Automatic Transmission Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 2

Our 2002 Toyota rav-4 has about 120,000 miles on it. The transmission has begun to act up beginning about 2 weeks ago. It has gone from bad to worse, and in investigating solutions to the problem, we have been stunned to read about the many hundreds of complaints that Toyota has received 2001-2003 Toyota rav-4s, which were thought to be transmission issues exclusively, and turned out to be faulty ecms. This happens every time that we drive this car, and we now refuse to drive it on the highway because of our difficulty in getting it to accelerate without the rpms being so high that we know it's damaging the transmission/engine.

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2002 Toyota Rav4. After stopping at an intersection I took off and the automatic transmission seemed to be in high gear, then it jerked and the engine raced and the transmission down shifted. This happened two other times within 10 miles. The ecm unit had failed. I researched this problem on-line and found that many other people had the same issue. Toyota claims that this problem was fixed in 2008 on this vehicle but we have owned the vehicle since may of 2007 and did not have any repairs done.

Driving my Toyota 2001 Rav4 and it decides not to shift in to gear, leaving me to pull over barely on the side of the road with 2 small children.

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2002 Rav4 automatic transmission hard shift into reverse and mis shift between gears.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The vehicle began to hesitate and then rapidly accelerate after the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where he was informed that the ecu and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 83,000. Updated 11/05/10. Updated 02/03/lj updated 02/04/jb.

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During acceleration Toyota Rav4 would shift hard, and slip between high and low gears rapidly cause car to buck and slow abruptly. Issue began all at once and has continued. Car is undrivable.

I have been a loyal Toyota owner with a 1995 camry and a 2002 Toyota rav 4. I noticed the terrible jerking that started while driving the Rav4 on my way to work. I could not even attempt to speed up when necessary and once I did, the car jerked so much, I had to pull over and eventually get the car towed to the mechanic. They stated that the transmission was the problem so we paid to replace it and resolve that issue. Not even a week later, I had the same exact problems going home from work. I brought it back to the mechanic and now it's the ecm that needs to be replaced. I cannot afford to get it replaced since I just paid for the new transmission. The mechanic attempted to reset the ecm but that did not help at all. Now we are down to the 95 camry and crossing our fingers that we don't have issues with our "old reliable".

When starting up from a stop, the automatic transmission shifts properly from 1st to 2nd gears however when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear, it appears to momentarely go in to neutral where the engine wines out before quickly banging into third gear. Very harsh shifting. This appears to occure only after the transmission heats up after driving for about 30 minutes or longer. After this occures, it will do this every time when starting from a stop. I have complained about this to the dealer for some time however was only recently able to prove it to them. I was then told that I would need a new transmission for about $4000. 00.

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I've had my '02 Toyota Rav4 since 2003 and a few days ago my car started hesitating and jerking out of the blue. After stopping at lights, I noticed that at first I had trouble accelerating, car would hesitate, then all of a sudden it would lurch forward jumping to 3000-4000 rpms. I was afraid that I would get rear-ended and then I almost slammed into the car in front of me. I am afraid to take my car on the highway with the slow accelerating and then sudden jerking and speed. I'm taking my car to the dealership tomorrow to get the ecm and transmission checked out given the Toyota technical service bulletin that issued in 2006 involving faulty ecms (tc002-06). Although my car is just experiencing the early stages of this malfunction, this is very unsafe and dangerous. Toyota knows about it and should issue a recall.

My Rav4 2001 motor 2. 0 has harsh shift of automatic transaxle for almost one month is park. I do not use because almost cause an accident while I was driving with mi two kids and mi wife, please help me I need to repair and it cost 1200 dollars. Is dangerous to drive. Please stop before will be to late.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The vehicle was intermittently experiencing trouble accelerating in which the vehicle would momentarily pause before shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission fluid and filter were replaced. The mechanic also advised having the electronic control module (ecm) replaced the failure continued to recur intermittently. The manufacturer was contacted but advised the vehicle was not under recall and would not provide any assistance. The ecm was not replaced. The failure mileage was 154,000 and the current mileage was 155,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that she had difficulty shifting gears. The vehicle would stay in third gear and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the computer needed to be replaced so that they could determine whether the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The contact did not notify the manufacturer. The current mileage was 86,954. The failure mileage was 86,850.

