I had this car for about 12 years.

Ever since I had it, there's always been something weird with the way the vehicle downshifts from 2 to 1; it would always stall. Only recently was I having upshifting issues.

I was driving on the freeway, going about 65, when out of nowhere, my transmission died. It especially happened when I was trying to accelerate faster, and the car suddenly dropped all forms of acceleration, coasted, and the engine was still revving.

It was probably about a month out that I started to notice something really strange with how the vehicle shifted. Transmission fluid was clear and full. I couldn't really figure out what was wrong.

From what I've also read, Toyota seems to be notorious with some of their ECM/ECU components, where in some cases, a bad ECM would actually destroy your transmission. This was especially prevalent in 2001-2003. I'm guessing my vehicle may have been a victim of this situation.

I've gotten quotes, and it's around the $2000~$3000 ballpark. However, some people claim that the ECM/ECU should also be changed, so expect to possibly pay more than just $3k transmission job.

In my first complaint, the transmission was jerking after stopping but it has gotten worse but I drive slow so it is not as evident. I took it to the Toyota Dealership that services my car and the engine guy drove it and he said that evidently I would need new transmission - and how long did I plan on keeping the car. The car has 191,00 miles on it...I was told a transmission would cost 2500 and it would cost 950 to put it in. I cannot afford to do that. I am looking for another car right now to drive because the toyota mechanic says there is no danger of accidents but this will be a problem if I decide to keep the car longer. I wish Toyota would help in some way because I don't think this should be happening. So now, I am looking into purchasing a used car but not a Toyota because I don't have the confidence I had before about the reliability of the vehicle. I also was wondering if the manufacturer warranty would help concerning my vehicle. I would like to keep it just as a second car but not sure about the reliability of the transmission. That's a big expense, I was wondering if anyone else with a Rav4 is having the same problem, this should be a recall, I have had a lot of recalls done on this vehicle. The transmission is one I shouldn't have to worry about. The last time I complained about the jerking, now since it has been looked at, i think Toyota should step up and do something about its reputation. I would like to know if a manufactuer warranty would assist me in getting this problem fixed so that I can have faith in Toyota again.

Transmission catastrophically failed while driving down the road at about 50 mph with no warning. Car was maintained properly and never abused in anyway. Was in 4wd twice in it's entire lifetime crossing Donner pass in light snow going about 15 to 20 MPH. It had been on one road trip to the grand canyon when it was new from northern California, two trips to Reno and one more recent trip to Disneyland in socal. Other than that it stayed local on short drives mixture of freeway/country highway and surface streets. No noise, no leaks, no slipping until failure happened. Was accelerating up a hill and as I came over the crest and eased up on the accelerator the transmission slipped twice and there was a large bang that felt like the entire drive train fell out of the car and that was all she wrote. Transmission fluid was full and had the correct "WS" fluid in it. Had a routine service a week prior with no problems reported (no service to transmission done at that time) Transmission was replaced by Toyota of Marin at a cost of 4200.00...New transmission is already failing too. Slipping and slamming into gear when putting it in reverse from drive. Car is a hunk of junk....Don't buy one.

The transmission died after 10 years and 140,000 mile.

The car started hesitating on the highway at 60-70 mph speed or at high RPMs, two days later the Honda dealer's mechanics called and said the transmission is dead. The car died on them while on the road test and it had to be towed. The transmission will cost about $5,000 for a used one or if we sell the car to them, it is worth $100.

We have near impeccable history of servicing this car at or even better than the recommended service intervals. We were shocked that suddenly the car just died, no extended trouble or issues until now.