21st Feb 2008, 08:17

This is a continuation to the post on 1/2/08. I just got word from Toyota Customer Service Center that they will NOT REIMBURSE for the faulty transmission. They did, however reimburse me $76.55 for other repairs when I sent the car for service regarding the ECU. According to them, the recall of the ECM did not result in the faulty transmission. This experience has caused me to boycott Toyota for life and will trade this vehicle in IMMEDIATELY!

I would recommend anyone with this car to get rid of it before the end of the warranty since it appears to break down right about that time.

28th Mar 2008, 17:18

I also have a 2002 RAV4. I bought it in 2005 and purchased an extended warranty for another 50,000 miles. It was up just 2 months ago, at which time I brought the car in and asked them to give it a good look-over, since the warranty was about to expire. They assured me everything looked good, and now my transmission suddenly started slipping and the transmission specialist just told me it's gonna be 2500-3000 for a rebuilt. He says it's a very common problem with these cars, because the transmissions are not made well (seals stink, etc). One difference: my engine light has never come on, so I had no warning at all. I have 96,000 miles.

12th Apr 2008, 08:46

I also had a problem with my 2002 RAV 4. I brought the car back to dealer who replaced the ECU. No charge, transmission is fine now.

I understand the warranty has been extended to 80 thousand miles. Please check your Toyota web site for warranty info

Thanks, Lou in CT.

27th Apr 2008, 02:28

I had the same problem on my 02 Rav4. Toyota paid 50% on a new computer and it's working.

1st May 2008, 21:07

I have a 2003 Toyota Rav 4 and my engine light was turned on about 15 minutes after I left from work. The car seems to run fine (as far as I can tell.. I have already driven approximately 12 more miles after the engine light came on). So far I haven't been able to smell any burning oil smell from the engine.. Not sure what's wrong with it. Is this a common issue on 2003 RAV 4 as well?

10th May 2008, 23:13

I am experiencing the same issues. The car has a hard time shifting from 1st to 2nd. The check engine light just came on the other day even though the problem has been for about 2 months. Now, the check engine light went off by itself, very strange. I wish I knew what do to about this hesitation problem. I find it very, very dangerous. There is a clicking noise when the problem is at it's worse coming from under the hood, kind of like when you are low on oil. I checked the dipstick, and my oil is full. What do I do? Should I call Toyota and ask about getting a new ECM put in before the transmission goes?

24th Jun 2008, 13:14

I too have a 2002 Rav4 Toyota. At about 60K miles the check engine light came on. I had it reset and after a couple of months it came back on. Then I received a notice from Toyota that there was a recall for the check engine light. I brought it in and they fixed it, it has never come on again. Now at 115K miles, the transmission is slipping, it will need to be replaced. Not sure if it had something to do with the check engine light or not. But if anyone has a check engine light, don't pay for it. Bring it to Toyota and ask them about the recall. It should be covered for anyone with a 2002.

22nd Feb 2009, 16:18

I too bought a 2002 Rav4. I am having a problem with it shifting from 1st to 2nd.

Took it in after I got the recall letter. I was not told at the time about the ECM. For two days the truck drove fine. The engine light came on, took it back, was told that the computer was going out and it would cost $1,200, and that the transmission might be going bad.

My truck has 116,280 miles. I thought I would have at least 100,000 miles to go. I will not buy another Toyota.

12th Mar 2009, 12:41

I also have a 2002 RAV-4, and it is severely slipping in first and second gear at 78k. I took it into the dealer several times to check the "check engine light", and they never mentioned any knowledge of this problem until I mentioned I found it online. Then they said it was a problem. They are suggesting to replace the computer, but it doesn't sound as if that really helps anything, after reading these prior comments. Too bad they feel they have to hide something that is actually a serious safety issue.

16th Mar 2009, 09:59

I have a 2001 RAV4. My check engine light came on and I had it the reading checked out. It stated that I needed 2 new O2 sensors. With a limited labor charge (knew the guy) it cost just over $400 to buy the bank1 and bank2 sensors. Engine light was and happy days were to follow. Until mile number 70 or so since the repair. Engine light came back on, and the same reading that my O2 sensors were bad.

I am at a loss on what to do, apart from inquiring with the mechanic.

Any help here on this?

17th Mar 2009, 02:23

Hi every one, I too have 2002 Toyota RAV4 with the trans beginning to slip at first and second gear. It has 78k miles on it. Do you think it is about the ECM or the trans? It has had no engine light come on. I already did the recall for reprogramming the ECU. Please help me to determine the problem whether the ECM or the trans? Thanks.

duydausoi@yahoo.com

23rd Mar 2009, 06:46

Hi Guys, Simon in Melbourne Australia.

2002 Rav4 96,000 on the clock.

Transmission just starting to slip - no prior warning and engine light has not come on.

After taking it to the dealer have been advised that I have no first or fourth gear. Could be either the ECU or the transmission could be up the creek.

Have been doing a bit of web surfing - appears this is just becoming a common problem.

Will re-post with any further news.

2nd Apr 2009, 00:19

Simon, welcome to the club. Your story is virtually the same as hundreds of others. Toyota is doing nothing. Granted, it is a sticky problem that would cost $Thousands if Toyota would own the problem. I plan to be a royal pain in Toyota's ass if I could just find it. MikeB.