2020 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced hesitation upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, while approaching a hill, the vehicle drifted backwards while attempting to accelerate. The failure persisted after several restarts, and several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and a dealer, and it was confirmed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but the contact was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Transmission · KY

During summer 2026 i began to notice a noise/whine above 30mph that would only occur when foot is on accelerator. my vehicle has 83k miles on it (me being only owner with routine maintenance). as a responsible owner, i had my dealer do an inspection. after a drive and a listen, they claimed it was a transmission bearing failure and only solution is a $11k transmission replacement, with the commentary "we had a camry in last week with same issue". Being responsible owner, i got a second opinion from an independent shop who also verified "transmission bearing failure, you will need a new transmission. currently the part is on backorder because so many are needing to be replaced and no one should do a replacement with a used transmission". This is not the quality i expected out of toyota -- transmissions should not be needing to be replaced at 83k miles.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Transmission · PA

**VEHICLE:** 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE **VIN:** [XXX] **CURRENT MILEAGE:** 126,776 miles **PURCHASE DATE:** October 2020 **COMPONENT:** Automatic Transmission (Power Train) **PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:** On XXX, I took my 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE to a transmission specialty shop (TJ'S Transmission Service Inc., Bedford, PA) because the automatic transmission was slipping while driving. The professional diagnosis (Invoice #XXX) confirmed the following stored fault codes: P2681, P2816, P08BA, P2713 The technician also confirmed that the transmission fluid was black and contained metal debris, indicating significant internal wear of clutch/band components. While researching these codes, I found that Toyota previously issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) T-SB-0160-18, titled "Transaxle Whine Noise, Harsh Shift, MIL ON, or Reduced Power," which acknowledges these SAME fault codes (P2816, P08BA, P2713, among others) as a known problem in the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80/UB80 family, manufactured by Aisin). This TSB was officially issued only for the 2017-2018 Highlander and Sienna models, but the 2019 and later RAV4 uses the same transmission family (UB80E/UB80F) for the 2.5L engine, suggesting this is the same design or manufacturing defect that has not been officially acknowledged for this model. This issue represents a safety risk, as unexpected loss of power or transmission slippage while driving (for example, when merging onto a highway or passing) can create a dangerous situation for the driver and other vehicles on the road. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether a similar failure pattern exists in other 2019-2021 RAV4 vehicles equipped with this transmission, and that consideration be given to whether Toyota should extend coverage of TSB T-SB-0160-18 (or issue a specific one) to include the RAV4. No repair was performed at this time due to the high estimated cost without warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Transmission · 133,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for maintenance, and it was discovered that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting roughly while driving. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. There were metal fragments found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · FL

When trying to start my vehicle this morning, the car was having a noticeable issue the minute I turned on the vehicle. It was making some weird noises under the hood, and it was starting to lose power. Then the engine would cut out and a warning would appear on my dash that read, "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" Thank God this happened while I was at home. What if this had happened while I was driving down the road, at a red light. I would have been a sitting duck in the middle of the road and would not want to put my kids or I in jeopardy of being hit.

Filed Jun 8, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · FL

My vehicle Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2020 began lost power and jerk on highway driving and then following messages appeared: Hybrid System Malfunction, A malfunction in electronic control of engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected and check engine light. This happened in September 2024. Toyota dealership replaced the low fuel pressure sensor A after my complaint and vehicle diagnostic, but it did not help. I recently had the same problem while driving on the highway for a long distance.

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Transmission · TX

Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced per Toyota. Many people are having this problem.

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Acceleration, Electrical · MI

Wire harness failure according to the Toyota dealership representative I spoke with after inspection on 12/18/24. Rep said this is a known issue with certain years and they will cover cost of replacement. Previously, I had received a message stating, "Hybrid System Malfunction, Visit your Dealer" but could not get an appointment until 12/18. The dealer rep said they needed to order parts to fix the wire harness issue and that I would be okay taking the car and bringing it back when parts were in. The day after the inspection (12/19) I was in a Walmart parking lot and my car started but I could not get it to drive or reverse. A message stated "Vehicle not ready to drive" and "No power to rear brakes". If I put the car into drive or reverse and stepped on the gas, the car interior lit up and the dinging sound (usually associated with unbuckled safety belt) was heard. I had my safety belt fastened. My car could be put into neutral and had to be towed to the dealership. After looking into the issue, I found out that the car could had died while I was driving it resulting in loss of power brakes, etc. I live in a more rural area and could have been stuck with out cell reception, etc. This should be a RECALL and they never should have let me leave the dealership in my car. Note: As of today (12/20) the dealer rep stated they will cover all towing costs and cover a loaner vehicle for me. My dealership is very helpful BUT this could be a serious issue for someone else. Google "Rav 4 Cablegate" for more information.

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · CA

My Toyota 2020 RAV4 has a dangerous design flaw. It rolls when turned off and in drive mode. For example, my driveway is on an incline, and a couple times I have pulled into my driveway, gotten distracted, and I forgot to put the car in Park. When I hit the on/off button, the car rolls backwards, accelerating due to gravity. If you're not quick, you can end up rolling out into traffic, or running someone over that is behind your car. All the other cars I've ever owned didn't roll when the car was turned off unless you were in neutral. I believe this is a design flaw because I've spoken to a few other RAV4 owners that have experienced the same thing, and on one occasion, I tested it on another RAV4 and it was the same. I can see this being very dangerous. If you are standing outside of the car and hit the on/off button while it's in drive, you would get knocked down by the door, and your car would be rolling without you in the car.

Filed Oct 14, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Broken- Coolant bypass valve My safety was put at risk as the coolant bypass value broke leaking coolant over my cars electrical components and not keeping my engine cool. This could have resulted in my engine, overheating, exploding while operating the car and putting my life at risk. Also “engine maintenance alert” that couldn’t not be dismissed by the driver, obstructed the view of my dashboard. This problem was confirmed by the the Toyota dealership There is currently a class action lawsuit against Toyota for this specific issue.