The transmission slips suddenly, even during highway driving conditions, which almost resulted in a terrible crash. I found out that the electronic control module for these vehicles is defective and must be repaired to correct the transmission issues.

- Victorville, CA, USA

The vsc/trac light came on while driving. Also transmission started acting funny. From a stop sign it would hesitate and then start with a jerk. While driving at a constant speed the rpms would go up and down. I took it to an auto parts store to have them read the error code. They said it was a solenoid problem within the transmission. I took it to a transmission shop and they checked it out and ordered a remanufactured transmission. Total cost was over $4,600. Since the transmission was replaced have had the car back 3 times in 2 weeks with same problem. Today, 1-23-17, I drove it about 1 mile and vsc/trac light came on again. I took it back to transmission shop and left it running. They came out and tried to use their scanner but had some difficulty so they turned off the engine and when they tried to restart it the engine would not turn over. So the car now has been towed to tunex since they have more diagnostic equipment. On the internet I see article that claim that the problem with these 2001 thru at least 2005 ravs is the ECM. The site of other deal.com says this is a very common problem because of defective ecms from the manufacturer. There was a class action suit against Toyota that covered transmission problems on 2001-2003 ravs. Seems like whether it is the ECM or the transmission or both that Toyota should be held responsible.

- Woodland Hills, UT, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Rav4. While driving at any speed and when the gear shifter was placed into the drive position, the vehicle hesitated and all of the instrument panel indicators illuminated, along with "take the vehicle for service" message appeared. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, but the failure recurred. The dealer diagnosed that the computer was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Cedarburg, WI, USA

The power of the car is in trouble at start, jumps like is locked, or lose power, than, when I give gas is running ok in the street or ighway, till stop and renew running the car.every time that I stop is the problem. The profetional mechanis look at it, and he say the transmition (selenoid) is not working.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

As my family and I were leaving my house to go to the coast, my 2004 Toyota Rav4 suddenly, without any prior warning or indication, jerked and sputtered and felt as if it were downshifting, as if the transmission were slipping or not engaging or maintaining gear. Upon taking it to the dealership, I was told that the diagnostic revealed that the transmission had to be replaced. I was also informed that Toyota would not allow it to be opened up, only replaced. I mentioned the ECM and was told that they found nothing to indicate anything other than the transmission needed to be replaced. Were it not a higher power caring for me and my loved ones that day, I believe it could have become an even more dangerous situation than it already was.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Rav4. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. After stopping, the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

I was starting to make a K-turn in a parking lot. I put on the brakes to shift into reverse. I moved back in reverse a little bit. Then I stopped the car and put it in drive, when the car suddenly lurched forward out of my control crashing into a garbage dumpster, frightening me and damaging my vehicle severely. I am certain I did not give the car any gas to make it go forward and cause that accident. I feel very fortunate that I suffered only minor aches and pains as I was 75 at the time. I still own the Rav4 and have had no other accidents or problems since that time. Now that I see there are recalls on later year vehicles, I wonder about the safety of the 2004 Rav4. I hope NHTSA can help me.

- Bellmore, NY, USA

I have a 2004 Toyota Rav4. The check engine light and vsc light came on while driving at 30 mph. Noticed that as I continued to drive home at approximately 65 mph, the car was not shifting into overdrive and the RPM's were very high. Took it to the dealer, and they said the code showed that the solenoid was bad. The part was replaced at a cost of $750. Then told that did not correct the problem, needed a new transmission and another $4300. I know there was a class action lawsuit for the 2001-2003 Toyota Rav4 transmissions, think it should have been expanded to include the 2004 as the problems seem to be the same. This problem is dangerous and could have caused serious accident and damage to myself or others. Bought a Toyota for reliability and what I thought were great vehicles. Very sad when I read all of the complaints with this vehicle. I know what my next car will not be.

- Charleston, WV, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota rav 4. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle shifted from fourth gear to neutral independently. The failure recurred the following day. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was advised that there were complaints on the vehicle and provided no further assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the transmission. The failure and the current mileage was 94,000. Updated 8/29/12

- South River, NJ, USA

Vehicle was not shifting properly on the highway. The rpms were above 3000. Had to slow down to 50 -55 miles per hour and remain in the slow lane. Rest of the traffic was traveling at 65 mph.

- Greenwich, NY, USA

2004 Rav4. Accelerator has become erratic in the last 3 months. Car will leap ahead with virtually no pressure on pedal. Only does it occasionally. Pedal is mounted quite high, above the brake pedal, and cannot contact floor mats. While pulling into a right angle parking spot at low speed and with foot on brake, vehicle suddenly surged ahead. I was only 5 feet from a brick wall and could not respond quickly enough to brake the vehicle. Impact with wall plaster (about 1 foot wide) crushed the bumper, grill and buckled the hood. Apparently speed was not great and the airbags did not deploy but seatbelts caused chest injury to both my passenger and myself. Perhaps fortunate that the wall was so close or my passenger and myself might have been more seriously injured. Will be trading this car in as soon as it is repaired.

- Romeoville, IL, USA