Primary complaint: Purposeful deception regarding full benefits of extended warranty of ECM and/or transmission replacement under class action milligan vtoyota.the events leading to my transmission issues began in 7/ 2012. I had problem getting out of my parents steep driveway so I took it to the garage that had been changing my oil in sissonville wv. Upon diagnostics they reported to me a solenoid code which indicated a possible transmission issue. I was referred to aamco transmissions, however the check engine light had been reset and they were unable to get any codes. After being told it could possibly be something with my exhaust as well, I was referred to quality exhausts but was unable to be seen. Then proceeded barker's in dunbar. After test driving and evaluating he stated I had broken motor mounts. I made an appointment 7/18/12. When the technician placed my car on the rack he stated he was not sure what was wrong but it was not motor mounts and with the symptoms it was having I should have my transmission looked at. I had it towed to love Lexus in saint albans.there I was told my ECM was in need of replacement.he explained it was under warranty. I was caught off guard due the age of the vehicle. He went on to say the ravs have had some problems with these computers and an extended warranty was placed and applied to them.the harsh shifting had not been completely resolved. In 9/12 my check engine light came back on.I took it back to love Lexus and explained the condition as stated above.I asked if they would please test drive it to make sure they understood my complaint.after the diagnostics were complete I was told a fuel sensor had gone bad and was in need of replacement. Part 1 of 2

- South Charleston, WV, USA

Part 3 of 3the salesman encouraged my parents to keep it because they wouldn't get much of a trade in, so I had my rav towed to my house. I called the sm of love Lexus to inform him of my problem, to see if there was any recourse from him and to also express that I was completely unsatisfied.I reminded him that I had requested that they test drive on the four lane so they could understand my complaint of the hesitation of going in gear.he stated on the phone he did not recall, however they did drive it on the back lot. I asked him can you obtain a speed of 55mph in your lot, his response was "no?. at that point I decided I would not be dealing with that service department any longer.in 2/2014 I began investigating how to get rid of my rav and stumbled upon the class action lawsuit that was described above.I have only received 50% of the benefits awarded to me by the extended warranty and I don"T understand why I would not have been informed of the whole thing.I didn't get a notice from the corporation of this problem, love Lexus also failed to disclose my rights to having my transmission replaced along with the ECM under this extended warranty.

- South Charleston, WV, USA

Part 2 of 3 this was at my cost and at that time I expressed my concern that it was an older car and with all these problems occurring, what was his opinion on trading. He didn't show any real interest but did state some have had great longevity and others not so much. After leaving that visit my car still did not shift properly and was still harsh in reverse.within a month or so my check engine light came back on again. While I was extremely reluctant to take it back to love Lexus I did. I expressed my complaint once again about it not being quite right and requested they take it out on the four lane so that it could be driven up past 55mph. He diagnostics ran again and informed me that my fuel cap wasn''t on tight enough. I left embarrassed; however, my car still was not driving right.I continued to drive this car with the same issues for the next year and in October 2013 my check engine light came back on. I took my car to a & E service center.they checked my transmission fluid and stated in smelled burnt, their diagnostics stated it was my transmission and the only thing they could recommend in lieu of replacing my transmission was to flush it and replace the filter and fluid. They stated that with the amount of metal shavings they found which they showed me, this was the equivalent of putting a bandaid on a broken bone.this only lasted about a month and on 11-12-13 I had it towed to aamco. The estimate was $2767.19. Due to me being in a financial hardship my parents gave me their 2002 4-runner and purchased a new car for themselves.we originally was trading the rav..

