My mother had the engine control module fixed june of 2013. She had to pay for this repair herself because toyota refused to fix it, even though they sent letters out to people saying that they would cover the cost to repair this known issue. After 1900.00 later, she paid for it. A year later I own this same vehicle and the same thing has gone bad. Its just out of the warranty. I almost got hit due to the car stalling when I pulled out at an intersection. This is a known problem, and it was paid for by another family member. Yet it has the same issue. Toyota needs to fix this problem. Horrible costumer service.
2002 Toyota RAV4 engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 63, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I purchased a 2002 toyota rav4. Suv. And within the first six months of owning it, my drive belt broke and almost caused me to wreck and hit three other vehicles. I had my new car towed back to the dealership where I had purchased the vehicle and they told me that the drive belt was not covered under my warranty.a few months later I noticed that my transmission was making a weird grinding sound and was hard to shift. Sometimes the car would not shift and it would come to a complete stop and this almost caused me to wreck via hitting other vehicles or other vehicles hitting me. I took it to my dealership and told them that they had sold me a lemon and I wanted to know if they would give me another rav4, that is dependable. They told me no. I let the rav 4 sit in my garage for two years and my brother-in-law said that if he could find a used transmission from a wrecked vehicle then he would install it in my rav 4. He found a transmission and I had to pay in cash $1,300.00 for the transmission and I gave him $400.00 to install the transmission. Recently I found out that toyota has recalled 2001, 2002 and 2003 toyota rav4 SUV's for transmission problems. I contacted the toyota sales USA about their recalls of my vehicle and they told me that they were not going to do anything for me. I feel that toyota should reimburse me for the cost of buying a used transmission and for paying to have the transmission put in my rav4suv. Please advise.
Defective engine control module (ECM). As a result of sending the wrong signal to the transmission, it got ruined and the transmission had to be rebuilt. If there was a recall on the ECM for the 2002 toyota rav4, I was not aware of it, or I still did not owned the vehicle.
When I went on merger ramp on highway .the car not accelerate enough or transmission not shift correctly. The car behind me hit my car.
Attempting to enter highway, car lost power, eventually kicked in, immediately brought car to dealer. They serviced fuel injection, fuel system, spark plugs. Found no problem with transmission. 4 weeks following repair, hesitation happened again, this time check engine light came on, returned to dealer and was told the transmission and ECM unit needed replacement. Going through all my previous service records, came across a service ticket dated 05/18/2012, showing a service performed on a faulty ECM unit. Toyota was aware of this problem, but never informed consumers that the faulty units could affect the transmission, and driving ability of the vehicle. I am stuck with a $5,000. Repair bill, but I also could have been involved in an accident, had I been merging onto a busier highway. There have been many complaints filed, but yet no action taken by the national highway traffic administration...will it take a loss of life, or serious injury before action is taken?
On september 9, 2013 while driving my rav 4 to work , I experienced a strange behavior , the car suddenly stopped moving and I had to press on gas several times and it would move as if like it is choked , in a minute everything went normal as it has always been, I was a little worried but then after driving about 2 miles and stopping at a stop light , this thing happens again and when I try to push on gas it started moving a little and then there is this "thud" sound as if something was holding wheels of my rav 4 from moving and then suddenly it let the wheels run. I took the car to toyota service center (toyota scion of concord) and been told that my car needs a ECM to begin with and that toyota has a tsb out there as well "extended warranty" which in my case is expired since my car is 2002 and the warranty is 10y/150 k miles , whichever is earlier. I am concerned as to why this discrepancy , toyota knows or had known over a period of time that their vehicle had an issue and they cant be putting life's of buyers at risk by not doing a recall of that . Please I am requesting that some action needs to be taken on this and such continued acts of concealing information with owners / sub-owners of vehicles and that this condition leaves at lot of lives at risk besides financial loss.
First the engine light came on then while trying to accelerate, the car hesitates and then shifts hard and jerks the car forward. The safety issue is that the car hesitates and acceleration is affected so it is unsafe to try to get on the highway with oncoming cars behind you. I talked to toyota about this issue but they stated my car was not covered by the recall of (harsh shift condition and/or malfunction indicator light).
