first i went to the dealer they told me it was the transmission that it would cost me 4500+ tax so it was better for me to take it to a transmission shop. well i did and they did the transmission job for $1800. two day later the same problem in first and second gear so i called the 1-800 number they told me my warranty had expired 3 months ago. since it covered 8 years or 80,000 miles i only have 66,000 so that i would have to buy a new ECM that it would cost me an extra $1500 not including the installment. does anyone know where can we complain about this matter or who to call? toyota knew about this problem and did nothing to help us if u can help me email me at manzanares_miguel@hotmail.com

I have been having this problem on going mildly for the past four years but every time I would bring it in nobody could see the problem. I have been having a problem mostly starting the car and then after braking it almost feels like a clog. I was told about two years ago it was the cat converter, had it repaired for $1000 and it did not cure the problem.I just brought it in because it is getting so much worse, I was told it was my spark plugs and cylinders so I had that repaired and after driving for 5 minutes experienced the same problem Was told it was the computer and it had to be replaced for $1300 dollars. (Was told that this problem did not show before I had the cylinders repaired.)

I am not sure if I will dump the car or fix it but I will not be purchasing another Toyota as they do not stand behind their products.

hello everyone..

well I'm so amazed by how many RAV4 trans problem are reported...well my situation was back last month. I experienced a slipping first gear and reverse not engaging immediately on my way to work. I pulled over and had my car towed to a trans shop. When there I came to find out how bad the damage was - $1350 for a new ECU, not an entire trans, since I didn't drive it and it didn't show signs of internal damage. I guess I made a good call...I needed a second opinion so I took the car to the dealer. WOW big mistake - dealer wanted $2000 for a completed diagnostic and replacement of ECU. ..So I found a guy out of MN who rebuilds this ECU for a living at a cost of $65..u do have to ship your unit to him he then fixes it then ships it back to u..well 1gear works as well reverse..but I still have to take it to the dealer to have the shifting solenoids reset apparently a dealer reprogramming your ECU..at a cost of $105. ,,,repair service info

david ruberg,,,,123 w sarnia st.,winona,mn 55987 phone:507 429 4489

e-mail: digitalguy_1@charter.net hope this information is helpful for the community..

have had my RAV4 for 8 years. 2months ago started having trouble and clunking sound going in and out of 1 and 2 gear. transmission fluid flushed and it was fine for a few days. thought then it may be bad gas and quit using unleaded and changed to supreme. it helped alittle i thought. It does not happen consistently....yet! it's fine driving on highway or to the coast, but seems to be a problem in the city at stop signs or backing up in reverse. It will be fine for 4 days to a week and then strart up again for awhile. Had my dad drive it as he can fix or rebuild anything and he said it was a problem but that it wouldn't hurt it to dirve it that way. I would love to join a recall list but until one comes along I will drive the car into the ground. I work in retail and can deal with an annoying vehicle more than I can most people i deal with.

The ECM just went in my 2001 RAV4 (120000+ miles). I have a co-worker that had the same exact thing happen to his Corolla (year and mileage unknown, but newer than my vehicle). He was told it's a very common occurrence, so this isn't a RAV4 issue alone. I'm fortunate that my mechanic made a few calls and found out about this issue instead of just replacing or rebuilding the tranny. Unfortunately, if there's a certain lifespan for this ECM, it's not considered a defect and Toyota won't issue a recall. It sucks, but that's the way it is.

Update from Dec 28, 2009: This will be THE LAST Toyota I ever buy. Starting in May 2009, the water pump went ($1100 to replace). Four months later the ECM went ($1000 to replace). In November I noticed I wasn't getting much heat or air flow through the vents. So far it's taken four days and almost $1000 to fix THIS problem. First it looked like the cables that control the opening and closing of the vents; now it appears I need some kind of heater control box. So, RAV4 owner out there, your problems are only just beginning. By the way, I only have 124,000 miles on it. My brother has a '92 Ford Ranger with over 230,000 miles on it that he only needs to start looking to replace now. Should have kept my Acura!

