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:
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:
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.
