Does the Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV that has generally been reliable, but some model years have experienced transmission issues. While not a widespread problem, certain RAV4 owners have reported transmission-related concerns that are important to be aware of.

Overview of Toyota RAV4 Transmission Issues

The Toyota RAV4 has been in production since 1994, and over the years, a few model years have seen more transmission problems than others. The most commonly reported issues include transmission slipping, delayed gear engagement, and premature transmission failure. These problems have been observed in a small percentage of RAV4 vehicles, but they can be costly to repair if they occur outside of the warranty period.

Affected Model Years

According to consumer reports and industry data, the Toyota RAV4 model years that have seen the most transmission-related issues include:

• 2013-2015 RAV4 models


• 2019-2020 RAV4 modelsli>
  

These model years have had a higher than average number of transmission complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other consumer reporting agencies.

Potential Causes and Solutions

The transmission problems in the affected RAV4 model years can be attributed to a few potential causes:

• Faulty transmission components or manufacturing defects


• Inadequate transmission fluid maintenanceli>
  
• Programming or software issues with the transmission control module

Toyota has addressed some of these issues through extended warranty coverage, technical service bulletins, and in some cases, recalls. Owners experiencing transmission problems with their RAV4 should contact their local Toyota dealer for diagnosis and potential repair options.

What's the most common problem with a Toyota RAV4?

Common problems with the Toyota RAV4 include issues with the automatic transmission in older models, engine oil consumption in some four-cylinder engines, and various electrical faults like infotainment screen freezes or 12-volt battery drains. Additionally, recent models have seen reports of hybrid floor wire corrosion, and some specific model years have experienced issues like front suspension arm cracks, faulty fuel pumps, or liftgate hinge failures. 
This video discusses common problems with the Toyota RAV4, including transmission, engine, and electrical issues: 52sFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Common problems by category 
This video explains how to avoid common mistakes when driving a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which can affect its performance and efficiency: 56sToyota WorldYouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Transmission

• Older models: Rough or jerky shifting due to a computer-transmission communication issue. 
• Higher mileage: Rough shifting, delayed engagement, and grinding noises in 8-speed automatic transmissions. 
• Other issues: Faulty solenoids that prevent the transmission from engaging certain gears. 

Engine 

• Oil consumption: Some four-cylinder engines are known to burn excessive oil, requiring more frequent top-offs. 
• Stalling: Intermittent stalling or rough running, sometimes linked to fuel system problems. 
• Fuel pump failure: Diagnostic codes like P0171 (System Too Lean) often point to a failing fuel pump, which can cause stalling and disengage the all-wheel drive. 
• Coolant bypass valve defect: Some models may experience overheating and stalling due to a faulty bypass valve. 

Electrical

• Infotainment system: Frozen screens and other malfunctions are reported. 
• Battery drain: Unexpected draining of the 12-volt battery, sometimes requiring firmware or hardware updates. 
• Sensor faults: Sporadic sensor issues have been noted. 
• Lane-assist malfunction: Some vehicles experience unexpected swerving or jerking due to faulty lane-assist systems. 

Other issues

• Brake squeal: Light-to-moderate brake squeal has been reported on some recent model years. 
• Suspension: Older models have had rear suspension hardware issues that can affect alignment. 
• Hybrid floor wire corrosion: Some hybrid models have a problem with the wiring harness under the floor corroding, which can cause radio issues and requires replacement. 
• Fuel tank: Certain models have a defect where the fuel pump clicks off early, preventing the tank from filling completely. 
• Liftgate hinge: Lawsuits have been filed regarding premature failure of power liftgate hinges on some 2014–2021 models. 

You can watch this video to see what goes wrong with used Toyota RAV4s: 56sEveryman DriverYouTube · Jun 9, 2025

Do RAV4s have transmission problems?

Yes, some Toyota RAV4 models have reported transmission problems, including rough shifting, delays, and grinding noises, which can be caused by issues in both the 8-speed automatic transmission and the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). These problems can manifest as slipping, hesitation, or difficulty shifting gears and may be linked to wear and tear, poor maintenance, or specific defects, though many owners report these issues despite proper care. 
This video discusses various problems reported by Toyota RAV4 owners, including transmission issues: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024
Common symptoms
Rough or delayed shifting, Jerking or lurching when accelerating from a stop, Grinding noises or clunking sounds, Difficulty engaging gears, and Hesitation or slipping. 
Potential causes

• Wear and tear: Like any mechanical system, transmissions can experience wear over time, especially at higher mileages. 
• Maintenance: Neglecting to change transmission fluid and filters can contribute to problems. 
• Software or sensor issues: Faulty solenoids or other software glitches have been reported to cause shifting problems. 
• Defects: Some owners report experiencing problems even with newer models despite proper maintenance, suggesting potential widespread defects in certain years. 

What to do

• Perform regular maintenance: Schedule regular transmission fluid changes, especially on used models, to help prevent issues. 
• Watch for warning signs: Pay attention to any unusual sounds, delays, or rough shifting, and have the vehicle inspected by a professional if you notice them. 
• For older models: Be aware of the specific issues that affected certain generations. For example, the 2000-2006 models had a known issue with harsh shifting, according to ECU Testing. 
• For newer models: Be aware of the potential for issues with the 8-speed automatic and CVT transmissions in recent model years. 
• Check service records: When buying a used RAV4, especially one with higher mileage, check the service history and test drive the vehicle thoroughly to ensure the transmission operates smoothly. 

Which year of Toyota RAV4 to avoid?

Years to avoid for the Toyota RAV4 include 2001-2003 (transmission and ECM issues), 2006-2008 (excessive oil consumption), 2013-2015 (transmission hesitation and rough shifting), and 2019 (fuel pump failures, engine cooling problems, and engine issues). Additionally, hybrid models from the 5th generation may have issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery life, and some models can have paint peeling problems, especially around 2013. 
By model year 
This video explains the issues with the 2006-2008 model years: 1mCar ComfyYouTube · Jun 11, 2025

• 2001-2003: Potential for transmission and Electronic Control Module (ECM) failures. 
• 2006-2008: Excessive oil consumption, particularly with the 2.4L engine, and potential steering lockups. 
• 2013: Reports of transmission hesitation, electrical fires, and paint peeling. 
• 2014-2015: Transmission hesitation and rough shifting were common issues. 
• 2019: Engine problems like oil leaks, cooling issues, and fuel pump failures were reported. Hybrid models also experienced issues with corroded high-voltage wiring. 

By type of problem

• Transmission issues: 2001-2003, 2006-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2015, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems. 
• Engine/oil consumption: 2006-2008 models are known for excessive oil consumption, and 2019 models reported engine cooling and oil loss problems. 
• Electrical issues: 2013 models have been linked to electrical fires, and 2019 models had infotainment glitches (which were often resolved by software updates). 
• Hybrid-specific issues: Some 5th generation hybrid models have had issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery longevity. 
• Other issues:
  • Paint peeling: Some owners of the 2013 model reported paint issues. 
  • Roof rack leaks: 2019-2021 models have been linked to leaky roof racks. 

How long does a transmission last in a Toyota RAV4?

about 200,000 miles
For many car owners, the transmission may last the entire life of the vehicle, considering it can be about 200,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. However, factors can impact this like neglecting regular service. Toyota recommends that vehicles change their fluid between 60, 000 to 100,000 miles.