1996 Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems
9 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (9)
While driving at 55 mph, you heard a loud bang and your car swerved across the highway. Your transmission wouldn't shift into 5th gear, and 4th gear was also failing. After the manufacturer replaced the transmission, the same problem happened again at 40,000 miles. The repair will likely involve rebuilding or replacing the transmission assembly.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While driving on the highway, tapping or bumping the gear shift lever causes your transmission to slip into neutral, cutting engine power to the wheels. This happened multiple times and nearly caused an accident. The dealer has been contacted about the issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your passenger accidentally knocked the gear shift into neutral while you were passing on a busy highway, causing a sudden loss of power to the wheels. You noticed the gear shift is positioned closer to the passenger side and is easy to bump accidentally. The dealer said this is by design to allow shifting to neutral on slippery roads and wouldn't address it. A gear shift guard or aftermarket shift lever lock might help prevent accidental shifting.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral whenever you apply the brakes, even lightly. This happened repeatedly and the dealer test drove the vehicle multiple times but couldn't identify the cause. The transmission may need diagnostic testing or replacement of brake-transmission linkage components.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
VEHICLE PARKED ON SLIGHT HILL LOCKED IN REVERSE, ROLLED FORWARD DOWN HILL AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. CAUSE OF THIS HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID FAILED.
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID FAILED.
SPEEDOMETER REPLACED.