8.4
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,478.00
Average Mileage:
90,110 miles
Total Complaints:
71 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (33 reports)
- replace ecm (20 reports)
- replace transmission (12 reports)
- rebuilt transmission and reflashed (5 reports)
- replace ecm and transmission (1 reports)
transmission problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Toyota dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2002 Toyota RAV4 jerking and hesitating
2009Nov 10
RAV4 4 cyls
- Automatic transmission
- 89,000 miles
I just wanted to say Thank you so much! to everybody that posted their complaints,without reading about the problem, we could have end up paying a lot of money. We started having problems last week, and we thought it was the transmission. So, I started looking on the internet and I came across this site. I copy the bulletin and I took the car this morning to the dealer (Baytown Toyota in Tx.). They told me they did not know anything about it, and I told them about the many complaints. They said they would call me with the result, well not even a half an hour later, they called and say that it was the ecm. They say the cost was going to be $1,200.00 but in good faith it was not going to cost me anything. I was really glad about it, they would get it fixed in two days.
My rav-4 was about 89,000 miles so the warranty have expired, but the dealer is doing it for free!.
Thank you for you wonderful help!
2009Oct 26
RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
I am a single parent of two children living alone with no family in San Diego, CA putting myself through school so that I can hopefully go off to law school in about another year and a half. I bought this car used in 2003 with 28,000 miles. I fell in love with how cute it looks but just recently I started to feel the car shift slow and hard from 1-2 gears, shifts very hard in reverse, stutters in low speeds, engine light comes on and it has given me nothing but misery. I can't keep taking time off of my busy schedule nor afford all these rental car fees to take care of this issue. I took it to the dealership the were going to charge me (with a nice student discount) approx. $3400 for the replace and/or repair of the ECM, Timing chain cover, Motor mounts, Timing chain tensioner. But with a very limited warranty. So I took it to three other places and finally ended up at Aamco. I spent over $3,500 in parts and labor and when I went to pick it up the very next day it is up to the same old thing, only this time it feels so much worst. I am afraid to drive it because I am afraid of getting into an accident. I haven't heard that there is a computer problem yet but after reading all these complaints I am very afraid of what to do next. I do not want a car note. My car is paid off. I want to sell it and have been told its worth about $8,000 but who would want to buy it now? How do I go about getting a down payment for a new vehicle?
Anyhow, my car is still in the shop today and I am just patiently waiting and hoping that they will come up with a solution for me soon. So far Aamco has been very understanding and helpful with the discount and additional service done to my car like the brakes, the tensioner, but rebuilding the transmission only makes it feel worse off than what it did when I first took it in. Has anyone been lucky enough to get this issue resolved with Toyota? I can only pray it gets back its spunk after all the repairs are taken care of..........<:o(
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 16
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
My moms rav4 is a 2002 and has 72,000 well pampered miles on it, i have all the service records and it's still supposed to be under warranty. This truck is jerking and hesitating when trying to accelerate from a complete stop and when shifting the first couple of gears. This is very dangerous for her , she pulls out in traffic only for the truck to stall and it jerks and sputters before it takes off. First one guy at the dealership tried to come up with $2200 worth of crap that wasn't under warranty, had nothing to do with the problem, and had just been done on the last service visit...except a maf sensor they said would cost $390, we paid $80 from parts store and I it installed. It was good for a couple of days. So, she took it back to a guy there that knows her and usually handles her truck when she comes in. He says the maf sensor again, he mentioned nothing of an ecm, probably because its covered under the warranty. We went to autozone, because they test check engine lights free and it read (p0758) shift solenoid b, something else toyota failed to mention. They are terrible (toyota) this is the second brand new truck she has bought from them, you'd think toyota would treat their customers a lot more like customers.
2009Oct 19
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 76,600 miles
I also have a complaint about the RAV4. I had a work-related event that required me to travel two hours from my home. My transmission had given me slight problems a few days prior, but I thought that the fuel injectors needed cleaning. While I was on a major highway in New York, my Toyota RAV started to jerk and stall. The RPMs went all the way up and it began jerking and shifting. It barely got me up a hill, and even when I floored the gas, it did not go above 20 miles per hour. The car has roughly 76,600 miles on it! I have had other vehicles of other makes, and none has ever given me the headaches that my Toyota RAV has given me. The "Check Engine" light came on, and I was told that there was a Solenoid problem. Still, I was told, two hours of labor would be required to fully diagnose the problem. I'm in a hotel without a car, and the bottom line is, my Toyota RAV let me down. I don't think I will purchase a Toyota ever again.
Make your complaint known.
2009Sep 25
RAV4 L
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
Yes, I'm another person with a 2002 Rav4 with automatic transmission problems. Right after my 90k service it started happening. Jerking into gear, downshifting for no reason, not engaging completely in first gear. Took it into my dealer, and they reported no problem. The check engine light has not come on. Quoted me ~$3500 for new transmission, which I thought odd, since they claimed they didn't see the problem. Just starting to look around to see what the solutions are.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 16
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 81,400 miles
Keep going after Toyota! We rebuilt our transmission and had the ECU replaced. We sent our own warranty claim to Toyota Canada, denied the first time. Warranty claim resent through the Toyota dealer asking if there was any correlation with the failed ECU and the transmission failure. Toyota Canada agreed to a good will claim for 60% of the repair cost.
If anyone wants any info or a copy of our claim feel free to email us at ld.coe@littleoon.ca
Larry & Donna Coe
2007Apr 01
RAV4 ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
My Rav 4 - the transmission sticks in first gear then bangs into second. Sometimes it will slip other times it will work great, This has been going on for sometime. While reading everyone else's complaints sounds like I am in the same boat. Only that mine is still drivable and has been for thirty thousand miles. But it is a pain in the ass and I am not happy driving it like this.
2009Sep 02
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 144,000 miles
WHY the hell hasn't TOYOTA recalled the problem this can cause an accident in trafic when your car actually jerks foward and you have to hit your breaks hard. I am sure they new this was a defect. Once again the consumer has to pay the $$$, because I doubt very much if the warranty covers this. I will find out on friday when I take it to the mechanic.
