Has Toyota fixed the Rav4 transmission problems?

Toyota has taken steps to address the transmission problems that have plagued the popular Rav4 SUV in recent years. After receiving numerous customer complaints and facing regulatory scrutiny, the automaker has implemented a series of fixes to improve the reliability and performance of the Rav4's transmission.

Rav4 Transmission Woes

The Rav4 has been one of Toyota's best-selling models for decades, but the latest generation has faced persistent issues with its 8-speed automatic transmission. Customers have reported problems such as hesitation, jerking, and unexpected gear changes, which have led to a decline in customer satisfaction and several recalls. Toyota has acknowledged these transmission problems and has worked to address them.

Toyota's Transmission Fixes

To resolve the Rav4's transmission issues, Toyota has taken the following steps:

• Issued multiple recalls to update the transmission control software and replace faulty parts, such as the torque converter and valve body.


• Improved the transmission's hydraulic system and gear ratios to provide smoother and more responsive shifting.


• Implemented enhanced quality control measures during the manufacturing process to ensure tighter tolerances and better component integration.


• Provided extended warranty coverage for the transmission, giving customers peace of mind and access to free repairs.

These efforts have helped to address the majority of the Rav4's transmission problems, though some customers may still experience occasional issues. Toyota remains committed to continuously improving the Rav4's performance and reliability to meet the high expectations of its customers.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

As a result of Toyota's transmission fixes, customer satisfaction with the Rav4 has started to rebound. Recent surveys and reviews have shown a marked improvement in owners' perceptions of the vehicle's transmission performance and overall reliability. While there is still room for further refinement, the Rav4 is once again earning its reputation as a dependable and capable SUV.

In summary, Toyota has taken significant steps to address the transmission problems that have plagued the Rav4 in recent years. Through a combination of software updates, hardware replacements, and enhanced manufacturing processes, the automaker has worked to improve the reliability and performance of the Rav4's transmission, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a renewed confidence in the popular SUV.

Does the 2025 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?

While the 2025 RAV4 has a more refined transmission software, some owners of recent models report experiencing transmission issues like rough shifting, hesitation, and even grinding noises. These problems may stem from issues with the transmission's computer or internal components, and some owners of the hybrid models also report feeling rough gear changes. Older models have been associated with higher mileage transmission problems like grinding and delayed engagement, so maintenance is critical. 
Common transmission issues 
This video discusses common transmission issues in RAV4 models: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Nov 16, 2024

• Rough or jerky shifting: Some drivers report a feeling of confusion or hesitation during acceleration, with the transmission taking longer to shift than expected.
• Grinding noise: At least one owner reported a loud grinding noise when shifting from a stop, which resolved after shifting into park and then back into drive.
• Hesitation: The vehicle may hesitate or lag during acceleration, especially when merging or overtaking. 

Potential causes

• Software/Computer: Earlier models had issues with the vehicle's computer not working well with the transmission, though the 2025 model year has improved software. 
• Internal components: Faulty solenoids can prevent proper gear shifting, and loose or worn linkages can cause problems. 
• Lack of maintenance: Neglecting regular transmission fluid and filter changes, especially in older models, can lead to issues like rough shifting and delayed engagement. 

What to do if you experience issues

• See a dealer: For a new vehicle, contact the dealership to have the issue inspected. It could be a software glitch or a more serious component failure. 
• Ensure proper maintenance: For any model, it is crucial to follow the recommended maintenance schedule, including transmission fluid changes. 
• Consider professional inspection: If you're considering a used model, have a professional inspect the transmission. Look for a history of proper maintenance to avoid potential problems. 

Do Toyota 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. 

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

What is the transmission lawsuit on the Toyota RAV4?

About this Case. Plaintiffs brought suit alleging that 2001-2003 Toyota RAV4s contain defective Engine Control Modules (or ECMs) and transmissions that cause “harsh shift condition.” A harsh shift condition occurs when a vehicle lunges forward and backward when it tries to change gears.