CarComplaints.com Notes: If you're looking for a vehicle with one of the most complained about transmission on the road, look no further than the 2001-2003 Toyota RAV4.
In 2001 Toyota completely redesigned the popular SUV. While some enjoyed the new look, they did not enjoy the harsh shifting, jumping from gear-to-gear and eventual transmission failure that cost owners well over $3,000 to fix. The problem stems from a malfunctioning Electronic Control Module (ECM).
Consumer outrage coupled with pressure from different agencies led Toyota to extend the warranty nationwide back in 2010. The previous power train warranty only covered 5 years/60,000 miles, while the extended warranty now covers the transmission and ECM for 10 years/150,000 miles. Toyota also pledged to reimburse any owners who had previously paid for repairs, if they had "proper proof". Good luck collecting on that one.
This car is usually serviced by the dealership and in July it was serviced for similar problem; that is making noise when putting the brake on. They replaced the fitting kit and reinstalled shims without charge (under warranty I suppose). Nonetheless, the following month as reported, it cost over $500 dollars. They should have found the problem to begin with the first time it was brought to them with a brake problem.
We are not only talking of money out of pocket for inconvenience, there is also time lost which most of the time is time away from work using personal leave.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This car is usually serviced by the dealership and in July it was serviced for similar problem; that is making noise when putting the brake on. They replaced the fitting kit and reinstalled shims without charge (under warranty I suppose). Nonetheless, the following month as reported, it cost over $500 dollars. They should have found the problem to begin with the first time it was brought to them with a brake problem.
We are not only talking of money out of pocket for inconvenience, there is also time lost which most of the time is time away from work using personal leave.
- Edita S., Woodbridge, VA, US