I am experiencing the same problem with my vehicle. Toyota is not willing to do anything to address this problem. Customer service must be tired of people calling because they are very rude. We all need to ban together and get a class action lawsuit going. There was an article in the New York Times addressing the problem on 8/26/09. A spokesperson from NHTSA said they were looking into it but is concerned if it is a safety hazard or customers just being inconvenienced. I was left with the impression that an organization that is suppose to have the best interest of the American citizens is ignoring a life or death situation. I have sent letters to all the news stations, the white house, bbb and to the governor in my area. As of today, no one has responded. I really don't believe this is a major problem. We have to ban together and make Toyota take responsibility. If you have information on a class action lawsuit, please forward it to me.

Recently I had my granddaughter in the car with me and suddenly the car started acting strange when I would come to a stop and start off again. Felt like a big hesitation and then it would jerk and finally engage. The check engine light came on so I went home and parked it. I mentioned to my daughter the problem I was having and she told me to check and see if my gas cap was on tight. That evening I was thinking about it so I went out and opened the gas cap and screwed it back on. The next morning I went out got it my car and went to the store. The engine light was off and the car was running fine. I was happy and grateful that the gas cap was an easy fix. My happiness was short lived. Two days later as I drove to work the problem with the hesitation and slipping started back up. I promptly took my car to my mechanic. He checked it out and advised me that it was a transmission problem and recommended I take it to an AAMCO in a nearby city. I drove over to AAMCO the following morning. On the way there the check engine light came back on and the car started having problems shifting from 4th to 5th gear as well as from 1st to 2nd. After inspecting my car I was advised they would need to disassemble the transmission to find out was wrong as it appeared the problems were inside the transmission. The cost for that would be $350.00. I okayed that to be done and they called me later to advise that the transmission would have to be rebuilt at a cost of $2800.00. That was so much more than I ever expected but I went ahead and okayed the work. When I went to pick up the vehicle 2 days later, I was advised there was another big problem. I was advised that the computer was causing the rebuilt transmission to do the same thing it was doing when I brought it in and that the car could not be driven or it would destroy the transmission again. I was told the cost to replaced the computer was another $1100.00. Well, there I was, completely stunned and over a barrel. Today, at a total cost of $3907.14 I drove my car home. I don't know if my car is even worth $3907.14, but I am now in debt for that much. In September 2007, I put $2500.00 in this Rav4 for a new radiator, all new belts and several engine oil leaks. In October of 2008 I had to have the engine rebuilt at a cost of $1500.00. Now 11 months later I just put another $3900.00 into my Rav. This is nearly $8,000.00 in 2 years.!! I do not abuse my car. I am a 52 year old grandmother with a limited income. I can't afford this car and now I can't afford to get rid of it. Will I ever buy another Toyota. I doubt it. I realize my car is

Update from Oct 31, 2010: I wanted to update everyone on my transmission/computer issues. I recently received a recall notice for ZTL - Certain 2001-2003 Model year RAV4 vehicles Customer Support Program - Specific Malfunction Indicator Light "On" Diagnostic Codes and/or Harsh Shift of Automatic Transaxle. I wrote a letter to Toyota and explained to them what happened with my transmission and computer. I sent them a copy of my bill from AAMCO that specifically stated that the computer was responsible for the damage to my transmission. I requested reimbursment for the $3900.00 repair bill. I assumed it would be a waste of time, but figured I had nothing to lose. Last week I received a letter from Toyota requesting a copy of my title or registration to show proof of ownership as they were reviewing my claim. I was a little excited because I figured they were going to do something regarding my claim and I figured anything they did would be better than nothing. Yesterday I had another letter from Toyota. When I first opened it I thought it was a rejection letter, but once I put my glasses on I realized it was a letter thanking me for contacting them and a check for $3664.48! I am pleased beyond words. Toyota has earned back my confidence and my business.
I don't know if I had written this letter a year ago if Toyota would have reimbursed me. I don't know if the recall happened because of this website and all the complaints from all of you that had a similar problem. I want all of you to know there is hope and you should write or call Toyota. The customer experience number is 1-800-331-4331 or by mail Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 19001 S. Western Ave. Torrance , CA 90501 Fax # 310-371-7756. Once they receive your letter or call they will assign you a case number. Again, the request for reimbursement was under the Csp 01-03my Rav4 Transaxle Ecm Warranty Enhancement. Good luck to all of you!

