2001 Toyota RAV4: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 25, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 175,691 miles · CO

Recently the check engine dashboard light on our 2001 toyota rav4 came on. I took the vehicle to an auto parts store that offered a free diagnostic check; it indicated troubleshooting code p0770; the technician explained that the transmission tries to simultaneously shift into 2nd and 3rd gears due to faulty signals from the ECM (electronic control module) that regulates the transmission. This explanation seemed consistent with the cars behavior (not climbing even a small hill and having to restart it) and numerous accounts we've read online that suggest the ECM defect remedied for a while by a recall in 2007 and evidently a few years after that by a class action suit no longer in effect is still an ongoing problem. We towed the rav to our closest authorized toyota repair facility, then explicitly asked if they would check both the ECM and transmission. The service rep gave a $4200 transmission replacement estimate, but made no mention of the ECM module, even though I specifically asked about this. 1) toyota should extend their recall on the ECM modules indefinitely and pay for both ECM and transmission replacement, since this is a fundamental design defect and a significant safety issue. If the circuitry in the ECM were to malfunction at high speeds it might cause fatalities or serious injuries. 2) the specific toyota dealer should have included the ECM in their estimates and made greater efforts to work with toyota to remedy this specific situation and all affected vehicles in general, for the safety and welfare of their customers. It would appear that this dealerships service department intentionally diverted attention from the ECM defect and its liability to avoid the expense and complicity involved in what would seem to be a legitimate on-going safety issue.

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 Oct 27, 2013 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CO

I was sent a letter about the class action suit on the 2001-2003 toyota rav4. I asked to have my vehicle fixed, but was denied, because I did not request until after the extended warranty and the 150,000 had passed. I appealed their decision and I was denied again. I did have the module replaced with a new toyota one, which was installed by a mechanic that does not work at a toyota dealership. This module worked for a short period of time, but my rav is back to the same hard shifting safety issues it had before. I can't afford a new transmission or the new module to completely fix the safety issue. Even if they replaced the module again, I believe it has done too much damage to the transmission that will not be repaired by the replacement of this part. You pay for an extended warranty and maintain it like you are supposed to and toyota does not take care of their customer. They made their money and that's that.

Filed Aug 3, 2013 · Transmission · 129,000 miles · MO

Ecm/transmission failure at 129000 miles. Cant say much more than has already been said by so many others. Out of pocket expense of about 3500.00. In the shop now but as I read these I'm wondering if I should be fixing it as it seems to reoccur. No help from toyota and they wanted over 5000.00 to fix it. Received no notification from toyota. Missed the warranty by 9000 miles. Seems if you own one its just a matter of time and it will happen....stand behind your product toyota!!!!!

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 May 29, 2013 · Transmission · 105,431 miles · CT

I have a 2001 rav4 that in 2010 had a problem with the gear and the dealer change the reman transaxle assembly but know I can't drive the car because the car need a new transmission and some other part and the dealer would not fix it when the know that the car had all these problem when I bough the car for 28,000 dollars they were happy if these is the way that toyota get rich stealing from people that believe that they are buying a good product.

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

My vehicle was experiencing harsh shifting and hard engagement. I took it to the dealer today and was told the ECM needed to be replaced. I did some internet research and discovered toyota received thousands of complaints regarding this issue as far back as 2006 in the 2001-2003 models. They extended the warranty to 10 years and 150, 000 miles. However, my vehicle is 6 months beyond the date (only 103,000 miles). I contacted toyota and they will not pay for any repairs. In addition, I discovered that owners had issues with the replaced emc unit within 2 years-causing transmission failure or repeated ECM failure. I questioned toyota as to why this was not a recall issue. They couldn't tell me. If it had been a recall issue, toyota would be responsible for the repair and not me. In addition, how do I know that once I have my car repaired today, that I won't have the same issue or worse in 2 years--like many other customers? Toyota should be required to make this a recall issue--especially since there are thousands of people with this issue.

