transmission problem
9.1
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,758.00
Average Mileage:
98,496 miles
Number of complaints:
44 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (23 reports)
- rebuild the transmission, replace ECM (11 reports)
- rebuild the transmission (5 reports)
- replace computer engine (5 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Toyota RAV4 problems shifting
2008May 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I also had the same problem as the other people on this page. The car didn't want to go when I accelerated, and then would shift very hard. I took my car to the Toyota dealer and was told that it would need at the least a new ECM, and possibly even a new transmission. The cost for the ECM $1200, and the transmission $3600. The service manager told me that Toyota had put out a statement saying if the car presented with these problems to first replace the ECM. Apparently the computer is at the root of the problem, but if not fixed soon enough will damage your transmission. My car was past the warranty period, so I ended up footing the bill. If Toyota knows about this problem, they should repair or recall all ECM's before more people end up spending this kind of money. This is very costly, especially on a car that is 7 years old. I was told that only 3-5% of the 2002 Rav 4's had this problem, and therefore it was not a big enough group to warrant a recall. My guess is that is all of the complaints they have had so far. Maybe if enough people complain they will have to recall this model, and may reimburse the ones of us that have already had to pay the bill.
2008Mar 07
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
At approximately 100,000 miles, my RAV4 began having difficulty shifting from 1st to 2nd. For several weeks we tried different corrections to repair the problem, to no avail. Finally the check engine light came on and my husband was thrilled that it would finally throw a code so that we could repair it.
The check engine light came on on Sunday evening and went off the next day. We still took it to a transmission repair place for their expert advice. Surprisingly enough, they said it needed a new transmission. They said this does not normally happen with Toyota's, but it seems to be happening with mine. We agreed to pay them $1,500 for the rebuilding of the transmission. Once the car was torn down, they found that it also needed to have the torque converter replaced, for another $600. We agreed to pay this and yet we kept waiting to get the car back. Then they called and said that there was a bad solenoid, fortunately this was covered in the previous amounts.
About a week latter, we received a call that there was a computer problem. We paid $100 to have the computer flashed and got the car back a week later. After having the car back for 1 day, it started the same thing all over again. It looks like the only other alternative is to have the computer replaced. The part alone costs $1,200 and then there is installation. So far, we have not found a rebuilt computer and the repair shop and us are skeptical as to this repairing the problem.
2008Feb 12
RAV4 LTD 4
- Automatic transmission
- 75,807 miles
Same problem as posted on here. Shifts erratically from 1st to 2nd, sluggish from start. Dealer diagnosed error codeP0755 shift solenoid electrical concern...replace ECM under warranty. They are replacing the ECM free of charge, supposedly under extended warranty. My regular warranty expired last July, so am wondering why they they are doing this under the extended warranty. They must know about the problem and thus fixing it free of charge. However, I don't know if this is a permanent fix for the problem. Sounds like it could be the whole transmission. Should I keep it or trade it off...my question at the moment! ??
2008Mar 05
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
I began having problems with my car when it would try and shift from 1st to 2nd. I took it to my local Toyota dealer and they ran a check and said they couldn't find anything wrong with the transmission, so they suggested getting the transmission flushed. I left it there and they completed the work...cost $120. The result...the problem still exists. I then went and had my transmission replaced... the cost $3015. The result, same problem. Now, I am reading where many, many Toyota RAV4 owners are experiencing this same thing. I am so angry because I am not getting good response from the dealer. They seem to not really care at all. And now I am concerned that if I continue driving the car, my newly replaced transmission will go bad and then I will be stuck in this repair cycle. I don't know about all you other folks but financially this is really awful. I hope a class action comes soon. Toyota needs to show some integrity and help their customers out.
2008Mar 28
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Rav4 started to shift poorly into 2nd, couldn't believe it was my transmission. Check engine came on later. Mechanic said diagnostic read P0755. Shift solenoid malfunction.
Decided to take it to Dealer. Said it could be the ECM which will cost 1350 and hope its not the transmission which will be 3500. Found 38 Complaints about this. I guess Toyota doesn't want to open the door for a recall. That will cost money. Hopefully a class action will take place. No longer a Toyota fan.
2008Mar 14
RAV4
- Manual transmission
- 72,950 miles
Experienced issue very similar to other descriptions; hard/strange shifting and "bucking" at the worst. Local mechanic examined transmission, found "burnt" fluid, but no obvious mechanical issues, and then found service bulletin regarding replacement of computer module under extended warranty. Dealer just did this and it is better, but not perfect. Seems to have corrected issues in forward gears, but now some odd troubles with reverse. Dealer says next step may be new transmission; what have others experienced? Any success with getting Toyota to cover this large expense?
