2013 Toyota RAV4 power train problems

“The vehicle shudders significantly when accelerating/cruising between 35-45 mph. The shudder started slight and did not pose an issue for a while, but now its significant enough that is causes erratic steering. The vehicle waved back and forth from the vibration yesterday and went across the median line into oncoming traffic. I was able to regain control and accelerated through past 45 mph when the vibration receded. After calling Toyota I learned that Toyota knew about this issue and the a faulty torque converter was to blame. There was no recall or notification just (as the dealer explained, an extended warranty). Since I was not "notified" I did not know of this dangerous exposure and missed the time period to get the convertor replaced by Toyota.”

“My 2013 RAV4 has been experiencing shuddering and vibrations at low speeds. Turns out it is the torque converter which Toyota was aware some 2013-2014 RAV4 have the problem. But instead of doing a recall they did a customer support program recall which they were able to put an expiration on the recall. Now my car needs the torque converter replaced Toyota will not honor the recall because it is expired 3 years ago. After seeing numerous complaints about the torque converter Toyota should reconsider doing a full recall on this safety issue.”

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to drive rough and was jerking and making abnormal sounds. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”

“I was experiencing shuddering when I was lightly accelerating 20-50 mph. The dealer's service department says I need to have the torque convertor replaced. Toyota offered extended coverage, but that program ended 11/9/21. Now I am out $2,600 for something that Toyota knew about and should have issued a recall.”

“While driving the vehicle it experiences an intermittent shutter in the drive train. On flat roads it is an annoyance; when driving on mountain roads or with a loaded vehicle it becomes more severe to the point the vehicle feels like it will lose control. At its worse the issue impacts the ability of the driver to maintain control (e.g., braking down a mountain), at a minimum it causes significant distraction in situations requiring constant focus on the road. The Toyota dealer diagnosed the issue as a torque converter flex lock up. Toyota corporate is aware is this defect and issued a Warranty Policy Bulleting (No. POL17-06) to address it. While the company issued a warranty enhancement to address the issue, they are treating it as a minor defect affecting customer satisfaction instead of the safety issue it is. Due to Toyota's approach, they limited the time period they would cover safety related repairs. This leaves 2013-2015 RAV4 vehicle owners to either not correct the issue and hope for the best, pay to correct the defect themselves (expensive due to the need for a Toyota drivetrain expert or master technician to perform the repair), or pass the problem…”

“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift automatically to the next gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the torque converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.”