not sure why there are any surprises here. This is a totally, all new vehicle, even with Toyota there are bound to be problems.
Toyota ain't what it used to be, becoming more like GM every day. We've had many Toyotas, Hondas, BMWs, Chrysler/Jeep etc.
Our 2011 is running strong with 160k, but had a transmission replaced (TSB), rear hatch completely failed, tore away from body, (replaced under warranty)....our 2017 Corolla has CVT problems (widely discussed here, TSB)...
and the 8 speed auto has had problems in the Camry LAST YEAR, not resolved yet, and not sure why any of you are surprised you're having problems with the transmission here.
Google Toyota 8 speed transmission and you'll see lots and lots of complaints....pick whatever source you deem trustworthy.
again, this isn't a new issue, they were having problems with this stupid transmission in the Camry more than a year ago, and research highlights this. THat's why i was taking a wait and see approach on the 2019 Rav4, because the problems were well documented and not resolved yet.
Buying a first generation model, with a known faulty transmission, is asking for trouble.
Im a big Toyota fan but honestly there seem to be way more problems than there used to be. My neighbor has a plain jane Ford Fusion sedan with 160k miles, runs like a top.
I'd avoid Rav4 until mid cycle, they have a lot of issues to resolve. This caused me to look at Hybrid, but battery replacement if you need it is $6,000, and there are LOTS of problems that people can only put 10 or 11 gallons of gas in it, the fuel filler canister or neck appear to be incorrectly designed.
I'm waiting to see if they can resolve these first model year problems. I can live with a lot of little issues, but transmission problems is such a basic function....not acceptable...their 6 speed is bullet proof, but 8 speed is garbage. Its even noted in the reviews, surprised you guys didn't notice this.
And to top it off, the Adventure model is having big problems with the driveline disconnect feature, from FWD to AWD, they are already replacing transfer cases and can't figure out what is wrong. Ugh.
I thought I could just buy 2019 Rav4 and drive it to 150k...but...not sure at all now. Don't like CRV, and Rogue is garbage, CVT problems...