About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Toyota RAV4 since 2012, 77 (1.7%) describe transmission hesitation and rough shifting, making it the most reported problem we track on the RAV4. The reports cluster on the 2013, 2015 and 2019 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 21. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 7,000 and 69,000 miles. 5 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, so repairs are usually paid by the owner once the warranty ends.
What owners report
Complaints describe the RAV4's automatic transmission hesitating when accelerating, shifting roughly at low speeds, and on 2019 models feeling jerky between first and third gear. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2013, 2015 and 2019 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"1st incident: sitting at stop light for a few mins as normal. When time to accelerate, the vehicle started lurching forward in a hard jerking motion. 2nd incident: slower traffic."
2019 Toyota RAV4, 850 miles
"Since brand new at times when stopped then accelerate to turn left or right it will hesitate when I am half way turned causing the vehicle to lose power then it will catch causing a burst in acceleration. At times I have lost power when I need it most."
2013 Toyota RAV4, 20 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Before you buy a RAV4
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Toyota RAV4 years have transmission hesitation and rough shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2013, 2015, 2019 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 21 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 25,000 miles, and half reported it between 7,000 and 69,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.