general problems of the 2003 Toyota RAV4 - part 2

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the vehicle would sporadically accelerate without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic, who stated the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 96,000.

Toyota has known for years that its ecm unit would ultimately fail. This failure has caused transmissions to fail as well. Pulling out into a busy intersection in 3 rd gear, as they are prone to do could cause an accident. Toyota should recall these. My vehicle is exactly 3 months too old to be repaired under their warranty.

Experience a hard shift jerking motion when driving my car and almost got hit twice due to the car jerking and immediately slowing down. I took it in to kendall Toyota of anchorage right away and then read online that there was a class action lawsuit and enhanced warranty of 2001-2003 Toyotas because of the malfunction of the ecm and transmission. This car is not safe to drive! Toyota kendall said it would be $6,000 to replace both the ecm and transmission and that Toyota would only pay half because the car was 10 years old. This car only has 60,000 miles on it and the enhanced warranty has been extended twice due to complaints with the court. I did not get my car fixed because I could not afford it and I think Toyota should pay the full 6k to fix it. I'm amazed at how many other people have had this issue and Toyota first issued a recall and was sued in court because they refused to acknowledge the serious malfunction of their vehicles.

My husband and I purchased our 2003 Toyota Rav4 with an automatic transmission in June 2003. The car now has 103,000 miles on it. It recently began to have a serious safety problem. Aside from the issue of fairness to the customer, this is a serious safety issue. I am asking the NHTSA to order a recall to have Toyota fix this problem before someone gets killed or seriously injured. The problem is that the car often does not accelerate as it should. When headed up even a slight hill and accelerating from a stop, the car sputters before jerking into gear and accelerating. I was making a left turn in that situation and almost got broadsided when my car sputtered and an oncoming car barely slowed down in time to avoid hitting me. Also, when already moving and going up even a slight hill, when I press the accelerator to maintain speed, the car sputters as it shifts from second to third gear before jerking into third gear. The Toyota dealer to whom I took the car said the problem is the ecm and the cost to repair it is about $1,000. Through the internet, I learned that the ecm is a computer (electronic control module) that controls the transmission and other components, that Toyota has known about this ecm manufacturing defect on 2001 to 2003 Rav4s since at least 2006, that Toyota has issued service bulletins to its dealers on how to fix the problem, and that Toyota has even extended the warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles to cover this manufacturing defect. The NHTSA website shows other complaints from people like me where the problem surfaced just after the extended warranty period ended. To reiterate, this is a known widespread problem with 2001 to 2003 Rav4s, it is a manufacturing defect, it affects the car?s ability to accelerate properly when needed, and as such it represents a serious safety issue. Please recall these Rav4s before somebody gets killed!.

Hi I own a Toyota Rav4 2003 since 2009 this is a serious safety issue. I am asking the NHTSA to order a recall to have Toyota fix this problem before someone gets killed or seriously injured. The problem is that the car often does not accelerate as it should. When headed up and accelerating from a stop, the car sputters before jerking into gear and accelerating. And then about 5-8 seconds later the car would jolt into gear. Also, when already moving and going up even a slight hill, when I press the accelerator to maintain speed, the car sputters as it shifts from second to third gear before jerking into third gear. Through the internet,I almost got hit a few times. I learned that the ecm is a computer (electronic control module) that controls the transmission and other components, that Toyota has known about this ecm manufacturing defect on 2001 to 2003 Rav4s now I have to spend lots of money that it wasn't in my budget,. . The Toyota knew about this problem, why they never had a recall? can someone do something about it?.

2003 Rav4 with automatic transmission started having trouble accelerating from a stop. There seemed to be hardly any power when the gas pedal was pressed, and then about 5-8 seconds later the car would jolt into gear. This problem would happen also when increasing speed, or any time the gas pedal was pressed down. The car was taken to an auto shop where they said the transmission was broken and needed to be replaced. I am a very conservative driver (I never try to accelerate too quickly), and this trusty Toyota hasn't ever had any engine problems. . . Ever! there are less than 77,000 miles on the vehicle.

