2002 RAV4 hesitation/transmission problem? only 55k miles

[YellowMP5]

Hi guys,

I got a question and hopefully someone can help.

My mother has a 2002 RAV4 4 cylinder, base trim. Bought in March of 2002. It only has 55k miles on it and you can imagine the way my mom drives it.

Lately there is some hesition when shifting from first to second. I added oil the first time and it improved - according to my mom. But a couple of weeks later it came back. I drove and there is in fact hesitation and after a short drive I started hearing some sort of metal sound/kick when shifting. Checked the ATF and it was at the low mark but seemed like it was enough. No check engine light ever came on.

We took the car to Toyota of Hollywood (South FLorida). They replaced the computer under warranty (so they said) and they said the condition did not improve. They said they would have to call Toyota and see what they say could be wrong. Know they recommended changing solenoids in the transmission which we agreed to. But they said if that doesn't fix it, the tranny will need to be replaced.

It is VERY hard for me to believe that a TOYOTA transmission could fail after 55k miles especially with the way my mom drives. I mean to me that's incomprehensible at this age and time. We even picked a car that was assembled in Japan (some of them were also made in UK).

Has anyone come across this problem? What was the solution? Any TSB's or recalls that anyone know of that relate to this? Is it possible to get TOYOTA to cover the tranny replacement if that is something that will need to be done?

Sorry for the long post, hope someone can help?

[YellowMP5]

I did some research and see that this is a huge problem. Thousands of people are complaining about this. Toyota even put out a TSB to prevent this problem but of course the dealership never did the work. Wow, 55k miles and transmission is fried.

Unless Toyota picks up the tab for this, this will be my first and last Toyota.
Hope there is a class action suit being organized.

Good luck to everyone who has this problem. Hope it will be resolved.

[JeffinWV]

I purchased my 2002 Toyota RAV4 from my dealer…it was his demo car and my ECM(Engine Control Module) and Transmission issues just popped up at 107,000 miles. Like many here, I had owned another Toyota previously, a Camry, and got 225,000 worry-free miles out of it. In fact my friend has a Toyota Celica she is still driving with 275,000 miles on it!!!

Out of the clear-blue two days ago, the RAV4 check engine light came on for about two hours, then went out, but the shifting then became erratic. I have serviced this vehicle faithfully since I purchased it and expected to get another 100,000 more miles, but, my dealership, where it has been serviced forever, said it was going to cost over $1,200 for the ECM (which is also not warrantied…what is with that?!?!?!?) and even if I replace just the ECM, it still may not work with the old transmission, so it was recommended that I replace the transmission too for another $3,500 because the defective ECM has destroyed the transmission.

In trying to develop some alternate strategies to approach the problem I suggested that we drop the transmission to physically inspect it for damage so then we could isolate the repair to just the ECM, but, as the dealership service manager told me, in their experiences with this problem, with which they have had several encounters on the RAV4 as well as Avalons, the only solution seems to be to undergo this complete and costly major repair.

And, with the market value for the car at only $6,000, it almost makes more sense to trade it in and get a new vehicle.

After pricing some of the vehicles on their lot as a reference point (I really need a pick-up with 4wd now more than the RAV4 2wd anyway) I had them reset the ECM to see if it might correct itself…like rebooting a computer, you know, to just get me home and to buy a little more time to determine an appropriate course of action. And don’t get your hopes up, I got home ok, but the Transmission is still slipping.

I had never realized that there were ever any serious problems like this with the Toyota product line until I went online and “Googled “Toyota Transmission problems” you will be amazed at how many of their products and models, Rav4’s, Avalons, Tundras, even 2008 Camrys are plagued with similar transmission malfunction issues.

Here’s another twist. After e-mailing and sending a letter to Toyota USA in Torrence California about this issue, I called the Toyota Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-331-4331 and talked with a real person and did get some valuable info which follows. Plus, I have been assigned a case number, which goes into their database and logs the issue should they have enough complaints to warrant a recall or other remedy. So do contact them.

I also found out that my dealer SHOULD have offered me a 12-month warranty on the new ECU, but they didn’t…It seems this up to the dealer’s discretion. Plus the replacement transmission also has a 12 month, unlimited mileage warranty, and from Toyota’s own on-line parts catalogue, the replacement transmission has an MSRP of $2,457.40. Granted, the $3,560 which the dealership quoted me includes labor, there may be some additional wiggle-room off the tranny MSRP.

