Letter from constituent regarding problems with his 2006 toyota rav 4; he hoping that toyota can be forced to repair the transmission and reimburse the cost of repairing steering shaft (full document not imaged). *smd the consumer stated he has been trying to get the transmission replaced per toyota tsb-0130-12, because of whining noise but he was informed the tsb was no longer in effect. It was confirmed, that an internal noise was coming from the transmission.
2006 Toyota RAV4 transmission complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 53, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Loud grinding sound at approx 40mph, easily replicated and sounds as if something is stuck underneath car. Dealer refuses to acknowledge faulty parts or cover any repairs.
Our 2006 rav4 creates a growling sound from the rear differential area when driving at 35 to 40 MPH. The sound goes away when accelerating above 40 MPH. The noise is becoming more pronounced with time. Twice the vehicle was taken to a toyota dealership and they were unable to identify the cause. Research online located technical service bulletin tsb-0080-13 which discusses symptoms very similar to what our rav is experiencing. A call to the toyota dealership resulted in being informed that deterioration of the rear differential coupling due to contaminated bearing could be the problem, and that estimated cost of repair cost is $1,925. I asked if failure of the coupling could be catastrophic, causing loss of control. The answer was not likely unless driving on slippery surfaces. This vehicle is regularly maintained, and has not been in an accident. It is disappointing that we are looking at an impending failure of the drivetrain. Is this a flaw in the engineering/design that went into this vehicle? What else can be done beyond informing others in the interest of their personal safety?
I have a 2006 rav4, built in november, 2005. My check engine, vsc and 4wd lights lit up on august 16, 2013. After referring to the manual and following directions yielded no result, I kept driving and went to a toyota dealer the next day. I was advised the transmission in my car had failed and I needed a new one. The transmission had been flushed on 9/18/12 with 59,767 miles on my car, the dealer marked the transmission fluid "good" on 6/17/13 with 65,143 miles and there were only 66,319 when the transmission failed in august, 2013. Being stranded out of town for three days allowed me to find numerous complaints about the transmission failing in rav4's with low mileage. There was absolutely no warning that a huge problem and expense was about to occur (which is strange when an alarm bleats, requesting fastening of the seatbelt, when a gallon of milk is put on the passenger seat.) and there is nothing in the manual to even suggest the lights that lit indicate a transmission problem. I have filed case #1310310749 with toyota and await their follow up on promises made. I will happily provide copies of any paperwork, should it be requested. I would ask for the transmission failures to be looked into as well as the total lack of clarity and/or direction in the manual. Thank you for your time.
Saturday, october 12, 2013 when my wife and two young daughters (ages 2 & 4) were coming home from shopping. Our vehicle experience catastrophic failure, endangering the lives my wife and my two young children. She heard a loud bang from the rear of the vehicle and she lost control. Luckily, she was not moving very fast and was able to stop quickly and pull to the side of the road. The failure occurred on the on-ramp to an interstate 71 with a posted speed limit of 70 MPH and the car was not drivable. Had the failure occurred 20 seconds later, my family would have been traveling at a high speed in a rav 4 with absolutely no control. We cannot even fathom the potential outcome if that failure had occurred on a busy highway with trucks etc. We took the rav into the local toyota dealership and they deemed the accident to be caused by the rear lower suspension arm. The rear lower suspension arm was recalled in the fall/winter of 2012, where we took it to the dealership to be fixed in nov. 2012 with the so called "clip".
While driving from maryland to maine for a vacation, I noticed my transmission was slipping and grinding gears frequently in the range of 20-35 MPH. I noticed it happening more frequently during slowdown for making a turn and then acceleration to resume driving. I did not have any accidents, but this has been happening more frequently. I had previously reported the problem, when it happened less frequently, to my dealership (darcars of frederick) and they told me that 1)they could not duplicate the sound during their test run and 2) if such a thing had happened, my ecu would have made a note of it and recorded it. Since there was no record of it happening, it was nothing. However, upon reading several complaints about the rav4 02-03 models, regarding transmission problems, I find that their issues of hanging before slipping into gear, grinding gear and not finding the gear at all are the same ones I have been experiencing in my '06 rav4. Could it be that my ecu is bad? Yes, but my dealer won't acknowledge that possibility. They check my floor mats, but not the ecu for faulty issues. This is my primary vehicle and I transport my daughter in it all of the time. I am worried one day I am going to be driving and get into a serious accident because of this issue. I have all of my maintenance records and recently had the transmission flushed and filled completely. I used oem fluid and am on schedule with all of my maintenance.
