transmission problem
9.2
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$3,725.00
Average Mileage:
70,086 miles
Number of complaints:
8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- new main computer and transmission (7 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Toyota RAV4 main computer and transmission failure
2006Jan 17
RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I see lots of people had this same transmission/computer problem. I was under warranty by 300 miles and refused to take the car home until they reproduced and fixed my problem. Now at 72,000 miles i have to get the engine replaced. I read a complaint from another owner and it's the EXACT explanation of what I just went through. So next complaint will be that I need a new engine due to metal shavings in the oil.
2008Aug 10
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
I have a copy of Toyota Service Bulletin TC002-06, dated March 3,2006 which describes the problem I had with my Rav4, and cost me a total of $4,500 to get fixed. Toyota apparently denies that this bulletin exists, so I have a pretty good jump on them when I go after them to try to get my money back. My story should be familiar to Rav4 owners who have had bad transmission problems; stutters in low speeds, shifts very hard in reverse. Then you get the bill for having it fixed! I will pursue this with Toyota, and I encourage everyone else to do the same. In the meanwhile, when somebody asks me how I like my 2002 Rav 4, I have to reluctantly steer them away from purchasing one. Great car till 94k then"POW" huge expense.
2008Aug 14
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
My wife and I have taken very good car of this car since we purchased it. The average mileage to her work is approximately 4 miles; occasionally we do high way miles when going to the beach.
During our vacation this year, the transmission decided to act up. The warranty was just up, and our mechanic informed us that transmission problems are very common with the RAV4. Then, he also informed us of computer problems as well. The total cost was quickly rising to fix this vehicle.
Do not buy this car...not worth the money to fix! We had our fixed (five thousand miles beyond warranty of course) and it is only guaranteed for 90 days!
Apparently, transmission problems are extremely common in the RAV4, which is totally uncalled for in today�s society. Spread the word so others do not have to suffer this financial strain in challenging economic times!
2008Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Same issue as so many folks on this forum are having...hard shifting in low gear, engine light came on, Toyota dealer replaced tranny to tune of $2900, then said it was the computer. They also replaced the motor mounts for $600 because they said they were loose! I am the original owner, and the car has been well maintained. What a run around.
2008Jun 09
RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 90,685 miles
my car started acting weird when shifting into first and second gears. so we took it to a transmission place and had it rebuilt for $3000 and it never fixed the problem. they had my car for about a month and never knew the problem after i took it back the day after i got the transmission rebuilt. then they just told that i had to get a new computer for around $1100. when i can take it and have it upgraded for $150. and i still don't have my car fixed.
2008Jul 02
RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 82,000 miles
Misery loves company - but it doesn't make it feel any better.
LAST YEAR, jerking as it shifts from 1-2 gear. awful sounds. $4000 (new tranny and computer) to get me mobile again. I went to Mr. Transmission since Toyota wanted $5000+. A LITTLE over a year later...today...i find out that it won't switch to 4th gear.
Mr. Transmission's warranty has expired (missed it by 2 months). I called Toyota and they sounded upset I didn't go to them to pay the $5000+. When I asked if they knew if this was a big problem with others - the mechanic sounded like this was such a rare and unknown thing but would be happy to "look at it" for a $108.
We all need to put a big sign on our car windows like: "Toyota quality: BAD TRANSMISSIONS and NO ACCOUNTABILITY" or "DON'T BUY A TOYOTA - CRAPPY TRANSMISSIONS TOYOTA WILL ONLY FIX FOR $5000+". I'm going to park my car in front of a few Toyota dealerships. Take pictures and send to Toyota corporate and ruin their PR until they make an effort to fix this.
These are rough years for the automobile industry - hit them where it hurts. If they can't fix it.. let's just get even.
(rant off)
2004Jun 01
RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
I'm in the same vote as all the others. Check Engine light with Toyota dealer
adjusting and replacing other parts. And now we barely got back to the
dealer with this vehicle at only 83,000 miles and he tells me you have a
"main computer failure" and the transmission "shift solenoid B" bad. The
only fix is a new computer and transmission. $4998
If you read all the other complaints they describe this rav4 beautiful.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your transmission problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 05
RAV4
Do NOT purchase a 2002 RAV4...EVER! At 79,000 miles (4K over our warranty) our transmission 'died'. Chose NOT to purchase a 'used' transmission (why would we want to pay over $3K to put in a used/36+K transmission, only to have the same thing happen again?), but had it re-built instead. Very long story short; I contacted dealership, Toyota of America (filed a complaint) and received a 'circle jerk' from a supposed 'reputable' car manufacturer!!! Dealership, specifically the Service Manager, made it clear they no longer valued me as a Toyota customer after 18+ years, okay so I only bought 2 cars from them. I took our car elsewhere for servicing, have had the transmission torn apart/rebuilt, have had the car back twice, only to return it again to have the transmission torn apart again/ECU reset and now it's probably a 'computer' problem as well. The place I took it to has been working on transmissions for over 25 years and the owner has never seen anything as 'challenging' as our 'project'.
Kim P.
Tacoma, WA, Pacific Islands (US)
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