2009Sep 04
RAV4 2.0L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 71,070 miles
2002 Rav4 tranny slips from first to second gear and bangs after secong gear. Only 71k miles and ecm updated 1 year ago.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 21
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
I too as of 1 week ago started having trouble with my 2002 toyota rav4 transmission. I'm having all the same problems that are listed here on this websight. The transmission slipping, not shifting,cutting in and out while you are pulling out in traffic. This is definitly a safety issue, and what bothers me the most is toyota is not trying to recall or rectify the problem. I bought a toyota for it's reliability, I only have 106,000 miles on my rav 4 and I expect the transmission to last a lot longer then that.What happened to the companies you could trust to make quality products and take care of problems that arose to the customers satisfaction? I guess thats a thing of the past. All I know is this "I am never buying another toyota" and I'm not just saying that ."I AM NEVER BUYING ANOTHER TOYOTA AGAIN!"
2009Aug 20
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 77,462 miles
I just purchased a 2002 Rav4 from some weasels at a local used car lot in June/2009. Was not aware of the transmission issues until now. I've only owned this car for 2 months and I noticed the jerking/hesitating when car is just getting going for the day, usually from 2-3rd gear. Took to a mechanic and had the transmission fluid flushed for $140.00 thinking that would help.
Found a website, www.toyotaownersonline.com and put in my VIN to see if this car had any service record history show up. Sure enough, in Dec. of 2008 it shows that the ECM was replaced under warranty.
Obviously this is not the final solution, since I am still noticing hesitation in the shifting. Guess I've been taken for a sucker. Just my luck. I just wanted a good reliable car, but it looks like I'm out 10k for getting a lemon. Here's to hoping Toyota will have some compensation down the road...
2009May 02
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I am a loyal toyota owner as well and have owned several in my life so far. I bought the new 2002 toyota rav4 back in 02 and was very happy with the truck. I did all the necessary fluid changes and kept up with the every day maintenance on the truck. In may of this yr just when i reached 120k miles the truck began to hesitate when i pressed on the gas almost like the emergency brake was on. Shifting became a problem, always between 1 and 2 rpms. Once the truck gets moving there is no issue only from dead stop. It has gotten way worse. I had the tranny fluid flushed 2 times already by the same guy. When i brought this truck in to the another mechanic he said the fluid was burnt and the solenoids were not shifting the truck right there was a lot of gunk and bad fluid in there but by changing all the fluid it might not help. He told me it looked like nobody ever changed the fluid at all. Next time i do this im going to sit there and watch them do it because i think it was never actually done and i even paid for this service. Never went back to that mechanic. Well after 2 changes of all the fluid the truck shifted ok but went right back to the same thing. I was quoted at $3500 for a new tranny and $900 for a new ecm to make this all go away. I dont have that kind of money. Toyota will not do anything about this, they told me to contact the dealer. Im not under warranty anymore so i would have to pay for a rebuilt tranny costs about $2000. Im trading this truck in this weekend and im never buying a toyota again. Why hasnt there been a recall yet on this there are so many darn complaints!!
2009Aug 26
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 86,500 miles
Thank you Autobeef let people speak out the their cars problem. A good to known wed site. Refer to all my friend.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
I stopped to get gas one night and immediately after I was driving the car started to jerk, like it was having trouble shifting. So I thought I got some bad gas, so I tried to run the gas out. After a week, the problem persisted so I brought it to the mechanic and he delivered the heart wrenching news. It was the transmission! It could be anywhere from $300 to $2000.
2009Jun 04
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 83,396 miles
My 2002 Toyota Rav4 started slipping and jolting as I drove in local traffic. I took it to the dealer where it was purchased and also where just six months earlier my extended warranty expired. I was told that the ECM and the transmission had to be replaced for over $6000. I was quite upset because I had reported problems with the transmission and the Check Engine light while the car was under warranty. Each time I took it in, while under warranty, they could not find a problem, or they made minor adjustments. The car would drive fine for a while and than suddenly the slipping and jolting of the transmission was just too much to ignore. I declined having my car fixed at the location where it had been serviced. I called Toyota Headquarters in California to present the concern and ask for some assistance. They politely but firmly offered me no help. I ended up taking my car to another Toyota dealer who gave the same diagnosis but charged around $5000 for replacing the ECM and transmission. I just had the ECM replaced at $1500 and drove it away. Now the car is somewhat better but still jolts when I drive in 2nd and 3rd gear. By the way, when I spoke to Toyota Headquarters, I was told that they had received no significant number of complaints about the ECM/transmission problem in the Rav4. I hope everyone will contact them if they have or are experiencing this problem. Maybe we can get a class action suit started.
2009Jul 12
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
My 2002 Toyota Rav4 began having problems shifting in January 2009. It was intermittent, and wasnt cause for concern until July 2009. At that time, the car would balk, chug, make clunking noises whenever I drove it. The check engine light finally came on at that time. I took it to a service technician, and he replaced the transmission fluid and the solenoids in the transmission. I then took it to a Toyota dealer, who told me the ECM had to be replaced. After spending $1500 to replace the ECM, they told me the transmission was damaged and had to be replaced for $3500.
After doing some research, I find out that Toyota has known about this problem since 2006. It is a serious safety issue when entering traffic, or trying to move from a stop light or stop sign, as you dont know when the car is going to shift into gear or not. Toyota has not issued a recall, nor has not done anything to resolve the issue.
$5000 is unacceptable to spend on a common problem which has been known for 3 years!
2008Sep 17
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I've dealt with this inconvenience since September 08 since I couldn't get Toyota to fix it & I was unemployed. It progressively got worse and I intermittently controlled it with acceleration (or lack thereof), until one day I literally coasted into my driveway and now it's no longer drivable. I will attempt to guilt Toyota into accepting some responsibility & at least give me a decent trade-in value and buy another Toyota. If they don't offer something relatively close to a fair deal (I'm not holding my breath), I'll be buying a Honda. I realize I'm only one person and I mean nothing to the Toyota empire, but I'm not giving up without trying something. This whole situation is wrong!
2009May 15
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
The first sign of any kind of trouble was that the engine SHUT OFF COMPLETELY, on the parkway on a drive out of town (light luggage,) and would not restart immediately. Brakes and steering extremely sluggish. Had we been travelling at higher speeds in denser traffic we would have had NO accident avoidance measures, and we had NO WARNING of the problem. Rolled to pull over, after some time was able to restart and crawl to dealer.
