Transmission Failure problems of the 2002 Toyota RAV4

My wife was driving to a doctor's appointment and, while on the "on ramp" to the interstate, the car would not shift from 2nd to third gear (it's an automatic trans). With the engine revving she looked down to check to assure it was in drive about the time it lurched into 3rd, then soon lurched into 4th. Coming home she shifted between drive and neutral to try to maintain a safe speed, save the transmission and engine, while allowing her to get home. The dealership quoted $989 to replace the ecm (computer), but couldn't assure the transmission wouldn't later need to be replaced. Toyota corporate was not helpful. I had records from the previous car owner that Toyota issued an extended warranty to replace the ecm for 10 years or 150,000 miles as a result of a class action suit, "if they felt it was warranted. " I also had documentation that the ecm was "reprogrammed" at 72k miles. My contention was the ecm should've been replaced, not reprogrammed, but was told that the reprogramming was done to correct a different problem. I asked if I could speak to someone else at corporate and was told everyone would give me the same response since it is their company position. The internet is full of owners who replaced the transmission first, only to find the ecm caused the newer transmission to fail also, or owners who replaced the ecm only to find that the transmission also needed replacement. It is obvious that Toyota is aware of the problem. I believe they have failed to adequately protect owners by creating a recall to allow owners to get this fixed prior to scary and potentially dangerous shifting problems. The internet is also full of people who claim to want to enter another class action suit, but I am hoping Toyota appreciates their customers enough that law suits wouldn't be required to get them to do the right thing. But, I'm losing hope.

I was driving my 2002 Toyota Rav4 down the interstate when the check engine light came on at the same time that the rpm's of the vehicle began escalating far beyond where they normally would. After testing the vehicle at different speeds, I determined that the car would not shift from fourth to fifth gear. Took it to my local mechanic, who determined that there is nothing wrong with my transmission. What's wrong is that the electronic control module (ecm) that controls the transmission had failed. He contacted a local Toyota dealer to see if he could source the part and discovered that it was a known failure and we needed to take the car to the dealership. We did so, where we were told because we purchased the car new in may of 2002 (ten years, five months ago) that they were refusing to repair the car's ecm as it fell outside of their 'adjusted' warranty period. I contacted Toyota's corporate customer assistance, where I was told that yes, Toyota knows that the part is going to fail. They extended the warranty to cover more of the cars that would be affected. However, since I purchased my car five months longer than their arbitrary ten year coverage period regardless of the fact that the mileage of the car falls far below the listed coverage that they are not going to do anything to repair my vehicle. Not only that, but the dealership quoted $1400 for the ecm repair and another $4800 for the transmission - saying that the transmission had to be replaced, even though they hadn't inspected it (I asked!!) and I had already had an independent mechanic check it out and said that it was fine. I do not understand how it is okay for Toyota to sell millions of people cars with known safety defects and say that they are not responsible for the repair - knowing that if the repair isn't made, that people will be killed driving these cars.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while trying to shift into reverse she encountered extreme difficulty. The contact was able to shift into drive and the vehicle was able to be driven to a private mechanic where it was determined that the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure and current mileages were 71,300.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact was driving approximately 10 mph, approaching a stop sign. While accelerating from the complete stop the transmission failed to shift into the first gear. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated there was technical service bulletin, number 00504 related to the transmission failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. While the contact was driving approximately 55 mph, the transmission began to hesitate with an extremely slow delay in the power response. The contact was able to continue driving with caution. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an appointment which was scheduled prior to the failure. The scheduled repairs were performed, that were not associated with the transmission failure. The transmission failure was not diagnosed and the technician advised the contact to continue driving the vehicle until the failure recurred. The contact was displeased with the response from the technician and was concerned about the potential safety hazard. The failure mileage was 75,000.

2002 Toyota Rav4 transmission failure. This vehicle has been maintained excellently with all recommended services performed at Toyota dealers or authorized facilities. In 2009, Toyota sent a recall notice about a "faulty ecm" (electronic control module) and the vehicle was taken in and the ecm was reprogrammed. After this service, the car started shifting erratically and as of June 26, 2010, the transmission suddenly failed with 118,000 miles on the car. Toyota knows that the ecm causes the transmission failure and is refusing to make this right. Toyota needs to be held accountable and responsible for this lack of integrity and for putting consumers at risk of death or injury, due to transmission failures in 2002 Rav4's, camry's and corollas. Google this information to see that this is becoming more common with this model of car, now that they are reaching 100,000 miles.

