Toyota’s RAV4 comes wrapped with caution tape. In every generation, its engines and transmissions should be considered with the utmost care.
Toyota released the RAV4 in the North American market in 1996. It’s a compact crossover SUV currently in its fifth generation, with both front and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Its first generation had a 2.0-liter inline-four, and a few variants of that first generation had an electric motor providing a 78 mph top speed — but it was only released in California.
The second generation got a few more engine options, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel. Toyota still makes the RAV4, with its most recent generation having debuted in 2019. Let’s go over how the RAV4 has–and hasn’t–held up over the years.
Toyota RAV4’s Most Problematic Years
The RAV4 faced its biggest challenges in 2002 and 2007, primarily with its automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the newest generation RAV4 still has problems with its automatic transmission, despite having a new iteration.
Other problematic years include 2008, 2006, and 2001. Every model year has problems, but these five have the highest amount of complaints coupled with the most severe issues. Car Complaints also takes into account the frequency of which these complaints surface.
RAV4’s Biggest Problem
The 2002 RAV4 came with a five-speed manual transmission, as well as an automatic four-speed U140F electronically controlled transmission (ECT) for its 4WD models.
Toyota pioneered the ECT in the early 1980s with four goals in mind:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Improved shifting quality
- Improved drivability
- Self-diagnosis function
Toyota’s U140F transmission, unfortunately, came with a host of issues.
Owners complain of a shifting problem where the transmission would bind between the first and second gears. Toyota never acknowledged this problem, so there is no official documentation of what the exact problem is, or how to address it.
The U140F’s shifting problems presented themselves in a variety of ways. Besides binding mid-gearshift, transmissions could skip second gear entirely. The problem supposedly stems from a failed ECU that causes the transmission to slip gears and jerk the car forward.
Getting into the reverse gear was also problematic. The RAV4 will stop immediately if it’s in motion while the ECU fails, according to owners who have experienced these issues.
Additional RAV4 Problems
Early-year RAV4s had non-transmission-related problems. The only recall they had affected aftermarket lamp compatibility.
However, owners reported oil turning into sludge resulting in engine failure, as well as excessive oil consumption.
One particular owner of 1997 RAV4 carries a bag of ignition fuses because the #10 fuse frequently blows. This results in the car failing to start and get into gear.
According to Car Complaints, the ECU defect didn’t resurface for 2007. Unfortunately, that year came with other problems. It has the highest number of customer complaints of any year RAV4.
Reported problems include excessive oil consumption, oxygen sensor failure, and engine failure. Owners report having to replace a quart of oil every 10 days.
Despite 2002 and 2007 receiving the most reported issues, Car Complaints lists 2008 as the worst model year, citing transmission problems. Owners report total and sudden transmission failure, sometimes at low mileage. Violent jerking and banging noises with forward and reverse gear changes were popular symptoms.
Other RAV4s had inadequate driveshafts, some of them needing custom-made replacements and costing almost $1,000 for installation.
Transmission woes continued for the 2019 model year. Though it doesn’t have nearly as many complaints filed against it, it’s still relatively new. Owners report the transmission lurching at slow speeds, rough shifts, and slipping.
It’s important to note that during the RAV4’s second-generation from 2001-2012, it used the U241E automatic transmission in its two-wheel configuration. These transmissions also had problems with forward gears not activating. Symptoms included slipping, erratic shifting, and failing to select a gear altogether.
Toyota RAV4 Recalls
The Toyota RAV4 didn’t receive any recalls for the 2002 model year despite the complaints it received. The 2007 model year however had 14 recalls issued against it.
The 2007 and 2008 model years suffered from rear suspension arm tie rod corrosion. Seat heater electrical wiring could short, causing a fire. If the window sliding electrical contacts weren’t properly lubricated, debris and moisture could cause a short and melt the switch assembly, again causing a fire.
Airbag deployment failure, stuck pedals, and mislabeled load carrying capacity all contributed to 2007 being one of the RAV4’s worst model years. Unfortunately, 2007 and 2008 were never issued a recall for their transmission and driveshaft failure.
Toyota already issued seven recalls for the 2019 RAV4, but none address its transmission problems. Those seven recalls acknowledge failing fuel pumps, electrical power steering assist failure, separating front lower suspension arms, and coolant leaks.
What to Do About RAV4 Problems
If the Toyota RAV4 problems you are experiencing include a transmission that is missing its second gear (but the car can still drive forward), driving to a mechanic is an option. However, the wisest course of action is to stop the car immediately and have it towed.
For a problem like excessive oil consumption, carry extra oil at all times and monitor the engine’s consumption. Owners reporting their engines burning up to a quart of oil every 10 days experienced this after exhibiting typical driving habits.
The RAV4’s ECU is in charge of a few systems:
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- Engine Control Module (ECM)
- Transmission Control Module (TCM)
If any of these systems malfunction, it could be a sign that the ECU is on its way out, and should be checked immediately. Total transmission failure from a bad ECU typically comes with other symptoms and doesn’t act alone.
How to Fix RAV4 Problems
The 2002 RAV4 problems appear to stem from ECU failure. New ECUs cost slightly north of $200. There is some debate, but a Toyota RAV4 owner on a forum traced the problem to burned-out resistors on the ECU board. Other users tried this with unsuccessful results. Replacing the ECU altogether is a more reliable solution.
Fixes for the RAV4’s transmission include rebuilding and replacing. Rebuilding is far and away the most expensive option. A shop must remove the transmission, tear it down and replace the worn parts, and reinstall it.
Replacing the transmission with a used one is the cheapest option, but the replacement may suffer from the same issues. Simultaneously the cheapest and most reliable option is to replace the transmission with one that’s already rebuilt, however, sourcing takes time for certain parts.
Websites like SPPrecision sell remanufactured U140F transmissions for about $3,200.
The second-generation U241E problems can be traced back to a problem with a failed solenoid, and can apparently stem all the way to a bad torque converter. Mechanics state overheating as another issue, occurring in heavy traffic or while carrying heavy loads.
Are RAV4s a Good Buy?
Toyota RAV4s have many strong attributes. They can fit into mid-size parking spaces while having decent cargo room, they are comfortable and provide adequate acceleration.
Unfortunately, the transmission problems are too big to ignore. If in the market for a RAV4, ensure its transmission is either new, rebuilt or fixed. Toyota must fix recalled issues, so those shouldn’t really be a factor in buying a RAV4.
RAV4s made in the mid-90s are relatively safe buys, considering they didn’t come with the U140F or U241E automatic transmissions. Further, they have few complaints lodged against them and no recalls.
Their engine issues, however, deserve considerable scrutiny. Before buying a RAV4, be sure to check out its service history and have it inspected by a mechanic, preferably one who’s well versed in Toyota four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.
Photos: Toyota
