Toyota RAV4 Gearbox & Transmission Problems

Flushing a transmission is a practice that mechanics around the world just can't agree on in terms of its benefits. Either way, it would be pretty dangerous to do it with something as flammable as petrol. Also, unlike transmission fluid, petrol is not a lubricant so internal damage would possibly occur if you ran the car with only petrol in the transmission.

Most transmission flushing is done by using fresh automatic transmission fluid (ATF) which displaces most of the old ATF. A fluid change is the other service option, but this will usually only replace the ATF in the transmission's pan. A flush, meanwhile, will replace the stuff in the pan as well as in the torque converter and the transmission lines.

Your problem, however, sounds more like a lack of fluid in the first place. The inability of an automatic transmission to select gears and/or produce any forward movement is often down to depleted ATF rather than dirty or old fluid. Check the fluid level on the transmission's dipstick and, if it's low, add some more. The job then is to work out where the ATF is going missing, because the transmission is a sealed system that shouldn't need topping up. You may have a leak somewhere. And definitely check this first before spending lots of money on repairs when a quick ATF top-up will bring the car back to full health.

You have a CVT transmission. Take it to a Toyota dealer, or an automatic transmission specialist and have them assess the transmission. It could be that it needs to be serviced.

It is hard for a dealer to replicate a problem if it doesn't happen with any regularity, so persist with the dealer, and if that doesn't result in your satisfaction report the problem directly to Toyota (ph 1800 869 682).

All of the models you list would do the job you want well, so it comes down to personal choice. Add in the Kia Sorento and you have the field pretty much covered. The Sorento generally gets the most ticks from CarsGuide reviewers.

There is no reason for a dealership to do extra work beyond the logbook services, unless something is faulty.

The ECU problem affected 2001, 2002 and 2003 models.

It has a timing chain, which doesn’t require changing regularly, as a belt does. The only serious problem the RAV4 suffered related to the ECU controlling the automatic transmission, which could fail resulting in erratic shifting.

Final drive gear whine is something many owners complain about in Toyotas. It's usually a result of the gear cutting process and there is not much you can do about it, except replace the gears. You could try different gear oil, which might make it a little quieter.

It's good to hear that there is a fix for the whine, and the gears being cut at the incorrect angle is certainly a plausible explanation. Armed with that information it would appear that Chris has a legitimate claim against Toyota.

Get all of the people who say it should be rectified to give you their views in writing and request a meeting with Toyota through the dealer and submit your claim directly. It would seem on the surface that you have a good claim. Should that fail to achieve a satisfactory outcome your only course of action would be to seek a solution through consumer affairs.