2002 Toyota Rav4 started jerking and shaking,, then slowing down at 111k miles at in the middle of traffic concerned for safety, had to pull over and call for a tow truck to tow car home. I took the car to the dealership, but they said that it could be ecm, which is $1500, but no guarantees it would work. Researched issue, and found out that this is known issue since 2006, but Toyota didn't notify owners.

I have a 2002 Toyota Rav4 that is also experiencing the ecm problem. The engine revs and slips in and out of gear. It also lunges forward without warning. This is clearly a safety issue. It is criminal that this problem is not being addressed by Toyota and that a safety recall has not been issued.

2002 Toyota rav 4 having issues with the ecm in the transmission. My mechanic and sanport auto broken arrow, ok found the bulletin and advised me my car was within the 96 months 80, 000 miles. She even called the Toyota dealership I purchased my car from and advised them of the issue. She spoke with kyle at jim norton Toyota he said he was not aware of the bulletin so my mechanic made a copy and put it on my seat to have the car towed to the dealership. Kyle said they would have their mechanics look at it and let me know. If someone could call jim norton Toyota and lean and bit on them that would be great. He acted like he was not sure that was the issue but there is documentation all over the internet about the problem so I am not sure how they could not know about the issue. My mechanic at sanport auto said if I need any help to let her know. She said it is definitely the issue and they should fix it. Thank goodness for good honest mechanics like sanport auto in broken arrow, ok. They did the right thing and will always get my business. Let's hope jim norton does the right thing.

Toyota Rav4 2002- 50mph on a road when an emergency vehicle had to go around me- after the vehicle passed, I attempted to accelerate and was unable to get into 3rd gear- cars were accelerating past me causing an immediate danger along with the car jerking and pulling- Toyota issued a "service bull. " for this but will not replace faulty ecm- and now there is possible transmission damage- very dangerous as I would not be able to accelerate- this is a intermittent issue- multiple complaints on the internet- no recall as of yet-.

About three weeks ago my 2002 Toyota rav 4 transmission/shifting between 1st and 2nd gears acted up. It wasn't a small, nagging issue that built up, it was pretty sudden. One week it was fine and then I had 2 small shifting incidents (shaking) in a 2 week period, and then the next week, after about 5-8 days of more local stop and go driving, my lower gears shifting would not work properly - every shift from 1st to 2nd was delayed and harsh. My 2002 Rav4 has 98k on it. I may need to get a new transmission and/or ecm and I dont think Toyota will cover any of the costs of either. I have thought about trading it in so I wouldnt have to deal with these issues, but I do like my rav 4. I am hoping (after doing all the online research and making some official complaints to cr, bbb and other safety groups) that maybe Toyota will provide (or be forced to provide) payments or coverage in some way for this serious safety issue (essentially "stalling" in the middle of intersections, when needing the acceleration from a stopped position. ) when speaking with Toyota service and having had them perform their $100 computer diagnostics (before the check engine light came on - the light has since come on and remains on- obviously I havent driven it for a few weeks now) I was told that the transmission would "most likely need to be replaced. I had only driven it for 3 weeks after first noticing the problem and really only 1 since the trouble was continuous and the engine light came on. I hope to fix the problem by either having the ecm rebuilt ($500) or purchasing a new one ($1000). Hopefully, l didn't drive it too much before the ecm ruined my transmission ($5000). Since the car is only worth about $6000 total anyway.

Transmission problem on a 2003 Rav4 4 wheel drive. It started at 100,456 miles. Never had problem with the car before. It started to occur once in a while in first gear, then the engine light came on, got it check. Came up code po755. Now is occurring more often. Light goes off and after a couple of day goes on again. Took it to Toyota. They said it needs a remanufacture transmission and they need to change the ecm. Cost 5,995 they told me I'm better off trading the car.

Car suddenly started having shifting problem, hesitates from a start, very jerky, then difficulty shifting into second gear.