Thanks
2008Feb 06
RAV4 V4
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
I am having the same problem described by all the other complaints about the RAV4 and not being able to get into gear...my car only has 63,000 miles on it. The transmission fluid was changed by my mechanic. Then the engine light began coming on sporadically. Not being able to get going from a stop also happens sporadically.
Has anyone had success getting Toyota dealer to replace the ECM at no cost?
2007May 13
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I'm having this same problem. For me, it started after the recall/reprogramming too. Should have ignored that notice! I've had it to 2 separate dealerships and they never experience it. A friend works at one dealership and he believes me, and changed the tran fluid which worked for about 2 weeks. Then it was back! Don't know what to do yet. Please email me if you have solutions or ideas besides jumping through all the costly hoops.
2007May 13
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
I am having the same problems as everyone else. The Toyota dealer told me I had a burnt transmission and needed to replace it for a cost of $3325. Instead I took the Rav4 to a reputable transmission shop in my area to have the problem examined, the problem did not repeat when they test drove it. They also flushed and inspected the transmission. They could not find any mechanical damage to the transmission. I have since emailed Toyota because the issue still exists. They replied to my email stating "Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U. S. A., Inc. We apologize for your concern with the transmission in your 2002 RAV4. We do not have a Special Service Campaign for the transmission in the 2002 RAV4. Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #200705110375. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us." Thanks to everyone�s comments I am going to my local dealer and demand this issue be corrected at no charge. I recommend everyone go to the
Toyota website under owner and contact us and start filling complaints. The more emails they get the more we benefit.
2008Feb 25
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 88,000 miles
Same as everyone else. Check engine light on. ECM reprogrammed. Few months later vehicle has problems shifting. Can't accelerate faster than 5 miles per hour into oncoming traffic. VERY DANGEROUS. Ended up costing $1500 to fix. Dealer replaced ECM and all is well. I am now talking with an attorney about a class action lawsuit. Toyota refuses to take ownership of this problem.
2008Feb 09
RAV4 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 164,000 miles
I too, like many of you have issues with my Totyota Rav-4, which I loved til it started not going into gear at take off. I did take it in to the dealer to have the ecm module reprogrammed about a yr ago after problems with the check engine light off and on this seemed to correct the problem. After about 6 mos of having this done the ck engine light would come on then go off on its own. I had it checked did some maintenance thinking maybe changing the plugs filters etc.. would fix it and it did check engine light was off til about 2 wks ago so I had it checked again and was told scanner readings indicated it just needed a tune up which I did But this didn't fix the problem with the transmission going no where after at stop. The check engine light has been off but my fear as with some of you is that I may not be able to get out of the way at an intersection since my Toyota wont go at time and the problems seems to be getting worse, I took the day off from work and took it took a couple of transmission shops and was told scanner readings at one 02 sensor and the previous reading with the check engine light were the problem. At this point I wanted a second opinion so I took it else where and was told my transmission is actually the problem and that it would cost about $3000.00 to rebuild it
the first shop didn't charge me but they wanted something like $500.00 to replace the sensor and they didn't guarantee this would fix the problem saying they may have to rebuild the transmission for about the $3000.00 the second shop quoted me. I think Toyota should fix the problem, I bought a Toyota thinking I was buying a good thing and now I seem to be stuck with a vehicle with what seems an on going issues. It not not right they should make good on it. Let me now if someone is filing a class action I want in on it.
2007Nov 04
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I found this site looking for Toyota parts online. I am having the same problem word for word as everyone else on here. I own a 2002 RAV4 bought new, loved the car until it starting have these problems. This RAV4 started to have shifting problems after the check engine light came on. The Toyota computers said it was a solenoid problem, 400$ didn't change anything. I then got a new transmission around 4000$, drove fine for two days. Then started having the same problem. Shaking the car, not shifting properly at all, loud noises ect. Changed a few other little things, bearings, sensors and such, changed nothing.
Currently I am still driving the car as cannot afford another one, very dangerous, I dread stopping at red lights as it takes the car a long time to reach the speed limit, shaking the car forcing me to let off the gas and try again. After reading every one of these complaints I called Toyota Canada (888 869 6828) and was told there was a recall to reprogram the ECM (main computer) the recall number was 613. I have had this car into Toyota dealerships on too many occasions to count over this problem, none mentioned this recall. On Monday I will make an appointment to attempt this recall but who knows if I haven't destroyed the new transmission that was installed a few weeks ago. This is beyond ridiculous, I will continue to attempt to fix this car hopefully this reprogram will fix the issue but who knows . I will update the issue at a later date.
