2013 Toyota RAV4: jerking or lurching

8 of the 257 complaints about the 2013 Toyota RAV4 describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 100,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 23 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2025
3
2024
5
2023
8
2022
5
2021
9
2020
9
2019
38
2018
6
2017
6
2016
4
2015
3
2014
3
2013
8
2012
9
2011
12
2010
9
2009
14
2008
14
2007
18
2006
5
2005
4
2004
15
2003
68
2002
115
2001
58
1998
4
1997
1
1996
2

What owners say

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to drive rough and was jerking and making abnormal sounds. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2023 · Engine · MS

Car jerks when shifts gears and the problem just appeared one day with no warning. I went to 4 different mechanics and none can confirm if there is metal in transmission but to solely tell the transmission needs to be replaced. Either defective transmission or another problem not related causing jerking in driving.

Filed Sep 15, 2018 · Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

The rav4 2013 is not even 5 years old yet. The car does not speed up when pressing gas and jerks suddenly. Per dealer, there is a problem with the computer connected to the transmission and had a lot of customers with the same problem.

Filed Aug 23, 2018 · 100,000 miles · CA

Filed Jun 12, 2018 · Driver assistance, Transmission · FL

Takata recall while driving, the vehicle tends to suddenly give off a "jerking" sound. When this happens, the vehicle tend to jiggle or shake then goes back to normal. This has become frightening, especially when driving on the highway. This usually happens while the vehicle is in motion. This event has happened on the highway, local road, city streets, in fact, anywhere. It just happens without warning. It is happening more often, hence I am very concerned now. The latest occurrence was sunday, june 10, 2018. Before that, it was infrequent, and I thought it was normal over the years, but now it is happening too often.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Body, Visibility · FL

I have stated my complaint for the third time. Twice with clearwater toyota and once with sun toyota in holiday fl. But nothing comes of it. In one ear and out the other. Every morning ,the side windows on our vehicle are wet with water droplets from natural morning dew. When I lower the window to clear them ,it doesn't do it. Unlike all other cars I have owned or seen, the squeaky is in contact with the window which in turn "clears the windows". It is a definite dangerous situation. As I reach the point to make a left turn or a right turn I am confronted with a completely blind spot .I don't know if I clearly explained... It requires the driver to go out and clear the side windows before one can safely drive the car. I have measured the space between the glass and the rubber squeaky and it is as thick has a piece of paper folded in eight. A large space! When the window is raised , at the last fraction of an inch ,before closing, it makes a quick jerk to come into contact with the squeaky. The sales person agreed the it was a fault but replied "that's how it is..." when I'm dropping off my daughter at school ,in the mornings it's still dark out, and when I reach the point to turn I must lower my windows to get a visual. The dealers don't give a [xxx]! Can you check into it? Or do you just file information.... Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 30, 2013 · Electrical, Transmission · 114,146 miles · MA

Vehicle hesitated when shifting into gear. No power and then a surge causing the car to jerk. Happens when accelerating from stop into first and second gear. The ECM is defective and toyota was forced to address this after class action suit see rav4ecmsettlement.com, although this resulted in an extended warranty rather than a recall. My car is 4 months passed the 10 year warranty although it has low mileage. The faulty ECM can cause the transmission to fail. This is a dangerous and unfair situation for thousands of owners. Toyota did not notify me of this issue.

Filed Jun 22, 2013 · Transmission · 15 miles · GA

While accelerating from approximately 20 MPH, a jerk was felt and a noise was heard as the vehicle was shifting gears. (this vehicle is an automatic.) this same incident occurred again later the same day. However, after the second incident, the "check engine" light and the "traction control" light came on. This occurred on the first day of ownership of the vehicle with only 15 miles on the odometer. This vehicle was brought back to the dealer for a replacement.