7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$20,000
Average Mileage:
3,450 miles
Total Complaints:
50 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (38 reports)
  2. reprogram engine ecu (3 reports)
  3. software update (3 reports)
  4. toyota says this is normal (3 reports)
  5. replaced magnetic clutch (1 reports)
  6. the issue is now resolved by toyota t-sb-0107-19 - ecu/at (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2019 Toyota RAV4:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Toyota dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #30

Aug 262019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles

I'm no car genius, but my brand new 2019 RAV 4 I got in August is having transmission problems at lower speeds. It's a lease that I was thinking I might buy at the end of the term and now I'm hesitant because I'm afraid this will cause excessive wear and tear. I noticed when I give it a little gas and maybe take my foot off the gas pedal for it to "roll" and then reapply the gas it jerks really hard. I thought maybe it was just that motion but it happens a lot more than just in that scenario. Seems to be having more problems with transmission than my 2008 Honda Odyssey...

If Toyota doesn't address this I'll be taking my business elsewhere, if they do I'll probably end up buying the Rav4 as planned

You buy a Toyota for the reliability, I'm not angry but please just fix it..

- Juliana R., Philadelphia, US

problem #29

Jun 012019

RAV4 XLE AWD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 621 miles

At low speeds, the car lurches and kicks forward with a whiplash effect when re-accelerating, unless the car has come to a complete stop for full 2 seconds. It almost feels like the car doesn't shift into first gear until you press the acceleration, at which point you get sent forward by half a metre. Dangerous at times and almost caused an accident yesterday when i lightly tapped acceleration to reach the stop sign line.

Similar to this is how when braking, the car hesitates until it comes to a complete stop. Almost like it needs to slow down in sequences.

I'm so disappointed, I don't know where to begin. Complaint sent to Toyota Woodland. Let's see how this goes. Will update.

- Julien H.,

problem #28

Apr 102019

RAV4 XLE 2.0L ?Pennsylvania

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50 miles

We have this shutter, slip, hesitation in speeding up when at a slow or stopped forward momentum. I did have the dealership look at and at that time, was able to see this issue during its first check up. They started this was nothing they were able to change and that it was fine as is. I made sure they documented it and confirmed that I was updated with any changes. That was about 3 months ago and we are still having this issue and it seems to becoming more of an pain to deal with

- Jason C., Denver, Pennsylvania , US

problem #27

Apr 272019

RAV4 XLE AWD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

Same as all complaints on here about low speed or rolling stops with car jerking & noise. No problems when normal drive but slow to a stop or under 5mph & give gas car jerks forward almost like everything shuts down for second then boom power back on. Dealer is trying to find solution but i think factory is giving them the run around. I agree with class action lawsuit get this crap fixed before someone gets killed.

- Dennis R., Painesville, US

problem #26

Apr 012019

RAV4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5 miles

The new 2019 Toyota Rav 4 is full of problems. I am in the midst of addressing the problems with my dealer Copeland Toyota. As with all of the complaints below, mine is the same regarding slow acceleration to a point that this car is a safety hazard. At a stop sign or traffic light, when putting foot on gas pedal, there is a noticeably concerning delay and almost a kick back of the car, and at times it feels like it is going even stall out. When on the highway, it is a big safety concern. I've experienced it when changing lanes and someone is driving closely behind me. When accelerating to move over, the vehicle does the opposite and kicks back which has caused me to be in a near accident situation. Toyota must address these issues.

Also the Scout/Entue is AWFUL. Not only does it lose occasional signal which I have had to learn to tolerate, but it now NEVER connects to my phone which is required in order for it to work on the monitor! The Rav 4 is full of issues. I am not one to ever complain. This is my 5th Toyota and the first time I have complained and I feel that my complaints and concerns are valid where these are not just sweet "features" of a car that are not working properly. These are NECESSITIES that Toyota provides in this car, that are SAFETY CONCERNS because they are not working properly. I am waiting for a response from Toyota on how they plan to correct these valid concerns.

