Toyota RAV4 hesitation problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Transmission · PA

My vehicle, 2014 Toyota rav4 xle AWD, is experiencing symptoms relating to the Toyota Warranty Enhancement Program ZH1 and is causing unsafe driving conditions. Toyota Corp has refused to honor this enhancement warranty simply because it is outside of the time frame of 8 years, however it is still under the mileage cutoff of 150k. This transmission shudder causes sudden hesitation and a loss of smooth power under acceleration, creating an unsafe driving conditions especially when trying to merge onto the highway. First started approximately 10 months after purchasing vehicle.

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 Jul 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

My 2021 Toyota RAV4 began experiencing intermittent shuddering and vibration at low speeds around May 2026. The condition occurred while accelerating from a stop or at slow speeds and became more frequent over time. Because the problem was intermittent, the dealership was initially unable to duplicate it. Independent inspection later found dark transmission fluid containing metal debris, indicating internal transmission failure. I was informed the transmission requires replacement or rebuild. My vehicle has approximately 94,000 miles, which is well below the expected service life of a modern transmission. The symptoms are consistent with numerous reported complaints involving Toyota’s UA80 automatic transmission and torque converter. An unexpected loss of smooth power delivery or hesitation during acceleration creates a potential safety risk, particularly when entering traffic or crossing intersections. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can investigate as this is a very dangerous and concearning issue.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Engine · RI

TSB T-SB-0010-24 P0303 code 163,000 miles Toyota denied goodwill assistance Cost: $2,549.65 Check engine light came on with vehicle hesitation on acceleration almost caused to stall with reduced power while driving , the dealership diagnosed the issue as TSB T-SB-0010-24 with cylinder #3 misfire requiring exhaust valve lash adjuster to be replaced. Contacted Toyota corporate to request help with goodwill or discount , was denied , was told they couldn't help no reason given .This issue is a well know Toyota RAV4 defect and even though they claim it only happens when is cold this happened to my SUV at 60*F. Please help.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Transmission · NY

Malfunction: Mechanical failure of the Torque Converter Clutch. The vehicle exhibits a persistent transmission shudder during acceleration between 25–50 mph. Warning Signs: None. There were no dashboard warning lights or error messages prior to or during the failure. The only indicator was the physical shuddering of the vehicle. Safety Risk: The malfunction causes unpredictable hesitation when merging or changing lanes, creating a dangerous speed differential and risk of rear-end collision. Documentation: Comprehensive maintenance records are available to prove the vehicle was serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule at a third-party facility.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · NV

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 8-speed transmission is catastrophically defective and poses an immediate safety hazard. It exhibits severe hesitation, slipping, and lurching when accelerating from a stop or low speed, and when attempting to merge into high-speed traffic (I-15/Las Vegas), creating a high risk of rear-end collisions. During these events, the RPMs spike and fall rapidly but the vehicle fails to accelerate. Furthermore, the vehicle lunges forward while the brakes are applied. The engine actively fights the braking system, requiring extreme physical force to stop the car and prevent front-end collisions. This lunging has repeatedly triggered the Pre-Collision System, causing the seatbelts to lock and tension against the driver’s body. Additionally, the vehicle exhibits steering resistance and feedback during turns, making it difficult to maneuver safely. The local dealership (AutoNation Toyota Las Vegas) inspected the vehicle and claimed these life-threatening behaviors are "normal" for this model.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · FL

Jerks during acceleration. Lurching sensation when acceleration from a stop or after slowing down for a turn. The engine control module (ECM) not communicating effectively with the transmission, leading to searching for gears, rough shifting and low speed hesitation.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

My 2019 Toyota RAV4 experienced a dangerous electrical and transmission failure that ultimately caused the vehicle to stall while driving and made me lose control. For several weeks before the incident, the vehicle showed subtle hesitation when accelerating but no warning lights. After the car stalled and spun out coming off the Ben Franklin Bridge onto I-76 near downtown Camden, police responded, confirmed the vehicle had unexpectedly shut off, and verified there was no crash damage. I later brought the car to the Toyota dealership, where they discovered corrosion on the battery cable, failed ABS sensors, and a weak battery. I paid $668 for a new battery, new cable, and ABS sensor repairs. At that time, the dealership did not inform me of any transmission issues and released the vehicle back to me. I made it only a short distance up the road before realizing the vehicle could not accelerate past 40 mph and was still malfunctioning, so I immediately returned it. The next day, the dealership initially claimed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, but after I insisted they re-evaluate the car, they then informed me that the transmission was failing and needed replacement. This sequence of electrical instability, combined with the transmission malfunction, ultimately led to the earlier stall where I lost all power steering and braking assist and spun out into the median. The vehicle, diagnostic records, and replaced components are available for inspection. The sudden loss of power and control created a major safety risk to me and other drivers in a high-traffic area.

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

The car transmission hesitates to accelerate at slow speeds and jerks or lurches forwards in a uncontrollable way. Dangerous at stop signs or on slow or hilly roads. Dealership does not directly acknowledge this issue, despite mechanic mentioning very clearly it is related to T-SB-0107-19 which Toyota dealerships charge to repair. No warning messages. Issue has existed as long as I have owned the vehicle 1.5 years from 61,000 miles to 71,000 miles.

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Transmission · WI

I’m reporting a safety issue with my 2019 Toyota RAV4 that has recently started and is getting worse. The problem seems related to the start-stop system or something in the powertrain. When I come to a stop—at a stop sign, red light, or roundabout—the car doesn’t always respond normally when I try to start moving again. Sometimes there’s a hesitation, and other times it lurches forward unexpectedly when I lightly press the gas pedal, like you normally would. It feels like a jolt, almost like whiplash. It’s especially dangerous in roundabouts or tight traffic situations because I can’t predict how the car will respond. I’m worried I could accidentally hit another car, or get rear-ended myself because the car doesn’t move smoothly or reliably when restarting from a stop. Even when I turn off the start-stop system, the issue still happens. It feels like a hesitation followed by a sudden surge. The RPMs don’t change, but the car still lurches. Yesterday, for the first time, I noticed the car slightly accelerated on its own after stopping, which was very concerning. I found out through Toyota’s official website that there is a technical service bulletin about this issue that came out before we owned the vehicle. But because it’s not a full recall, the dealership said they wouldn’t fix it unless we paid the $80 diagnostic fee. We’re now just out of warranty. We’re making $580 monthly payments on a car that I don’t currently feel is safe to drive. There are no warning lights or messages on the dash. I’ll be taking it to Le Mieux Toyota in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, in two weeks to have it inspected, but I wanted to report this because I believe it’s a safety issue that should be looked into. I have two small kids and I’m genuinely worried about getting into an accident, especially when merging onto highways or driving in busy intersections. I’ve seen people say this system can be recalibrated, but the fact that this is happening without any dashboard warning and is worse.