transmission problem
9.5
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$3,150.00
Average Mileage:
107,617 miles
Number of complaints:
8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace transmission and computer (5 reports)
- replace the computer system (2 reports)
- not sure (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2003 Toyota RAV4 delays in shifting, lurches foward, engine races
2008Dec 06
RAV4 Sport
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
Based on the complaints that I've seen about Rav4's i believe that we should all call for a recall.....does anybody know how to go about doing that?
2008Oct 24
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
I'm as disgusted as the rest of the complainers on this site and will be writing a letter to the Toyota corporation about my experience.
My transmission is being rebuilt and a new brain unit installed as I write. The problem started in October, I called the dealership and told them what was going on with the shifting. At this time the transmission had only acted up once and I was told that it would have to be consistent in what it was doing for them to be able to diagnose the problem. I gave the service manager the vin number and he told me that there were no recalls on the car. I feel that the car should have had the brain replaced at this time. In my opinion, driving the car until it was consistently having the shifting problem cost me a transmission rebuild. At no time did a check engine light come on. I believe that it was a known problem (as evidenced by the complaints from 2002 owners) and it should have been listed as a recall.
I bought a Toyota because of their reputation. Right now I'm thinking that deviating from Pontiacs was a mistake of large proportion. We have owned four Pontiacs and have driven them three hundred to four hundred thousand plus miles without a major problem. I thought that if I could get that kind of mileage from a Pontiac who knows what I could do with a Toyota.
Thank-you for letting me vent.
2008Aug 01
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 96,934 miles
After reading this forum and the forum from 2002 Rav4, this is exactly what I've experienced.
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2002/transmission/problems_shifting.shtml
Sometime in August 2008, we've experience the jerking mentioned in 2002 Rav4. Exactly the same for my model 2003 Rav4. I'm guessing that the early 2003 Model had the same ECU as 2002 Models. There were occasions where me and my wife almost got hit due to the jerking. Basically, the jerking slows you down and unable to pickup speed in time. When we were about to turn, we went so slow that almost got hit by another car.
So, knowing that not to trust the dealers first, I went to Canadian Tire to get it fixed. Turns out that the solenoid is giving some error code. After calling Toyota to buy the solenoid so that my mechanic dad could fix it, Toyota needs to take a look to determine which solenoid is broken since there's 4 kinds. So I brought it in on August 2008 and they've found out that ECU needs to be replaced. So I paid almost $1000 for the parts/labor and was assured that the problem will go away. I didn't register the car until 2 weeks ago and found out that the problem is still there. So I came back to Toyota and complained. They've diagnosed it but found no problem. Test drove it and found out the poor acceleration and later determined that the floor mat was on the way of the gas pedal. As I went to pick it up, I was billed for $120 for the diagnostics. So I was so angry and wanting to complain but the service department is already closed and I'm unable to bring out my car without paying. So, I paid and wanting to complain the following day thinking that all I have to deal with is getting my money back. BUT as I drive it the following morning, problem re-occurs. Therefore, it's not the stupid floor mat that's causing my grief. So I came back and complained again. This time, I was really angry. I felt like I'm being fooled.
So, I went to the internet for answers. I feel so bad for service department clerks/managers to put up with complaining customers regarding this issue. But then it's their job. The result of my research was an eye opener and made me angry at Toyota as a company instead. This problem should have initiated a recall - causing a very dangerous vehicle to drive on the road. What I don't understand is why are the customers shouldering the expense if the ECU was defective in the first place? As per the other posts, this defective ECU would result the transmission to be replaced if not fixed right away.
So now, I'm stuck with the bill of ECU replacement ($1000), Transmission replacement($6000), diagnostics charge for checking the engine and moving the floor mat ($120), and lastly the frustration ($priceless).
So far, the dealership has treated me okay but would like for them to shoulder the costs for the ECU ($1000) and refund my $120 for moving the floor mat/doing diagnostics. As per the transmission replacement, I think it's something I have to accept but would really have been prevented if the ECU was recalled.
I'm going to file a complain through the Better Business Bureau and Toyota Corporate just to make Toyota aware that they should recall the damn thing. I need this car to be fixed so I could upgrade to another one i.e. Highlander. But it will all depend on how my issue with Toyota is going to be resolved. If it's not reasonable, I will send a mass email to everyone I know NOT to buy TOYOTA!!!
2008May 05
RAV4 2.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
Called Toyota and the 1st rep was very rude! Lia Toyota of Wilbraham, Ma was a joke the General Manager would not return my call- I would NEVER BUY another TOYOTA...per my mechanic Toyota is aware of the problem and a lot of people have made complaints.