Dealer claimed it could find no problem either by diagnostics or driving. Kept car for nearly a week. Suggested we might need to replace the transmission, and perhaps the ECM, but didn't tell us about the warranty--wanted to charge $3-5000. Never mentioned the obviously well-known and really dangerous ECM/transmission problem and sent us back on the road. Wanted to replace the transmission before the ECM, which as everyone here knows now just sets up another transmission for destruction by the faulty ECM. Now very difficult to believe they weren't hoping we'd end up outside the extended warranty (8 years/80K miles) before total fail, or that we'd pay to replace the transmission before that.
Car shut off again, finally restarted, in stop-and-go traffic 1.5 weeks later, back to the dealer, which couldn't repeat the problem and again never mentioned the ECM/transmission problem or the warranty. Dealer finally declared it found a damaged "transmission chip" (I think this is one of the "solenoids" people talk about here) and charged $300 to replace it. Suggested again that we might need to replace the transmission at some point.
Right after chip replacement--transmission (acceleration, maintaining speed) hesitating and gimpy, but subtle enough to drive through. On drive out of town (light luggage + extra person) hesitations became jerks and then the bucking or hiccups that others have mentioned, IN 60 MPH traffic. Terrified of another total shut-down, we turned back to the dealer, who still has the car today (5 days later). Dealer said yesterday it would replace the ECM under the extended warranty bec. we are at 7 years/60K miles, but today said they "made a mistake," "had the wrong car," and has refused to replace the ECM under the warranty. Insists we "get permission" from Toyota for this repair under the ext warranty.
Lessons: (1) Put NO MONEY into these cars, unless you are outside the ext warranty and are paying ONLY to REPLACE the ECM and willing to risk potential costs if the transmission is damaged. (2) This car is potentially extremely dangerous, as several people have mentioned. Dead stops in highway-speed traffic are at some point going to KILL SOMEONE. Toyota and the dealers know this, and several appear to be careless of the lives and safety of 2002 RAV4 owners, and many are also looking to make some money off misdiagnosis and pointless major repair before addressing the problem. For this reason, I believe that the NHTSA needs to do a mandatory safety recall IMMEDIATELY for this make/model/year. (3) If you are looking at a used 02 RAV4, get part numbers for the old and new ECMs and insist on having an independent mechanic verify that you are buying a car w/ a new model ECM and that the transmission is not damaged. DO NOT buy the car w/ an old model ECM and/or a transmission that you have not had checked out.
I and my family have been life-long Toyota owners (35 years). It is extremely unlikely that I will ever buy a Toyota again. Lemons every now and then come with the territory--it is the way that the dealers and the company are treating the problem, now of hurricane proportions, that has probably made this the last Toyota I will ever buy.
2009Jun 26
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
First, I would really like to encourage everyone who has a 2002 Toyota RAV4 with failed ECM and transmission to go to the following Website and lodge a complaint: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
I am disgusted that in 2006 Toyota realized there was an issue with the ECM which could/would ruin the transmission. Instead of letting consumers know about this issue as soon as they realized, they sent a Technical Service Bulletin to dealerships and service areas, but failed to let their own customers know. I can only assume that the issue would have cost Toyota too much money. To me, it looks as though they swept a safety and financial issue under the carpet knowing that customers would have to eventually foot the bill for shoddy quality and unethical behavior. The most frustrating part about this issue is that the defect often does not rear its ugly head until owners are out of warranty and basically screwed.
According to Internet research, this problem generally starts around 90,000 miles and causes considerable danger with jerking and shifting problems. I started to have my shifting issues in November 2008. Feeling that the situation was hopeless since I was far out of warranty, I was so pleased to receive a notice from Toyota in January 2009 telling me that they would reprogram my ECM. Stupidly thinking that Toyota had taken responsibility, I went on my merry way and hoped that the transmission damage would not continue. Unfortunately, it did. Two weeks ago when my transmission failed for good, I was resigned to the fact that I would be paying $2200 to have it replaced/rebuilt; however, I was shocked to receive a phone call telling me that I have to replace the ECM. Apparently, the ECM reprogram notice was regarding a whole OTHER issue. WHAT??? I am in disbelief. Because of Toyota's underhanded, deceptive, immoral actions, I am out of pocket $3500 or so. I expect some issues with an older vehicle, but never saw this coming. Toyota has lost my respect. I am so upset and disgusted.
To add insult to injury, Toyota was out of ECMs when my transmission shop called them, because they have been replacing so many lately .... Seriously????
My goal in life now is to spread the word about Toyota products. I have filed with complaints.com, carcomplaints.com, Better Business Bureau and the Office of Defect Investigation, as well as calling Toyota twice. I have also created many lovely laminated signs with which to plaster my car. I am 36 years old and hopefully will have a long life left to complain about Toyota (well, long life if I discontinue driving Toyotas ... ).
2009May 16
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
As many of you other Rav4 owners, we are also experiencing the same problem with a defective ECM and jerking/hesitant shifting problem. Immediately after purchasing my vehicle 2 yrs ago, I received a SSC 60I notification. Since there was other work that the Toyota dealership had to perform, I took The SSC 60I with me on my next appointment which I gave to them. I assumed that it had been done.....but it wasn't. I continued getting other SSC 60I notifications. A month ago my vehicle started having problems in shifting on acceleration when taking off. I immediately contacted the Service Manager at the dealership, when I explained the problem I was having he said that the SSC 60I had never been done on the vehicle and to bring it in, and this should fix the problem. I took one of the SSC 60I notifications with me, and they insisted on doing a diagnostic test on the vehicle which would run $90. Being I was upset, I informed them that if the test proved it was the ECM then I would not have to pay for the diagnostic test. The mechanic came back and said the ECM was bad and I needed to replace it for a tune of $1,500 plus which of course I declined at that time after already spending 5 hrs in the shop. I asked him to simply perform the SSC 60I and he refused to do it. He said the ECM simply has to be replaced.
Like many of you, I purchased this vehicle thinking that Toyota vehicles had a good reputation and that I would have this vehicle for many years to come with little maintenance. Boy was I wrong.