I have since scheduled an appointment at another Toyota dealership to see what they diagnose and get another quote so perhaps I can better leverage my decision.

[YellowMP5]

Originally Posted by JeffinWV

Here’s another twist. After e-mailing and sending a letter to Toyota USA in Torrence California about this issue, I called the Toyota Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-331-4331 and talked with a real person and did get some valuable info which follows. Plus, I have been assigned a case number, which goes into their database and logs the issue should they have enough complaints to warrant a recall or other remedy. So do contact them.

I also found out that my dealer SHOULD have offered me a 12-month warranty on the new ECU, but they didn’t…It seems this up to the dealer’s discretion. Plus the replacement transmission also has a 12 month, unlimited mileage warranty, and from Toyota’s own on-line parts catalogue, the replacement transmission has an MSRP of $2,457.40. Granted, the $3,560 which the dealership quoted me includes labor, there may be some additional wiggle-room off the tranny MSRP.

I have since scheduled an appointment at another Toyota dealership to see what they diagnose and get another quote so perhaps I can better leverage my decision.

Hi jeffin,

the dealership quoted us $3500 as well. After I called the Toyota national help line at the number you listed above they forwarded my complaint to the dealership. To make the story short, after a couple of weeks the dealership has agreed to cover 50% of the transmission cost so basically they agreed to fix it for $2500. The Toyota customer help line is absolutely USELESS. I called back a number of times and finally got a manager type of a person I guess, I believe it was Evelyn, but i am not sure, but she was very pleasant and told me that she would call the dealership herself. However she was not able to drop the price any lower than 2500. I filed a complaint against TOyota through Better Business Bureau and they didn't even bother to respond. I also filed a complaint through http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Also please email melody melodyb78@comcast.net. She is collecting the following information right now to be forwarded to a law firm which showed interest in filing a class action lawsuit.

---------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone,

I contacted a Seattle firm a couple of weeks ago and received a phone call from them on Friday. I am going to meet with them in person this Thursday and need to collect as much information as I can to make the best case possible to them.

Please send me the following information if you have it avaliable:

-Call logs to Toyota and dealerships or written documentation of how Toyota reacted to your problems
-List of repairs and costs associated with them
-Any documentation to consumer protection agencies etc.
-Mileage of when each of you started experiencing problems
-When you bought your RAV4, what year your RAV4 is and if you bought it new or used

Jon - could you send out your online survey to the group since we have new people that need to take it? Also, could you send me the results before Thursday?

David B. - could you send me anyone you still might have that contacted you about wanting to join the group? The more people we have on board, the better chance we have at getting them to take the case.

Thank you everyone!

-Melody
--------------------------------------------------------------

This was my first Toyota. Needless to say this is also my last one.

[rickystrong]

TOYOTA RAV 4 2001 1007,000 KM. ECU - TRANSMISSION ISSUES,
I have had the same issues with the ECU as you all manifesting with the transmission suddenly slipping, literally an overnight phenomenon.
I had the car checked by usual mechanic with handheld computer diagnostics, no fault codes;, however symptoms still there so stopped driving the car and started to ring around to inform myself.
The answers came back thick and fast, it was as if every one could diagnose the problem without even seeing the car, they literally told me what year and model car I had after briefly describing the problems.
"Change the ECU [$ 1700- $2100] and if you are lucky that may fix the problem, if unlucky and you drove the car without noticing in time the transmission will need replacing[$3500 -7500]" was the standard reply.
After reading all the posts on web about this and speaking to dozens of independent transmission workshop Experts & Mechanics, I have contacted NRMA, Dept of fair trading, and Channel Seven and Nine regarding doing a story on their "current affair", & "Today Tonight" programs as their are some massive safety issues related to this situation, [ my wife & two young children were nearly rammed by other vehicles several times at traffic lights because of transmission suddenly slipping, the media are interested in this !!!.
I have several experts willing to go on record and speak about this issue.
Let me know if you want to form a group to bring this issue into public awareness thus encouraging Toyota to take responsibility for their products and stop sweeping this under the carpet.
After my local Toyota workshop, replaced the ECU [$ 1682] the vehicle seemed Ok, but as the transmission will not show up any fault code if it is damaged only time will tell !
Confidence in the brand Toyota is now at a very low point with me.
Before paying my repair bill I contacted Toyota customer relations Sydney/ Taren Point /Tel; 02 9710 3333 and made a serious complaint regarding this issue and informed them of my awareness of just how widespread this issue is and how the media is interested in doing a story on this matter, [ in 2006 these vehicles were recalled in the USA for software upgrade a free service ], Anyway they spoke to the dealer, the dealer spoke to the warranty dept ,and lo and behold they came to the party and reduced my repair bill by $ 800 This is a start however I am convinced that this should be a free recall service and if transmissions are damaged due to a faulty ECU that controls it the transmission is by definition COLLATERAL DAMAGE for wich Toyota also should be responsible and prepared to assist their loyal [till now] customers.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR CAR REPAIRED BY TOYOTA YOU COULD TRY TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE PRIOR TO PAYING YOUR BILL AND HOPEFULLY THIS WAY YOU TOO CAN AT LEAST SAVE SOME MONEY AND COLLECTIVELLY WE WILL EVENTUALLY ENCOURAGE TOYOTA TO ADJUST THEIR DENIAL STRATEGY ABOUT THIS MATTER.
PLEASE RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THIS ISSUE & TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

