TSB: Some 2013 ? 2015 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a brief shudder intermittently while driving under light loads between approximately 25 and 50 mph. The torque converter and Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic have been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition from occurring. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Toyota RAV4 powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 19 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Toyota RAV4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for inspecting and adjusting World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level at normal vehicle operating temperature. Note: The following adjustment procedures are for U660E/F and U760E/F transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2013 - 2015 model year RAV4 vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a condition where the shifter assembly does not operate smoothly due to deformed slide cover. The slide cover deforms when foreign substances like soda or other liquids are spilled onto the slide cover of the shifter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks. Here are some important tips when working with ATF-WS in Toyota vehicles requiring it's use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 RAV4 powertrain complaints break into distinct patterns. Transmission issues dominate: owners describe torque converter shudder between 20–40 mph during shifts, a vibration Toyota acknowledged with a warranty extension letter (ZE5) covering the torque converter kit and updated engine control software. However, coverage expires; one owner at 130,000 miles was denied repair after the Technical Service Bulletin deadline passed. A more severe failure mode involves complete transmission breakdown. One owner reported transmission fluid turned black with metal shavings—the dealership never performed the 60,000-mile fluid change it recommended since 2014, then charged $8,948 for full replacement instead of a $250 fluid service. Another owner had the filter and converter replaced at 102,000 miles, only to face second-gear failure by 152,000 miles.
Separate complaints detail sudden power loss: vehicles reverses uncontrollably while parked with the brake set, another lost electrical power assist and spun during a turn, and a third experienced repeated engine power drops from 1500 to 400 RPM after stops. One vehicle caught fire at 120,000 miles after losing motive power. Driveshaft premature wear forced two replacements within a year (90,000 to 118,000 miles); a parts dealer confirmed selling many of these replacements. An EV model lost traction mid-drive despite ample charge remaining.
Same Toyota RAV4 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission fluid degradation and internal wear
Transmission fluid turns black with metal shavings indicating internal wear or debris accumulation. Owner reports fluid should have been changed at 60,000 miles per maintenance schedule but was not serviced by dealership. Results in catastrophic transmission failure requiring complete replacement rather than fluid change.
When: First noticed symptom (RPM jumping) around 2 months before October diagnosis; transmission failure confirmed at approximately 60,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jumping from 2 to 3 RPM during acceleration; Revving issues despite spark plug and battery replacement; No check engine light or warning indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement: $8,947.95. Fluid change alone costs approximately $250 but was not performed during routine maintenance visits since 2014.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed diagnostics on October 15 with clean report; kept vehicle overnight October 21 to investigate. Identified transmission fluid issue but owner alleges failure to perform recommended maintenance from 2014.
Torque converter shudder and vibration
Intermittent shuddering, shaking, or vibration during acceleration originating from transmission, specifically the torque converter. Condition is intermittent at lower speeds and worsens over time with mileage. Toyota issued a warranty extension letter acknowledging the defect and extending coverage, indicating known issue.
When: Reported as early as 33,000 miles; another instance at 100,000+ miles; another at 130,000 miles; vibration documented at pre-sale inspection on one vehicle; present between 20-40 MPH during gear shifting
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent shuddering or shaking during acceleration; Vibration from transmission during gear shifting; Loss of power briefly during shifting; Condition worsens over time with extended mileage; Shuddering at 20-40 MPH when shifting up and down
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota Technical Service Bulletin Number POL17-06 addresses this; one owner paid for torque converter kit replacement including gaskets and transmission pan magnets at no cost under warranty extension ZE5. Another owner at 102,000 miles had transmission filter and torque converter replaced by Toyota. One owner at 130,000 miles denied coverage because TSB had expired and vehicle exceeded warranty mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued warranty extension letter (ZE5) covering torque converter kit replacement, gaskets, transmission pan magnets, and updated engine control software. TSB POL17-06 exists but coverage has expiration limits. Some owners report denial of coverage based on mileage or vehicle history (e.g., branded title).
Transmission failure and loss of power
Transmission loses ability to engage reverse gear or function properly. Vehicle loses motive power while driving. Associated with noise from transmission gears. Occurs after low-mileage fluid servicing or independently.