Should I replace my ECM before my transmission goes bad?

I am having similar symptoms as listed for 2001 Rav4 transmission problems, and I'm currently having the solenoid replaced, which the shop hopes will fix the problems. Apparently my transmission is still fine. But I've been reading how all 2001 Rav4 owners are having this problem, and it's the fault of the ECM. So I'm wondering if I should just replace the ECM before it ruins the transmission. BUT, I don't want to just fix the ECM if it doesn't fix the problem. Any advice? I'd really appreciate some hindsight.

I took my car in for an oil change and tune up. When I got my bill it was $259.00. I told them the check engine light came on and I had the recall for this issue to bre reprogrammed. They said they reprogrammed it but as soon as I drove away it came on again. They told me that my transmission computer was bad and it would cost $1300 to replace but they could not promise me that would fix the problem of the car's engine doing the harsh shift. The test showed a error code of PO750 which was on their notice sent toToyota, (because it was not sent to the customers) TC002-06 dated March 15, 2006, which stated they KNEW this was a problem and if anyone came in with the condition to replace the ECM. The condition was 96 months or 80,000 miles, whichever came first from the vehicle's in-service date. When I took my car back to them with this notice, they told me since I was not the first owner, it went back to the date the vehicle was first purchased. The vehicle was first purchased in February 2001 which made the notice expire in February of 2009 for the 96 month deal. I asked the service man why he did not tell me this when he told me about the transmission computer needed to be replaced and he was very short with his answers. I had already checked it out but did not tell you. Now they want me to pay $1300 for a part that they say they cannot guarantee me to fix. That means I would have to pay an additional cost of a transmission replacement if that did not fix the problem. I called Toyota of America and explained the situation and they took my information and said a Customer Service Manager would get with me, gave me a case number and everything. No one has tried to contact me, but I did get an email from Toyota thanking me for being a part of the Toyota family and invited me to Toyota Access to purchase another Toyota. Toyota SUCKS.

Feeling really stupid right now. Have ALWAYS loved my Toyotas - drove them to their graves - but this situation is unbelieveable! My 2001 Rav4 started "thunking" into reverse and shifting hard in 2nd and 3rd. Bought it used from dealer in 2005 - no problems until now at 88000 miles. Took to local repair guy. Rebuilt transmission for $2400. Took back to repair guy with same problem. Replaced solenoid (?). Took back to repair guy with same problem. He called Toyota "several" times before found out about ECM. They're sending it in to be "rebuilt" for another $700. Now I find out this is a common - EXPENSIVE problem for the Rav4. With the economy the way it is - can't afford to fix it - can't afford to get rid of it!

Update from Jun 1, 2009: FINALLY got our car back (4 weeks in shop) after replacing ECM at a cost of over $1100.00. Luckily our local repair guy went the extra effort (many phone calls) and miles to tow it to an out of town Toyota dealer (local dealer wouldn't help) and had new computer programed. This will be the last Toyota we'll ever own - getting rid of it as soon as economically feasible!

if you are having shifting problems with your rav4 then the trouble is the computer(ecm). this causes false codes with the check engine light as well as hard shifts. I originally took my car to a transmission specialist. had it thoroughly checked out and was told i most likely was going to need a new transmission. fortunately i put them on hold and started doing some extensive research on my own. i discovered that Toyota was aware of this problem but was under no obligation to fix it past the 80k mile warranty period. their fix was to reprogram the computer. i already had this done within the last twelve months. so i was told that a new computer would be $1200 from Toyota. i later found a company on ebay by the name of check engine. you send them your ecm and they will repair it and ship it back to you the same day that they receive it. they guarantee their work and have an excellent customer satisfaction rating. they charged me $380. my transmission shop removed and reinstalled the ecm for me. it has been 6 months now and the rav4 is running like new. please don't waste your money on transmission repairs until you get your computer fixed. the computer is the problem. transmission,check engine light etc are just symptoms. faulty computer will tear up transmission if left unchecked.

