Comments for Auto News, Recalls and Car Blog - DriverSide

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by davew

davew — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:11:25 +0000

Same issue here in LA. Only 40k on 2002 Rav4. Dealer replaced ECM under warranty but transmissoin was toast as a result of the ECM and Toyota refused to accept any responsibility. I find it odd that their owner’s manual calls for tranny fluid to be changed at 100k miles yet the trans itself needs to be changed at 40k. I buy at least one car a year…never again will toyota or lexus be on the purchase list unless they step up and address this issue fast. A Kia would be more reliable.

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by dv

dv — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:07:13 +0000

Just having this issue arise in my 2001 Rav4. Exactly as others have stated. I actually had the transmission replaced last week with another Rav4 transmission…one week later..worse than before. As of now, I am having a diagnostic run on it and after some research I can now let them know about the ECM. Of course, I have already spent 1300 on the second transmission, not counting the labor! Luckly, the place I got the transmission is actually fixing it for me. No telling how much more this is going to cost me! Toyota will be hearing from me!

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by HF

HF — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:03:36 +0000

Just started having trouble with my 2003 RAV4. Just replace the transmission and it’s still slipping and bucking. Service light has gone on and the car started slipping. Bought a Toyota because it was supposed to be reliable. This car has been a nightmare since I drove it off the lot. NEVER AGAIN TOYOTA!!!!!

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by Brian Issa

Brian Issa — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:12:00 +0000

I just got done paying $3700 for a new computer and transmission for my 2002 Rav with 128K miles. The best part is that I was told by the mechanic that Toyota has not fixed the problem with the computers and that the new one will almost certainly do the same thing. Oh what a feeling..being reemed by Toyota.

Comment on New 4Runner Hitting Dealers Very, Very Soon by New 4Runner Hitting Dealers Very, Very Soon | Auto News, Recalls … | Car News And Reviews

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:27:07 +0000

[...] Original post: New 4Runner Hitting Dealers Very, Very Soon | Auto News, Recalls … [...]

Comment on New 4Runner Hitting Dealers Very, Very Soon by New 4Runner Hitting Dealers Very, Very Soon | Auto News, Recalls … | autokinesis.com

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:22:13 +0000

[...] this article: New 4Runner Hitting Dealers Very, Very Soon | Auto News, Recalls … Share and [...]

Comment on 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Audi E-Tron Concept by Auto Transport Services

Auto Transport Services — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:17:35 +0000

Woooow. Beautiful car. Any idea if this will get picked up for production?

Comment on 2009 Chevy Malibu vs 1959 Chevy Bel Air by Auto Transport Services

Auto Transport Services — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:21:39 +0000

Wow, that’s insane. Really cool concept though.

I’d love to see this done by more automakers.

Comment on Porsche 911 GT3 RS as Driven by Chris Harris by Porsche 911 GT3 RS as Driven by Chris Harris | Auto News, Recalls … UY China

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:24:39 +0000

[...] post: Porsche 911 GT3 RS as Driven by Chris Harris | Auto News, Recalls … By admin | category: auto, auto car | tags: auction, auto, chris, chris-harris, deal, [...]

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by KG

KG — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:17:57 +0000

I own Toyota Rav4 2002, excellent condition 78,000 miles. For 4 years had no problem and recently the gear box began acting up, in Toyota they told me that computer needs to be replaced that’s under 80,000 miles warranty (10% out 100%) that’s the cause, but we all know that it will not solve the problem …. I certainly need to fix the gear transmission, used box costs $1700,new $3600. I can’t drive my car till I get the money together to fix it!!!! Thanks a lot, TOYOTA!!!!:(((((

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by AJ

AJ — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:10:54 +0000

Had my 2002 Rav 4 since Aug 2004…never heard anything about faulty transmissions. Apparently there is a safety issue that they need to address. I could have been stalled on any of these SoCal fwys in the #1 lane! Costing me $1400 to fix…how do we get the class action suit going?

Note to Deb in Socal…wish I had your good fortune in this matter. But, we should be able to get this into court, agree?

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by EK

EK — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:09:54 +0000

I am having the same problems as everybody else here,with my 2002 Rav4 88k miles on it. Unbelievable. Go figured, that’s why they are out of F1 competition and the owner Mr. Toyoda was crying like a baby when he announced the situation last night. Not good not cool from Toyota pretty soon they will not have a single customer.

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by deb in so cal

deb in so cal — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:29:51 +0000

Bought my Certified used 02 Rav 4 in 06.
Service bulletin came out 3 months before I purchased my CERTIFIED USED Rav4. Nothing was said to me about the problem and never rec’d any info in the mail even though it’s a KNOWN and dangerous issue! At 101k (1k miles after ext warranty ended) started experiencing EXACTLY same shifting problem as above complaints. I was almost reared ended by a 18 wheeler while getting on the freeway due to the tranny not shifting properly!!

Talked to 2 different Toyota service mgrs- the dealership where I bought it and the dealership where I get my service done.
Both answered that it’s out of warranty but gave me the number and advised me to call toyota corp.
I didn’t bother with them instead I filed a complaint with BBB which toyota corp responded same: out of warranty. cannot help.
Took it to a friend of my son’s at a toyota dealer 85 miles from home who gave me a no charge diagnostic and found that the computer was bad, but tranny is still good. Swapped out my computer at his employee cost of $800 (compared to 1200 quote from both previous service ctrs). The car now runs perfectly and I am happy with it again.
NOTE TO TOYOTA: The service center who stepped up to help me has won my future business because the service manager allowed the service tech to STEP OUT OF THE BOX and help a toyota owner in trouble. IF I ever buy a toyota again, I will drive 85 miles to the dealer who got my car fixed at a decent cost….even though I’m still out the $800 for a KNOWN ISSUE!!TOYOTA CORP YOU BETTER GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, YOU ARE LOSING A LOT OF CUSTOMERS WHO CAN READ WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE INTERNET. DO YOU THINK WE ARE ALL STUPID??????????

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by Gene

Gene — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:51:50 +0000

How can we work together to get some justice out of Toyota? Gene

Comment on Not Good: Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems by Gene

Gene — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:49:11 +0000

I have 2002 Rav4 which we purchased in 2004 after checking first with Consumer Reports. Last we the transmission went out and the ECM had to be replaced. Toyota would not take any reponsibility for this problem for which I paid $3708 to fix. I am sick of Toyota and hope there is some kind of class action soon.