2002 Toyota RAV4: engine failure

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Engine · 56,000 miles · NJ

In 2003 we bought a brand new 2002 toyota rav4. In 2007, the engine seized up at 56,000 miles. We took it to toyota and they told us it would cost $7,000 because they needed to replace the engine. After gathering all our maintenance history and much deliberation toyota agreed to replace the engine but we had to pay for the labor ($2500); we agreed. After they did the work, we heard a soft constant beating sound coming from the engine. When we took it back, we were told that sound was normal when a new engine is installed and it will go away -- it didn't. 18 months and 10,000 miles later, the engine died again. Baffled at how two separate engines can die we took it to our personal mechanic. He explained to us that the engine was never replaced, but rebuilt. We took it back to the dealership and they refused to help us. So did toyota corp. They have a settlement for defective engines for the same generation engines (1997-2002) for almost every model. Except the rav4. What makes it worse was I was told I was getting a new engine. At the same time my personal mechanic had found me a used engine (12,000 mi) for 2300 including installation. Had I knew they were going to rebuild it, I would have went with that option. So they screwed me out of 2500, a car, and a chance at actually fixing the car.

Filed Aug 28, 2009 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 98,371 miles · CA

I have a 2002 rav4 that started having shifting problems. When I would put the car into reverse it would jerk and jolt this is how it started. Then about a week later it started doing this when the car shifted from 1st to second and so on. After about 3 weeks of this I took the car into the dealer and told them to please look at it. They called me later that day saying that they thought I needed new engine mounts. That they were causing car to jerk when it changed gears. He said that they needed to be ordered and that they needed the car overnight. So the next day got a call from the dealer saying that they drove the car some more and realized it was my transmission. That I needed to replace the transmission and the computer that controls it. This would cost me $5200.00. I called a very good friend of mine who has been a mechanic for 30 years and he called a friend of his who works parts at toyota. The person who works for toyota told my friend that they have been having these problems with the rav and that it is only the computer that needs replacement, not the transmission. So, he sold us the part and my friend the mechanic replaced the computer. Now my car drives perfectly. So, I instead spent only $1100.00 as opposed to the $5200.00 that the toyota dealer wanted to charge me when it was not my transmission at all. I have all the paperwork from the dealer showing what they wanted me to replace and spend. I am very upset that an accredited toyota dealership was going to have me spend that much money on something when it was not the problem. I bought my car there and I have had it serviced there ever since- 7 years!

Filed Aug 27, 2009 · Electrical, Transmission · 80,300 miles · WA

1. Toyota 2002 rav 4 starting jerking uncontrollably at 80,300 miles while driving on highway at around 60 MPH. 2. Took it in the next day and toyota dealer stated that it was an engine control module failure which was making the transmission jerk. 3. They replaced the engine control module and stuck us with the bill since our car was 300 miles over warranty although we had brought it in 4 times prior for engine control module problems.

Filed Apr 1, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 110,000 miles · KS · crash · 1 injury

I have a toyota rav4 2002-in may 2006 I went to military training school, I got back oct 2006 while driving my engine failed on the hwy. I took it to toyota and they told me it was 420 miles over the warranty and it was not covered. I did all my required upkeep and maintenance and to my surprise it had oil sludge. He claims its from sitting but alot of vehicles sit and do not have problems especially military members that are deployed. I had to pay 3989.00 for a used engine. After researching and finding out 2001 -03 camry and lexus had the same problems and were recalled. I fought got and attorney and still no recall. I hope to have a civil lawsuit with toyota because of this but it never happened. March 2007 my transmission went out while on the hwy. I was driving and notice it kept jerking. Then it would hesitate getting into gear and reverse. I took it to a toyota dealer and they told me my transmission is going out and it would cost 4980.00. Ok let me break down the existing problems up until this point. The drivers door electric locking system went out it was repaired 4 times, the check engine light never goes off said its a electrical problem. The alarms comes on and will not go off even when door key or key pad is indicated. So I had to unhook. Yesterday march 31st I was done with the rav 4. I have notice that more than 35 % of owners have this problems and toyota refuses to recall.

Filed May 14, 2008 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · PA

The automatic transmission of my rv4 failed at 111,649 mileage. However, the mileage is the problem, aamco technician reported that the following vehicles ; lexus ex 300, lexus rx300, rv4, toyota camry and toyota highlander are all equipped with bad transmissions u140f and u140e. Those transmissions are made for failure. Toyota company is aware of the problem but refused to take responsibility to either repair it or reimburse customers. It cost me 2,760.58 dollars to have my transmission rebuilt. Also within two months, the computer engine failed and was replaced for 1,403.53 dollars. Once again, that was another matter toyota had to be accountable. The same model had a recall in march 2007 and nothing was done.

Filed Feb 1, 2007 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NY

Oil was changed regularly on the car. Oil and engine light came on but mechanic could not find a problem and stated there was plenty of oil in the car. Driving on the expressway. The engine, then oil lights came on, as I pulled over there was a loud noise, and every thing froze. I was told the engine had seized and it would have to be replaced (for $6000).

Filed Feb 2, 2006 · Engine · 85,000 miles · TX

Was driving on the freeway when my oil light turned on an seconds later white smoke started coming out of the engine. Had car towed to dealership. After looking at the car the dealership determine that the radiator had cracked due to the sludge in the engine. Said I would need to replace the entire engine. Told them I had a 100,000 mile 5 year warranty. My car had about 85,000 miles on it at the time. Toyota dealership said that they doubted that the warranty people would cover that and they rarely saw people get coverage for sludge in the engine. Reported to warranty people and they told me that my car was "very poorly maintained" and because I did not change oil or maintain my car they would not cover. I told them that I had changed my oil several times since I owned the car. They said I need all receipts. I had a few receipts but not all. Took my car to a private shop and got rebuilt engine. Still have not been able to get car out because I am financially strapped. It costs 3500.00. Toyota said I would have to pay 8000.00 for a new engine and 5000.00 for a used engine. Had to rent car that has cost me 1100.00. Must take car back because I cannot afford it. Won't have transportation. I am disappointed because one of the reasons I bought a toyota was because of its reputation for manufacturing dependable, long lasting cars. I am a single mother and have so much on my plate to worry about broken down cars.