Faults:

Two day ago we joined the very sizable crowd of Rav owners with transmission problems. The dealer said a new ECM and transmission were needed. Total cost $4600.00!! Warranty on this repair was only 1 year/unlimited miles. My wife almost cried - it's the car she drives.

When we caught our breath, we said "no, thanks" and left with the car. At least we were not charged for the diagnosis!

Did a bit of research and found a company called A.T.E. (auto & truck electronics) (866) 983-6688 that will repair/upgrade the ECM for around $200.00, so I will send them the ECM and hope the transmission/transaxle is not already damaged. Seems worth a try!

General Comments:

This car, while short on engine power and completely lacking any sporting blood, is well suited to around town errand runs and short trips.

Fit and finish are good, but not outstanding.

Fuel mileage in mid 20's max.

We have owned eight (8) Toyotas, but due to Toyota's lack of concern over an obvious and serious defect, it will absolutely be our last Toyota!

Faults:

Transmission started to jerk on the interstate. Had a big rig honking at me because my RAV4 would not change into gear.

Problem: ECU. I called TOYOTA -- Claim they have never heard of this problem. Took it to Toyota -- COST $1,800 to repair, and if the problem does not go away, the transmission will have to be repaired - COST $4,000.00.

My opinion: Toyota developed a way to generate more revenue for their company. You don't buy a car within 5 years, it's OK...You'll be back... Will never buy Toyota again.

Faults:

The transmission went out on this car at 107,000 miles. This is a known issue with Toyota and is extremely expensive to fix: $4,000.

Customer service from Toyota and from my local dealer has been horrific, which only compounds this problem.

General Comments:

I loved my car until this happened. After reading that many other people have experienced the exact same thing, I know that I'm not alone.

Faults:

I purchased my 2002 Toyota RAV4 from my dealer… it was his demo car and my transmission issues just popped up at 96,000 miles. The car has a hard time shifting from 1st to 2nd. Sometimes is working fine... It has no engine light come on.

Faults:

I have an 02 RAV4L with 130,000 miles.

2 weeks ago it stumbled twice one day. The next day it stumbled again, and on way to AAmco, pulling away from a light, the transmission started slipping. When I was towed in, there were 4 other Rav's with the same issue. The computer went & damaged trans, so after the trans was fixed, it was towed to the dealer & computer replaced for $1200. There is a service bulletin on this, but unless you complained within the first 80,000 miles (I bought mine used with 42,000) Toyota is saying "Sorry" it wasn't a recall so no help.

PLEASE will everyone with this problem write to:

Toyota National customer relations

19001 southwestern ave

Dept wc11

Torrance ca

90509

And maybe a class action suit unless someone already has started one.

Faults:

Initially when I purchased the Rav4, the front dash vibrated all the time. I took it into the dealership 3 different times until this was taken care of. The dealership stated that the Rav4 had an issue with this model on vibrations, it was finally fixed.

In 2006 I received a recall for the ECM and was encouraged to bring it in for an "Update" to the computer. Prior to that the Chek Engine light would come on and then go off especially when I used the Cruise Control, the update fixed that.

After the ECM update there were no problems till recently. The transmission began malfunctioning. It was like stuck in 3rd gear, would not downshift would hesitate and then kick in and jerk the car. At that time I did some investigation on my own and from the information I have learned feel the real problem is related to the ECM. I called my dealership that has handled my Rav and they too agree it sounds like the ECM is Faulty. The way it was explained to me is like Windows XP getting a virus and sending bad signals to your computer. Sounds like Toyota is really at fault here and needs to step up and recall the ECMs on this model car. Apparently the ECM is the culprit and what happens is the car is driven in this condition and ruins the transmission in turn requiring a tranny needing an overhaul in addition to the ECM. Total cost is around 4500 dollars. Right now I,m out $1300 for an ECM.

General Comments:

Overall I like my Rav and want to keep it but I don't have thousands of dollars to shell out for problems Toyota should step up and fix.

Right now I don't think I will buy another Toyota again.