:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
What if you live in California and don't have this Special Service Campaign performed?
The State of California requires the completion of special service campaigns on emission related parts prior to vehicle registration renewal. In addition, the State requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the completion of this no charge special service campaign, your vehicle may be more likely to fail this test. State of California regulations require Toyota to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles wtih a record of all vehicles that have not had the special service campaign completed.
Your Toyota dealer will provide you with a Vehicle Emissions Recall Proff of Correction Form after the campaign has been completed. Please ensure you retain this form since the DMV may require that you supply proof that the campagin has been completed during your vehicle registration renewal process.
We have sent this notice in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products, and we sincerely regreat any inconvenience this condition may have caused you. [blah blah] thank you toyota motor sales, u.s.a. , inc) "
--2007 sometime.
1-2010: So because of
(A). 5-12-2007 -- TSB ECM recall ECM Reflash-Rav/ High W 49TOz60I, and
(B). 8-9-2008 -- ECM replacement (extra care warranty)
(C). 9-09-2008-- new transmission (because of bad ECM ruined the original transmission)
(D) I had to replace the cat converter (when the engine light came on) code p0141 oxygen heater code p0420 and p0430 (replaced all oxygen sensors downstream) because the super-crappy ECM had been sending a "too rich" mixture for like "ever" and broke my cat. converter. Yea, toyota (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Thx. Love , your toyota rav-4 citrus-fruit owner.
Btw, my roommate said we can "see" the o2 sensors ourselves under hood and thinks we could've installed parts personally.
I got an independent quote for maybe $100 less (on labor) but could not save much more b/c the Cat. Converter and O2 Oxygen sensors had to be Toyota, are only available OEM from Toyota parts.
bronwyn
Redlands, CA, USA
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