While driving on a suburban nj road at around 30-40mph, the vehicle lost steering control out of the blue. The car veered into the left lane, I attempted to right the car and simultaneously hit the breaks. The ABS response kicked in, and the car veered drastically to the right, going off the road, across the sidewalk, and finally coming to a stop in the woods. The repair shop discovered that the cause of accident was a broken tie rod of the back right wheel, that had been broken for a while because the sleeve encasing had rusted over. The damage to the car totalled $10,000, and the shop would have totaled the car if the milage hadnt been so low.
My truck has had 4 incidents of dangerously low oil levels. Toyota has service bulletins out regarding oil consumption and my model of the 2006 toyota rav4 regarding faulty pistons and rings. I have brought my truck to toyota 4 times for this issue and toyota refuses to fix the problem under my warranty stating that I am out of warranty even though my first complaint was 10/13/13 and my warranty expired jan 2013 t-sb-0094-11 is the toyota service bulletin.
My power steering p/s warning light came on as I was backing out of a parking space. I noticed my power steering suddenly wasn't working. I drove home and then took it back out of my garage, in which the light then turned off and I had my power steering back. Is this a known defect of my car? I did receive one about the rear lower suspension arm #1 and a floor mat recall, but that's all.
Drive shaft broke.
Steering wheel "clunks" at relatively low speeds - clunking increases over time. Concern is if steering fails as a result. Toyota's fix is to replace intermediate driveshaft and an alignment. Apparently this is a pervasive problem on a number of rav4 model years (based on hundreds of postings on internet discussion sites, at least one of which claims failed steering resulting in multicar crash). Per these online discussions, some toyota dealers have stated it is a serious safety issue, some have not. Given this problem has existed for a number of years (toyota has two service memos issued on the problem and even developed new replacement parts), if the federal safety agency has investigated this issue and determined there is no consumer safety issues, is that conclusion available to the public? Would appear this would be proper to disclose, as consumers get very concerned with a potential loss of steering and its potential crash ramifications.
There was a rumble in the rear @ 40 MPH. I had maplewood toyota check it 2-3 times, they said they couldn't hear it, car was fine; they checked the trans oil once and said it was fine. It's a closed system-you never need to change its oil. (I had asked this question several times over the years and they always told me that I never needed to change the trans oil & the manual does not list it either). They took it for a drive and checked it good-said that 1st gear was going, but it was fine to drive-come back when I couldn't stand the noise and they'd put in a new trans for $4,500. I was going out of town, they said ok, car will be fine. Since the rumble was so loud, 3 days later I got a second opinion at a transmission specialist's shop recommended to me by several friends. They put it up on a rack and tested it with a stethoscope type device. They said that the bearing was very bad and that I should not take the car out of town or drive it as it was not safe to drive and could stop at any time. They replaced m,w/s, u240/24e 00-up (cork); filter; bushing, a40 series pump; tc, rav4, med stall, ink 14; center gear bearing, etc. When the toyota technician checked the trans oil, I realized that it was not "a closed system"! Also, the oil was black and I now know that it should be red. I think I should have been changing the trans oil all along and my transmission probably would not have failed. I think they should order a recall on all these transmissions - and pay for the work that I had to have done before my car failed on a freeway somewhere. A transmission should last forever, especially since half of the miles have been freeway miles and I drive my car very gently. I just put in new brake pads for the first time recently and there was still 20-30% left on them. Previously I had to pay toyota $400 to repair the steering column-another defect that should be a recall.
When starting up from a stop, the automatic transmission shifts properly from 1st to 2nd gears however when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear, it appears to momentarily go in to neutral where the engine wines out before quickly banging into third gear. Very harsh shifting. This appears to occur only after the transmission heats up after driving for about 30 minutes or longer. After this occurs, it will do this every time when starting from a stop. I have complained about this to the dealer for some time however was only recently able to prove it to them. I was then told that I would need a new transmission for about $4000.00.
