2015 Toyota RAV4: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jul 2, 2024 · Engine · OH

The torque converter shudder is defective and causes jolting while driving between 30 and 40 mph

Filed Mar 18, 2024 · Transmission · PA

Transmission shudder between approximately 25-40 mph. Toyota had a recall on some of the 2013-2015 RAV4 for this problem by the vin number. Car shakes and it has stopped running once at a red light

Filed Aug 3, 2023 · Transmission · CT

Ever since I purchased it, it had a shudder between 20-50 miles. Called the dealer, they said it was normal with these cars. 6 years after and still making shudder noise just louder now and it bothers my ears. Took it in for a diagnostic at the same dealer I bought it and they said it’s not a torque converter issue (a bulletin was issued), but a transmission issue and it will cost $6.100 to repair.

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Transmission · AZ

At 100,000 miles my 2015 RAV4 started experience intermittent shuttering during aacceleration when car is shifting gears. It feels like driving over a rumble strip. I read about the ZH1 torque converter extended warranty for 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4 models. This has been a frequent enough issue that Toyota has extended the warranty up to 8 years or 150,000 miles, in which they will replace the torque corverter and ECM at no charge. I called Toyota Customer Care and gave my VIN number. According to Toyota, my car is not covered under the warranty becuae my car was built in May 2015 and the warranty only covers RAV4s built through Nov 2014. In their extended warranty bulletin, Toyota claims the RAV4s that aren't covered have different software logic. I have called Toyota back to find out what is different about my car's software logic, but they claim they do not know and to ask the dealer. Today I took my car into the dealer to have it diagnosed. Sure enough, the torque converter is locking up and I need to have the torque converter clutch replaced and ECM reprogrammed. The dealer said they dont know the difference between the software logic. The dealer recommends i call Toyota Customer Care back and ask to speak to a field representative, who should know that information. So far, Toyota has not been helpful in answering my question, but I am planning to get to the bottom of this. I have read that many other RAV4 owners are experiencing the same issue, where Toyota claims they are not covered because the car was built outside of the designated window. I don't think the issue was corrected properly in the later toyotas and that is why others are experiencing the same problem. This is a safety concern. The ststor clutch will cause the torque converter not to work as efficiently, driving down your gas mileage. In some extreme cases, the convertor may violently self-destruct. https://www.rav4world.com/threads/2013-2015-rav4-torque-converter-shudder-warranty-extension.311617/

Filed Jul 22, 2022 · Engine · RI

Our 2015 rav 4 is experiencing a torque converter shudder at about 40mph. We can feel this rattle or as toyota has explained in a warranty policy bulletin # pol17-06 dated 9-15-2017 and revised in 2021, a shudder, and have concerns for our safety while driving. Our mechanic test drove the car and felt the shudder. He then provided the warranty policy bulletin which we then presented to balise toyota on post rd in rhode island. They also documented and experienced the shudder confirming our concerns and those of our mechanic. Balise toyota told us our VIN # was outside the warranty covered period. Toyota is covering vehicle to nov. 2014 and our vehicle was produced feb. 9, 2015. The warranty enhancement program (zh1) warranty extension for torque converter shudder on certain 2013-2015 my rav4 offering a secondary coverage for 8 years from date of first use or 150,000 miles. Our vehicle falls within this coverage allowance, toyota corporate refused our claim for inclusion. However, we are suspiciously close to the inclusion date, experiencing the very issue, have confirmation from a mechanic and the dealership has also confirmed existence of problem upon test drive. We noticed the shudder about a month before having it checked out. I will persue toyota further but would liketo report this issue as they are not covering all vehicles produced between 2013-2015 as I think they should. My rav4 is behaving exactly as they describe a vehicle with a faulty torque converter will. Problem they acknowledge the issue but will not consider my car as it is outside the date they have decided to make. They need to extend that date out to cover all vehicles experiecing the issue.

Filed May 27, 2022 · Acceleration, Fuel system · CA

My vehicle has a problem with torque converter shudder that has gotten worse over time. At first it was shuddering and now vehicle bulks and momentarily slows down at the speed of 20mph thus creating an unsafe situation. Toyota has a Torque Converter Shudder Warranty Enhancement Program (ZH1) for vehicles of my age and mileage, but my specific VIN number does not fall under this warranty enhancement. I spoke to Toyota Brand Engagement Center senior adviser Drew and explained to him that it is a safety issue due to my vehicle unexpectedly slowing down in traffic. But he refused to do anything to mitigate this safety concern.

Filed May 10, 2022 · Transmission · VA

Transmission shudder between approximately 25-40 mph. Toyota had a recall on some of the 2013-2015 RAV4 for this problem by the vin number.