2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Problem

2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Problem

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is well-loved for its cool features and looks, but some folks have faced a bumpy road with a transmission jerk issue. Picture this: you’re cruising in your RAV4, and suddenly, there’s an unexpected jerk that’s not fun at all. So, what’s causing this hiccup, and how can you smooth it out?

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 transmission problem. I’ll break down what’s happening and share some simple steps to ease the discomfort. Plus, I’ve got the lowdown on fixing the problem for good, so you can hit the road without worrying about those jerky surprises.

Real-Life Problems

Understanding the term “transmission jerk” is like decoding a puzzle, especially when it comes to the 2019 RAV4. Different folks experience it in different ways, and complaints filed with the NHTSA give us a peek into these experiences.

One person from Pennsylvania shared, “When I try to pull away from a stop, my car hesitates. To compensate, I press the gas more, and suddenly it feels like the car shifts to a lower gear, jerking forward. It happens a lot, and I think it’s affecting my gas mileage and making my tires wear out faster.”

Meanwhile, someone from Tennessee reported, “When the transmission shifts down to first gear without a complete stop, the car takes a sudden leap forward. It’s strong enough to push a passenger back.”

These transmission issues in the 2019 RAV4 reveal themselves as a hesitation followed by a sudden jerk, especially during slow accelerations after braking or at rolling stops.

According to Toyota, these problems tend to pop up when you’re driving at 6 mph or lower, right after a downshift from 3rd to 1st gear, and when you’re gently pressing the gas pedal with less than 40% force.

I’ve personally faced this hiccup while driving my family member’s 2019 RAV4. The sudden jerk caught me off guard, and I’ve also noticed clicking sounds as the car downshifts when approaching a stop. Now, let’s explore how to minimize and fix these jerky surprises.

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Temporary Solution of 2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Problem

Before we get into the permanent fix for the 2019 RAV4 transmission jerk, let’s talk about some temporary solutions. Once you’ve scheduled your repair, the dealer might need a few weeks to get you in. In the meantime, here are some tricks to make your rides less jerky:

  • Full Stops, No Rolls: When you come to a stop, make it a complete one. Avoid those rolling stops to minimize the jerk.
  • Smooth Take-offs: When starting from low speeds, gently press the gas pedal. It might feel like you’re playing it safe, but it helps in reducing the jerk.
  • Sport Mode: Consider putting your RAV4 in Sport mode and keeping it there. Yes, it might use a bit more fuel, but many drivers find it eases the jerkiness.
  • Sequential Shifting: If you anticipate lots of stops and slow-speed driving, give the sequential shifting mode a try.

While these steps can make your drives smoother temporarily, remember, they’re not a substitute for getting the transmission problem fixed once and for all. Speaking of a permanent fix, let’s dive into that next. You should also know about what the Toyota coffee cup symbol means.

Permanent Solution of 2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Problem

You don’t have to put up with that annoying jerking in your 2019 RAV4. Toyota has figured out how to fix it, and they even have a technical service bulletin (TSB) to guide the repair.

Now, what’s a TSB? It’s like a note from Toyota to the folks at the dealership, explaining how to tackle certain issues. Many of these notes are public, so owners like you can know what’s going on. If your RAV4 is still covered by the factory warranty, the repair might be covered, but it’s not a guarantee.

For our jerking problem, the TSB number is TSB-0107-19. Now, here’s the game plan for the repair:

  • ECU Update: A technician will perform an update on the electronic control unit (ECU). Think of it like giving your RAV4’s brain a software upgrade.
  • Reprogramming and Relearning: After the update, there’s a bit of school for your RAV4 – a reprogramming and relearning procedure to understand the new shift strategy.
  • Test Drive: Finally, they’ll take your RAV4 for a spin to make sure the jerking is history.

To get this fix done, reach out to your local Toyota dealership. It’s smart to let the certified Toyota technicians handle the update and relearning – they know their stuff. So, say goodbye to the jerks and hello to smooth rides!

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Conclusion

In a nutshell, if you own a 2019 Toyota RAV4 and feel the transmission jerk, don’t worry – there’s a fix! Toyota has a plan outlined in a technical service bulletin (TSB-0107-19), involving an electronic control unit update and a test drive to ensure the problem is history. The good news? Newer RAV4 models from 2020 onward don’t seem to have this hiccup, offering a smoother ride for those looking to hit the road without the unexpected jolts.

FAQs

If your vehicle is still under the factory warranty, the repair may be covered. However, it’s essential to confirm with your local Toyota dealership.

It’s recommended to have certified Toyota technicians handle the repair. The process involves electronic control unit (ECU) updates and specific procedures best handled by professionals.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there were no widespread recalls specifically for the transmission jerk issue. However, it’s advisable to check with Toyota or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for any updates.

While the transmission jerk itself may not pose an immediate safety risk, it can be uncomfortable and affect the driving experience. It’s crucial to address the issue to ensure optimal vehicle performance.

Continuously driving with the transmission jerk may lead to increased wear on certain components and potentially impact the overall performance of the transmission. It’s advisable to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential long-term effects.

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