So i purchased a 2018 Toyota Rav4 LE from a toyota dealership with 30,000 miles. It came with 150,000 warranty. The thing is great, I’ve maintained it consistently. At about 150,000 i replaced spark plugs and coils, installed a reman alternator (the original had a spent bearing), new serpentine belt and tensioner pulley, gotten oil changed every time it’s due. At around this mileage i started noticing a shutter upon acceleration especially when the Rav4 is cold. The shutter hasn’t gotten worse but it’s still concerning. It’ll happen between about 20-50mph it doesn’t slip but it shutters enough to let off the pedal then reapply pedal. I contacted the Toyota dealership after finding a service bulletin for this exact issue, no recall and it’s been a problem since the ‘13 Rav4. I asked the dealership if they could change the trans fluid and , to which they said I’d run into more problems if i cracked open the sealed transmission(no dipstick trans lol) I’m curious if you’ve ever ran into this problem and resolved this without paying them over $500 dollars for this -what should be- simple service. I’ve heard that fluid/filter change and installing new magnets while in there can help. I don’t know what else to really do and the dealership left me feeling like they weren’t interested in cracking the sealed transmission for service ugh
Toyota's torque converter shudder problem mainly affects 2012-2014 Camry and 2013-2015 RAV4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtGIUIPE6ik
There is no such thing as a "sealed transmission". (Lack of a dipstick just means you have to check fluid from a fill plug under the car.)
If that transmission has not been serviced in 150,000 miles that is probably why you are experiencing this problem - that's a long haul for an automatic trans with no fluid changes, even a Toyota transmission. The damage has likely already been done.
See our FAQ for details on changing transmission fluid.
@chucktobias the mileage at the time of contact was 160,000 mileage. I contacted and talked to the actual toyota dealership, their exact words were it’s a sealed lifetime transmission fluid. They do not do that. I was surprised to hear that too.
@chucktobias The 2018 Toyota RAV4 torque shudder is a known issue often caused by the torque converter locking up under light throttle, causing a vibration between 25 and 50 mph. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this problem, recommending a software update to adjust the lock-up point. If the shudder is already occurring, the vehicle may need both the software update and a potential torque converter replacement.
Other, less common causes for vehicle shudder can include tire issues or poor transmission fluid maintenance.
So i left the interaction with the dealership basically S-O-L . They claim the trans does not require change for the lifetime of the vehicle, they don’t even recommend it. I asked if they could still do it and replace magnets while in there, they wouldn’t recommend and I’d likely end up with more problems lol
@chucktobias the reman alternator was is a dorman. The other had bad bearing that’s not even the issue currently
purchased a 2018 Toyota Rav4 LE from a toyota dealership with 30,000 miles
That's nice, but we need the current miles . It's in the posting instructions.
installed a reman alternator
I would have bought a new one
I’ve maintained it consistently
Transmission fluid should be done every 50-60k. 150k is already far too late.
finding a service bulletin for this exact issue, no recall and it’s been a problem since the ‘13 Rav4
What is the bulletin number?
As far as I know, the 2018 RAV4 has an excellent Aisin transmission. No known problems that I'm aware of.
I asked the dealership ...
That was a mistake.
I’ve heard that fluid/filter change and installing new magnets while in there can help
It can help a transmission live a long time if done regularly. It seldom fixes problems.
I don’t know what else to really do
Find an independent transmission shop with a good reputation.
sealed lifetime transmission fluid.
lifetime transmission makes as much sense as lifetime underwear
I was surprised to hear that too.
I'm not surprised at all. Their aim to advertise as low of ownership cost as possible.
For out of warranty work it's best to stay away from stealerships.
Toyota issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this problem,
again, what's the bulletin number?
I have not heard of this issue for the 2018's and I did a lot of searching.
I think it's much more likely the valves are wearing out after 160k miles with no service.
If it was a computer or torque converter were defective, it would have happened a loooooooong time ago.