In 2009, 2010, and 2011 my 2002 toyota rav4 exhibited sharp, rough shifting into and out of gear, often when on the freeway. The vehicle also had a check engine light that repeatedly came on. I was initially advised by a non-toyota repair shop that the issue was with the transmission and it had to be replaced. However, upon taking the car to a toyota dealership they stated the problem was with the ECM. In 2009 they re-programmed the ECM, in 2010 they re-programmed the ECM and in 2011 (after the extended warranty was issued by toyota corp) they replaced the ECM. They never did any service on the transmission. Now in april 2013 just 17months after they replaced the ECM it happens again and they tell me I need a new transmission and I have to pay for it because it's out of the extended warranty. Since the ECM was throwing the transmission in & out of gear for 3 years, isn't it obvious that the transmission was damaged by the ECM? It was even mentioned in the service bulletins that the ECM was possibly causing damage to the transmission and the dealerships may also have to replace the transmission at the same time the ECM was replaced. Yet because they chose not to repair or replace the transmission on my car in 2011 while it was under warranty, I now have to pay for what should have been done in the first place. Toyota has been aware of this problem since 2006 yet they never issued a recall or notified owners until a class action lawsuit was filed. Toyota needs to satisfy their customers by issuing a recall and admitting that both the ECM and transmission need to be replaced on any 2001-2003 rav4 that experiences rough shifting, or shifting in & out of gear, or codes that reflect a problem with the ECM or transmission. This is dangerous for drivers and toyota is negligent in preventing injuries and deaths due to a known defect.
About a week ago my car began having issues shifting gears. If I pulled into a turn lane I would slow and start creating a danger for both me and other drivers. I took my car to a transmission specialist, with over 30 years of experience. He let me know that 2002 rav4's have a recall on the computer that controls the transmission. He also said that in certain cases he knew toyota had replaced the transmission as well. I took it to the dealership where the computer was replaced and I was told that the transmission had an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles. My car was 19 months and 10,000 miles over the extended warranty. The transmission specialist let me know that the transmission was directly damaged by the computer. When I called the manufacturer they let me know that they didn't agree with the program, thought that it should have been a recall instead of extended warranty but there was nothing they could do for me. The manufacturer representative also let me know that there are others in my same situation.
My check engine light came on in november. I had it checked out by numerous places. They all told me it was my oxygen sensor (bank 1 sensor 1), so I replaced that twice. My check engine light has still not shut off. I have been having to purchase gas daily and car is not running as well.
This past summer the 2002 rav 4 started giving indications that something might not be right. The car had always gotten its required mileage maintenance which was also due at the time. So those things were done. However, over the last three weeks the following started: --the engine light came on, then off; --there was hesitation when accelerating/ a harsh jerk and shift when changing gears --the vehicle would sometimes slip back into neutral and stall while driving three independent toyota-certified technicians diagnosed that there is a problem with the transmission, so we took it to darcars toyota where the car was purchased. The technician there confirmed the diagnosis but said we needed to contact the warranty enhancement department. After placing me on hold for about 5 minutes, she told me that the car had exceeded the time for the warranty by about 3 months and therefore nothing could be done. Is toyota willing to jeopardize the long-term customer loyalty and more importantly, the safety of their customers, just because the car chose to display its problems 3 months later?
Out of the blue while in rush hour traffic, my car started shaking, jerking, slamming into gear, not accelerating, and at times it felt like the brake was being applied when I stepped the gas. When I first took it to the dealership a day after this happened the first time, they could not find anything because they could not duplicate the issue during a test drive. Literally minutes after picking my car up and driving off the dealership lot, it started happening again in stop-and-go traffic. This time it was much worse and I was afraid as the person behind me almost rear-ended me. I took it back to the dealership and they tell me I either need a new ECM or a new transmission. But after researching this on the internet, it is a huge issue that is happening to a lot of 2002 toyota rav4 owners. And we as the owners are at the mercy of the unknown - this happens out of no where and is horribly unsafe and yet toyota takes no responsibility.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally while driving and would lose acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic which located the failure at the electronic control module (ECM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied any assistance with the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,600. Updated 10/11/12
We had just left a parking lot in our 2002 rav 4 and as we came up to speed the transmission began to jerk and try to shift into different gears. I all of a sudden had no power and a truck coming down the road almost hit us. As I depressed the accelerator the car revved up and all of a sudden engaged and spun out. Very scary and we were lucky!.
I have a 2002 toyota rav4. About a month ago it started intermittently skipping/jerking and being stuck in gear. I took it to two toyota dealerships, the first one informed me of a factory warranty extension for the ecu for my vehicle, but because the check engine light is not on they cannot get any codes, the second dealership told me the same thing as well as the toyota company. The warranty is for 10yrs or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. I have 70,000 miles and it will be 10yrs the 25th of this month. I have researched this problem online and have found that hundreds of people have the same problem with this vehicle. Do I have any options to have this taken care of, asap because of the 10yr warranty that will no longer cover me for this?