2008May 27
RAV4 EX V4
- Automatic transmission
- 102,000 miles
Like everyone else my Toyota Rav-4 has major transmission problems. I had my car in for the expensive 90k tune up and told the "certified Toyota tech" about the violent shaking, jerking and difficulty shifting. They finished the tune up and said they found nothing wrong. Two days later it was back and worse than ever-I was barely able to get the car to a local shop-the dealership is 70 miles away. Now I owe the mechanic $650 for his time ripping the transmission apart with the only solution being another $3000.00 just to repair the transmission. I am paralyzed at this point not sure what to do. Do I cut my losses? Sink thousands more into the car in an attempt to fix it? Sell it as is? I am afraid the real issue is the electrical system-can't imagine what that will cost...I feel very bad for all of the people on this site having this problem-shame on Toyota! Where is their concern for quality? For their customers? Check out the 2002 complaints-same thing. All we can do fight them-make phone calls, file complaints. I would love to be involved in a class action lawsuit. Also, be prepared when I told Toyota about this website they said "oh you can't trust anything you read on the internet" nice...
2008May 22
RAV4
- Automatic transmission
- 93,000 miles
My wife was coming home from work when she said it had no power when accelerating from a stop light. Towed the car to AAMCO and they said the transmission was bad. We spent over $2800.00 to have trans rebuilt. When we went to pick it up from AAMCO they said there is a TSB from Toyota addressing this problem and the ECM would have to be replaced. Took it to the dealer and they said they could not find anything wrong except that it was shifting hard into 3rd gear. They recommended we take it back to AAMCO to get it checked. They had another RAV4 in the shop with same problem which had the ECM replaced so they took our trans out and put it in that one and trans worked fine. Now they are saying that we need to take it back to the dealer for $1200.00 ECM replacement. All this time my wife has been using my F150 truck for her work and the price of gas is really hurting our pocket book since she is a Nanny and a County Health care specialist so she drives many miles throughout the day to different job locations. I am using my companies vehicle to go back and forth to work since we both need transportation. Yes it would have cost me about $900.00 more at the dealer for them to do the trans but I think they would have researched it and determined that the trans went bad because the computer was bad and then fixed the whole problem. Now I am towing our car to our house from the trans shop because if I drive it the warranty on the trans may be voided. Now we have to save up for a computer. My question is why is there a limit of time and mileage that Toyota established for a computer problem that they have acknowledged that there is something wrong. It was there fault the trans went bad. That's all I have to say for now.
2007Jul 26
(reported on)RAV4 4WD 4
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
My RAv4 would delay in shifting. The shift, hard and lurches forward with a loud bang. This went on for weeks. I took it in and they said I needed a transmission flush. Paid $150.00 The next week, I was back to the same problem, but worse. On way to work, it just could not make the hill. The engine light never came on. They checked the code, and said I needed a new transmission. The repair took another week, and costs $3,150. They told me it would not be more than $3,000. I had also received a coupon in the mail ( a mass market type from Toyota headquarters) for 10 percent off on repairs. The dealership would not honor it and said we already took 10 percent off your bill. I pay the bill, I drove 30 miles away, the "check engine light" comes on, with the "re manufactured transmission! I bring it back to the dealership, a few days later, its now the computer system, and they want another $1200. I have read on other sites that Toyota has a "transmission defects in design", and "chip" problems with the computers.. I told them that I want to meet with their general manager tomorrow. I will also be filing a complaint with the Secretary of State, regarding the coupon, and the verbal agreement for the repair of no more than $3,000. I also called the Toyota headquarter in California, 800 number and filed a verbal complaint about the transmission problem. The got back to me in three days, verified that I did do the repair, asked me to send them a copy of my bill, proof of payment and the work order. And approved a $750.00 one time "Good Will assistance" for the repair. I was shocked to get that! But the same week as my problem, I heard from two other RAv owners with the exact same problem, their transmission went on their car and they had to replace it.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Dec 02
RAV4
I am glad to know that I'm not the only one experiencing this problem. I too have driven my Rav4 mainly to get to school and work, and have never abused it in any way. Problems started months ago when my car would jerk, then once in awhile (every other month or so) would just shut off when I am at a complete stop. This terrified me! :( I thought to myself, I must need a tune-up. I went to my local Toyota mechanic and had a full tune up done, then the problem ceased for about 2 months. Then about 3 days ago, I started getting the loud "thud" when switching from park to reverse! Oh no! I just got a tune up, now what?! I am your typical student, working part-time, barely getting by so I chose a car with a great "reputation". Now I may need a new transmission. If Toyota knows about this why isn't anyone getting compensation for it. I mean, I just need my car fixed. We need OUR Rav4's fixed and none of us should have to pay for it because this is Toyota's DEFECT! Now I am frustrated because of a quote that I got to fix it. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place because 1) you guessed it, my warranty expired, 2) My car is not paid off yet. I'm still paying for it monthly. :( and 3) I don't have the extra finances to pay for all of the repairs! If anyone is really pushing for action in resolving this, please count me in and I'd be happy to join you guys in having Toyota do something about this!
vca
Somewhere In, CA, USA
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