2008Jan 16
RAV4 Limited 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 162,800 miles
I just started experiencing problems shifting, like all of the other complaints. Of course, the ECM was just reprogrammed, but after reading everyone else's complaints with the transmission shifting, we all seem to have the same problem. Toyota states, I need a new transmission. I just took it to AAMCO, and they have not noticed bad shifting yet, but said it should return soon. I just had the transmission fluid cleaned out and synthetic put it, and this did seem to help somewhat. I also brought it ot AAMCO and they are telling me that Toyota needs to replace, not reprogram the ECM or the transmission will burnout. They are telling me, this is probably what has happened to me and would need to take apart the transmission to make sure it is not that too. All and all, the cost is about $3,000 to fix, and that's only if it is the transmission and not the ECM too. I am still contemplating what to do and waiting for the problem to begin again - I really cannot afford another car right now, but the $ it might take to fix this one is crazy too. The scariest, is when you are at a light, and the car hesitates. Anyway, I also reported the problem to Toyota Customer Experience Center - we ALL need to do this, and then maybe, they will recall these cars a,dn replace the ECM's transmissions at no cost to us, which is the way it should be. I know I have a lot of miles on my car (mainly highway), and have been luckier than some, but these problems should not be happening to so many of us. Please CALL Toyota and put in your complaint and state the problem going on eith your RAV at (800) 331-4331 AND PRESS 5. If more of us do this, they will have to look into it further. If anyone has any advice on what to try and fix first, please let me know!
2008Jan 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
Same problems as everyone else. Car was pretty much undrivable. Started with slipping between 2/3 and then starting from a dead stop it would nearly stall. Felt like it was starting in 3rd gear or something. Very dangerous situation. I took to dealer, immediately told them it sounded like was the service bulletin stated. They pretty much ignored me. They first wanted to look at tranny, for a $250 charge. I questioned why not do the ECM. So, we looked at tranny and they said it looked fine, no metal debris. Probably cuz I luckily just had it flushed recently. They called back and said, the tranny looked fine, so we had a new ECM here so we put it in to check it, and it fixed the problem. Duh, why didn't you do that before charging me to look at the tranny. In any event, it runs great now, I'm sorry to those who replaced the tranny etc. Reading your posts informed me to not go down the same road so I thank you. Any in the future have this problem, replace the ECM first. My tranny was running absolutely horrible, I mean, barely driveable, most would say not driveable. The new ECM has the car running like new overnight. ECM charge was around $1350. Now I'm off to complain to Toyota and NHTSB. 84K miles and just out of warrantly, of course.
2007Sep 17
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Here is the response I received from Toyota after placing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau: I cannot believe their obvious disregard for customer satisfaction.
On December 13, 2007, the business provided the
following information:
sorry for the delay in response. complaint faxed to
owners office who has been out of town.
walker Toyota could not duplicate concern so no remedy
(by law) was suggested. cust. took to independant shop
and they gave her an estimate for overhaul trans. to
fix problem. they had access to same bulletin also but
performed overhaul anyway. after transmission rebuild
problem still present. at that point customer was sent
to me from trans. shop accusing walkers of doing
customer wrong. i gave customer free labor and deep
discount on part to complete repair.
the bulletin in question that all repair facilities
have access to states clearly that "upon verifying
customer concerns" an e.c.m. should be replaced at
customers cost. then if condition returns a
transmission repair should be performed. independent
shop performed steps backward costing customer 2,600
dollars. walker Toyota operated within Toyota policies
and procedures as well as industry standards. customer
chose to not pursue issue with us but instead another
facility. if walker misdiagnosed the problem and
charged her for trans. repair first we would have
stepped up and taken care of the computer.
unfortunately the company she chose to do business
with wouldn't do that.
walker declines any further assistance with this
situation and requests customer not contact in future.
John Moss
Toyota Service Manager
Toyota Customer Relations Manager.
2007Nov 12
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
First my transmission ran out - my mechanic said due to clogged transmission fluid
colling system (he said he haven't seen that before). After about 2 months driving to work
I'ge got problems with transmission shifting hard or not shifting at all on lower gears (1st and 2nd) - 3rd and overdrive were OK at all time.
My mechanic took a car to 2 transmission specialized places as well as to a Toyota
dealer shop. and they couldn't find out what was wrong, but all of them said it wasn't transmission problem it was rather transmission control issue. I have really professional mechanic, so all that didint cost me a penny.
Few days ago I went on WWW and found out what is a problem. All dealers are aware of it,
but none of them will admitt it. They know they make big $$$$ by selling ECM unit for well over a 1,000.00 USD.
