2021 Toyota RAV4 2021 Toyota Prius Prime 2021 Toyota Prius 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser. Transmission lifespans are determined on a case-by-case basis, and are the. Get Your Toyota RAV4 Transmission from AutoZone.com. We provide the right products at the right prices.

1. Toyota Rav4 Transmission Issues
2. Toyota Rav4 Transmission Fluid Change Schedule
3. Toyota Rav4 Transmission Replacement Cost
4. Toyota Rav4 Transmission Recall

Engine, Transmission, and Performance The 2021 RAV4 uses a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive remains standard, but Toyota.

In 2001 Toyota came out with a completely redesigned RAV4. The new look was a welcome change and generated a lot of buzz about the already popular SUV. Unfortunately it appears Toyota also made some changes under-the-hood that took the vehicle from zero-to-craptastic in 6 seconds flat.

The culprit is the electronic control module (ECM) that sends signals to the transmission on when and how to shift. Apparently it just doesn't work and Toyota was well aware of it for over 4 years until they actually did something.

ECM transmission failure seems to affect early 2nd generation RAV4 (2001-2003) the most.

Technical Service Bulletin ∞

Toyota Rav4 Transmission Issues

In March 2006, Toyota sent dealers a Technical Service Bulletin telling them that consumer 'might complain' about harsh shifting. How quaint. What it should have done is warned dealers that really pissed off owners would probably be coming in with torches and pitchforks demanding something be done .. and with good reason.

Toyota went on to say that improvements has been made to the ECM to 'reduce the possibility of this condition occurring'. There's two problems with that statement: 1) It really didn't and 2) For many owners it was too late, because too much damage had been done to their transmission already.

Finally Toyota said the dealers might have change out the ECM, which would be covered under the federal emissions warranty of 8 years / 80,000 miles and if that didn't work the transmission was probably damaged beyond repair and needed to be replaced. Here's the catch: the transmission was only covered under Toyota's 5 year/60,000 mile warranty, leaving many owners in a situation where they needed to pick up the $3,000 tab

Extended Warranty Information ∞

Facing rising pressure from the California Air Resources Board, a pending class action lawsuit and an increasing number of complaints from owners, Toyota extended the warranty of nearly 250,000 RAV4s in July 2010.

Toyota Rav4 Transmission Fluid Change Schedule

The new policy covers certain RAV4's transmissions and ECMs for 10 years/150,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the time the vehicle was new.

Reimbursed Repairs ∞

Toyota Rav4 Transmission Replacement Cost

Toyota also says with 'proper proof' that owners who previously paid for repairs will be reimbursed even if they no longer own the vehicle. No mention on what 'proper proof' entails, so good luck collecting on that one.

Customers who wished to be reimbursed should send the repair bill, proof of payment and proof of ownership at the time of the repair to Toyota Motor Sales, Customer Experience Center (WC-10) 19001 South Western Ave., Torrance, Calif. 90509.

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Toyota generations.
Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

1. 2nd Generation RAV4

   Years

   2001–2005

   Reliability

   75th of 81

   PainRank^™

   22.39

   Complaints

   918

Toyota Rav4 Transmission Recall

1. Toyota »
2. RAV4 »
3. 2019 »

• switch makes
• switch models
• switch years

• April 14: Toyota Bluetooth Echo Class Action Lawsuitnews | 1 days ago
• April 14: Government Investigates Passenger Airbag Recallsinvestigations | 1 days ago
• April 13: Toyota Venza Airbag Recall Involves 360,000 SUVsrecalls | 2 days ago
• March 12: Toyota RAV4 Class Action Lawsuit Filed After Firesnews | 34 days ago
• March 1: Toyota RAV4 Fires Originating At 12-Volt Batteriesinvestigations | 45 days ago

Transmission Problems

2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Problems

Click on a problem below to read more.

one sec.

Compare Toyota RAV4 Model Years

Curious how the 2019 RAV4 compares to other years?
Emv software, free download. Check out our Toyota RAV4 overview to see the most problematic years, worst problems and most recently reported complaints with the RAV4.

Bump the RAV4 problem graphs up another notch. Get answers and make your voice heard!