Originally Posted by YellowMP5

Hi jeffin,

the dealership quoted us $3500 as well. After I called the Toyota national help line at the number you listed above they forwarded my complaint to the dealership. To make the story short, after a couple of weeks the dealership has agreed to cover 50% of the transmission cost so basically they agreed to fix it for $2500. The Toyota customer help line is absolutely USELESS. I called back a number of times and finally got a manager type of a person I guess, I believe it was Evelyn, but i am not sure, but she was very pleasant and told me that she would call the dealership herself. However she was not able to drop the price any lower than 2500. I filed a complaint against TOyota through Better Business Bureau and they didn't even bother to respond. I also filed a complaint through http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Also please email melody melodyb78@comcast.net. She is collecting the following information right now to be forwarded to a law firm which showed interest in filing a class action lawsuit.

---------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone,

I contacted a Seattle firm a couple of weeks ago and received a phone call from them on Friday. I am going to meet with them in person this Thursday and need to collect as much information as I can to make the best case possible to them.

Please send me the following information if you have it avaliable:

-Call logs to Toyota and dealerships or written documentation of how Toyota reacted to your problems
-List of repairs and costs associated with them
-Any documentation to consumer protection agencies etc.
-Mileage of when each of you started experiencing problems
-When you bought your RAV4, what year your RAV4 is and if you bought it new or used

Jon - could you send out your online survey to the group since we have new people that need to take it? Also, could you send me the results before Thursday?

David B. - could you send me anyone you still might have that contacted you about wanting to join the group? The more people we have on board, the better chance we have at getting them to take the case.

Thank you everyone!

-Melody
--------------------------------------------------------------

This was my first Toyota. Needless to say this is also my last one.

[dej73]

Originally Posted by rickystrong

TOYOTA RAV 4 2001 1007,000 KM. ECU - TRANSMISSION ISSUES,
I have had the same issues with the ECU as you all manifesting with the transmission suddenly slipping, literally an overnight phenomenon.
I had the car checked by usual mechanic with handheld computer diagnostics, no fault codes;, however symptoms still there so stopped driving the car and started to ring around to inform myself.
The answers came back thick and fast, it was as if every one could diagnose the problem without even seeing the car, they literally told me what year and model car I had after briefly describing the problems.
"Change the ECU [$ 1700- $2100] and if you are lucky that may fix the problem, if unlucky and you drove the car without noticing in time the transmission will need replacing[$3500 -7500]" was the standard reply.
After reading all the posts on web about this and speaking to dozens of independent transmission workshop Experts & Mechanics, I have contacted NRMA, Dept of fair trading, and Channel Seven and Nine regarding doing a story on their "current affair", & "Today Tonight" programs as their are some massive safety issues related to this situation, [ my wife & two young children were nearly rammed by other vehicles several times at traffic lights because of transmission suddenly slipping, the media are interested in this !!!.
I have several experts willing to go on record and speak about this issue.
Let me know if you want to form a group to bring this issue into public awareness thus encouraging Toyota to take responsibility for their products and stop sweeping this under the carpet.
After my local Toyota workshop, replaced the ECU [$ 1682] the vehicle seemed Ok, but as the transmission will not show up any fault code if it is damaged only time will tell !
Confidence in the brand Toyota is now at a very low point with me.
Before paying my repair bill I contacted Toyota customer relations Sydney/ Taren Point /Tel; 02 9710 3333 and made a serious complaint regarding this issue and informed them of my awareness of just how widespread this issue is and how the media is interested in doing a story on this matter, [ in 2006 these vehicles were recalled in the USA for software upgrade a free service ], Anyway they spoke to the dealer, the dealer spoke to the warranty dept ,and lo and behold they came to the party and reduced my repair bill by $ 800 This is a start however I am convinced that this should be a free recall service and if transmissions are damaged due to a faulty ECU that controls it the transmission is by definition COLLATERAL DAMAGE for wich Toyota also should be responsible and prepared to assist their loyal [till now] customers.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR CAR REPAIRED BY TOYOTA YOU COULD TRY TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE PRIOR TO PAYING YOUR BILL AND HOPEFULLY THIS WAY YOU TOO CAN AT LEAST SAVE SOME MONEY AND COLLECTIVELLY WE WILL EVENTUALLY ENCOURAGE TOYOTA TO ADJUST THEIR DENIAL STRATEGY ABOUT THIS MATTER.
PLEASE RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THIS ISSUE & TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