Researching this particular problem I see there are hundreds and hundreds of complaints for the very same problem. From what I've read, reprogramming the ECM was not the solution, and Toyota is well aware of it but refuses to do anything about it. We called the Toyota Corporate Office Customer Relations. They acknowledged that the vehicle has never had the SSC 60I performed on it. We explained how the mechanic at the dealership refused to do the service campaign. He said that if the ECM was bad, they would replace it and Toyota would cover it in full. We explicitly asked him 3 times if we understood him correctly and 3 times he reiterated that it would not cost us anything. He said he would call the dealership and get back to us. When the Corporate Customer Relations Office called back, he changed his story and then said they would pay to replace the ECM but we'd be responsible for the $300 labor. The kicker is that we'd have to pay for it all upfront, then wait 7 to 10 weeks for a refund from Toyota for the ECM to the tune of $1,200. As a single mom, I simply can not afford to tie up that kind of money for their problem. They refused to give me this in writing. I feared that I would pay the $1,500 and then not receive a refund as was promised on the phone. I would have no recourse, nothing to prove our agreement. They simply would not give me anything in writing whatsoever. After all of this, do you blame us for not trusting their word?
I decided to escalate it higher and asked for the Executive Office but they refused to give me the number. I then researched and found that James Lentz is the President, located his phone number and called his home. His wife gave me the Executive Office number but I could not get it from Toyota Customer Relations Dept. I then called and left a voice message for James Lentz, President. The next day I received a call from one of his assistants. After going through our ECM experience with him, he said he would call the dealership and get back to us. I told him that we couldn't even get the number for their Executive Office, that we had to call the Lentz home to get the number. He said "Oh don't do that.......don't call Mr. Lentz at home". In my opinion, my problem is his problem so he should be made aware of it. If you want the phone numbers, feel free to email me at ad_deb1980@yahoo.com and I would be happy to provide them to you. (there is an underscore between ad and deb1980) Be sure to put "Toyota - Mr. James Lentz" in the subject line so that your email is not simply deleted.
We just now got off the phone with Mr. Lentz Executive Assistant Dave Drury and they are offering the same deal, I pay for everything upfront and they would reimburse me to replace their defective part but again "NOTHING IN WRITING".
We had previously found a company located in Brooklyn, NY at http://www.rav4ecm.net/ who will work on ECM or replace it with a working ECM for $420 plus shipping. They warrant the ECM for 100,000 miles whereas a new ECM from Toyota is only warranted for 50,000 miles.
Since it is easier to pay out $420 versus $1,500 and wait for a refund check that may never come, we will opt to go through the repair shop in Brooklyn. In my personal opinion, I think all of us who have a Rav4 with this specific problem should all be calling Mr. Lentz at home or at their Executive Office until they take care of this problem with the Rav4 ECM's at no cost to us. There should be a recall on every ECM in the 2001 to 2003 Rav4.
Also, each and every one of us should be filing a complaint to:
1) Better Business Bureau in your State
2) Attorney Generals Office - Consumer Protection
3) National Highway Safety Administration (there is a safety issue if your car stalls or hesitates at stop lights or on the interstate since some Rav4 owners have experienced near accidents)
Again if you want the phone numbers for Mr. James Lentz or the Toyota Executive Office, feel free to email me at ad_deb1980@yahoo.com and I would be happy to provide them to you. Remember there is power in numbers !!!! If you do nothing, you get nothing. We also have contacted an attorney to file a class action law suit, so if anyone is interested, feel free to send an email with "Toyota Class Action Lawsuit" in the subject line or the email may not be opened. We will need your full name, address and phone number, as well as your email address.
I am not going to let them get away with this without a fight.
2009Apr 21
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 109,298 miles
I have a 2002 RAV4 2WD and it has 110K miles on it.Around 3-4 months back I go a letter from toyota saying that I need to take it to a dealer to get the ECM reprogrammed.Fair enough. Last month i got the check engine light and had to take it to a dealer. They said the thermostat was broken and had to replace. I had an extended warranty so I thought it would be covered barring the deductible of 200 dollars but I had to pay the entire 350 dollars because the warranty company wouldn't pay for extra labor charges they billed. 2 weeks later the car was jerking and stopping so i took it to AAMCO and they said I had to replace the transmission solenoid which costs 2200 including labor which was covered by the warranty. So i went ahead and got it replaced and a week later It started acting up and I took it back to AAMCO.They took a look at the solenoid and the entire transmission and said there was no problem without it but the problem lies with the RAV4 computer which will show problems after 80K miles.now I have to replace the computer and see what happens next.
2009May 29
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
I bought the RAV4 used and the jerky shifting and apparent lack of first gear started the NEXT day. I stumbled on this site after the dealership called and said I needed a shifting solenoid. It was at first horrible reading these posts thinking I had just blew 10k on a POS. Then I kept reading and following the progression of posts over time. I called the dealership and said I think the ECM needs to be replaced. I sent some of the posts from here and the next day found the TSB from Toyota. It implies that the tech should ignore what the computer diagnostic tells him and replace the brain. The dealership agreed and the solenoid was not replaced.
The new ECM did the job. The transmission is fine. It shifts beautifully. I drove hard around the city and hit 85 in the country. Too bad it took awhile for Toyota to nail the problem. It seems much $ was spent needlessly. As for me. No cost, new brain, life is good.
2009May 12
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I bought my car new with 6 miles on it in 2002 thinking that it, like many toyotas my family has owned, would last at least 200k miles. Today on my way back home from work, my Rav started jerking and stalling every time I started to accelerate. I took it to the nearest auto shop I could find. The mechanic drove it around the block and said I would need a new transmission. They don't do that work there, so he referred me to a specialty shop. I drove there immediately as the car continued to stutter and stall. The guys there said they've seen this problem on Rav4's before. He gave me several estimates and what they could do to fix it. It ranged from having Toyota install a new transmission and computer ($3300), finding and installing a used transmission and ECM ($2500) or having them rebuild the transmission ($2400). If anyone knows which is the best fix for this problem, please let me know. actionstill(at)gmail.com
I bought this car because of my family and friends' experience with this brand's reliability. I can't believe I'm facing this problem. I bought this car even though it was more than what I wanted to pay for a vehicle at the time because I thought the expense would offset having to worry about maintenance issues down the line knowing that I had bought a 'Toyota'. I won't be making that mistake again. Now I'm reading about several other RAV4 owners with the same problem and it makes me even angrier. I plan on bringing up this issue with Toyota, the Florida State's Attorney, and media.