- South Charleston, WV, USA

On 9/30/2014 was trying to pull out of a parking lot to turn left and my car would not accelerate. I almost got hit by approaching cars that I would have ordinarily had plenty of time to clear. I was able to steer into the left turn lane and stop to avoid collision but had trouble after that picking up enough speed to get to the right lane. I took my car in immediately for inspection and it was noted that the transmission and ECM needed replaced. I have since found information on a recall I never received for defective ECM's that cause transmission failure. Apparently a 10 year or 150,000 extended warranty was issued in 2010, but I was also never informed of that. My mileage qualifies but I bought my car in Dec 2002 so I am past the time limit. Since repairs exceed the blue book value of my car, it has no trade in value. This was an unsafe situation (that could have been worse on the freeway)' and an unfair outcome for me financially.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

Harsh shifting; automatic shifting erratic; lurching, especially when starting from stop. Local garage says transmission is shot and requires replacement ($3100).

- Stratham, NH, USA

This letter is in reference to an issue, namely, harsh shift condition, on our 2003 Toyota Rav4, the vehicle presently shows approximately 119, 600 miles. According to Toyota warranty policy bulletin no. Pol 10-03, dated 07/09/10, page 1, Toyota has received reports that certain 2001 through 2003 model year Rav4 vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle may exhibit a harsh shift condition if this condition occurs, the check engine light may illuminate and/or the vehicle may begin to shift harshly. This warranty is being offered for 10 years or 150,000 miles please verify VIN applicability for this csp by performing a VIN inquiry before completing the repair. On page 2 we checked the applicable VIN ranges and observed that our vehicle was included in this customer support program (csp).our respectful request is that Toyota honor the warranty enhancement for our Rav4. Based on a telephone call to Toyota motor sales customer experience center in torrance ca, the company rep. Said Toyota would not honor the extended warranty. I believe that the part (ECM) was defective and should be replaced under extended warranty because the vehicle is under 150,00 miles but just over the ten year limit. Thank you.

- Westfield, NJ, USA

I'm the owner of a 2003 Rav4, purchased from a Toyota dealer in 2011. Last week, I experienced a time lapse of my car shifting into first gear, in my opinion, a safety hazard. This morning I took the car to a mechanic and began searching the web for any recalls for a 2003 Rav4, there are none. However, on this site, I discovered that I am one of many who have this complaint, and that we, the consumer, all share the same results from Toyota. You missed the deadline. It was on this NHTSA.gov website that I learned of a class action lawsuit about the ECM defect with my Rav4 (see www.rv4ecmsettlement.com), the letter was supposedly sent to all who own a 2003 Rav4. I never received this letter. Nor did I receive any type of notification from Toyota re: An extended warranty, or for that matter any type of time sensitive dates to capture any type of recovery from Toyota. Toyota claims they work with a company who gathers owners information from the dmv. Toyota calls this issue with the transmission not shifting properly into gear, a "customer malfunction support program"...and the catch is that you only have 10 years from the date of first use to notify them of your "malfunction"...my car missed the deadline by 6 months and again, let me reiterate that I was never notified by anyone about this issue, nor is this issue termed a recall item. My question is why not" why is this not a recall, when this situation is clearly a safety issue. If you are in a car that will not move into first gear, and then the car unexpectedly jerks into acceleration, is that not a safety concern?? Toyota's term "harsh shift of auto trans axle" " my complaint and opinion is that Toyota has been deceptive with their consumers. And these attorneys? why did I not hear from them?? and furthermore, will I hear back from the NHTSA ??? how can the consumer make a deadline, if they are not notified??"

- Dawsonville, GA, USA

Vehicle driven by elderly widowed mother (josephine beasley, age 70) no more than 6,200 miles per year and began experiencing harsh shift in transmission in March 2014. Aamco informed us that a malfunctioning electronic computer module (ECM) caused the damage to transmission. Aamco technician notified us that the ECM repair claims are covered under a Toyota settlement agreement (www.rav4ecmsettlement.com). repair cost for transmission $2,890 and ECM part $1,227.91 paid for out of pocket. The Rav4 was purchased from carmax on April 18, 2009; elderly mother does not have access or understanding of internet. She did not realize that she had to register the vehicle with Toyota in order to receive recall notices or any other important information pertaining to her vehicle from the manufacturer. Contacted Toyota customer service and they refused to reimburse the cost of repair as the vehicle exceeded the 10 year in service warranty period even though it is within 150,000 miles limit. When she drove the vehicle off the carmax lot it had 44,213 miles on odometer and on August 7, 2014, odometer reading is 75,374. Sad that the elderly are being taken advantage of because of their lack of technical knowledge.