I have a 2002 Rav4 which it almost had my family life taken. Last weekend we were getting in the highway and the car didn't speed up a rollback maneuver his way out luckily the driver acted quick at scene. My vehicle transmission fail to proceed, it wouldn't speed up. We were like baits for the oncoming traffic not knowing if to get out of car or get hit. We were terrified so we all scream. Later the transmission rep up. We pulled over to the side to relax. Now I'm trying to figure out what happen, what went wrong? but now I now I know is the freaking car. My question is why Toyota did not gave us a warning about the defects of the vehicle? I hope for others families not to go through this terrifying experience. Please informs to others to take action with this vehicle or it may be to late. I do not know where to go or what to do now with this vehicle. I'm not driving it and putting my family at risk again!!!. Be careful driving this vehicle. But please le me know what to do next. Should I junked the car or go to the dealer and deal with them. I'm not going to give away to to her . That will be like given them a ticket to the cemetery.

I have a 2002 Toyota rav-4. I have taken proper car of the car, like oil changes, tune-ups, the whole nine yards. Except recently the transmission in the car has failed. It just recently started happening and I don't understand how this issue has come about. I am almost at 102k miles on my car. I was almost hit by another SUV due to the transmission failing. I have recently found articles by USA today and cbs5 stating how owners of Toyota rav-4's 2001-2003 models have had transmission failures.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at 40 mph and attempting to accelerate onto the highway, the vehicle would not respond and began decelerating. The contact was advised by both an independent mechanic and an authorized dealer that the transmission was failing. The failure and current mileages were 60,450. Updated 07/26/10. Updated 08/03/jb.

Automatic transmission on a 2002 Toyota Rav4 SUV began slipping and shifting hard. Took it to trusted garage and they determined that transmission had failed and was unsafe to drive. It had to be replaced. In researching the vehicle and the model's service history for recalls and service bulletins they determined that the transmission involved was only used for 16 months by Toyota before it was replaced because of poor performance and safety issues. The ecm (engine control module) was found to be faulty and was causing the transmission failures. (Toyota TSB tc002-06). Toyota deemed not to alert vehicle owners of this condition or to offer any preventive action to be pursued to prevent the ultimate transmission failure resulting in replacement. Warranty on replacement transmission not valid if the ecm unit is not also replaced. Total cost = $5,000. Original warranty was extended to 96 months or 80,000 miles. My vehicle has 119,000 miles in 90 months of use. Toyota dealer service department stated the vehicle parts were out of warranty.

My 2002 Toyota Rav4 had tc002-06 performed on it in January 2007. The recall was to address issues with the ecm and transmission shifting issues. My vehicle is out of warranty and has 85,000. I contacted Toyota and they informed me that a logic update was performed to resolve this issue. From what I have read online, the ecm should have been replaced and not updated. I also found that the ecm carries an 80,000 mile warranty. The problem I am having is now the transmission has failed and I was informed that the problem was due to the ecm not being replaced. All major service work on this vehicle has been performed at a Toyota dealership. The independent service agent has informed me that the transmission needs to be rebuilt and the ecm replaced at a total cost of over $4200. I contacted a Toyota dealership and a rough estiamte for this repair is $5000-$6000. When I contacted Toyota and asked about this TSB, they informed me that it is simply a manual addendum and nothing else. They refuse to help with this issue at all. It is serious because the vehicle begin to fail and would not accerlerate when I was trying to drive onto a major road from being stopped at a red light. I have researched this issue on the internet and I have found that many people have had this same issue around the same mileage with this model year vehicle. Please help!.

The automatic transmission in my 2002 Toyota rav 4 failed suddenly and unexpectedly. Engine power was lost as the vehicle's shifting became erratic; starting from stop in 3rd gear, then downshifting to second. Merging with traffic difficult and dangerous at best. I took the car to a transmission shop. They diagnosed that the ecm caused the transmission to fail. Their estimate to replace the computer and repair the transmission was over $4000. I have since found numerous similar complaints online from other Toyota rav owners. And I found that Toyota knew about this design flaw over 7 years ago, which I believe is a safety issue as well as a major consumer product issue. Now out of warranty (97k miles) the costs to repair my car are almost equal to its value. I don't know at this date if I will fix it as loan payments remain. Considering the number of similar complaints over Toyota rav 4 transmission failures I wholeheartedly request your agency review this situation closely. I don't know where else to go for help.

