MyCarTSB

1996 Toyota Rav4 Transmission Problems

9 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

9
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2004Sep 1999
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (9)

criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2004

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.

NHTSA #: 10055930
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2002

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.

NHTSA #: 8014149
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2002

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.

NHTSA #: 765655
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 1999

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.

NHTSA #: 847842
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Feb 1998

VEHICLE PARKED ON SLIGHT HILL LOCKED IN REVERSE, ROLLED FORWARD DOWN HILL AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. CAUSE OF THIS HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK

NHTSA #: 821030
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 1997

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

NHTSA #: 603893
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 1997

TRANSMISSION SOLENOID FAILED.

NHTSA #: 605381
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 1997

TRANSMISSION SOLENOID FAILED.

NHTSA #: 516958
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 1997

SPEEDOMETER REPLACED.

NHTSA #: 603008

Other 1996 Toyota Rav4 Issues