- Heather Y., Bridgewater, MA, US

problem #25

Aug 192019

RAV4 LE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

Brought my RAV into the dealership today, 8/19 for issue of lurching at low speed and low gear shift. Toyota released a TSB, Toyota Service Bulletin, (similar to a recall) and fixed it under an hour for me for free. Toyota is aware and fixed the issue. I enjoyed my drive home and had no hesitation!

Update from Sep 25, 2019: Toyota Service Bulletin#: T-SB-0107-19

- Brianna S., Anoka, MN, US

problem #24

Jul 262019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles

Early production RAV4's (1/19) are especially bad for lurching and not being in the correct gear when you don't come to a complete stop, at about 1-4 mph. In addition, when you let off the gas, and reapply gently, the transmission clunks and socks the drivetrain a bit.

I drove a newer production RAV4 (build date 5/19), and it was smoother. The Low speed jerk happened only a few times over 1,000mi, and there was no drivetrain shock or clunk.

- Dee J., Los Angeles, US

problem #23

Jun 282019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,500 miles

I bought my 2019 Toyota Rav 4 approx. 3 months ago. At the end of June, I started noticing that i when WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED and applying the brakes, the car would suddenly Lunge forward as if I were accelerating. The problem persisted, so i went in to the Service Department at my Toyota dealership, Headquarter Toyota in Miami, Fl. where one of the mechanics advised me that this was NORMAL!!!! i am really dissatisfied with my experience with this vehicle so far!

- Ignacio Y., Hialeah, FL, US

problem #22

May 102019

RAV4 LE 2.5L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124 miles

I noted the problem in the first week of ownership. When resuming from a slowing stop the transmission abruptly drops a gear and jerks forward hard. I do not step on it but resume normally. I generally drive or treat my cars gently wanting them to last as long as possible.

Some people described the forward Jerking as a whiplash effect. I would agree with that.

Another distressing characteristic is when coming to a complete stop the transmission seemingly drops into first with a pronounced but noticeable thump. Just about every time.

This happens in all Three driving modes [ Eco, Normal, Sport ]

Initially when the Auto Parking brake mechanism was on, the forward jerking was quite pronounced. After reading what seems like hundreds of posts on Edmunds.com I disabled the Auto Parking Brake and it did soften the force of the forward jerking . This problem is very disappointing to say the least. The only way to avoid this behavior is to come to a complete stop and then resume. This is not always practical when driving in heaving traffic.

We were at a park yesterday when another 2019 Rav4 owner pulled in. I asked him how he was liking his new purchase and while he was happy with it, he did mention the slow rolling stop jerky resume problem . His was the AWD LE model.

I did report the behavior to Wayne Toyota in Thunder Bay . The Service Manager was pleasant and professional and after a road test with me performed a computer scan. It did not reveal "Anything Abnormal". But he did reveal that 2 others Rav4 owners has mentioned the issue. As with others in online forums he concluded that waiting on Toyota to come out with a fix for this was the only solution.

This Rav4 LE performs very nicely on the highway and I specifically appreciate the Radar Cruise. But this Transmission issue really takes a lot of Joy out of Driving a brand new $30+ Thousand dollar Car.

I am hoping Toyota steps up to the plate and figures some way to resolve this issue. That would restore my confidence in Car companies and make this Rav4 owner very happy.

Otherwise, will drive for 3 years and trade in on a Subaru Forester.

Thanks CarComplaint.com

- dstpierre, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

problem #21

May 252019

RAV4 LE AWD 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

I PURCHASED MY NEW 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 BACK IN MAY AND STARTED NOTICING A FEW WEEKS LATER JERKING AND LAUNCHING AT LOW SPEEDS. OR, WHEN COMING TO A STOP I WOULD FEEL THE CAR VIBRATE AND HEAR A KNOCKING SOUND. I DON'T FEEL A 100% CONFIDENT DRIVING THIS CAR. ALSO FEELING DISAPPOINTED SINCE ITS MY FIRST TOYOTA AND I'VE HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS, SOME EVEN CALL THEM BULLET PROOF. BUT I FEEL THAT THE QUALITY IN THE BRAND IS GOING DOWN. I HOPE TOYOTA CAN FIND A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE.

