Toyota RAV4 transmission failure problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · PA

My transmission failed, torque converter. My check engine light came on with "AWD malfunction" on the dash on 10/21/26. I had to get it towed to the closest dealership. I was told it is covered under warranty to replace and repair, the following Tuesday 10/27/2 I havd to call and ask what was going on. They then informed me the part is on back order until end of December (they do not have a date) 2026- Leaving me with no vehicle for 2 months, Krause Toyota will not let me drive the car (not state legal with a faulty transmission) and only gave me a rental for 5 days. I am now forced to pay out of pocket for however long they will have my Rav4. I have called the Brand Engagement department and they have not been very helpful. The guys in the service department at Krause are extremely rude and bothered by the fact that I had questions. I did ask about the lawsuit regarding my 2019 Rav4 faulty transmissions and they said they didn't know anything about it. Any help regarding this very frustrating matter would be helpful.

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Re: Formal complaint — dealer billed for unperformed work, uncompleted Special Service Campaign 26TC03, $6,000 transmission quote with zero diagnostic codes, lifetime powertrain warranty not honored On RAV4 stalled while I was driving. I brought it to the above dealer. The service advisor told me a sensor was replaced. It was not: the mass air flow sensor in the vehicle is dust-covered with inspection paint marks and is clearly not new (photo attached). Worse, the advisor's own TIS screenshot shows Special Service Campaign 26TC03 — Incorrect Mass Air Flow Sensor Reading — with Completion Status: NOT COMPLETED on my VIN. The campaign was never performed, yet work was represented as done. The dealer is now pushing a $6,000 transmission replacement, which I declined. Their own diagnostic scan shows 0 engine codes and 0 transmission codes — there is no diagnostic basis for this recommendation. The vehicle carries a lifetime powertrain warranty; the dealer has not filed a warranty claim and has provided no written denial citing a specific exclusion. I am requesting that Toyota: 1. Open a case and assign a regional case manager; 2. Investigate this dealer's representation of completed campaign/warranty work versus the TIS record and photographic evidence; 3. Ensure the [XXX] remedy is properly completed on my VIN at no charge; 4. Confirm how the lifetime powertrain warranty claim is being handled. Attachments: repair order / $6,000 estimate, sensor photograph, advisor's TIS screenshot, advisor's scan results, warranty contract. I expect a written [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission failed to function properly. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission while shifting from fourth to fifth gear. The transmission was whining while accelerating and decelerating. The contact was concerned about metal flakes inside the engine. The contact called a service center to report the failure. 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 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 Jul 1, 2026 · Transmission · NY

transmission went out at 109,217 k miles had to pay for it out of pocket Toyota doesn't recommend transmission fluid replacement until 120k miles

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

UNKNOWN - On XXX, at just 7,741 miles, my 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium AWD (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic and life-threatening complete mechanical and hydraulic transmission failure. The vehicle completely lost forward propulsion when placed in Drive mode, rendering it entirely immobile. When placed in Reverse gear, the transmission violently over-pressurized, causing the vehicle to suddenly surge and jump uncontrollably. Simultaneously, the dashboard displayed 6 critical safety system failures: 1. Check Engine — electronic control malfunction 2. Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC/TRAC) malfunction 3. Secondary Collision Brake System malfunction 4. Pre-Collision System malfunction 5. Parking Brake System malfunction 6. Advanced Ultrasonic Detecting and Ranging System malfunction Ourisman Toyota Chantilly (RO# XXX) has confirmed complete transmission failure. Fault codes found: P28167F — Pressure Control Solenoid H Actuator Stuck Off, P08BA7F — Pressure Control Solenoid L Actuator Stuck Off. Estimated repair cost: $11,347.42. While this failure fortunately occurred on a local road, had it occurred while merging onto I-66 or I-95 at highway speeds, it would have inevitably caused a catastrophic high-speed collision. This represents an extreme manufacturing defect and life-threatening safety hazard. Toyota Corporate Cases opened: #XXX (original case) and #XXX (full replacement request). I am requesting full vehicle replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 9, 2026 · Transmission · NC

My 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure suffered a sudden catastrophic transmission failure while driving on the highway on April 28, 2026, resulting in loss of forward gears and a dangerous situation. On April 28, 2026, while traveling in [XXX] , my 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure (159,173 miles) experienced a sudden transmission failure with no prior warning symptoms. The vehicle began slipping, made a whining noise, would not properly upshift or hold speed (became stuck in 3rd gear), and eventually lost all forward propulsion, creating a safety hazard on the road. I had the vehicle towed to Zanesville Toyota in [XXX] . Their diagnosis (copy of repair order attached) revealed severe internal damage including: Torque converter clutch actuator stuck off Multiple pressure control solenoids stuck Transmission slipping and complete loss of all forward gears Fluid full but contaminated with metal debris and clutch material Whining noise The dealer quoted approximately $15,000 for a full transmission + torque converter replacement and denied goodwill assistance. This appears to be part of a known issue with the 8-speed automatic transmission (UB80) in 2019+ Toyota RAV4 models. I am concerned this is a safety defect that can cause sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. I have attached the Zanesville Toyota repair order dated 04/30/2026 documenting the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 6, 2026 · Transmission · IA

Transmission failed at 105,000 miles Quotes to replace $8000

Filed Mar 28, 2026 · Transmission · ID

At 92,000 miles my transmission went out and Toyota told me I need a brand new one. It goes in for routine services. It’s available for inspection. For the last few years I addressed the issues of jerky shift motion and it was blown off every time. It is only 7 years old. It stalled out in a busy intersection and wouldn’t move forward or backwards. There were no warning lamps before it went out.