Filed Aug 29, 2011 · Transmission · 151,000 miles · OR

I have a 2011 rav 4 with 151,000 miles on it. I had my transmission fluid flushed when I got my oil changed in early june of 2011. My transmission starting "jumping" in early august of 2011 when in almost any gear. The problem came on very suddenly with no warning signs. The day it happened, I called my local toyota dealership who has done all of my servicing and asked if it could have possibly had to do with the flushing of the system two months prior and if there had been any recalls on my vehicle for this sort of problem. They said that it was unlikely to have anything to do with the flushing and no, there had been no recalls that they were aware of. I was referred over to a transmission shop that rebuilds transmissions and got it into the shop that very next morning. The shop rebuilt my transmission and charged me over $3000 to do so. When I picked my vehicle up and drove it, it jumped when only driven half of a block. The transmission shop owner suggested I drive it a little bit more and take it from zero to 60 MPH on the interstate. I did so but two days later, my transmission failed to accelerate when I pulled out into traffic, which was extremely frightening seeing that I am five months pregnant, and it also began to jump again, in almost any gear after it finally accelerated. I took it back to the transmission shop and after three days, they determined that it must be the ECM. They replaced this for me and charged me another $600 to do so. Once again, when I picked my vehicle up and drove it, it jumped when only driven half a block. I am beyond broke and frustrated that a) toyota sent out no notifications to owners of this year and model warning owners of the potential dangers associated with a failed ECM and b) that even with a new ECM and rebuilt transmission, that my transmission is still not operating as it should.

Filed Aug 11, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal failed to respond and a loud popping noise was heard. After numerous attempts, the vehicle began to operate normally and was driven to the side of the road. The identical failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and they stated that the computer module and transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. ..updated 09/19/11 *bf there consumer stated there was an ongoing harsh shift. At times, the transmission had an ongoing sluggish/slip. According to the service invoice from the dealer, the transmission had an internal wear and tear malfunction. The fluid was very dirty. The dealer recommended a transmission replacement. Updated 12/30/11

Filed Jul 27, 2011 · Electrical · 74,770 miles · FL

I am writing because I own a 2001 toyota rav 4 that started acting up a few weeks ago. It started having problems when accelerating it would make a strange sound and instead of moving it seemed to slow down and then it would all of a sudden start jerking. I got scared a few times because when I needed to accelerate for example: when entering the highway, it would not move due to this shifting problem I almost had an accident with my 6 & 8 year old daughters in the car with me!! I took the car to a toyota dealer 2 years ago because I received recall notice from them due to the check engine light that had been turned on for a while and instead of fixing the problem free of charge as stated on recall notice, they told me I should pay to have spark plugs and coil repaired. I told them that I was there for them to fix the problem that was causing the check engine light but they never did!! I didn't go back because I felt that they were taking advantage of me because instead of fixing the problem which toyota sent recalls for, they didn't. Now 2 years later, I took it back to them and I find out that this problem my car is having is due to needing a new ECM/ecu. The toyota guy said that I would have to pay over $1,000 just for this part! And if that didn't work then they would have to replace the transmission. Here's the thing: toyota has known that there is a defect with the ecu for a long time and they know that due to a defective ecu the transmission will eventually be damaged. Why didn't they do anything about it 2 years ago? They purposely don't say anything so that by the time your car does have problems, they use the "you're out of warranty" excuse to make you pay them for something that they should've fixed to begin with. Now my transmission is damaged and I had to take it to someone else since I don't trust toyota due to their dishonesty. Something needs to be done! What if I would've had an accident with my daughters due to them not correcting this?

Filed Jul 21, 2011 · Acceleration, Transmission · 102,000 miles · VA

The transmission will not accelerate and then something suddenly "kicks in" and the truck will go- nearly been rear-ended numerous times- this is a big safety issue- told it's going to be a $4,000 transmission replacement- only 102k miles, like new. Also, at traffic lights, won't accelerate and people get ticked and need to pass and can't- numerous online complaints- add this. Unacceptable for toyota.

Filed Apr 28, 2011 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota rav4. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH his automatic transmission failed. The transmission had also previously malfunctioned. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.