- Angel F., Union City, US

problem #20

Apr 242019

RAV4 Trail 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,000 miles

Hello Toyota world please fix my car. I not comfortable every ride in my car.

- Bollero M., Hamilton, ON, Canada

problem #19

Mar 012019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

I have noticed that whenever I am either at a full stop, or in the process of slowing down (say for a red light that turns green right as I approach the intersection) and then accelerate again- the car will "jerk" or "lurch". I am not accelerating violently either. (Occurs in Normal, Eco, and Sport).

- rav42019, Rochester, US

problem #18

Apr 302019

RAV4 XLE Premium

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

Vehicle hesitates when accelerating after rolling stops, such as at traffic lights that change to green as you approach them. Once the car responds to depressing the accelerator, the car will jerk forward, which can cause you to easily rear-end someone if you are not conscientious of the issue.

- mljohnston285, South Plainfield, US

problem #17

Jun 302019

RAV4 LE 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90 miles

The transmission hesitates at starts from stops. When you floor the pedal to test the response, the transmission takes 6-10 seconds to get out of first gear and get into normal speed gears. It also jerks when stepping on gas to go from a stop sign or making a turn and is very sluggish. It also lacks power when turning or accelerating and the sluggish transmission is a major issue with these vehicles. The issues occurs primarily while slowing down and stopping and then accelerating, like in a rolling stop scenario or during stop and go traffic. On the freeway the vehicle is great. Elsewhere, it is less than great and needs to be recalled by Toyota.

Update from Oct 21, 2019: I have noticed a burning transmission smell from the engine when driving long periods or coming off a freeway. It is faint but noticeable and though no fluid spots on the pavement, it is a very odd odor for a brand new vehicle. I love the vehicle but I don't see myself owning it for life. Toyota claims nothing is wrong with it. I think we all have been scammed.

Update from Feb 3, 2020: I took my 2019 Rav4 le bought in June 2019, to a local dealer with the T-SB-0107-19 - ECU/AT PDF I printed out for them with the new codes to program it and the RAV4 drives perfectly and I am amazed. It drives just like a RAV4 should with no hesitation no hard jerk and in fact the engine is a little bit quieter and the ride is a hell of a lot smoother now

Toyota finally fixed the problem in that dealer I took it to told me he has had hundreds of people return their vehicles that he knows of and there was no fix but glad i found it released in August 2019

The dealer was unaware of this and was very appreciative of the information and is using it for all of the vehicles prior to August 2019

here is the recall sheet to give to your dealer https://www.rav4world.com/attachments/t-sb-0107-19-pdf.144924/

- Paul C., Houston, TX, US

problem #16

Jun 112019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L Vtti

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,300 miles

The transmission on the new Rav4 is absolutely out of the line. It lurches and and stops when I press the brakes. At some points, the car shakes when applying the brakes. Toyota has done such a lousy job with their new Rav4 model. They better come with a solution or this model will be listed as a big fail by the end of the year.

- Nisar N., Elizabeth, US

problem #15

Apr 202019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

I was having issues with my new car lurching at lower speeds to the point that anyone riding in my car was noticing the issue. It seems to happen when I am going from a rolling stop and then accelerating instead of going from a complete stop to accelerate. The transmission pumps when accelerating and shifts very hard at times. This is not what I expected when I bought this car. My last car with over 200,000 miles had a better transmission than this new car.

I brought my car to the local Toyota dealership and they tried to tell me that it was my fault and that I needed to be more careful and not press the gas so hard. They also told me they would have to take apart my entire car to fix a wiring issue when in fact the lights hadn't been programmed yet. I ended up taking my car to another Toyota dealership which I trusted where they told me that Toyota corporate will have to create a program to fix this issue. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma had the same issue and it took until 2018 for Toyota to create a program to fix it. Call corporate and create a case with them about the issue.