I purchased the Rav4 in late July, 2013. The Rav4 had 78,000 miles on the odometer. I paid $9,000+ for the Rav4. At 80,000 miles the automatic transmission began having shifting problems such as jerking between gears, very sluggish response during acceleration and horrendous gas mileage. I get about 8 miles per gallon. Took it to the dealer, they ran diagnostics on my car and discovered that the problems fall "within the parameters" of the service bulletin no. : tc-10-034 except the "in service" date of my vehicle was March 8, 2003 thereby making me ineligible for the 10 year warranty by 4 months. This is ridiculous!!! this is a Toyota screwup and has nothing to do with road conditions or owner neglect. I bought this car so my daughter can continue her daycare. She shuttles pre-school age children to various recreation facilities and my wife, who has terminal cancer, often accompanies her so she can spend as much quality time with her before the eventuality. Now I'm reading that this particular Rav4 problem can be extremely dangerous. If Toyota "cares for it's customers", how can this be a service bulletin and not a recall. This defect should be addressed regardless of mileage or date of service. I just spent over $9,000 for a 10 year old car because it was a Toyota. "it'll last forever". I called the Toyota customer complaint phone number and all I got was contempt. Her name was elise (800 331-4331)and her argument was "Toyota was very kind in extending the warranty for you", it's your fault for not reading it". Yeah right, it's my fault for not following your screwups for the past ten years. I want my car fixed!! I can't afford $5,000 for a transmission, ecm and computer reboot. This is a Toyota problem and I, the customer, demand to be heard. If Toyota truly "cares for its customers", they have an obligation to do the right thing.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle was jerking violently as the check engine warning light illuminated. The check engine warning light would illuminate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer and the power transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 93,900.

We purchased our rav 4 as a certified used car from folwer Toyota inc. 955 north interstate norman oklahoma January 2005. We were told the certified used car included a 160-point quality inspection, certifying the car is in good working order. The dealer never told us about the problem with the transmission computer and they never transferred the name of ownership to Toyota, inc. In December of last year we began to experience problem with the transmission jerking forward and shifting hard between 1st and 2nd gear. It also shifted hard into reverse. We took it to our mechanic who suggested that we service the transmission and see if that might be the problem. The problem persisted and we called Toyota and talked to a customer service agent that informed us that Toyota had an extended warranty on the transmission and that the warranty for our car ran out December 31st 2012 and we would not qualify. We did not know anything about the transmission defective computer until we called Toyota and after looking on the internet discovering that the extended warranty was the result of a class action suite. Toyota knew about the problem with the transmission computer but failed to inform us about the extended warranty or the potential problem with the transmission. Now we are told that to replace the computer is between $1500. 00 and $1900. 00 and if there has been damage to the transmission caused by the failure of the computer it will cost us $5000. 00 to rebuild the transmission. We believe that Toyota dealer that sold us the rav 4 should have ensured that our name and address was sent to Toyota informing them of our purchase in case there was a recall or in this case an extended warranty covering a defective part. We also believe that Toyota would not listen to our appeal because we called after the warranty time limit.

I backed up in reverse and then put 2003 rav 4 into drive expecting to go forward when motor began to race and car flew backward over 12-foot high embankment into woods while engine continued racing. Car did not roll over but swung around 130 degrees in a flat area and came to a stop facing a tree 4 feet straight ahead. A second or two later the car then leaped forward into the tree with engine roaring, car continued to race at high rpms with front bumper wrapped around tree. The only way I could stop the high revs was to turn off the ignition. I injured my back.

Erratic transmission shifting. This was already complained about on 7/2010. Toyota needs to honor what you told them to do. Transmission/ecm. I want a refund for my out of pocket expense on this issue $995. 98. Extended warranty 10 years or 150,000 miles . . Updated 01/17/2013.

My rave4 starting having problem with shifting about 5 years ago but we park it because my mom passed away and I received her car, but I want to get it fix and have been driving it again with only shift problems in first gear!.

Part 3 of 3the salesman encouraged my parents to keep it because they wouldn’t get much of a trade in, so I had my rav towed to my house. I called the sm of love Lexus to inform him of my problem, to see if there was any recourse from him and to also express that I was completely unsatisfied. I reminded him that I had requested that they test drive on the four lane so they could understand my complaint of the hestitation of going in gear. He stated on the phone he did not recall, however they did drive it on the back lot. I asked him can you obtain a speed of 55mph in your lot, his response was “no”. At that point I decided I would not be dealing with that service department any longer. In 2/2014 I began investigating how to get rid of my rav and stumbled upon the class action lawsuit that was described above. I have only received 50% of the benefits awarded to me by the extended warranty and I don’t understand why I would not have been informed of the whole thing. I didn’t get a notice from the corporation of this problem, love Lexus also failed to disclose my rights to having my transmission replaced along with the ecm under this extended warranty.

