I followed you and others in moving from GM to Toyota. I purchased a new 2021 Rav4 AWD. AWD comes in handy in Western Pennsylvania. I just turned over 9000 miles and Check engine came on with AWD malfunction, operating in 2 WD. Dealer says it is code P012800 and ordered me a new thermostat. Does this sound like it will fix the problem? Are Toyotas still a good vehicle to purchase?
The quality of all makes has gone downhill in recent years but in general Toyota is still the best of a bad lot.
Are you sure the code was "P012800"? Or was it P0128:
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0128
I wouldn't think that would impact the AWD system but in modern vehicles all systems are interconnected and can affect each other.
Does this sound like it will fix the problem?
PO128 or P01280 are the same codes. They both indicate "The coolant temperature is below the coolant
thermostat specified temperature". So yes, it could just be a bad thermostat.
Are Toyotas still a good vehicle to purchase?
Yes. Toyota still makes a reliable vehicle.