- Landover, MD, USA

My 2003 Rav4 developed a very harsh shift taking off between first and 2nd gear. I took it to our local Toyota dealer (berglund oak ridge Toyota> lynchburg, va) and they confirmed a diagnosed stored trouble code P0755-shift "B" malfunction. They quoted about $4700 to replace the ECM and put in a rebuilt transmission. No financial help from the dealer, even though they were aware this has been a major problem for the 2001-2003 Rav4's. Toyota extended the warranty a few years ago to 10 years or 150,000 miles, which ever came first. I purchased the vehicle less than a year ago, not aware that this was a documented and expected problem with this vehicle. The dealer suggested I contact customer experience at 1-800-331-4331 and ask them to consider covering all or part of the cost. The vehicle has a value of $7500 per kbb. I called and got case # 1403130959. I spoke to rashine. It took a few days but they got back to me and said because it exceeded the 10 year window (2003-2013) they would not cover any of the costs. I pleaded that I have well under the 150,000 mile mark and that they readily say 80% of all Toyota's are on the road for 20 years. This has another 10 years to go. They know this is and has been a factory design fault per all the recorded problems. I don't feel I should have to pay $4700 in repairs for their design failure. In their 1.2 billion $ recent settlement, they said" putting customers first", "want to earn our trust", "serve customers" "take responsibilities seriously". wow, what a lie and let down. How can they get away with this? it has happened to countless 1000's of people. Toyota should be required to make this a recall and fix for 0$. this car is unsafe to drive as is and will stall in traffic and cause accidents. Thank you for listening. Please help me and hold Toyota responsible for a terrible design flaw.

- Evington, VA, USA

I was stopped at a red light for several minutes and upon acceleration my vehicle was extremely sluggish. After a few seconds it seemed to "jump" into gear. I also noticed that when I was slowing down it would almost do the same thing, being sluggish. Fortunately there were no accidents involving my vehicle, but I took it to Toyota and they said the computer needed to be replaced. I was not aware of any recall of the vehicle until I looked online and saw several thousand of them had been recalled.

- Valrico, FL, USA

2003 Toyota rav 4. consumer writes in regards to transmission failure. The consumer stated on May 14, 2013, the vehicle did not respond, when she applied the accelerator pedal. When she attempted to shift gears, a loud noise emitted from the vehicle, and the check engine light illuminated. The consumer was informed, the vehicle needed a transmission computer.

- Long Island City, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was engaged and the vehicle stalled intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the ECM failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

My 2003 Toyota Rav4 had a faulty ECM affecting the transmission and had to be replaced. This was causing the transmission to shift very erratically and could have caused an accident/injury. Toyota knew about this faulty part and there was not a public recall; they replaced parts as they failed and extended that warranty because of a class action lawsuit. Now the warranty is 10 yrs/150,000. So I am outside of the warranty by maybe a year and not even close to the mileage. I contacted Toyota to inform them that my ECM had failed hoping they would at least apologize (reimbursement would be welcome too) but the lady I talked to said there was no recall related to my VIN number, which I know to be a lie! Toyota put out a faulty part and must be made to replace any that fail no matter the mileage or length of time! this faulty part has also damaged some transmissions and they must be made to replace/reimburse for those as well. My ECM has been replaced and I am not sure but am afraid I am one of the ones with a damaged transmission. Please help!