Harsh shifting and jerking, particularily 1st & 2nd gear slow to accelerate launching and bucking hard engagement when put in reverse revs up from 2 to 3 - 4 rpms.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle followed by the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home and was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact had previously taken the vehicle to the dealer for a similar failure where the technicians replaced the flywheel. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000. Updated 04/19/12*lj updated 04/25/12
I have taken my 2002 rav4 to toyota on a few occasions. Every time it has been an oxygen sensor or fuel sensor. We had these replaced and now toyota is telling us we need to replace the entire catalytic converter ($1000). The transmission, according to them, is not fully functional.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving the check engine light illuminated, and she was unable to shift gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the failure was within the electric control unit. The vehicle was taken to a foreign garage specialist who replaced the electronic control unit. The contact received a letter from the manufacturer concerning a warranty enhancement for the ecu failure, but the manufacturer denied reimbursement since the vehicle was over the 150,000 mile warranty enhancement program. The failure mileage was 172,000. The current mileage was 188,000. Updated 03/07/11*lj updated 11/28/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. The contact was driving less then 5mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The dealer performed a diagnostic and advised that the engine control module would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure recurred. There were additional repairs made to the throttle position sensor yet that did not remedy the failure. The dealer then advised that they were unable to diagnose the failure and advised they were unaware of how to correct the failure. There were no further repairs. The failure mileage was 87,178 and the current mileage was 88,515.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. While the contact was driving approximately between 30-40 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated intermittently. The failure would occur at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician was unable to locate a problem. The failure progressed over a period of time. Recently, the "service engine" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician detected an engine oil sludge and low oil pressure. Also, he recommended the engine be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer should be liable for the repair; however, the manufacturer refused to take financial responsibility. The vehicle was at the dealer and had not been repaired. The contact planned to have the vehicle towed to his residence. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
I was entering the highway and my car would not accelerate... Was almost killed and had to drive in emergency land before building up speed..... The problem is the ECM in my 2002 toyota rav4 failed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. On march 14, 2010, the contact was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH when she depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine suddenly began to rev. The vehicle would also not shift into gear. She noticed the problem started to occur on an intermittent basis following the initial failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where she was informed that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at that time. The failure mileage was 73,747. The current mileage was approximately 73,800.
2002 toyota rav4 started hesitating on initial acceleration and bolting when the gear caught 2nd. Was pulling out into intersection and nearly t-boned by ford expedition. Brought to transmission specialist. No engine light, no code. Read about potential ECM problem. Brought to toyota and spent $1400.00 to replace ECM.
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.
Engine seize at 162k miles. This vehicle has had regular maintenance. Oil changes every 3-5k miles. Apparently oil pump went out and took the engine with it. Owned this vehicle since it had 7 miles on it. It left me stranded in the middle of nowhere. Put in reman. Jasper engine. After about $7,000.00 the engine light is still on. The mechanic said I could take it to a toyota dealer and they'd "flash" it to get it to go off, but it would cost me a few hundred. The engine light has been on since about 28k miles. Took it to the dealer for that and they just undo the battery and put it back on. That "resets" it. Within 100 miles it goes back on. I just leave it and if the car blows up I'll leave it where it dies this time. I paid 28k for the car in 2002, 8 yrs ago. 28k+7k(engine)=$35,000.00 $35,000.00/8(yrs)=4375(per year to own.minimum) 4375.00/12(mos)=364.58 per month. Very expensive to own and regular maintenance isn't even included..... Too many people have had this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav4. The contact was driving approximately between 35-45 MPH on normal road conditions, proceeding to a traffic stop signal. The engine reved excessively high. The transmission exhibited a harsh shift as a result of an unexpected acceleration. The driver was able to continue in operation with caution. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to the engine control module (ECM). The vehicle vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 11/16/10.
I have a 2002 toyota rav 4 with 82k miles on it. At the beginning of november, 2009, I was driving my vehicle and it began to jerk violently when I accelerated between 1st and 2nd gears. I had difficulty maintaining control and avoided an accident. Subsequently, I took the car to the dealer and learned that I had a common problem for 2002 rav 4's -- a faulty engine control module. I researched the problem and learned that many people have also had this problem in 2001 and 2002 rav 4's. Toyota is not taking responsibility for this problem. This should be a recall item.
I have a toyota rav4 2002. I am now experiencing a nightmare. A few weeks ago, my car started shifting gears, shaking, and the engine light went on. I brought it to hyannis toyota. The csr told me it was a defective computer. The car was under warranty and they would replace it. Approx. 3 weeks later, my car started with the same problem. Shaking, moving into a different gear and the engine light went on. I brought it back to hyannis toyota and was told, "this is not the same problem." you need a new coil. It will cost you $250.00. Also, I had to rent a car. Of course at my own expense. Now, I do not know how to deal with this company. If the computer was defective, and was replaced. Why am I still experiencing the same problems?
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota rav 4. While accelerating from an idle position, the vehicle began hesitating and stalled. The vehicle also hesistated 30 to 45 seconds when shifting into second gear and engaging the accelerator to it's full capacity. The dealer flushed out the transmission fluid and replaced it; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic later stated that the electronic control module (ECM) was defective. The manufacturer will not assume the repair costs; however, the contact stated that since there is a defect the repair should be free. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 96,000.
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