I have a 2002 Toyota rav 4,started driving erratic,while foot on gas pedal,car would slow down,then speed up with banging sound. Local Toyota dealership says computer bad replacing it,which included a tow is$ 1,440. 00 . Car is 8 years old with 91,000 miles.

2002 Toyota rav 4 electronic control unit has a manufacturer's defect that cause the car's automatic transmission to disintegrate with little or no warning.

Toyota Rav4 (2002) jerked uncontrollably into traffic while preparing to make a left turn onto a busy boulevard. Cars screeched to a halt. Could have been fatal. Rav4 has faulty computer (ecm) that Toyota did not recall and holds consumers responsible for replacing (appx$1400). Faulty computer often destroys transmission also. I am facing $5500 in repairs and Toyota has admitted that the car has a problem. This is totally unfair and people will lose their lives. I am lucky I didn't.

Check engine light came on and transmission started to shift hard,going into reverse from park with a huge clunk. Also, slipping at times. When making a left/right turn from a road to another, car would sluggishly move-very dangerous. Took it to a dealer and was told a new computer was needed to verify if the problem was ecu related or the tranny. . I asked why a new computer wasn't available to test whether it was the computer or tranny. "we don't stock computers". I was quoted $1200. 00 for "new" ecu to see if it fixed the problem. If that didn't work then a "new" tranny for 4000. 00 to 5000. 00 would be required. This is a 2002 2wd with 99k miles worth about $5000. 00(in great shape otherwise). Also learned that the ecu tends to throw codes unrelated to the tranny issue. When I brought my Rav4 in I told them about my issues with the tranny and that there was a TSB to install new software to try to fix the issue. I was then told no, you need to try a new ecu for $1200. 00. Why not throw a "new" ecu in to see if it fixes the problem? why don't they acknowledge a defect instead of easter egging at my expense? charge me $1200. 00 for an ecu(or any part) that may or may not solve the issue is criminal and to hear that the ecu problem eats the tranny is also criminal quick to take your cash but to deny a very common part defect (ecu) that ultimately destroys another expensive needed component. This is a safety issue. I have made left/right turns and the transmission decides to buck/hesitate as oncoming traffic is expecting my vehicle to move appropriately.

The main computer in the transmission on my 2002 Toyota Rav4 malfunctioned causing my vehicle to begin shifting on its own while driving. The mechanic informed me that it was attempting to shift into reverse while driving. The first incident happened the last weekend in may, 2010. I have not been able to drive the car for 3 weeks now, it is currently waiting repair. Total cost thus far $1,586. 00 to replace the computer so that the computer can tell them what other damage has been done to the transmission. We have not been able to locate a functional used computer for repair.

Check engine light came on and transmission jammed. Vehicle towed to nearest dealer. Told it was ecm problem and repair cost was $1440. 94.

On may 25th, my wife was merging into traffic on a local bypass (speed limit 55 mph). As she began to merge, our 2002 Toyota Rav4 hesitated and wouldn't shift into second gear. My wife had to swerve off the road to avoid being rear ended by traffic. I brought my car to the repair shop the next day and they flushed the transmission and added new fluid. They tested the car and it was ok so I picked it up and brought it home. By the next day the car was hesitating again so I brought it back to the shop and they took the car to the local Toyota dealership to have them check the problem. I then received a call from my repair person stating that I needed a new transmission. The car is only 8 years old with 61,000 miles on it but all warranties have expired. I then find out that Toyota has known about the problem with 2002 Rav4 transmissions but have never contacted the buyers or had a recall due to expense. Now I'm stuck with a car that doesn't work or a repair bill for $5,000 plus. I bought a Toyota because I thought that it was dependable. The dealership said that nothing can be done to repair it without cost to me since I have no more warranty coverage. I'm now looking for a new car since I'm not putting $5,000 into an 8 year old one. Do I have any legal alternatives since Toyota knew about the problem but said nothing?.

My Toyota Rav4 2003 has 85,200 miles and transmission is giving me a lot of problems. It's jerking the first and second speed and when I took the car to the dealer(findlay Toyota) they told me there is no warranty so I have to spend $1,600 buying a new computer and if the problem persist I will have to spend money fixing the transmission. There is a bulletin from Toyota about this fails(rav4 2001-2003) but was sent to dealers and no to owners.