Part 2 of 3 this was at my cost and at that time I expressed my concern that it was an older car and with all these problems occurring, what was his opinion on trading. He didn¿¿t show any real interest but did state some have had great longevity and others not so much. After leaving that visit my car still did not shift properly and was still harsh in reverse. Within a month or so my check engine light came back on again. While I was extremely reluctant to take it back to love Lexus I did. I expressed my complaint once again about it not being quite right and requested they take it out on the four lane so that it could be driven up past 55mph. He diagnostics ran again and informed me that my fuel cap wasn'¿¿t on tight enough. I left embarrassed; however, my car still was not driving right. I continued to drive this car with the same issues for the next year and in October 2013 my check engine light came back on. I took my car to a & e service center. They checked my transmission fluid and stated in smelled burnt, their diagnostics stated it was my transmission and the only thing they could recommend in lieu of replacing my transmission was to flush it and replace the filter and fluid. They stated that with the amount of metal shavings they found which they showed me, this was the equivalent of putting a bandaid on a broken bone. This only lasted about a month and on 11-12-13 I had it towed to aamco. The estimate was $2767. 19. Due to me being in a financial hardship my parents gave me their 2002 4-runner and purchased a new car for themselves. We originally was trading the rav. .

I own a 2003 Toyota Rav4. My car was running in good working order, with just over 99000 miles on it. On may 2nd 2012, I experienced issues with the car's transmission and ecm. The car would rev when I pressed on the gas, but it would not move. Also, when shifting gears, the car would slow to a brake and then there was be a bump or grinding in the gears before the car would proceed to move. This would put me in danger of a rear end collision because my car would suddenly brake without me pressing on the brakes to signal the driver behind me that I was going to slow down. I have learned that Toyota is aware of this issue with many of its Rav4's (2001-2003). Is there any help on Toyota's part to correct this issue that they know of without passing along the cost to the innocent customer? thank you for your time. Updated 06/22/2012.

My 2003 Toyota rav 4 started shifting poorly and inconsistently by not shifting to the next gear, slipping in between gears and slamming into gear. There are times when the transmission functions correctly and then there are days when it never does. I am scared to death to drive this car not knowing whether it will be a good day when my Rav4 behaves as it should or if its going to leave transmission parts all over the road, get us in an accident or at the very least, leave us stranded. Nerve racking and incredibly unsafe.

This is my wife's primary mode of transportation, she was the one who first noticed the herky/jerky operation of the transmission when she attempted to place it in reverse to back up, she then notified me of the problem. I proceeded to test drive the vehicle the next day, when we were pulling into traffic from a parking lot, it suddenly shuddered between gears and finally settled into the proper gear after I let off of the accelerator. Once we made it home after about 10 miles, we parked the car until I had a chance to drive it to Toyota for an assessment. They drove it around and noticed the same herky/jerky operation, but stated to me that they couldn't do anything until they received a code from the computer stating either ecu or transmission trouble, after 2 or 3 days they were unable to retrieve any such code.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle started to jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission and computer were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 170,000.

Car will not moves very slowly when it stops and you try to accelerate, very dangerous!.

My car lost power. I could not drive more than 10 miles an hour. Intermittent loss of power happened several times last years and this years. Just recently on 04/04/2012 at 4:55pm I was driving with my wife and her sister and I had to pull on shoulder and turned on hazard warning light and drive in lower gear ( 2nd gear ).

The vehicle jerks, misses gears. When trying to pull out. . It doesn't move then suddenly takes off. I did some research and this seems to be a problem in 02/03 & 04 rav 4's also says the ecm is a problem. Had the vehicle checked, replaced the filter & transmission fluid only to have it still acting the same way. . . We were told the transmission is shot. My research indicated Toyota knows of the problem & extended the warranty to 10 years or 150,00 miles. When we contacted freedom Toyota in hamburg, PA. (this is where we purchased the vehicle) the service department *chuckled* at us. Told us, $91. 00 just to pull it in there garage to look at it!how safe is it to drive if it jerks or just won't go? where is Toyotas loyalty to it's customers if they *chuckle* at us ? needless to say we still owe money on this vehicle.

Check oil light came on and would go out, after checking the oil level all appear fine, the car would burn 1 quart every two months. After driving along the express way for 30 miles and using a two lane road for about 3 miles the check engine light and oil light all came on at a stop light and then the engine make noise and quit running, after towing the car to a auto repair shop we were told the car needed a new engine. The car is a rav 4 2003 with about 89,000 miles on it.

This is a well known safety hazard Toyota will not acknowledge with 2001-04 Rav4s. My well maintained 2003 Rav4 with 135k miles suddenly hesitates/jerks on acceleration. Never had issues with car until few days ago with mild hesitation intermittently. Now car bucks violently, shakes, skips gears and lurches ahead when accelerating and before coming to full stop. Car is at dealership and no defects found. They are now testing for engine control module failure at my request based on what I have learned from reading scores of similar complaints. Part is estimated at $1500 but Toyota will not cover as it has over 80000 miles - they knew of this defect since at least 2006 and issued a service bulletin but did not alert me and other owners to get this issue repaired. It is a serious safety hazard.