2008Jul 16
RAV4 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 98,497 miles
I'm staring to have the same jerking shifting problems with my 2002 RAV4. I want to try to get it fixed but after reading all the horror stories I don't know where to begin or who to take it to. It started last night then when I drove it this morning it seemed much better but i still know there's a problem and, by the way, my check engine light has not come on. Can anyone help me decide what to do?
2009Apr 18
RAV4 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 10,800 miles
I bought this Toyota Rav 4 brand new in May 2002, I thought Toyota was a reliable car but I think I have changed my mine, This is my 4th Toyota and I have had so much trouble with this Rav 4. The transmission has gone out on this rav 4 for the 2nd time. The first time it went out the car was still under warranty, and Toyota rebuilt it. I had to make three trips to the dealership before they fixed it right. that was two years ago, and now the transmission has gone out for the second time.
I call Toyota Customer Service to complain and got no where, all they did was apologize and said it is up me to have it fixed. I really do need a dependable car, because I am on disability, I go to dialysis three times a week, not that I cannot afford to get this Rav 4 fixed I have to find someone to take me and pick me ups from dialysis. because public transportation is really awful here in SACRAMENTO.Having to depend on someone to drive you around is a real pain. By the way, I am still paying for this Rav 4, I leased it for 5 years, and then purchased it, since I had already put a lot of money in it.
2009Apr 10
RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
My car started jerking when I would try to shift out of reverse. Then I noticed some problems accelerating, like when I was trying to merge with traffic or when I was driving slow in heavy traffic. I noticed this happened maybe 4-5 times, and I took it into my dealer.
The dealer said it was a transmission problem but they would start with the ECM first.They tried to reboot it, but that did not work. So I have to get the ECM replaced- and of course I am not covered by the 8 year, 80,000 warranty - so it'll set me back over $1,180. The dealer did say the transmission may have been ruined, but they will have no way of telling unless they fix the ECM and we see how it drives. I do not want to drop $5,000 in a car that's not worth much more than that, and I am SO disappointed that at 95,000 miles I am having these problems. I don't want to get a new car as this one is all paid off, but I do not want to drop $5,000 in a car to only have more problems with it down the road.
2009Mar 16
RAV4 2.4L 4 cyl.
- Automatic transmission
- 97,500 miles
My story closely mimics the majority of the transmission related problems mentioned on this site. The car was jerking and hesitating violently and was coded as a defective solenoid. I checked this site and discovered I was not alone in my woes and decided that replacing the ECM was the best course of action. I towed the RAV4 to the dealership where I bought it (behind my fathers Tacoma on a uhaul car dolly to prove our family loyalty to Toyota) and pled my case to the service director. I let him know that as soon as they replaced the ECM I would try to sell the car immediately and never own another Toyota. He worked with me on the repair costs noting my family's 30+ year brand loyalty along with the fact I towed the RAV4 in behind a Tacoma really helped my cause.
The bottom line is this: It's been a month and the car has performed flawlessly. The ECM seems to have done the trick. If you start having the transmission problems prevalent with your 2002 RAV4, don't keep driving it!!!! The damage to the tranny is a result of the ECM telling it to do the wrong thing over and over again. You can try Corporate Toyota, but you'll likely run into a brick wall that has "Stinks to be you" written all over it. Go local, plead your case, site past and potential future loyalty and maybe you can make headway.
I thank everyone who has posted to this site and I hope future postings will reflect positive outcomes for anyone with similar problems.
P.S. - Don't forget to mention the TSB described in detail on past postings. It helps!
2009Apr 09
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 200,000 miles
Okay, here's the deal now with my 2002 RAV4. I drove it to my mechanic and it drove just fine. He serviced the transmission and found nothing wrong, did a code search and found 2 codes, but would tell him what they were. Does anyone know why it would not give the codes? After he serviced the engine he drove it about 30 miles did fine....but still wondering if I should go ahead and replace the ECM.
Any suggestions?
2009Mar 12
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
On 3/12/09, I started the car for work and it jerked when shifting from park to reverse. When in Drive gear, it hesitated even when accelerating! Then while driving, it would jerk and pause (like as if I had it in Neutral) when I am accelerating. Sometimes out of the blue, the car would jerk hard like as if I had just pressed on the brakes hard!
Tried to repair it by: replacing transmission mount, front engine mount, drain and replace transmission oil (twice), at a total cost of $400 not including labor and STILL the car is jerking and shifting!
ALL MECHANICS that were consulted said that many customers have come in with the same problems on their RAV4. They said that even with the transmission fixed, problems are still present. Obviously, this is not an isolated case, this is a problem with TOYOTA!
Please let me know if there is a recall as I too will check on this end. I am going to TOYOTA on Monday and they better have an answer. It's like this, if we all got sick from the same food at the same restaurant, then obviously there needs to be an investigation happening...something is wrong!!
I believe this is a manufacture problem, not user problem.
2009Apr 01
RAV4 AWD 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 126,605 miles
National highway and traffic 1-888-327-4236 is looking for people with this problem to establish a need for an investigation and to implement a recall with monetary compensation. Also, you should call Toyota corporate at 1-800-331-4331 option 5 to voice your opinion of a problem that Toyota was aware since 2006 but did nothing. The damage according to my local host National H:7070 dealer was predictable and preventable. I have found multiple web sites relating to this specific problem. Pass this on and call the above numbers. Let's let Toyota know we are not happy!
2008Jan 12
RAV4 4WD 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,302 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
Miserable and unbearable Toyota experience
It’s not exaggerating –one year Toyota Poland still cannot fix our 2002RAV4
Dear Friends:
You may like to hear this story. The fact is “Toyota Motor Corporation Ranks Highest Overall in Customer Satisfaction in Germany” and I do agree with the survey, but I have extraordinary experience in Poland.
We bought our Toyota RAV4 with automatic transmission in 2002 in Denmark. The car was perfect until the harsh shift happened only once at 90,000km when I drove from Warsaw to Berlin in January 2008. It did not happen when I drove back to Warsaw few days later.
I took to Toyota Chodzen in warsaw, they told me it could be control, or transmission or catalyst converter. I was not convinced by this or that guesstimate, so I brought to a transmission specialist. He sent the hydraulic clutch to Germany to rebuild, replaced friction discs, clean and change oil, and put transmission back. He informed me that there is a recall of 2001-2003 RAV4 for the harsh shift problem and it did show P0755 in his shop.
