2010 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems

Filed Mar 29, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I was about to accelerate on a main avenue, made a clunking sound and came to a halt. Couldn't pull over safely. Investigated by mechanic, said the Transmission exploded, and the differential gears broke. No warning lights.

Filed Apr 3, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Transmission vavle body issue and not safe to drive

Filed Dec 1, 2021 · Engine, Suspension · 97,900 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Nashville Toyota North (2400 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 37115), and diagnosed that the rear differential coupling was leaking oil, the rear driver's side axle bearing was faulty, and the radiator was leaking. The rear differential coupling, rear driver's side axle bearing, and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was past the nine-year extended warranty coverage. The failure mileage was 97,900.

Filed Jul 20, 2019 · Transmission · 63,355 miles · MO

While changing the oil, I noticed a leak from the rear axle. I had the axle seals replaced at a local repair shop. Later I received a recall but the recall was only for a specific noise not for the faulty rear axle seals.

Filed Jun 24, 2019 · Transmission · CO

Toyota vehicles experiencing problems with rear differential due to design problem. Mine has both rear seals leaking and will cost hundreds of dollars to repair at toyota dealership. Breather plug gets clogged and pressure build up causes leaks. If not repaired, differential can potentially cease and cause an accident.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Fuel system, Transmission · 103,000 miles · TX

When driving the vehicle at approximately 40-50 MPH, in 4th gear, a vibration or shudder is felt in the transmission. It is a slight loss of power. It can be felt intermittently as long as you are holding a constant speed. If you manually or automatically shift down it stops, but as soon as you maintain speed again it will come back. It doesn't necessary matter which roadway you are driving on. From my understanding there is a malfunction in the torque converter. A "lock-up clutch" design flaw in the damper plate and springs. This is already a known issue for some models and recalls have been issued. It is becoming a bigger, more wide spread issue and the recall needs to be expanded to include all models with this problem.

Filed Nov 18, 2018 · Transmission · 148,000 miles · IA

Yesterday my car drove perfectly fine. Today, I am pulling out of my driveway trying to accelerate, there was a delayed reaction, then a thud and the car jumped forward at the time of the thud. It did it again when I pulled into a parking space, propelling the vehicle forward suddently after the thud was heard again. When I put it in reverse, the thud was heard again, not as loud. All of my driving was on city streets, but due to the sudden lerching forward after the thud sound, I kept a very wise distance from vehicles in front of me. This happened both in stationary and also while in motion. It feels like a transmission problem, although I have read about issues with ECM solenoids. This car has record of being serviced on a very regular basis. It has about 148k miles on it.

Filed Jun 27, 2018 · Transmission · 99,150 miles · WI

Whining sound, possibly transmission. The sound happens when I accelerate or maintain a certain speed (25-45 MPH). When I remove my foot off the pedal the sound goes away so it's only temporary. I can't really hear it on the highway but when I'm on the small roads I sometimes do. The vehicle is only 8 years old with slightly less of 100, 000 miles. The vehicle should be able to run a few more years.

Filed Jan 5, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 137,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 toyota rav4. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (copeland toyota, 1554 main st, brockton, ma 02301) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2017 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · OH

The vehicle jerks visciously when shifting. This occurs when driving up a hill and the transmission down shifts from 3rd to 2nd or when accelerating from 1st to 2nd when turning a corner or when going in reverse while traversing up any type of in line. This is a sporadic problem that began occurring at around 93,000 miles. The vehicle now has 128,000. I initially thought that the transmission was failing but I thought the mileage was way too low for that type of problem to occur. I had the transmission fluid changed at 94,000 miles. This action made no difference. Recently I began researching on the web and have found information pointing to the ECM (electronic control module). Either solution is an extremely costly repair. I am interested to know if there are other people who are experiencing similar problems and if toyota has any responsibility for repairs?