Few days ago I, also, called Toyota customer service trying to get some assistance - it is one of the most ignorant and arrogant places I've ever dealt with. I tried to buy ECM unit
at the good discount, but all I've got was an offer to help me to buy new car. It was like conversation between blind and deaf - blind talking how beautiful view they have from the hotel window I think it is a good ground to take Toyota to court -to many people having same problems with the part should never fail and does not require any maintenance. I also think, it is a mattrer of time somebody will get hurt because of ECM malfunction.
2007Jul 01
RAV4 L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 220,000 miles
I was happy to find out that it wasn't only my RAV experiencing this problem. I had gotten the recall done on the ECM and within the same month the Transmission starts acting up, shifting hard, slow acceleration from stop, etc. Took it to AAMCO and they ran diagnostic, replaced solenoid 2 and ran ok for few days, than bang right back to the same problem, they said $4000.00 for rebuilt. My RAV has 220,000 miles on it and I am the original owner, no serious problems until now. I blame Toyota for reprogramming the ECM and then messing up my transmission. I take it on short trips and I was going to replace the transmission but not now. After seeing all these complaints I am calling Toyota and complaining. A recall should be done and the problem fixed free of charge. This is ridiculous for a company that prides itself on quality to not accept responsibility.
2007May 24
(reported on)RAV4 L
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Car started having shifting problems after I put gas. Thought bad gas but I am 5 tanks over that and put in injector cleaner. Engine light was on after few days. Dealer checked it for a fee of 80 something dollars, said it was transmission solenoid problem, turned off the light and gave the car to me the exact way it was. they said they need to replace the transmission for 2750 dollars. Let me know if any of you guys have a solution.
2007Nov 28
RAV4 4 cyl.
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I am very upset about the shifting problems with my 2002,RAV 4.
I absolutely Loved it. Until now!!!
I am outraged that Toyota hasn't recalled them for REPLACEMENT of the ECM instead of just putting a " Band-Aid" on the problem.. There is clearly a problem
with the ECM. which in turn messes up the transmission. A consumer group for the TV station might be interested in this for a story. I am just starting this process. My car is in the shop. I will report this to the mechanic. and talk to my Toyota dealer
where I purchased my car. I don't see very good results from all the other complaints
though. Wish me luck.
2006Oct 20
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Like other folks in this group we also had a check engine light on and had it reset at Toyota. Then after several months we started having problems with the shifting and slipping when you start to go from a stand still. We took the car to a transmission repair shop which cost us 2525.00. After driving off with the car we had the same issue occur within 15 miles of the shop. Again, we took the car back the shop and was told we had to pay an additional 300.00 for a computer that was causing the problem. The car lasted 10 months before the same problem occurred. We called back the repair shop but were told that they were not responsible since we had the car for 10 months and he did not know what we did the car in 10 months. We then called toyota in pennsylvania who we trust but was advised not to chance it by driving that far so we took the car to another transmission shop and they gave us a price of 2600.00 for the work. Again, we drove off and after some 20 miles we experienced the same as before. Currently the car is back in the shop and now they tell us that we must pay an additional 1013.00 for a computer since the last shop put in a used one. I believe they should be responsible for the additional part and told them so but have not herd any feed back as of yet. In addition, I had to rent a car in order to get to work. I don't know what direction to go in and would appreciate any help that can be given.
2007Nov 19
RAV4 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
Problems shifting have started occurring just like the others reported here. The car gets stuck in gear and makes a "clunk" noise when it finally shifts. I believe this is the ECM and/or transmission problem that seems to be afflicting this model, will take to a Toyota dealer and experience the same reaming everyone else seems to be getting.
2007Sep 17
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
update on what has resolved my problem. After having transmission rebuilt car was still experiencing 2/3 shift problem. Transmission shop suggests that I talk to dealership and get them to replace ECM which should resolve problem, after searching their transmission database and finding a known bulletin about this problem. Transmission shop has talked to tech at dealer and they are certain this will resolve problem. Dealer offers to sell me new ECM for "cost" with tax 1003.81 and let transmission shop install. Transmission shop suggests that dealer install ECM so it is covered under a warranty and then they will honor their 24 month warranty for the rebuilt transmission. Talk dealer into installing ECM and finally my car runs correctly. I am convinced that if dealer would have read the bulletin put out by Toyota in March 2006 and suggested I replace the ECM I could have been saved the cost of a rebuilt transmission (2,639.81). On initial visit to dealer on 9/17/2007 I explained the problem, they said they were unable to duplicate it. Said I needed to make another appointment and they would tear transmission apart and try to see what they could do. Dealer would give me no estimate on cost for this and said it would depend on time involve to pinpoint problem. That is when I took to transmission shop , had transmission rebuilt then had to have dealer replace ECM. I talked to tech at dealer and asked why they did not check the bulletin when I brought the car in on 9/17. Was told that there are too many bulletins for them to keep up with and they don't look for them. I asked what they would do if they had another 2002 Rav4 come in with the same problem and they said immediately that they would suggest replacing the ECM now that I brought the bulletin to their attention. I watched the tech pull up the bulletin on his laptop and it took him about a minute to find it. I am trying to get some resolution from Toyota for this expense but am getting no where. Have received emails from Toyota that bulletins are available to owners to purchase. If I would have known that don't you think I would have done so? My suggestion to others .. when taking car to dealership ask that they show you any bulletins available for your vehicle. Insist that you get in the car when it is test driven so they cannot say they can't duplicate the problem. I am continuing to try to get resolution and would be happy to share my documentation with others.