Erratic shifting of gears in Toyota Rav4. Shifts hard or slowly, causing safety issue while driving. Had to replace the transmission and computer.

My 2003 Toyota Rav4 is slipping, bucking, and dragging: transmission problems, just like all the rest! what more is there to say? besides the fact that I don't feel safe driving it with my 6 month old daughter in there, and I have no money to have it fixed!.

Whiplash and cervical disc herniation due to negligence of Toyota rav 4 2002 transmission and ecm problems. Around 4/20/10 I took my Toyota to this dealership due to ongoing jerking and forward thrust when starting from a stop position, also the engine light was on. They kept my Toyota from 4/19/10 till 4/21/10. Reset the engine stating that it is O2 sensor problem and replaced it. Also diagnosed transmission problems but I was told by the dealership persona,l" I don't want to stamp your car as condemned, take it back and when problem gets worse bring it back" he did not warn me that if I did not get it corrected right away, I can be jeopardizing my safety and safety of people on the road. It is apparent from the paperwork they handed me that they had diagnosed a serious problem and should have corrected it right away. Around middle of may the problems with the transmission got worse, on 2 occasions the car stalled completely while going at 30 mph and then severely thrust forward again. In another 3-4 days I started experiencing severe muscle spasms and headaches. Since then I had been to er, received CT and mri showing disc prolapse and tear of my 2 vertebral discs. I have been receiving physical therapy, cervical traction, pain medication, cervical collar, and am scheduled to receive an epidural injection in 2 weeks. I have seen my pcp twice, a neurologist, 2 neuro surgeons and have received numerous medication, some with serious side effects and have detailed information about these visits. I am a physician and due to this problem have missed days at work jeopardizing my clinical care. Yesterday almost got in an accident when my car slowed down instead of accelerating and I almost hit another car, this incident made me realize I can hurt other people if I continue to drive this car. I took it in to dealer today and they are going to run a diagnosis on it again, and it might cost me 6,000 dollars. Please help.

My 2003 Rav4, suddenly began having intermittent transmission problems - the transmission sticks in first gear then bangs into second; jerking sporadically - not moving, then lunging forward. It is dangerous. My mechanic said that it was a common problem with my Toyota and that the transmission would have to be replaced along with the computer that controls it. $3,500. My car has just over 100,000 miles. It is "young. I looked online and it turns out that the new york times did an article in August 2009. Toyota knew about this since 2006. The article mentioned something about a "bulletin" that said they would repair the problem up to 80,000 miles and 8 years. I was never notified and now my car is under the years and over the miles. At carcomplaints. Com I found a lot of others that have been through this. Most of the mileage is over 80,000. I called Toyota and they told me that because of my mileage. . . They can't help me. But, it was their defect. It should have been recalled. Why wasn't I notified earlier so it could be replaced? they told me that there isn't a recall. Is that because no one died because of it yet? updated ivoq 10/01/10 the consumer was informed the transmission along with the ecm needed to be replaced. Updated ivoq 10/08/10.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. While driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle experienced trouble shifting from first to second gear and would abruptly jerk when doing so. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission and electronic control module (ecm) would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure persisted intermittently. The failure and current mileages were 101,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. While driving at speeds of 25 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal and after twenty seconds of the vehicle maintaining 25 mph, it accelerated. The dealer advised the connection from the engine block to the body exhibited a broken electrical ground connection. The vehicle was repaired at no cost to the contact. The failure persisted. The dealer then advised the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility where the transmission was rebuilt. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage 68,000. Updated 10/27/10.

2 days after the purchase of our 2010 Rav4 my wife discovered when stopped on an incline, the vehicle rolls backward when foot is removed from brake, stepping on throttle to correct it causes the vehicle to surge forward. Service dept. Said just use two feet to drive.

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Driving on the highway my 2003 Toyota Rav4 transmission jerks and change gears for no reason all the time very dangerous! almost caused an accident has 91k miles not repaired yet (waiting to find more information about a recall for the problem) it is a common problem for this year Rav4.