Still having shifting problems with my Rav4 when downshifting and then pressing the accelerator to speed up. This problem occurs regularly. The transmission was previously reset/reprogrammed by Toyota to relearn our driving style but the problem has not gone away. I could literally make one of these complaints every day. Very disappointed with my Rav4s performance. I love everything about it except the low speed hard shifts jerking me and my wife back in our seats. I've owned over 55 cars and have never had one shift this badly. Going to take it back to Toyota again and complain when I'm not working 64 hours a week.
I purchased my used 2019 Rav4 in November 2021. The vehicle was very clean and had approximately 35,750 miles on it. Generally the car drove well. But whenever you were slowing down for a light or a vehicle slowing down in front of you, and you press the accelerator to speed up, the transmission would slam into gear very hard and jerk you back in your seat. This happened repeatedly. I took it to the dealership and they said it was a "learning" transmission was probably used to the previous owners driving style. They said setting it back to factory specs would allow the tranny to learn our driving habits.
They reset it and told us to take it easy for the first 200 miles. We did so, but the problem came back. It continues to hard shift when coming to a near stop and then accelerating, unless you are really soft on the accelerator pedal. I have a 2012 Highlander and it shifts flawlessly. I've never had a vehicle that shifts so poorly. I bought another Toyota because of my prior experience, their dependability and longevity. A $30,000 vehicle shouldn't have these kinds of issues. I'll keep taking it back to Toyota until its fixed.
Buyer beware... New 2019 Toyota RAV4 switches to new 8-speed auto transmission. This is the same transmission found in 2018 Toyota Camry, which is currently having issues regarding shifting smoothness.
There is currently no permanent fix from Toyota yet. J.D. Power studies, lately, have rated both Ford and Chevrolet higher than Toyota on initial-quality dependability, based on problems reported by owners for first 90 days of ownership. Expect to see Toyota's J.D. Power score to slip down further due to popularity of RAV4 model, and its new, redesigned year gaining further sales.
- Walter C.,
Long Beach, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Still having shifting problems with my Rav4 when downshifting and then pressing the accelerator to speed up. This problem occurs regularly. The transmission was previously reset/reprogrammed by Toyota to relearn our driving style but the problem has not gone away. I could literally make one of these complaints every day. Very disappointed with my Rav4s performance. I love everything about it except the low speed hard shifts jerking me and my wife back in our seats. I've owned over 55 cars and have never had one shift this badly. Going to take it back to Toyota again and complain when I'm not working 64 hours a week.
- theburge429, Noblesville, US