2007Nov 09
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
Sounds like I have the same problem as others with Toyota Rav4 transmission. Received recall re engine light. Had just noticed hard shift from 2 to 3. Took car to dealership on 9/17. Asked them if they could check the problem while they had car hooked up to computer diagnostics. No problem. Waited several hours then they called and told me car was ready. I asked what they did re shift? They said nothing came up on scan and they had fixed the problem with the check engine light. I asked what I should do and they said I would need to make another appointment they would tear the transmission apart and look for problem. I wanted to know what that would cost and they were unable to provide me with any idea. Something like we won't know until we look at it. So.. I took car to Brownies IT transmission in Dayton. They have rebuilt my transmission and now think that hardware failure in computer is what caused the problem in the first place. The transmission runs fine when not hooked up to computer but they say it still has hard shift when hooked up to computer.. So.. they say they cannot honor the 2 year warranty I was promised. They say if I come in and pay for transmission work they will tow the car to the dealership. The computer in the car will need to be replaced. They seem to think I should talk to the Toyota Service manager and explain the situation and they will take care of it. Well I plan on calling Toyota Resolution dispute and see where it gets me. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
2007Sep 17
RAV4 L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
Like some of the other postings on here...one day I was stopped at a red light, light turned green, tried to drive forward and the car just barely crept along. On the way to have the diagnostic test done the check engine light came on. It coded as a shift solenoid. Next day took it to the Toyota dealership where they reprogrammed the ECM, per recall. They said it would need a new transmission, $4300.00. Took it to a transmission place and they said they could rebuild it for $2700.00 and they suspected that a faulty ECM was to blame for the malfunction. Paid the $2700.00 after being without a car for a good week and a half. Drove to work the next day, got almost home that night and the car started doing it again. Took it back to transmission place, they said to take it back to the Toyota dealership since it was an ECM issue. Dealership took 2 days to replace the ECM, car has worked fine ever since. Toyota Customer Care rep said to mail in documentation and they'd reimburse. Of course, when we did that they will not reimburse us and they claim that this problem is un-heard of to them. We are in the process of filing a complaint with the Highway Safety Commission. It is unsafe to be driving a vehicle when it's like that. What if a car ran a red light and was quickly approaching my Rav and because of this issue I couldn't accelerate to get out of the way? It's ridiculous that Toyota is denying a problem.
2007Oct 31
(reported on)RAV4 LX 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Website that might be useful - apparently, Prius might be having similar problems and Toyota doesn't know about that either. Link is http://www.vehicle-injuries.com/prius-stall.htm. Maybe this is the way to get them to listen/
2007Oct 31
(reported on)RAV4 LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
We spent $4000 previously to fix this trans/shifting/ecm problem about 6 months ago, only to have the same probs again now. I called Toyota customer no service today only to be told they are "not aware of any such problems in these vehicles". I now have a 12 digit case number "in the event they become aware of any of these problems, they will contact me". SURE!! I believe everyone needs to report these problems to them. Perhaps the only way they listen is a class action suit like the sludge problems they only responded to after one was filed. If someone files, please let me know so I can participate. I'm afraid someone will be killed in these vehicles at the rate we are going not being able to repair them and no one listening. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET TOYOTA TO LISTEN???
2007Aug 27
(reported on)RAV4 4WD 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
We got a recall for the ECM AND PUT IT OFF FOR A MONTH THE DEALER IS 60 MILES AWAY no problems with the car. After they did their thing on the ECM they told me they took it for a test and everything is A-OK. As we are leaving the car starts to shudder like its running on 3 cyl, still in their lot! They check it out tell me its the ECM doing some adjustments it will be fine and send us on our way. Next attempt to leave their lot I have to stop for a car, when I step on the gas the tack goes to 2500 before the car starts to move( like slipping the clutch on a std. trans.) Both service manager and his best mechanic take it for a spin when they return, we are told that 1st gear is totally torn out of the trans, in antisapation of my next question the service guy hands me a print out for a new trans for 3600.00 and said they dont have good luck with rebuilding them so they want to put a new one in.