Specialist told me that it is production problem and I should bring the car back to Toyota. He also reminded me “do not drive until the problem is fixed”. Otherwise it may damage the hydraulic clutch again or gear and ruin the friction discs.
I took our car back to Toyota Chodzen on February 12, 2008 and informed them the T/M is refurbished and don’t drive until the harsh shift is solved. We did send them a copy of Technical Service Bulletin # TC002-06 for repair. (Note. we realized it is not cover under warranty, we will pay for the repair but we also informed them in writing that we will not claim the car until it is fixed).
Toyota could not find anything wrong with ECM, and gearbox and suggested us replace solenoid valve since they believe when oil gets hot, the valve may act funny, we agree to replace. After one month and Toyota’s test drive 600km, we got our car back, then the harsh shift occurred the next day. We call Toyota and they suggest take car to a more experience Toyota dealer called Wolchy and they claimed they found metal pieces.
Toyota Poland suggested fix gearbox up to the cost of 34,000PLN (about 8,200Euros) depending on the condition of gearbox. Toyota Poland also offered a new ECM free of charge as a good will in some way ECM computer is broken with one year additional warranty on replaced parts and service (It is an odd offer since ECM is the core of problem based on recall). We suggest them to check the harsh shift by following the TC002-06 but was turned down by Toyota because their reason is the harsh shift is US problem not European problem.
I did internet search regarding to this problem and found the same problem at website: www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2002/transmission/problem_shifting and found many people have the same problem and also found out the RAV42002 is among the 10 worst cars. Among the worst problems of RAV2002, 76% are on transmission problem.
I also paid for solution by website of http://toyota.justanswer.com and tundrasolutions.com and found out to solve the harsh shift problem for this model year is to follow the recall procedure even the VIN number is not shown in their recall list. I had all this information to Toyota Poland and suggest them repair by this approach and was turned down and ignored due to the reason again that is USA problem.
In June while we were on vacation, Toyota towed our car to Embassy ground without our consent and further discussion of how to repair this car. We hired an independent inspector to verify the transmission in July, He asked me to drive for roughly 13km and no harsh shift occurred, then he drove after warm up, he duplicated the harsh shift condition less than 3km and discovered the problem and wrote a report. Toyota ignored this report and dismissed by saying different inspectors have different reports on the same problem.
We requested a face to face meeting, but turned down by Toyota Poland. The reason Toyota claimed “we are too busy and we can communicate by E-mail”. Eventually we hired a lawyer and got our first face to face meeting on October 23, 2008.
During the meeting, Toyota insisted the cause of harsh shift is due to the broken gearbox. We do not agree since the Toyota Chodzen representative was present in the meeting, their repair showed no problem with gearbox and no problem with ECM. Toyota Poland claimed that they did not discover the harsh shift problem while car was in their possession although they have driven 600km.
Eventually we agree to have a joint inspection to verify the condition of transmission. Basically it is for the benefit of Toyota. Toyota Chodzen agreed to do it free of charge. It was carried out on October 31, 2008, with hiring independent inspectors from both sides.
On November 5, there is a meeting between Toyota and customer. Toyota presented a photo of showing a small metal piece in the smooth surface of valve block body, (By the way valve body is immersed in the oil pan) but did not have evidence of the piece and other findings of any metal pieces in the oil pan, oil filter and the three magnetic. There is mud looking oil at the bottom of oil pan is due to the low oil pressure caused the powder grinding from friction discs. Our lawyer said there shall be another meeting when both reports are completed. Toyota claimed the customer interrupted the inspection otherwise they can find more metal pieces.
During the meeting Toyota Poland accused the third party who wrongly repaired the gearbox is the main problem. But Toyota acknowledges the first time that it is the control problem and this is the first car they experienced with the harsh shift, and accused the third party has repair the valve body to cause the control problem. (In reality, it is Toyota Chodzen opened the valve body and replaced the solenoid valve, the third party believes it is production problem and leave to Toyota to fix).
Two reports are translated into English by December. One report from Toyota inspector showed a photo with small metal piece on the smooth surface but not other places, the other report from our inspector showing the same photo at same location with no metal piece and no finding any failure of gearbox, I also took photo of the same location and shows nothing.
We called for meeting, Toyota Poland replied with a letter accusing unauthorized repair of transmission, interruption of inspection by customer (did not mention this in both reports) and Toyota Poland is out of the picture, and instruct us to deal with Toyota dealer Chodzen directly to claim our car.
Now this car has been idling almost one year (on January 17) and the transmission is on Toyota dealer’s shelf for 75 days. So we can get our car back with pieces of transmission.
That is the service we got from Toyota Poland. I think it is a good story for you to find out there may be more unhappy Toyota customers in Poland and those who do not know the model between 2001 and 2003 has this production problem. The experience we have with Poland is that they believe they are the authority and you cannot challenge them and there is no room for discussion. We asked them why not put in a new ECM and give a try, they said we have never done that and refused to do it.
If you need any documents or our communication with Toyota Poland, we are glad to offer, so you can make your fair judgment of Toyota service is not the best at all.
Jesse
Warsaw, Poland
2009Jan 07
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 53,438 miles
Car would hardly move forward from a stop, then it would jerk / shake violently. We had a snow storm yesterday and it felt as if I did not have "all wheel drive" traction.
Brought the car to the dealer last night. He will report later on his findings and solution to the problem.
2008Dec 13
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 133,000 miles
It did not get fixed; the problem has worsened. It is not only hesitating and jerking, it is crawling and furting. I am only hoping that it will not die on me before I put together some more money to bring it back to the repair shop. These days, I pray each day that I drive this car.
2008Jul 09
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 61,946 miles
i bring my awesome RAV2 into the Toyota dealership because it was hesitating strangely. I instinctively knew there was a problem with the transmission but the dealership needed to prove it for themselves, as well as my extended warranty company. I didn't have a problem since it only cost me $75. I finally got the car back on July 29, 2008 with a new transmission. (more complaints to follow! trust me, this is not the only transmission my car will have! also want to add that the dealership and my warranty company have been great. i believe this is a systemic problem with this car!)
2008Nov 01
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
i'm experiencing the same problems as other toyota rav 4 users. Mine is jerking and hesitating and I'm afraid to drive it. My mechanic said it was the solenoid that needs to be replaced, I did a search on solenoid and found this site with all these complaints similar to mine. So is the real problem that the ECM needs to be replaced?
