The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is an SUV with a well-deserved reputation for quality. However, this model year has a few problems, mostly with the transmission. Owner complaints cover torque converter issues, abnormal shifting, and shuddering.
Key Points
- The 2015 Toyota RAV4 was the third model year from this SUV’s fourth generation and was available in North America with a six-speed automatic transmission and three drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport).
- While the 2015 RAV4 is not without issue, the transmission’s biggest problem is typically poor maintenance. You can find a few complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the transmission but without recalls.
- Several drivers have reported their transmission shifting back and forth between gears (transmission hunting) at different speeds and complaints about gear slipping and shuddering since the car was brand-new.
- The most common transmission problems include low fluid levels or leaks due to worn seals, damaged solenoids because of insufficient fluid levels, and jammed clutches.
- Overall, transmission problems are relatively sparse for the 2015 RAV4, but we found few issues among Toyota owner forums and complaints at the NHTSA.
Owners Report Erratic Shifting at Different Speeds, and the Likely Culprits May Be a Faulty Clutch and Torque Converter
Several 2015 Toyota RAV4 owners have reported abnormal shifts at different speeds in both the FWD and AWD models. In a forum thread on Toyota Nation, owners discuss how their RAV4s shift up and down erratically, sometimes before reaching 40 mph.
Apparently, this is a persistent problem in the fourth-generation RAV4 based on reports dating back to the 2013 model year of the RAV4. However, many Toyota dealers seem unable to diagnose the issue, despite many owners claiming these problems are caused by the torque converter and the clutch.
The clutch in the RAV4 is within the torque converter and can occasionally become jammed. When the clutch jams, the solenoid may lock, and the amount of transmission fluid in the torque converter may not be sufficient. These clutch issues in the torque converter also appear very similar to low fluid levels.
Clutch problems can also cause violent shaking and may produce very high heat levels in the transmission. You will typically also notice a very sharp drop in the engine’s power output.
A technical service bulletin from Toyota regarding torque converter flex lock-up shudder mentions that 2015 RAV4s may exhibit a brief shudder intermittently while driving between 25 and 50 mph.
2015 Toyota RAV4 May Suffer From Delayed Gear Shifting, Slipping Gears, and High RPMs Caused by Low Fluid Levels
A handful of drivers have registered complaints at the NHTSA about their RAV4 slipping gears and unusually high rpms.
For example, the rpms would inadvertently increase up to 4,000 – 5,000 rpms at speeds as low as 35 mph. But then, when accelerating onto highway speeds in sport mode, the rpms go up as they should, but the transmission cannot downshift correctly and gets stuck at 3,000-4,000 rpms.
Low fluid levels or leaks typically caused some of these problems resulting from poor owner maintenance. Unfortunately, it is not rare that owners fail to follow preventive maintenance procedures for their transmissions. In this thread from RAV4 World, owners discuss transmission fluid change intervals.
Low Fluid Levels or Fluid Leaks are Among the Most Common Types of Transmission Problems in the 2015 RAV4
Leaks in the transmission system itself usually cause low transmission fluid levels. For example, the rubber seals in the transmission or driveshaft may become damaged and leak fluid. Therefore, transmission gasket seals should be replaced periodically.
In addition, on some occasions, the coolant in the radiator may contaminate transmission fluid. This is called cross-contamination and occurs occasionally.
Proper maintenance will help the transmission perform better, last longer, and require fewer repairs. This way you can avoid a transmission repair for your RAV4 that according to the Kelley Blue Book, could cost between $4,614 and $6,242.
Most of the Time, the Biggest Transmission Problem of a 2015 RAV4 is Poor Maintenance
Serious transmission issues are infrequent for owners of the 2015 Toyota RAV4. Sometimes, these issues result from neglecting transmission service schedules.
The Toyota RAV4 relies on a six-speed automatic transmission that is trouble-free mainly. So, if you’re in the market for an SUV with a solid powertrain, the RAV4 is a safe bet. But keep in mind to check the service schedule before buying a used RAV4 and stay on top of transmission maintenance.
Suppose you can find a 2015 RAV4 where the previous owner did a proper job maintaining the vehicle. In that case, you can expect this SUV to last between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles with the original transmission.
Photos: Toyota