Toyota issued a secret bulletin on 3/3/2006 (tc006-02), but failed to notify owners of 2001-2003 Rav4 vehicles regarding their hard shifting, ecm problems, and transmission failures. Despite my reporting this problem within warranty period at 54,000 miles in 2006, and again in 2007, Toyota claimed unable to duplicate problem. They are now charging me 1/2 the cost of a new transmission at approximately $2,000 including the cost of flushing the old one and diagnosing the problem.

Transmission failure/ecm failure on 2002 Toyota rav 4, almost causing me to be in an accident. I had to spend over $4700 to have the transmission rebuilt and a new controller installed. Toyota dealer told me they were not aware of any problems with the ecm causing transmission damage. Then I research it on the internet to find multiple complaints. Toyota should have warned owners of the problem and allow owners to change the ecm before ruining the transmission and almost having an accident.

Transmission failure.

Have a 2002 Toyota Rav4 that had transmission failure in late November/early December 2009. Odometer at 91,304 miles. In traffic, car started bucking (lurching) forward without pressure on the gas pedal. Took car for repair where it needed to have new computer installed and valve body transmission component replaced at cost of approximately $2000.

There were no events leading up to failure. My transmission on my 2002 Toyota Rav4 started slipping and pulling out of the blue. It had 87,280 miles and had been regularly serviced and inspected. It failed to accelerate at intersections and on take off , making driving very dangerous. I took it in and was told by the repair shop the engine control module was defective and had caused the transmission to fail , leaving me driving with only 3rd gear. It is believed that the Toyota was aware of the defective engine control module. My husband and I had to spend $3715. 30 to repair the transmission and replace the defective ecm. This is a clear and present danger as there is no warning. Failure could happen at any time and any place causing bodily harm to the driver , passengers, and other vehicles and occupants on the road. I feel a recall is needed and reimbursement of all repair costs should be made to victims of this negligence.

Transmission started to "roughly" shift. Almost lost power on freeway. This happened suddenly. No warning of transmission failure. Was working perfectly earlier in the day. Drove home in slow lane with hazards on. Afraid engine would shut down on freeway.

Erratic transmission operation, e. G. Severe slipping and improper downshifting which causes rapid deceleration of the vehicle with no warning or indication to following drivers. According to the dealer, the transmission failure resulted from failure of the engine control unit (ecu). This car's ecu was recently reprogrammed by Toyota in accordance with TSB eg010-02. This TSB addresses spurious catalytic converter error codes.

A safety problem occurred on our 2002 Toyota Rav4 when the transmission suddenly stopped engaged the gears correctly. This is a safety issue because when driving in traffic and or trying to turn when oncoming traffic was approaching and not knowing if or when the car would move or engage gears was frightening. This problem occurred overnight. With 47,717 miles on the car, the transmission had to be rebuilt. This problem occurs because Toyota has put a faulty computer into the 2002 Rav4 that makes the parts inside the transmission prematurely fail. Toyota will not pay for the repairs or issue a recall. Perhaps Toyota will when someone is injured or killed? Toyota claims there is not a problem with the computer but Toyota replaced the computer when the car was taken there by the transmission mechanic. Why would Toyota replace the computer if there was no problem? please have Toyota recall this vehicle and have them be responsible for the needed repairs so that the 2002 Toyota Rav4 will be safe to drive! thank you!.

2002 Toyota Rav4 - at approximately 56,000 miles, this vehicle's transmission began erratic behavior, I. E, stalling in traffic, hesitating and unpredictable shifting. Safety was a main concern as the vehicle was stalling during merging with fast-moving traffic. Transmission failure was diagnosed by a technician and a factory rebuilt transmission was installed to correct the failure. The ecm was replaced as well.

Sudden transmission failure in 2002 Toyota Rav4. This is a well known and well documented issue both with the thousands of consumers who have had it happen to and with the Toyota company. Toyota is refusing to be of any assistance whatsoever and this is known to be a $6,000 problem to repair.

There is a known problem with the ecm in 2002 Toyota Rav4s. This control unit causes the transmission to have problems shifting and can also lead to transmission failure. I state that the problem is known because Toyota extended the warranty period for the ecm, but any damage done to the transmission by the malfunction of the ecm is the responsibility of the owner. This issue should be considered for recall because a failing transmission can lead to serious or even deadly problems.