[dej73]

2001 rav4 with 186,000km. same problem transmission slipping. thats big headache and money
[
quote=rickystrong;2498840]TOYOTA RAV 4 2001 1007,000 KM. ECU - TRANSMISSION ISSUES,
I have had the same issues with the ECU as you all manifesting with the transmission suddenly slipping, literally an overnight phenomenon.
I had the car checked by usual mechanic with handheld computer diagnostics, no fault codes;, however symptoms still there so stopped driving the car and started to ring around to inform myself.
The answers came back thick and fast, it was as if every one could diagnose the problem without even seeing the car, they literally told me what year and model car I had after briefly describing the problems.
"Change the ECU [$ 1700- $2100] and if you are lucky that may fix the problem, if unlucky and you drove the car without noticing in time the transmission will need replacing[$3500 -7500]" was the standard reply.
After reading all the posts on web about this and speaking to dozens of independent transmission workshop Experts & Mechanics, I have contacted NRMA, Dept of fair trading, and Channel Seven and Nine regarding doing a story on their "current affair", & "Today Tonight" programs as their are some massive safety issues related to this situation, [ my wife & two young children were nearly rammed by other vehicles several times at traffic lights because of transmission suddenly slipping, the media are interested in this !!!.
I have several experts willing to go on record and speak about this issue.
Let me know if you want to form a group to bring this issue into public awareness thus encouraging Toyota to take responsibility for their products and stop sweeping this under the carpet.
After my local Toyota workshop, replaced the ECU [$ 1682] the vehicle seemed Ok, but as the transmission will not show up any fault code if it is damaged only time will tell !
Confidence in the brand Toyota is now at a very low point with me.
Before paying my repair bill I contacted Toyota customer relations Sydney/ Taren Point /Tel; 02 9710 3333 and made a serious complaint regarding this issue and informed them of my awareness of just how widespread this issue is and how the media is interested in doing a story on this matter, [ in 2006 these vehicles were recalled in the USA for software upgrade a free service ], Anyway they spoke to the dealer, the dealer spoke to the warranty dept ,and lo and behold they came to the party and reduced my repair bill by $ 800 This is a start however I am convinced that this should be a free recall service and if transmissions are damaged due to a faulty ECU that controls it the transmission is by definition COLLATERAL DAMAGE for wich Toyota also should be responsible and prepared to assist their loyal [till now] customers.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR CAR REPAIRED BY TOYOTA YOU COULD TRY TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE PRIOR TO PAYING YOUR BILL AND HOPEFULLY THIS WAY YOU TOO CAN AT LEAST SAVE SOME MONEY AND COLLECTIVELLY WE WILL EVENTUALLY ENCOURAGE TOYOTA TO ADJUST THEIR DENIAL STRATEGY ABOUT THIS MATTER.
PLEASE RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THIS ISSUE & TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW![/quote]

[Toyotech101]

I have successfully replaced several computers for this issue.

[dej73]

Originally Posted by Toyotech101

I have successfully replaced several computers for this issue.

how much to replace???

[drax71]

read this for tons of information how to repair your ECM

http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15515