2003 Toyota RAV4: check engine light

Filed Oct 2, 2023 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and at various speeds, the transmission slipped out of the intended gear. The contact stated that after depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev before the transmission would jolt into gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Electronic Control Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Filed Feb 15, 2020 · Engine · 84,100 miles · CA

This car has been maintained and preserved and only 84000 miles on it. And the car wont shift. It jolts me or revs extremely high and also almost caused me an accident as it almost shut down on power while making a left turn in intersection. The check engine light comes on and off. It's only while going from 2nd to 3rd or shifting down from 2 to 1st. I had my mechanic look at it and he said it's a common issue with the ecu to take it to dealership to replace for free and they want to charge me 150 just to examine it.

Filed Jun 22, 2018 · Transmission · 187,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota rav4. While driving various speeds, it became difficult to shift gears and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 74,650 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota rav4. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact attempted to accelerate again and the vehicle responded very slowly to approximately 15 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine control unit failed or there was possible transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,650.

Filed Aug 21, 2016 · Engine · MN

While driving engine light started blinking, the vehicle lost power and smelled bad odor. My first complaint was filed with the federal safety agency in 2012, and I took my vehicle to maplewood toyoa, mn 55109, in 2012 and they did not fix it. It is serious issue of safety with the engine / transmission

Filed Aug 21, 2016 · Engine · 90,831 miles · MN

While driving engine light started blinking, the vehicle lost power. And smelled bad odor. My first complaint was filed with the federal safety agency in 2012, and I took my vehicle to maplewood toyota, mn 55109, in 2012 and they did not fix it. It is serious issue of safety with the engine / transmission

Filed Dec 4, 2015 · Transmission · 95,225 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota rav4. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission/transaxles experienced a harsh shift failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 95,225.

Filed Sep 1, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 71,537 miles · PA

My vehicle began to "buck" and then shortly thereafter the check engine light came on. I initially took it to the closest mechanic and was told I needed a new transmission and that they couldn't replace it. Told them to take it to krause toyota. Was then told by krause it needed a new ECM but they were too busy and couldn't look at the vehicle for 2 weeks since I wasn't a "regular" customer. I then took the car to bennett toyota - class outfit. They replaced the ECM immediately - which wasn't cheap. Cost me $1200. I have since heard that there was a recall on the ECM on my year rav4 which I wasn't ever notified of. I feel toyota should pick up this tab. I have low mileage for a 2003 car, and have always maintained it properly.

Filed Mar 30, 2015 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota rav4. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated when depressing the accelerator pedal and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred multiple times .the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 108,000 miles · CA

Experiencing abnormal behavior when shifting gears (auto trans). Transmission was shifting oddly - harsh shift condition . It was not a frequent problem and no engine light and I took it to the local mechanic and he connected to his computer and could not find any error codes. The problem happens every time I move from a stop. Found out that toyota put out a technical service bulletin in early 2006 after defects started surfacing stating to replace the car's computer ECM/ecu and possibly the transmission.. The company did not inform owners about this defect which is now surfacing and did not recall due to cost of replacing the ecu and transmission it destroys. The defective ecu burns up the clutch and other parts in the transmission

Filed Oct 21, 2014 · Transmission · 140,433 miles · WV

Primary complaint: purposeful deception regarding full benefits of extended warranty of ECM and/or transmission replacement under class action milligan vtoyota.the events leading to my transmission issues began in 7/ 2012. I had problem getting out of my parents steep driveway so I took it to the garage that had been changing my oil in sissonville wv. Upon diagnostics they reported to me a solenoid code which indicated a possible transmission issue. I was referred to aamco transmissions, however the check engine light had been reset and they were unable to get any codes. After being told it could possibly be something with my exhaust as well, I was referred to quality exhausts but was unable to be seen. Then proceeded barker's in dunbar. After test driving and evaluating he stated I had broken motor mounts. I made an appointment 7/18/12. When the technician placed my car on the rack he stated he was not sure what was wrong but it was not motor mounts and with the symptoms it was having I should have my transmission looked at. I had it towed to love lexus in saint albans.there I was told my ECM was in need of replacement.he explained it was under warranty. I was caught off guard due the age of the vehicle. He went on to say the ravs have had some problems with these computers and an extended warranty was placed and applied to them.the harsh shifting had not been completely resolved. In 9/12 my check engine light came back on.I took it back to love lexus and explained the condition as stated above.I asked if they would please test drive it to make sure they understood my complaint.after the diagnostics were complete I was told a fuel sensor had gone bad and was in need of replacement. Part 1 of 2

Filed Oct 21, 2014 · Transmission · 140,433 miles · WV

Part 2 of 3 this was at my cost and at that time I expressed my concern that it was an older car and with all these problems occurring, what was his opinion on trading. He didn't show any real interest but did state some have had great longevity and others not so much. After leaving that visit my car still did not shift properly and was still harsh in reverse.within a month or so my check engine light came back on again. While I was extremely reluctant to take it back to love lexus I did. I expressed my complaint once again about it not being quite right and requested they take it out on the four lane so that it could be driven up past 55mph. He diagnostics ran again and informed me that my fuel cap wasn''t on tight enough. I left embarrassed; however, my car still was not driving right.I continued to drive this car with the same issues for the next year and in october 2013 my check engine light came back on. I took my car to a & e service center.they checked my transmission fluid and stated in smelled burnt, their diagnostics stated it was my transmission and the only thing they could recommend in lieu of replacing my transmission was to flush it and replace the filter and fluid. They stated that with the amount of metal shavings they found which they showed me, this was the equivalent of putting a bandaid on a broken bone.this only lasted about a month and on 11-12-13 I had it towed to aamco. The estimate was $2767.19. Due to me being in a financial hardship my parents gave me their 2002 4-runner and purchased a new car for themselves.we originally was trading the rav. .