- Christina C., Augusta, GA, US

problem #14

Jun 012019

RAV4 LXE 4 Cly

  • Automatic transmission
  • 186 miles

Just traded in 2011 RAV4, great car. Bought a new 2019, hoping it would be just as good. Love it but not happy about jerky starts. Must get it fixed soon!

- Jacqueline A., St Thomas, ON, Canada

problem #13

Mar 222019

RAV4 XLE 2.5L.Dohc 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

We are by now well aware that this is a Problem with this vehicle. We have had quite a few new Toyotas over the years and no transmission issues. No recalls on this so far, apparently. Hopefully Toyota will recognize the need for a fix sooner than later! Wow, this lurch is really prevalent at low speeds. And, you can't even adjust your pressure on the gas pedal to stop the jolt. The longer I drive it, the more it is heading for #4 on your inconvenience chart!

- retet1rs, Canton, US

problem #12

Mar 132019

RAV4 Xle Premium Awd

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles

I am copying this directly from a post on RAV4 WORLD because it clearly states my exact problem...

Here's a public service announcement for those considering a new 2019 Rav4. I purchased a new AWD LE back in January. You can take a look at the issues I've had with it in the sticky. At this point, my top two concerns have been a hard down shift into first when coming to a complete stop, and a "coast, accelerate, and jerk" problem where the vehicle won't respond to throttle input for up to half a second or so then jerk forward. I took it back to the dealership over a month ago for the hard shift on stop, and the service manager said it was normal after comparing it to two others on the lot, in spite of the fact that they did not actually have a pronounced thump when downshifting. So I had Toyota Care set up an appointment with a specialist two days ago. We test drove my vehicle and two others on the lot - he collected data on all three. I was able to get my vehicle to reproduce both issues, but they were not as pronounced as the worst I've experienced. The two dealer vehicles DID exhibit a thump when downshifting at a stop, but I was only able to get one of them to exhibit something sort of like the "coast, go, jerk" symptom.

The specialist looked at the data and did not find anything he considered abnormal, and he did not think that there was anything mechanically wrong with the vehicle. Based on that, in spite of the symptoms he witnessed, he stated that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. He also tried telling me that the "coast, go, jerk" issue was not likely to happen in typical driving situations based on my contrived attempts to safely duplicate the problem in a nearby neighborhood. I did not accept that and explained a multitude of situations that it could and has occurred to me under typical driving situations. He also tried telling me that there was nothing abnormal about the shifting in spite of the fact that the half a dozen or so other new vehicles I've driven in the past 4 years never did any of this. He also tried to excuse it by telling me that it's such a complicated system!

Anyway, the service manager ended up getting angry that we were taking up so much of his time and basically kicked me out of his office, telling me that my vehicle was "sound". So now Toyota Care has followed up with me and tells me that Toyota's position is that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle. I'm actually quite astounded, and now that I've thought about it all after the fact, I'm quite angry about the situation. How can Toyota state that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle as if this type of behavior is normal and expect anybody to take them seriously anymore??? What reasonable person will be happy with this since it is likely to reduce the service life of the transmission, and the "coast, go, and jerk" issue could result in an accident in certain traffic scenarios?

So, the moral of the story is that if you do decide to buy a new Rav4, you'd be wise to test drive the daylights out of the one you end up buying, but also if you end up with a Rav4 with any of these symptoms, you're likely to end up with the same response I've gotten - at least for the time being.

- Joe M., Flower Mound, TX, US

problem #11

May 292019

RAV4 Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

Brought it back to the dealer for checking. They couldn't duplicate the problem, had it 6 hours, told me there were no safety issues, but they needed to put a ticket into Toyota.

I'm wondering if we should start a class action suit.

Update from Jun 25, 2019: Repair was approved by Toyota.

- Catherine G., Frederick, MD, US

Read the next 10 complaints »