My 2006 rav4 sport that occasionally has problems with acceleration, this usually occurs right after starting the vehicle and can last up to 15 min into the drive. Occurs when accelerating from a stop, you press the gas pedal and receive a very slow response from the vehicle; almost as if trying to drive with the e brake on. Once you have reached 5-10mph it engages and goes, but until then it is very unsafe. This is especially true when making a left hand turn, although you would normally have enough room and time to turn and be out of the way for incoming traffic, if you don't compensate for that additional lag , you could get t-boned.
At approximately 60,000 miles I noticed when I backed up I heard a loud clunking noise in what seemed to be the rear. At approximately 62,000 miles I took it to my dealer and it was diagnosed as a "transaxle" problem.
When first driving my new 2006 toyota rav4, I noticed at slow speeds it would sometimes accelerate when I hit the brake. I attributed this to big feet and a new car where I did not yet master the relative positions of the pedals. I started driving with two feet, just as I was taught as a teenager in drivers ed. Occasionally, this has happened again in the ensuing 3 years. Until this unintended acceleration problem came to light in 2010, I thought it was just "operator error." now, I am beginning to think there is some defect - maybe it's hardware linkages, but I suspect there is a software problem in the electronic computer of the car. I also had the steering mid-shaft problem after warranty and screamed until they fixed it under warranty for $50. There was also a "runaway" fuel pump service bulletin I made them cover as well. I have worked with toyota quality engineers since the 1980s and am disgusted by their responses reported in this odi site. Toyota's claim to fame was there quality and customer focus. Looks like the current generation of toyota people have lost this, and that points directly to top management there. Shame, shame, shame. As they say in japanese, they are "on shirazu" (do not understand their obligation to their customers).
2006 rav4 unsafe to drive!!! Le brun toyota, canadaigua, ny, made me pay to exchange lemon with only 150-200 miles 2 days after purchase, they made me pay an additional 7k to trade for the v-6 I have now, because of the transmission accelerated downhill, on both 4cyl and v-6, it still does it though not as severe, still scary at times. Recently,my steering went out on the exit ramp luckily and locked a few times, it now makes a thump and caused a minor accident, next time I won't be so lucky. Really loud noise from rear also. Antifreeze smell inside car too.h.e.l.p.
The power steering in my 2006 toyota rav4 went out suddenly when I was driving this month. I pulled over and turned off the motor. When the car started again the power steering was working. The toyota dealer had reports of this problem on this car from toyota. The power steering goes out suddenly. Toyota would not reimburse me the cost of fixing this safety defect. It costs about $1000. Had I been on a highway, I could have been in a serious accident. Toyota should recall these cars and fix this safety defect.
2006 toyota rav4 v-6 engine. Sudden and massive loss of all engine oil. Dealer is aware that this is caused by a defective oil hose. No recall issued yet. Dealer states "we're just fixing them as they come in". I was fortunate I was close to home. Engine was bone dry of oil in less than 3 miles. Should this have happened further away; 1. Engine would have seized. 2. Potential fire - the underside of vehicle was covered in oil and could have easily ignited. Toyota needed to recall this defective part. Not "just repair as they come in."
2006 toyota rav 4 rubber oil hose (part no. 15707-31010) rupture spewed oil all over engine and road. Vehicle has 61000 miles. The 2008 and later model rav 4's now use a different metal part (part no. 15772-31030). Luckily I was able to get to the breakdown after noticing engine smoking from excess oil. The dealership will only install original part number for the 2006 and 2007 rav 4 models, even though apparently the 2008 metal part is superior.