2008Nov 06
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 86,992 miles
2002 Toyota Rav4;140,000 KM;automatic transmission started to hesitate when stopped at lights, the revs would go up and the vehicle didn't move..I knew there was a problem..no engine light came on..only hesitation from 0 to 20km on the speedometer. One dealership noted, no computer problem and no leaks(even though levels were low). Two days later, took it to another dealership that diagnosed the problem as being the ECU needs replacement at $150.00. I am not paying to have this fixed, this is a design flaw in the vehicle that causes it to be unsafe and needs to be taken care of by Toyota Canada...I await feedback from them on how this will be handled. The transmission is covered under the warranty, however, the ECU that causes the transmission to fail is not covered. Am I supposed to wait until the transmission totally fails for them to honor the warranty?
Terrible..I am SO DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA!
2008Nov 07
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 88,751 miles
I obviously have the same problems as everyone else on here (I think there is another list going where there are 70-some complaining about it on this website). Toyota has issued a Technical Service Bulletin the problem, so they obviously know that it is an issue. I would be interested in filing a class-action lawsuit to force them to issue a recall. We need to get organized.
2008Nov 05
RAV4 L 4 cylindar
- Automatic transmission
- 64,750 miles
Wednesday morning on the way to work it jerked and shifted hard into gear a couple times. I kind of thought what the heck? Then after work that evening it started really jerking and hesitating from taking off from a stop, like it didn't want to go even though I was pressing on the gas. Then all of a sudden it would slam into gear and jerk the whole car. I thought to myself, oh great my transmission is going out. Anyway I took it to the shop today and yes, they say it's my transmission. I was sure it was going to be covered under my extended warranty (I just had in my mind I was covered up to 100,000 miles), but no, 72 months or 100,000. Guess what my 72 months expired in April, just my luck!!! He said it will cost about $3,400 to fix, but maybe he can get it for me for about $3,000. Which, I am trying to decide if that is what I want to do. And low and behold, my husband found this website. Now after reading all these problems that everyone is having with the transmission and the computer brain, etc., I don't know if I should have it fixed or see about trading it in. I have totally LOVED my RAV 4. No problems at all until now and reading this website is making it sound like my problems are just beginning.
I too, bought this vehicle brand new and have had it serviced faithfully at the same Toyota dealership I purchased the vehicle from. It was 6 years old in April and is just now within about 150 miles from turning the 65,000 mark. What to do?...signed dazed and confused!
2008Nov 04
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Right after vote and going to work. When transmission started acting strange on me.
I took it to my mechanic and he just call me and let me know that he think (98% sure) that it's a transmission problem and gave me rough estimate. (about $4000.00). I guess I have to fix it. I do not want to buy a new car at this time. What a day?
2008Sep 30
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 50,275 miles
First of all, Thank you for allowing consumers the opportunity to complain about the problems with our vehicles.
The problem with my vehicle started about over a week ago. My vehicle is 6 years old, I have always taken care of the vehicle, and take it in for the maintenance. A few years ago, I was charged by one of the dealer shop in Silver Spring, MD almost $500.00 for brake shoe (front), and oil change maintenance, and to make matters worse, the brakes were put on wrong. Therefore I found a creditable mechanic shop where I now takes my vehicle. My vehicle have almost 50,500 miles, and is having transmission problems,which shouldn't be. The vehicle would suddenly start jerking (describe it as a leaping frog), and goes into a shutting down state. Also, at times when shifting gear, it would trumble/sound so loud making the vehicle feels as though it is going to fall apart. I have always have problems with gear shifting, but not as severe as it is now. I trully believe that there are some malfunction with this vehicle. It is a six year old car, which doesn't get abused. I bought the car new, and has been the only driver, and has not exceeded the recommended miles per year. The vehicle is not near the 72.000 miles, It's only 50.462 miles.
2008Oct 01
RAV4 LX 2L
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
After reading others complain, I realized I'm in the same RAV. Fortunately, I've only paid my mechanic $35.00 to find nothing. My RAV just recently started with the same stuttering/jerking problem going from 1st to second. At this late stage I don't want to spend any more $ to fix these problems. I really like my RAV. How should I proceed? I'm thinking about trading it in and getting a MATRIX.
2008Sep 08
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
I was both astounded and very pleased to see the litany on this website describing the same exact problem, and similar Toyota response, that I have been having for the past month with my 2002 Rav 4. I have kept all of the maintenance up to date, have driven it carefully and with respect, and @4 weeks ago, out of the blue, it started shuddering and hesitating between 20 and 30 mph, and sometimes after I had just started out, sometimes when coming to a stop. Some days it was fine, some not. I took it to my local service guys who do my oil changes, etc, and they diagnosed a need for the Reflash. I took it to the dealer, and they did the reflash (I don't remember getting a service bulletin on this, but in any case the reflash was covered). It worked great for a week, then the shuddering, bucking like a rodeo bronco action started again. I took it back to the dealer this morning and, lo and behold, they diagnosed the need for a new transmission. I called the manager of the service dept. after reading this website, and he said, "if you can put together paperwork to show that you have been loyal to the Toyota dealership with your maintenance needs, I can take that to my factory rep and maybe we can find a way to work with you." This is my third Toyota. Loyal to the brand, yes, and loyal to the dealerships when the cars got old and needed extra tlc, but this car has been no problem till now, so it went to my local small business person for regular maintenance. I am deeply, deeply disappointed in Toyota right now, and this experience further supports my taking cars to small business people who give a damn about their customer base. I am going to file a complaint with the BBB and anyone else I can find.
2008Aug 25
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Hi every one,I have a 2002 Rav 4 with 68000 miles ,almost new and never thought i will see a mechanic soon but few days ago and driving on the freeway with my 4 year old and the car suddenly start jerking and almost stopping and then shifting gear in a strange way so i took it to the mechanic and he just dropped the bomb and told me the bad news and it's a transmission problem and it's gonna cost me at least 2000 dollars and up to 4400 if the computer system is messed up.Then just to make sure i take it to the toyota "money making machine "and he simply told me that my car was never been recalled and it's fine!!!!!!!
I think toyota should be responsible for all the damage that we the people are paying for.
Just like any body else I work my A@@ off just to pay for this piece of SH&&T.Never again buying a toyota!!!!!!!!!!