I am so glad I found this Website. My 2001 Toyota RAV4 was shifting roughly in 1st & 2nd gear. It was scary hesitating and losing power in stop & go traffic... several times I almost got rear-ended. My Toyota dealer told me the repair to my car would be $5,600 for a new Engine Control Module (ECM), $1,300 for the transmission and $3,000 for a new catalytic converter. They even offered me $1,000 and they would take my car "as is" on trade-in!

Instead of giving them my credit card, I called Toyota of Grapevine, Texas (866) 374-4519 and ordered an Engine Control Module (ECM) for $800 plus $15 shipping. It took me 45 minutes to install myself. The ECM is right behind the glove box and can be removed with a little patience, a Philips screwdriver and a 10mm socket wrench with an extender. The car immediately shifted smoothly with the new computer. So, before you plunk down $5,600, try this $800 fix, unless your car has less than 80,000 miles and Toyota will replace the ECM for free.

My problem began about two weeks ago. The gears of my RAV4 began slipping and the smell of burning clutches were clear indications that I need to get my vehicle to Toyota Service to have it repaired. After having gone to see Toyota, they then told me that there was no problem with the vehicle, even after taking it for a road test. I stressed the fact that the gears were slipping and a burnt smell was apparent. They told me that they could not fix the problem unless the ECM light was on.

What frustrates me is that similar problems to this vehicle are occurring worldwide. Shouldn't they be informed of all problems that arise to their product? I have read several blogs about similar complaints. I have now printed it out, highlighted the problems and will show the Toyota Service Dept. today. I just hope it's not too late. I asked the service clerk, "So I can't bring in my car to be fixed until my car dies?" --so frustrating.

Update from May 5, 2009: I've recently had my car checked by a licensed mechanic. He tells me it's the transmission (1800.00 CDN), then he tells me it's the computer (800.00 CDN) total=HEADACHE and STRESS! How do I get in contact with Toyota? What does it take to get a recall done?

I took my car to a transmission specialist in February 2005 for the transmission was slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear. The problem only occurred in the morning when it was first started. Once the car was warm the problem never happened the rest of the day. The transmission specialist told me to take it to a dealership because there was a recall on the ECM. I did and they flashed it and told me the problem should be fixed. It wasn't. I picked it up and drove it for a few days and it still did the same thing. I took it back to the same dealership and they told me they didn't know what the problem was. I took it to another dealership a few days later and they said I needed a new ECM and a NEW transmission which would cost $4,000. I took my car back to the first dealership to tell them what the diagnosis was and they said I ONLY needed a new ECM. So I trusted them and replaced the ECM for $1,250. I left the car there and asked them to make sure the problem is fixed while I was out of town so in case there was any more work that needed to be done they could do it while I was gone. They reassured me that my vehicle was fixed.

I picked it up when I got back in town and didn't even make it out of the parking lot and the same problem was still happening. I turned around immediately and parked the car and told the Service Manager how unhappy I was. He said he would look at it Monday since it was heated and the problem wouldn't happen for him. So I left the car with him for 4 days and he called me on a Thursday and told me I needed a new transmission for $3,600. I explained to him that he just replaced the ECM for $1,250 and it didn't solve the problem, and I thought he should reimburse me for the ECM or put my old one back in. He told me that since my car sat there while I was out of town, they no longer had the old ECM.

I now have my car back at the transmission specialist to see if there is anything else I can do. How much money am I going to put into this car before I get results. I haven't had my car for over 2 months. STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!

I used to think Toyota had a good reliable product . But I have learned otherwise . The problem with the transmission would not have been bad if there had been some warning of problems with the ECM . But since Toyota is playing stupid about the whole thing it is costing at this point approximately 4,000 dollars ,in a time when money is not easy to come by . I challenge Toyota to step up to the plate and take responsibility for faulty product. If anyone knows of a lawsuit going on please let me know.