In reality 1st gear does work because it has reverse It wants to slip shifting into 3rd, get off the gas then it will go into 4th.
Like the rest of you guys I dont want to pay 3600.00 for a repair that I think is a ripoff, Toyota has a problem that they dont know how to fix so they just replace everything at our expence, even their best tech. doesnt know what he is talking about. We are still driving the RAV because we dont have a choice right now. The tranny fluid is not burnt or dirty and I think that it is ok. I am checking on some servo issues with the valve body, but I could use some help with the ECM ISSUES I was a good mechanic till the computers started to run the engines, If and when I get ours fixed I will get back with you, and if some one wants to take Toyota to task in the courts count me in.
2007Oct 08
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
We are the original owners of a 2002 RAV4 and now are faced with maintenance cost of replacing the Auto Transmission due to hard shifting and high revving during acceleration. We have taken the RAV to Aamco for diagnostic and repair to determine what went wrong. We were informed that there was a hardware failure in the transmission; not due to driving conditions or lack of maintenance. We have always kept up on the maintenance on our vehicles and driven them with the upmost care. The transmission techs have informed us that a thrust washer failed internally causing serious damage to the transmission. After rebuilding the transmission the shifting problems still exists. The techs at Aamco disconnected the ECU from the transmission and found that the transmission runs like a brand new transmission. So it seems the ECU was the problem the entire time, which eventually destroyed the transmission. I am currently dealing with the Customer Relations Manager at my local Toyota dealership to resolve my problem. The down fall is they seem very hesitate to even try to help. I can see this is going to be a battle. I have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the NHTSA. By looking at everyone�s complaints we all have the same issue. If your problem has not been resolved contact Toyota headquarters and file a complaint. They will put you in contact with your local dealership�s Customer Relations Manager.
2007Sep 26
(reported on)RAV4 LX
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
I am seeing on this website, many people having the same problem. had it at my mechanic who called Toyota and Toyota suggested we bring it to them could be many different problems they would check the solenoid 1st for $85 but have had many customers who have had the same problem. Has anyone got Toyota to take care of this problem? These seems to be a problem many are having should have been a recall. I too love Toyota, but from what I have been reading this problem seems to go on forever
2007Aug 23
(reported on)RAV4 LS
- Automatic transmission
- 99,000 miles
Same random harsh shift others have described. An independent shop found a bad transmission solenoid ($600), but the problem came back. The dealer got Toyota to cover half of a new computer (my half was $600), but now they're saying that was just a symptom, not the cause. I brought it with printouts of online forums describing the identical symptoms with everybody saying that the apparent solutions don't really solve anything, and they insisted on working in a vacuum. I don't know whether to cut my losses -- has anybody actually solved this problem?
2007Aug 19
(reported on)RAV4 Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I've read most of these complaints, and think I'm facing the same problem. I noticed the shifting problem Thursday, drove it directly to Toyota. The next day they told me they couldn't find anything wrong, and I asked "did you drive it?"! They said later in the day it was running OK, they did the service I had also requested, and went to pick it up. I never made it around the block without the same problem, and getting worse. I went directly back and asked the guy to drive it right on the spot - he never made it off the lot. he said it could be a transmission problem but would have to wait until Monday morning (tomorrow Aug 20) to check it.
It only has 50,00 miles and has been 100% serviced by Toyota on a regular maintenance schedule. This is infuriating for such low mileage and proper service. Several months ago I went through the ECM recall, and had that done. Then a few months later had the engine light come on, took it back and they updated it again. Now this...... it seems the two issues could be related based on what I've read. I see lots of complaints, and "threats" of law suits, anger... I have to talk Toyota first thing ion the morning - can anyone update me the outcome of your problems, especially those who were going to refuse to pay for this and hold Toyota responsible, which is what I hope to do. Thanks for any information. Is there any official claim by Toyota that they take responsibility for this problem? Thanks again!
2007Aug 15
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
Bought the car used. Drove from the dealer to the gas station put in 85 octane gas. On the way out of the state the check engine light came on and the thing wouldn't shift. Went right back to the dealer. They reprogrammed the ECM. I have noticed that when I am short on dough and buy the cheaper gas it starts to shift really hard. Revs up over 5000 then gets the gear. Like it missed a gear. After reading the other posts, I think I will splurge on the recommended 87+ octane and try and save myself the $3000-4000 repair. Would like to know if anyone else can verify the octane correlation
2007Jun 10
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Our 2002 rav4 is doing the same shifting or not shifting thing. It is getting scary for my daughter because she worries about pulling out into traffic and getting t-boned and killed because the transmission doesn't shift. It is more than in inconvenience, it is a safety issue and needs some attention from Toyota or someone that comes forward and tells us how to fix the problem instead of just keep pouring money into it and still having the problem. I have friends with older Ravs that have never complained of any such problems. What gives Now?