On freeway, other motorist notified me my car was "on fire!" I saw excessive smoke in rearview mirror. I took the next exit which was dixon, ca off interstate 80 west in california. The side of the freeway there is grassy, did not think it was safe to stop...I stopped the car and smoke was everywhere, coming up through the hood & under the car. This was tues, 2/3/09. I has the car serviced the fri before, 1/30/09 at toyota vallejo in vallejo, ca. I called the dealership after calling aaa for a tow. The service advisor, ryan said "it couldn't have been from anything they had done. But there is an 'oil hose' that had been coming off alot of the rav4's." I was already upset & that made me livid!! If it were a known problem the dealership should have checked during the scheduled maint. My car was towed to lithia toyota of vacaville #47 at 500 orange drive, vacaville, ca. Work order 394212. As of yesterday, 2/12/09, the assistant service manager, megan, told me there was no tsb she was aware of, yet the part that came off (vvti oil pipe) was not found at any other dealership or supplier in the united states, and was on order from toyota in japan. I am furious that it appears toyota was well aware of this problem and has failed to initiate any steps to prevent risk to its consumers. I am asking for a full investigation which hopefully will lead to a recall of the 2006 rav4's and any other year this affects. Megan, the assistant service manager at lithia toyota confirmed with my insurance adjuster, jose lara (geico 707‑688‑3318) the cost is covered under the powertrain warranty....what about the cost of my life, and the lives of the other motorist surrounding me??? The risk of fire is never to be taken lightly. Please investigate this matter to avoid any cost of life.
This is in reference to the electrical problem referenced recently. I have had the same experience of the car just not starting. I discovered that it is related to the stick shift. It looks like it is engaged. If you give it the tiniest jiggle it engages and the car will start. I don't know what the deal is, but planned to bring it up when I take car to be serviced next.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. On march 17, 2008, while coasting into a parking space with her foot on the brake, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and crashed into another vehicle. There were no warning signs prior to the failure. The vehicle had undergone regularly scheduled maintenance before the crash occurred. The weather was dry on the day of the crash. The vehicle was released back to the contact; however, it had to be taken back to the shop due to riding roughly when placed into overdrive. The dealer stated that the torque converter was locking everytime the transmission was placed into overdrive. A police report was filed. There were no injuries and the contact was not cited. The current mileage is 17,690 and failure mileage was 17,687. Updated 5/13/08 *cn the dealer determined there was a problem with the overdirve. Updated
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The drivetrain in the transmission makes a whining sound. The dealer replaced the transmission. A regional engineer recently stated that the noise was typical of a 2006 rav4 and there was nothing to repair. The noise began while driving 40 MPH hour and is currently ongoing while driving between 30 to 55 MPH. The engineer also stated that the sound of the transmission is inherent to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 5,070 and current mileage was 24,100. Updated 04-08-08 *bf updated 04/08/08
Two separate problems: 1) left rear suspension, reported to two dealers starting 8/11/07 followed by three other complaints, diagnosed as worn bushing. Parts on order; problem getting worse. Notified dealer through factory rep; dealer has not indicated that driving vehicle is a safety issue. 2) hesitation downshifting when depressing gas pedal. First reported to two dealers on 9/8/07 followed by two other complaints. Informed it was/is a software problem corrected at the factory, yet problem persists.
Purchased rav in 1/2006 and have had many acceleration issues with this car. From a slow/start or stop/start, I have experienced the car hesitate on acceleration. This occurrence is all the time, creating a very unsafe situation. Have complained to the dealer several times about this issue and was told that it was a safety mechanism to prevent "hard" shifting in the transmission. This situation still occurs several times daily. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Details: the vehicle has frequent problems with acceleration when cold. Car has no power when trying to enter traffic. I will step on the gas, begin moving, then the engine will bog down and I will have no acceleration at all. I have taken this up to my dealer, and their explanation is that nothing is wrong. However, this problem can occur when ever it is cold.
Our 2006 toyota rav4 has had issues on several occasions of either hesitating when the gas pedal is pressed or lunging forward when trying to slow down for traffic or a stop light. We have made several complaints to our dealer, but they keep saying nothing is wrong. We feel this car is unsafe/ reliable at this point.
Throttle lag when requesting immediate acceleration from either a stop or a t low speeds.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav 4. When starting the vehicle the cvs, ABS, 4 wheel drive, and brake warning lights remained illuminated on the dashboard. The failure occurred twice and for as long as 1 week. The dealer stated that they were unable to diagnose the failure, but that they would research it. As of this date the dealer had not informed the contact of their findings. The failure mileage was 17,000, and the current mileage was 21,000.
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