- Fairfield, IA, USA

While driving approximately 0 - 5 mph, transmission failed. The failure recurred several times and check engine light came on. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission computer would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74500.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

I was driving my 2003 Rav4, entering a highway when the transmission failed to engage immediately when I accelerated. It hesitated for a few seconds then finally lurched forward. I was very nearly struck by a vehicle on the highway because I was unable to accelerate as expected. Now the rav frequently behaves oddly when shifting, sometimes refusing to upshift, suddenly downshifting at inappropriate times. The dealer advises the problem is likely a defect in the electronic control module (ECM) as covered in a tsb. From research recently I have learned that this ECM defect was a known problem beginning in 2006. I am amazed there has been no recall to repair this very serious safety issue. Now it appears I will be on the hook for a very expensive ECM replacement. Even though I have religiously taken this vehicle to a Toyota dealer regularly for maintenance, they never once mentioned this known problem. Yet when I discussed this behavior with one of the dealer's service advisors yesterday, he seemed quite familiar with this issue. Please call for a recall on this issue.

- Valencia, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota rav 4. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, transmission failed. The failure recurred several times and without warning. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic twice, who diagnosed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,597.

- Havertown, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the vehicle would sporadically accelerate without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic, who stated the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 96,000.

- Austin, TX, USA

Toyota has known for years that its ECM unit would ultimately fail. This failure has caused transmissions to fail as well. Pulling out into a busy intersection in 3 rd gear, as they are prone to do could cause an accident. Toyota should recall these. My vehicle is exactly 3 months too old to be repaired under their warranty.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

Hi I own a Toyota Rav4 2003 since 2009 this is a serious safety issue. I am asking the NHTSA to order a recall to have Toyota fix this problem before someone gets killed or seriously injured. The problem is that the car often does not accelerate as it should. When headed up and accelerating from a stop, the car sputters before jerking into gear and accelerating. And then about 5-8 seconds later the car would jolt into gear. Also, when already moving and going up even a slight hill, when I press the accelerator to maintain speed, the car sputters as it shifts from second to third gear before jerking into third gear. Through the internet, I almost got hit a few times. I learned that the ECM is a computer (electronic control module) that controls the transmission and other components, that Toyota has known about this ECM manufacturing defect on 2001 to 2003 Rav4S now I have to spend lots of money that it wasn't in my budget, ..the Toyota knew about this problem, why they never had a recall" can someone do something about it"

- Fitchburg, MA, USA

My husband and I purchased our 2003 Toyota Rav4 with an automatic transmission in June 2003. The car now has 103,000 miles on it. It recently began to have a serious safety problem. Aside from the issue of fairness to the customer, this is a serious safety issue. I am asking the NHTSA to order a recall to have Toyota fix this problem before someone gets killed or seriously injured. The problem is that the car often does not accelerate as it should. When headed up even a slight hill and accelerating from a stop, the car sputters before jerking into gear and accelerating. I was making a left turn in that situation and almost got broadsided when my car sputtered and an oncoming car barely slowed down in time to avoid hitting me. Also, when already moving and going up even a slight hill, when I press the accelerator to maintain speed, the car sputters as it shifts from second to third gear before jerking into third gear. The Toyota dealer to whom I took the car said the problem is the ECM and the cost to repair it is about $1,000. Through the internet, I learned that the ECM is a computer (electronic control module) that controls the transmission and other components, that Toyota has known about this ECM manufacturing defect on 2001 to 2003 Rav4S since at least 2006, that Toyota has issued service bulletins to its dealers on how to fix the problem, and that Toyota has even extended the warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles to cover this manufacturing defect. The NHTSA website shows other complaints from people like me where the problem surfaced just after the extended warranty period ended. To reiterate, this is a known widespread problem with 2001 to 2003 Rav4S, it is a manufacturing defect, it affects the car?S ability to accelerate properly when needed, and as such it represents a serious safety issue. Please recall these Rav4S before somebody gets killed!

- Lutherville, MD, USA