My wife's 2003 Toyota Rav4 2 wheel drive transmission suddenly stopped driving in traffic while at a traffic light. It revved up but wouldn't move. Then it finally took hold and drove off in a higher gear. Then while driving on the road in traffic it did it again (very dangerous-she could of been hit from behind. Apparently after reading up on it, Toyota issued in March 06' a report to Toyota service centers about their ecm causing this problem, but hasn't warned consumers, or done anything about it.

Hello, I just recently submitted a complaint on the Toyota Rav4 that is having wide spread transmission problems due to a faulty ecm. I just spoke to the dealership and they are aware of it, but the consumers are not. It is only taken care of after the problem starts and if you take it to a Toyota dealer who runs a service bulletin check. This is just not acceptable for all these people that are suffering the huge expense of this, and was not even aware of a problem with this cars main computer (ecm). I just hope I can help to make a difference for all of us. Not a safety issue. . . . Bs! my teenage daughters are driving this car and I'm afraid of what would happen if this problem continues and the car stops working on the freeway or where ever it may happen. Who is to say the new ecm is even good. Please go to aboutautomobile. Com on tc002-06 and see complaints. Also just search tc002-06 Rav4 to see how many people are having problems. Thank you!.

I own a Toyota rav 4 2003. In a matter of days, my car started slipping gears while accelerating. My car was unable to accelerate safely in 45 mph bumper to bumper traffic. I took my car into the dealer to find out that there is a faulty ecm that affects transmissions that Toyota has known about. I think it is unethical practice for a car maker to know that there is a faulty design in a car that can affect something as an important and as expensive as a transmission. What would have happened if I was merging on to the highway, and it did not accelerate?.

I have a 2003 Toyota rav 4 that began shifting hard in the lower gears and the transmission was skipping. I took my vehicle to the shop that I normally use and was told that I would need to take it to the dealership since there was a bulletin out about a possible computer problem. A month before the problem, my car was serviced at my normal shop and a transmission flush was performed. I picked my car up from the shop and took it to the Toyota dealership in duluth, GA the following morning for a diagnostic test. Within 2 hours the dealership called me and told me that I would need a transmission flush but no computer problems were found. I was told various other recommendations that needed to be done as well, such as changing the belt, 90k service, and a few bulb replacements. I told the dealership that I had the transmission flushed a month prior and they said that the wrong fluid was probably used since I did not have it done at a dealer. I opted for only the transmission flush and bulb replacement at this time. A couple hours later, the dealership called me back and told me that I did need to have the computer replaced and possibly a new transmission. I was told that there was a bulletin out concerning the computer but I am over the warranty and the cost would be $1,286. I have done some research on the internet and found several other people that have had the same problem. Had I known about the bulletin, I could have had the computer replaced while still under warranty.

Toyota 2003 Rav4- car started bucking when accelerating after traffic light. Did not accelerate evenly into traffic. Had to pull over and let cars pass. Onboard computer (ecm) had failed and was not communicating with the transmission. Toyota had not informed consumers of this known defect.

In 2009, without notice my 2003 Toyota rav 4 was "jerking and going". Then it would barely move once stopped. Then when it would move, it would drag. In August of 2009, the transmission was replaced by palmer's Toyota superstore. This cost $1,721. 93.

For a few months now the problem has progressively gotten worse. It is a constant issue. When in park or stopped the car idles high. When driving the car (automatic transmission) the shift of gears is not smooth, it is jumpy and jerky. Also when switching to drive, reverse etc, its not a smooth transition. I feel like the transmission is not safe and could fail while im driving. My passengers often tell me I am a crazy driver as of late, because the car is jerking them around, although I haven't changed my way of driving. I have done some research online and feel that this is a common problem among 2003 Toyota Rav4's.

I have a 2003 Toyota Rav4- seems to be exact same problem everyone else is having--no problems until early this year 2008, transmission was skipping gear 2 to 3, took to mechanic then to transmission specialist, where the same procedure occurred. Computer chip replaced, few days later, same problem occurred. Transmission replaced at 89,000 miles, 3400 dollars total. Otherwise, the car is great. No accident, just too much hassle, money, and several stressful, scary rides home.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact has experienced multiple failures with the vehicle ever since it was purchased. While driving at any speed, the transmission stalls and prevents the vehicle from accelerating. The computer was removed from the vehicle and sent to the manufacturer to be serviced. The vehicle is currently being repaired at the cost of $400. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 100 and current mileage was 111,000.

S10 appropriate handling-letter to the secretary from re Toyota problems 2003 Toyota Rav4. The consumer stated when plugged into the electric charging system, the vehicle rolled away. The consumer stated it can happen if the gear is inadvertently shifted out of park and into neutral if the vehicle is parked on a slight slope.