2001 Toyota RAV4 engine problems

Filed Mar 9, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 111,219 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

My 2001 silver toyota rav 4 had a sudden unintended acceleration problem when I was decelerating to a complete stop at an already congested intersection with traffic lights. I was applying brake pressure from 20 MPH, down to 15,10,5, down to 2 MPH, coming to a complete stop, my rav 4 engine suddenly started to rev-up/race wildly and very loud in a matter of 3, or 4-5 seconds (the engine/RPM sounded similar one would hear when you would be accelerating entering a freeway via the entrance ramp). My rav 4 shot forward so fast like it was on some rocket launching pad. My foot was on my brake pedal almost to the car floor and I could not stop the car from moving into the back - and rear ending the car in front of me which was about 10-15 feet in front of me, that was stopped waiting for the light to turn green at the already congested stop light intersection. Damage was done to the rear end of the SUV door hatch and the attached tire mounted on the back of the SUV in front of me. Damage on my rav 4 was car hood folding back and up and my front upper and lower section of my bumper and plastic grill area. I immediately reported the unintended acceleration problem to t he toyota motor company the next day and they sent a 3rd party engineering analysis to examine my car. The investigator spent 4-5 hours examining my car and couldn't elaborate his findings but has submitted the information he was able to retrieve, back to the toyota motor co. Apparently, my 2001 rav 4 is a first generation model/version and didn't have the elaborate detailed edr devices installed in them, however some other device/devices, could possibly be retrieved? The final report by toyota taken by the 3rd party field engineering analysis will take 3-4 weeks from this report I have posted. A police report was filed (please see the scanned info- for further investigation).

Filed Apr 28, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 150,000 miles · LA

The car started to have shifting problems.

Filed Feb 4, 2016 · Acceleration, Electrical · 135,000 miles · VA

When I change gear or press accelerator to give gas, my car doesn't pick up race and doesn't shift the gear. It will do on its own. The engine light keeps coming turned on, even though thisngs have been replaced.

Filed Jan 27, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

While in cruise control on an incline my rav4 accelerates out of control so I have to apply the brake to get it out of cruise control. I had this on 2 rav4s, both 2001, one was 4wd and the other 2wd. Toyota tried to repeat the problem in the first vehicle by sending it home with a tech who drove to modesto. They could not repeat it...on my current car it does the same and toyotas best answer was not to use cruise control after he asked why I was using it anyways. I was worried about the ecus in these cars and before buying it, sent the private dealer to toyota to remedy this. Now I find out they only flashed the ecu under the recall which they new didn't fix anything. Now 2 years later I face the harsh shifting condition....all on me. Im lucky not to have been hurt by either of these issues not addressed properly by toyota, and thank god my 9 year old wasn't with me when the car stopped shifting properly.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · MN

I purchased my 2001 toyota rav4 in july 2012,. Now 2 years later and still owe a good amount on my car I am having the same issues with the ECM as the others. I called toyota and there is nothing they can do to assist people that are purchasing these cars that have not been taken care of. This issues I am dealing with include the transmission slipping and revving higher, or the loss of power when going from a complete stop. Toyota helped the owners, with an " extended warranty" 10 years / 150000 miles. That is all good but the warranty was from the first date. Basically from day 1. That is not fair to the people who purchase these cars second hand with no knowledge of the issues. This is a huge safety issue and could case an accident cause you don't know when it is going to happen.

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Driver assistance, Engine · 166,000 miles · CO

I was driving along and came to a stop. When I started to go, my rav had no power, then it lurched and almost stopped. I had to nurse it-slowly accelerate-in order for it to move. Every time I stopped and started it did this. Once it made a noise like a hard shift from the rear of the car. I had to put my emergency flashers on to drive it safely, and drove to a transmission shop. In speaking with them, they said that toyota has a known recall on this situation! The computer locks up the transmission. They called toyota and gave them my VIN, it has not been replaced. Its going to cost anywhere from $1500 to $5000 to fix, depending on if the transmission is actually messed up or if it is the computer causing the problem. He has to pull the transmission to check it first. If it is the computer they said about $1000. Who do I contact to get reimbursed for this recall? When I put my VIN number in your site, it says there are no known recalls. The internet says differently. I need help!

Filed Nov 9, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 95,000 miles · MO

Just purchased this vehicle in september of 2013 with only 95,000 miles. Two days after purchase, the check engine light came on. Dealer said it was the catalytic converter. So it was replaced at a cost of over $600. Then two days later, the check engine light came back on. Dealer said it was the o2 sensor, that bill was nearly $350. Now for the icing on the cake. Four days after that repair, I was pulling out of my driveway to go to work and the vehicle did not want to shift in to gear, lunged forward and I nearly ran over some children at a bus stop! The dealer said the issue is with the ECM and possibly the transmission. The ECM was replaced at nearly $1100 and the problem still exists! Dealer said next step is to replace transmission. That cost is $5700 and I can't afford it. There are so many complaints about this vehicle for similar problems. Why can't the government mandate that toyota has to stand behind this problem? Children were nearly ran over because of this problem and toyota will not do a [xxx] thing about it. Very sad. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 1, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 119,510 miles · PA

Ecm/transmission failure...called toyota..refused help..owned vehicle over 10 years...known defect that toyota has not addressed properly...need to replace ECM and transmission out of pocket because of their defective production.

Filed Oct 11, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 114,800 miles · RI

October 11, 2012. On or about october 8 2012 I began having hesitation and jumping into gear as I am driving my 2001 rav4. This happens mainly when accelerating from a stop sign/light. I am aware there has been a recall on many 2001 rav4 vehicles. I bought my rav4 from carmax in north attleboro mass on april 19 2012. So, I have not even had my vehicle for 5 months yet. On thursday october 11 2012 I took my rav4 back to carmax in attleboro with my complaint--I will be leaving the vehicle with them on friday october 12 2012 so they can diagnose the transmission and the TCM (the transmission module which has had the recall). If it is found that my rav4 is one of many under this recall, I will hope that toyota will honor its' commitment and fix my rav. I do hope that lodging this complaint with you will help me in this plight, as I do not have the money to fix this problem and nor should I have to as to the above, and due to the fact that is was a recall with toyota. Thank you.

Filed Apr 30, 2012 · Engine, Suspension · 150,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota rav4. The contact stated that he heard noises coming from the tires when driving through curves. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front end of the vehicle, near the engine and wheels, started to rust. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 6/4/12 *cn the consumer stated the engine cradle rusted, which caused the steering to fail