P.S. After I listed this complaint, I saw a link to file a complaint with the NHTSA. I'm doing so and wish all who know of the similar problem will do so as well before someone is actually hurt trying to pull into traffic and is killed. PLEASE make them aware and perhaps Toyota will listen to that. Thanks
2007Jun 16
(reported on)RAV4 Limited 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Car started shifting roughly a few wks. ago... took it into Toyota and they told me it was a recall problem, and the computer needed to be fixed. Got my car back.. worked wonderfully, then over night, started having problems again. Took it back there, and they replaced the entire computer (free), but said they were still having problems, and most likely it was due to metal being run through the transmission... it would cost about $4300.00 to fix. !!!!! My brother (very car savy) located on the other side of the country said it sounds pretty fishy... why would it work great for 2 weeks if I had a transmission problem?? He thinks it may be an issue with the sensor. ????? Let's hope so. I sure as hell can't afford $4300.00!!!
2007Jul 06
(reported on)RAV4 L 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 103,900 miles
This Rav4 has been trouble free and had no major mechanical problems for 5 years. The only thing that was replaced was a serpentine belt. At around 103,000 the transmission started skipping first gear. I took it to AAMCO and they said it's something internal. Then I took it to another transmission specialist and went on a road test. The mechanic had a OBII scanner hooked up and said that it was skipping first gear. He then told me the transmission had to be rebuilt. Then after he unhooked the scan tool, the check engine light came on. He hooked it back up and a P0755 code came up (Solenoid error). The solenoid was r&r for $378.00. This didn't fix the problem either. Upon driving that day the trans. did a 2-3 shift bang. It almost seemed like the trans. dropped. The light came on again and the same error has come up. I went back to the garage and the mechanic told me it's def. something internal. He then gave me an article in a trans. publication that's titled "When in doubt, reset" So he told me to go to Toyota and have them reprogram the ECU. He said that can be done before or after the trans. is rebuilt. He gave me 3 options- 1.)Have them rebuild for $2500-3500, 2.)get a remanufactured trans from toyota with a 12mon/12k war., 3.) Get a remanu trans from some accutech company with a 3yr/75k war. for $3500. -- the last option seems best but i have to wait approx 2-3 weeks. This seems to be a widespread problem b/c it's in the August 2006 of the Transmission Digest. Toyota needs to do something about this, right now.
2007Jul 27
(reported on)RAV4 L 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 99,576 miles
I took my car in to have an oil change. When I picked it up, it wasn't shifting properly. I took it to my Toyota dealership for a diagnostic check. They told me I needed a new transmission for $3600. Three days later they had "good news and bad news".... the good news was that the transmission was in; the bad news was that the ECM was gone and needed to be replaced. I can't believe with Toyota's reputation for reliable vehicles that a 99K mileage car that has had 95% of its scheduled maintenance completed has to have a new transmission. The service dpt told me that the ECM is what caused my transmission problem. I've had the ECM replaced under warranty in 2005 then had the same recalled in 2007 and now I have to replace it again. I love my RAV but this is utterly ridiculous for a Toyota. I don't think my transmission went bad on its own... I think the ECM is what caused it and the technician pretty much said as such.
2007Apr 19
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
Having shifting problems and not sure where the car is going to go when I shift from reverse to drive. It once did not shift and stayed in reverse. Problems with delay and gears automatically changing. Just took the car to the dealer and had a hissy fit at the service desk. Also, made a copy of all these complaints for them to see. Told them I wasn't going to pay for a new transmission. Car only has 50k miles. Threatened a lawsuit if Toyota doesn't fix for free and recall all 2002 RAV4s.
2007Apr 14
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
This has been one of the worst experiences of my life. Everything started with a delay in shifting until the RAV4 lost the reverse gear. I took it to the Toyota dealer who asked for $4100 to replace the transmission. Then got a second opinion from AAMCO who charged $3900 to rebuid the transmission. A week after the problem was 'fixed' I started experiencing the same delays in shifting, this time, however, the check engine light had come up. I took the truck back to AMMCO who in turn contacted the dealer. Apparently, the faulty logic in the ECM might have caused the issue in the first place. The dealer replaced it at no cost. The transmission problem seemed to go away until a day later it started to shift hard again... In summary, after paying $3900 and going thru so much aggravation I still have the issue.