2002 Toyota Rav4 - ecm/transmission failure - at 125,000 miles, driving last week, automatic transmission started bucking. Car slowed without cause in heavy traffic, and I had to pull off road in adverse conditions. Driving to dealer, then driving to transmission shop wrecked transmission. After paying $2700. 00 to get transmission fixed, found out the transmission problem is really a ecm failure problem. Found 1000's of complaints online about this. Called Toyota customer svc. , and Toyota is not recognizing as a recall problem. I am unemployed and this cost is overwhelming, and should be a recall.

Transmission failed on my 2002 Toyota rav 4 fwd autotransmission with less than 52000 miles. No engine lights ever appeared to alert me of problem. First sign was while driving 65mph on interstate 80 heading to erie, PA from youngstown, OH. Car taken in to nearest transmission shop, aamco where it was determined that clutches were completely damaged/burnt and needed to be completely rebuilt at a cost of $3000. Now being told that the ecm needs to be replaced because of voltage problems and gears still missing with rebuilt trans. Replacement ecm covered under Toyota's TSB tc002-06 if under 8 years/80,000 but local Toyota dealership stating that current part number is the replacement part. I contacted my Toyota dealership back home who did a reprogramming recall but did not replace ecm. Reprogramming / recoding / flashing ecm was not the procedure to resolve on above TSB and I believe the dealership back home simply relabeled ecm with new part number since they confirmed that it was not replaced with new ecm. A new ecm would have prevented the transmission failure from happening. Aamco dealership fighting to get me an ecm covered under the tc002-06 TSB. Vehicle has been in shop for almost 3 weeks and no end in sight. Cannot take vehicle back home even with rebuilt trans because it is not roadworthy without ecm and testing. Need to rent vehicle to get myself back home until contacted by aamco regarding resolution.

Accelerating and shift failure in automatic transmission -Toyota issued TSB on March 2006 to change ecm which controls shift sequencing. Defective ecm could cause transmission failure. As a Toyota owner I think this should be a recall item. My opinion is this is a safety issue.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle hesitated and became difficult to shift into first gear. The vehicle jerked and the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failures were related to the computer failure, which also caused the transmission to fail. The computer and transmission are currently being replaced at the cost of $4,600. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 95,000.

I own a 2002 Toyota Rav4, there was a recall and I had the ecm recalibrated. I understand this controls the transmission. Now I have ecm and transmission failure to the tune of $4900. I have goggled this problem and note there are a number of other consumers who have had the exact same problem - the car stutters almost to a stall in traffic, check engine light comes on and the Toyota dealership dx as ecm failure/transmission failure, not preventable by consumer. Other complaints of the same nature at autobeef. Com.

Transmission failure. The ecm is defective and the transmission doesn't shift. Occasionally it shift by itself, hesitation in shifting. . Read more...

Transmission failure transmission was rebuilt for the 3rd time and not completed and was never fixed.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. He stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer for the catalytic converter to be repaired in December of 2008 and while driving 45 mph, the transmission failed. A local mechanic replaced the transmission but he continued to receive the failure code for the transmission. The dealer confirmed that the computer ecm failed and was causing the transmission to down shift and fail. The dealer replaced the computer ecm and the transmission failure code was corrected. The total repair cost was $4,400. He contacted the manufacturer and they would not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 117,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. While stopped at a traffic light, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle would not move. A few seconds later, the vehicle began to move. The vehicle shifted completely out of gear and then went shifted back on its own. The failure continued during the drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that there was a recall on the ecm and it was reprogrammed. The failure recurred the following day while driving 30 mph. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they rechecked the ecm. They stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and he stated that the ecm was faulty, which caused the transmission to fail. The vehicle experienced the same failure when the contact retrieved it from the mechanic. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they discovered that the ecm was faulty and made the replacement. There is a TSB for the ecm. The current mileage was 61,800 and failure mileage was 61,059. Updated 02-13-08 updated 02/13/08.

Ecm/transmission failure on my 2002 rav 4. I ended up cleaning out my savings over this car. After recent bulletin from Toyota, I submitted necessary paper work for some reimbursement. I was told that I was not eligible because the car was made in puerto rico, not us!!!!!! I bought it used from a Toyota dealer in va. Why did Toyota send me the notice?????.

Toyota Rav4 2002 transmission failure at 88,000 miles with a perfect maintenance. Since two days ago a problem with the transmission began. I search in the internet and Toyota knew the problem since 2006 without telling the owners, now to fix the transmission could cost around 5,000 and its suppose to be the computer.