When: Reported at 104,771 miles (2 months after fluid service at 102,468 miles); another at approximately 100,000+ miles with 2nd gear failure; another at 152,000 miles requiring replacement after prior torque converter repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to go into reverse; Noise from transmission gears; Loss of motive power while driving; 2nd gear going out after prior repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. One owner reports transmission filter and torque converter replaced at 102,000 miles by Toyota, then 2nd gear failure at 152,000 miles with rebuilt transmissions on backorder. Another vehicle completely out of service.
Sudden power loss and unintended motion
Engine loses all power or electrical power assist system fails, causing loss of steering control and vehicle to move unintentionally in reverse or shift unexpectedly. One incident involves vehicle reversing while in park with parking brake engaged; another involves loss of electrical power assist during left turn; another involves sudden acceleration during low-speed maneuvers.
When: One incident November 13, 2019; another during left turn in downtown Tampa; another at 32,000 miles during parking attempt; another at 10-15 MPH after stop; multiple instances over 2-month period at 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle reverses on its own while in park with parking brake engaged; Complete loss of electrical power assist system during turn; Vehicle spins uncontrollably after power loss; Engine loses power after stop, RPM drops from 1500 to 400, then catches after 4-5 seconds; Sudden unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers; RPM drop and power loss occurring 12 times in 2 months
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in vehicle being dragged and owner being struck by front tire, causing injury to left elbow, wrist, hand, and shoulder. Another incident caused front right passenger door, headlight, and front fender damage. Body repair estimate $4,700.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Police officer informed owner of serious EPS (Electrical Power Assist System) recall 23V734000 / 23TA13 identified by Toyota on 03/13/2015 but not notified to customers. Owner contacted Toyota for investigation and computer data analysis but response status unknown. Dealer and manufacturer contacted in various incidents but no documented resolutions.
Driveshaft failure and vibration
Driveshaft vibration requiring replacement; vehicle requires second driveshaft replacement in short timeframe. Parts dealer reports selling many of these replacements. One incident involves unexpected downshift while descending steep hill at higher speed.
When: First driveshaft failure at approximately 90,000 miles; second failure one year later at 118,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration traced to driveshaft; Unexpected downshift to lower gear while descending steep hill; Need for braking to match lower gear
Repairs/costs cited: First driveshaft replacement cost not specified. Second driveshaft replacement expected to cost $550. Parts dealer confirmed high frequency of these replacements.
Vehicle fire
Vehicle catches fire while driving, resulting in flames that cause damage to nearby parked vehicle. Fire occurs shortly after smoke observed coming from under hood and loss of motive power.
When: At 120,000 miles while driving at 25 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood; Loss of motive power; Vehicle burst into flames
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle burst into flames, causing rear of another vehicle to melt. Fire department extinguished fire. No injuries reported.
EV system failure (RAV4EV only)
Electric RAV4 loses traction in middle of road despite having approximately 50 miles of battery remaining. Dashboard displays 'CHECK EV SYSTEM' warning. Loss of traction occurs with radio and other systems functioning normally.
When: Approximately one month before complaint; after prior recall was completed in August 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of traction in middle of road; Check EV System warning on dashboard; Radio and other systems functioning normally
Repairs/costs cited: Drive unit, traction motor, and negative motor were replaced. Repair took approximately 3.5 weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior recall completed August 2015; traction loss occurred after recall work.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Toyota rav4. While the contact was attempting to pull into a parking spot, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a parked vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who stated that the body repair would cost approximately $4,700. The mechanic suggested that the acceleration may have…
When car is in movement at speed of 20 or30 MPG changing cause a shivers into a jerking feeling
The incident occurred on 11/13/2019 @ 8:30am. I had started my 2014 Toyota rav4, pulled out from under the carport apprx. 25ft and put the vehicle in park and fully engaged the parking brake I always do this if I need to leave the vehicle running for any reason. In this case I was heating the interior as it was chilli. I went back inside my home to get the animal crate that contained my cat who…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 Toyota RAV4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2014 Toyota RAV4?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 32,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 74,815. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Toyota/RAV4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.