In looking at everyone's comments here, I noticed a common theme across the board... I wonder if we could all escalate this problem thru the proper channels as it is not fair that we have to go thru this bad experience and on top of it, pay for what appears to be a manufacturer's defect. Any thoughts?
2007Mar 31
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 122,000 miles
I was reading about the problems everyone was having about the hard shifting here on autobeef. Then I received a RECALL letter in the mail about my reprogramming of the ECU. I am also having a shifting problem. This happened after I had my transmission fluid flushed. The station I had done it done in put in the wrong fluid. I couldn't leave the station it was so bad. They brought it back in and changed it with the right fluid 2 more times. But I still had the same problem . Not as bad as before. Now I contacted Toyota about this recall. They took in my car reprogrammed the ecu. It was fine for about 2 days. The 3rd day the shifting was back . The thing is it only happens once in a while. Some days it doesn't happen at all. The day I took it back to Toyota. I took the tech for a ride. It did not shift hard at all. The car went through all gears fine. He told me he would look up this problem. He told me possible the ECU was bad. I told him you guys just reprogrammed it. I guess it did not work . So now I had to replaced it $1,333.00 later. I can't believe if Toyota recalls the ECU for reprogramming and it does not work. Why should I have to buy a new one. I kept the old one for safe keeping. P. S to all. The hard shifting was like the car wanted to go in what ever gear it wanted. Like went I pulled out of my driveway it went to 2nd gear a banged back to 1st gear and banged back to 2nd again. This also happened in traffic on the highway. Best of luck to all with this problem. John in PA.
2007Mar 19
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
My 2002 Rav-4 (98,000 miles) started having shifting problems when the gears were automatically changing---just occasionally--one afternoon. We took it to the dealer to be checked, for safety's sake. After a couple of days, we were questioned about the transmission fluid. We had the papers where Firestone put in the kind listed in the car's manual. Then we were told it was one of the five solenoids. Four days later, we were told it had to have a $3500 new transmission. After the transmission was in, the service consultant started having problems getting the car from park to reverse (I never had this problem). He called and said it was a computer problem and would cost another $1000.
I truly believe it was a computer problem from the beginning, but after not having my car for 11 (ELEVEN) days, I had no alternative but to pay for its "release" from this nightmare. $4,500.00. This is unbelievable.
I have probably sold more Toyotas than any salesman. I have owned 5 (Camrys and Celica), my husband owns them, my sons own them. Many of our family and friends have bought Toyotas after our recommendation. I feel that I have been treated poorly by this experience.
2007Feb 27
(reported on)RAV4 A 2.0L INLINE 4
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I just recently brought my car to have my oil changed. After a few weeks the transmission starts skipping and not able to shift up. Either shady mechanics unplugged a sensor(happened to me before twice!) or the sensor is in fact faulty after so many miles. I usually check all my connections after any repair a mechanic has done; usually a repair thats beyond my skill or tool inventory. Unfornutately, there aren't many helpful links to solutions on Toyota's website.
2007Mar 02
(reported on)RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 99,780 miles
Took the car to the local Toyota dealer to have them check out the car was shifting hard. Just had the 90,000 mile check up done. They told me it was the ECU that was bad and that it would be $1,400. I told them I was going to get a second opinion. Took it to AMACO Transmission. Found out that the error code that had been displayed was for the plugs in the transmission not the ECU unit. When they went to replace the plugs, found out there were lots of metal shavings in the pan and that the transmission fluid was burnt. Glad I got a second opinion since changing the ECU would not have solved my problem. Estimate to fix is $2,800. The people at AMACO said they had never heard of a Toyota with transmission problems. I will not take my car back to the dealer to be serviced ever again.
2006Mar 17
(reported on)RAV4
- 67,000 miles
I took the car the the dealer (toyota capitol) service department, first they told me that it was the transmission and charged me $3452.54 to fix the problem, but the next day the car had the same problem, I took the car back and then they told me that it was the computer engine this time... their service was awful and unprofessional.
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2008May 05
RAV4 ? ?
well, i went to Seattle to buy a car and test drove for about 5 minutes a 02 rav4. it was great! bought it and on my way home in the city i noticed it slipping and jerking from transmission. took it back and mechanic seemed to know something was up with ecm. i got my money back. the next day i researched and noticed this is a problem for this vehicle. called dealer and let them know what i found. needless to say i will not be buying a 02 rav4. i pity all of you that own them. Toyota will not do the right thing by replacing the ecm. instead they want to try and reprogram.
Martin J.
East Wenatchee, WA, USA
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