How Transmission Woes Prompted Toyota to Extend Their RAV4 Warranty

In 2001 Toyota came out with a completely redesigned RAV4. The new look was a welcome change and generated a lot of buzz about the already popular SUV. Unfortunately it appears Toyota also made some changes under-the-hood that took the vehicle from zero-to-craptastic in 6 seconds flat.

The culprit is the electronic control module (ECM) that sends signals to the transmission on when and how to shift. Apparently it just doesn't work and Toyota was well aware of it for over 4 years until they actually did something.

ECM transmission failure seems to affect early 2nd generation RAV4 (2001-2003) the most.

Technical Service Bulletin ∞

In March 2006, Toyota sent dealers a Technical Service Bulletin telling them that consumer "might complain" about harsh shifting. How quaint. What it should have done is warned dealers that really pissed off owners would probably be coming in with torches and pitchforks demanding something be done ... and with good reason.

Toyota went on to say that improvements has been made to the ECM to "reduce the possibility of this condition occurring". There are two problems with that statement: 1) It really didn't and 2) For many owners it was too late, because too much damage had been done to their transmission already.

Finally, Toyota said the dealers might have change out the ECM, which would be covered under the federal emissions warranty of 8 years / 80,000 miles and if that didn't work the transmission was probably damaged beyond repair and needed to be replaced. Here's the catch: the transmission was only covered under Toyota's 5 year/60,000 mile warranty, leaving many owners in a situation where they needed to pick up the $3,000 tab.

Extended Warranty Information ∞

Facing rising pressure from the California Air Resources Board, a pending class action lawsuit and an increasing number of complaints from owners, Toyota extended the warranty of nearly 250,000 RAV4s in July 2010.

The new policy covers certain RAV4's transmissions and ECMs for 10 years/150,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the time the vehicle was new.

Reimbursed Repairs ∞

Toyota also says with "proper proof" that owners who previously paid for repairs will be reimbursed even if they no longer own the vehicle. No mention on what "proper proof" entails, so good luck collecting on that one.

Customers who wished to be reimbursed should send the repair bill, proof of payment and proof of ownership at the time of the repair to Toyota Motor Sales, Customer Experience Center (WC-10) 19001 South Western Ave., Torrance, Calif. 90509.