2008Sep 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
I bought this car in June of this year. The car was running perfectly fine until one day after work, I noticed that my car started jerking and not picking up speed as before. I figured maybe because it was really hot that day, but that was far from the truth. Since then the problem has progressively gotten worse. I've made an appointment to have a diagnostic test done and I am dreading to hear what they have to say. I have it checked by a local mechanic and he said that most likely it's the transmission. If toyota knew of this problem, they should have recalled this vehicle. I strongly believe that it should be their responsibility to fix this problem. This problem has caused nothing but headaches. I only have one vehicle and I have to get work everyday and God knows I don't have the money. One thing I've learned is to never buy a car without a warranty because you're stuck with the expense.
2008Jul 31
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 134,740 miles
I purchased my 2002 Toyota Rav 4 in May 2005. I just recently started having a problem July 30, 2008. I noticed some jerking then when trying to accelerate I noticed the car went at a very slow pace. I took my car to Fairfield Toyota on July 31, 2008. I received a call from the dealership stating then will need to look into having the car diag. by the transmission experts. The dealership advised me the cost would be $ 226.00 just to diag. the problem. After paying the $ 226.00, they gave me the same paperwork that I have been reading about on this site which states "TSB" Technical Service Bulletin which judging by my mileage I'm not even in any shape to have that service covered considering I'm way over the 80,000 miles. The dealer also mentioned that the codes in the system states to replaced the ECM which will cost $ 850.00, then if that doesn't work then they would replace the transmission at a running cost of $ 4,256.00. So needless to say...I left the dealership with my car. I then took my car to an independent automotive shop on 08/06/08 who states the codes PO755 which indicate SOLENOID SHIFT B MALFUNCTION" VEHICLE STARTING OFF IN 4TH GEAR, CAN NOT UP OR DOWNSHIFT BY OVERRIDING TRANS THROUGH COMPUTER WILL NEED TO REMOVE PAN AND TEST SOLENOID B. I allowed them to do the work to replace the Solenoid B. I received a call from the automotive shop stating they have tested the new Solenoid on my car and the new Solenoid was still testing out of range which indicated to them that it was the transmission. The automotive shop stated they would charge me the work that they have done which was labor or replacing the old Solenoid with the new Solenoid which still did not fix the matter, the mechanic advised me to let them figure out what the problem was... and as frustrated as I was without thinking I said yes. I received another call stating it was a "crack in the value body" which is located in the transmission. So now I'm like WTF!!!! So after a grand total of $ 530.00 later I have a POS car that I'm still paying the note on that I can't even drive. I'm so glad to have found this site now at least I have found other people who have shared in my frustrations. Also I forgot to mention the Independent dealer made mention that he was for sure it was not the ECM it was 100% the transmission and that if I paid $ 3,789.00. my problem would be solved. After reading all of the complaints I'm pretty sure it won't be. I have taken notes from some of the complaints and I start my part by writing to the BBB and the www-odi-nhtsa.dot.gov to express my situation. But just like the rest of you if any one is going forward I'm with you on this matter! Please let me know of what your next steps have or will be.
2008Aug 12
RAV4 L 2.0L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Why I have to pay $170 for diagnostic? Toyota should announce a recall of the ECM.
I will never buy toyota again.
2008Aug 21
RAV4 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Same symptoms as others have listed -- problems shifting into and out of 2nd and 3rd gear. Toyota dealership recommended new ECM at $1,200 with labor. I guess that's good compared to some of the other prices I've seen. Other complainants mentioned this happened after the check engine light "problem" was fixed. I took mine in for that. I wonder if the check engine light comes on in all 2002 Rav4s at a certain point (it is a recall item) and when they fix it, something soon after happens to the ECM. Is this built in obsolescence (part failure) to increase business? Could the system be designed so that the ECM will need replacing?
Does someone know where to buy a reliable ECM; the dealership quoted $150 labor if I can bring one in. Or is that too impractical? Should I count by $1,200 "blessing" and go with it? I will search for an ECM...
2008Aug 19
RAV4 2L I4
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
This is the first problem i've had with this car but it could be really expensive and dangerous.To me accelerating and slamming into gear is a safety issue and should be covered under a recall! I downloaded TSB for this problem(released 2006) and brought to local Toyota dealer, they said yes (after test drive-maybe)the ECM should be replaced! Okay how many ECM'S out there are going to fail and destroy your tranny's? I know because of high mileage i will have to eat this bill, but with enough complaints maybe Toyota will treat this as a safety issue.
2008Aug 16
RAV4 4 Cyk
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
On Saturday my family was driving around town when my husband said that the car would not move even though he was on the accelerator. When it finally started to move it also bucked. He told me to take it to the dealer to get it looked at because it seemed to be a problem with the transmission. Well I took it to the dealer and explained what was happening. The service manager said they would look at it while I waited. Well after they took it out on the road they told me that it could be a problem with the computer or the transmission but they did not know which one was causing the problem. They also told me that because my mileage was 85000 it was already over the limit where the problem would be under the warranty to be fixed without me paying for it. Well after giving him an "are you crazy look" he decided to replace the computer without charging me the 1600.00 he said it would cost. He said that replacing the computer might fix the problem, but if it did not it would cost me 5800.00 to have my transmission replaced. After they replaced the computer and drove it around for a while they said that it was working "better" but they did not say it was fixed. I drove it around town today without any problems but I am not sure if the problem is fixed. I decided to see if I can find any information about this problem on the internet because I was suspicious as to why the dealer was so quick to "fix" this problem and not charge me for it. So I decided to see if there were any recalls on the Rav 4 on this problem. I was shocked to see the complaints on this site. I too bought the Rav 4 because I believed that a Toyota was a reliable car. I had driven a Corolla for over 170,000 miles and did not have any problems with it. I gave it to my daughter to drive to school. Sign me up for any class action lawsuits. I am going to contact my Attorney General's office and file a complaint there as well. I am also going to contact Toyota's corporate office and file a complaint. I think that Toyota should take responsibility for this problem.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 18
RAV4
The trans on my 2002 RAV4 went bad yesterday. I started to accelerate from a stop and the car is hesitating between 1st and 2nd gear. I was very surprised as the car only has 48,000 miles on it and was going to chalk it up to bad luck until I found this WEB site. So tomorrow I will call Toyota and see what I can do.
Lisa S.
Chicago, IL, USA
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