2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Jerk: Resolved

This 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a highly sought-after vehicle because of its style and potential. But it is vulnerable, as many owners of this model keep complaining about the 2019 RAV4 transmission jerk.  

In this further guide, I will give you some vital information about what the causes are and how we resolve them.  

Recommended Read Toyota RAV4 Parts Guide (Where to Buy & More)

2019 Toyota RAV4 Transmission Jerk  Problem Overview

The transmission jerk term can mean many things. We are looking at how it appears in the 2019 RAV4.  

Here are some customer complaints.  

Someone mentioned that when I shift one gear to the second, my 2019 RAV4 jerks. My vehicle is shifting forcefully, making my ride very uncomfortable.  

When I am going to drive and start my RAV4, suddenly it jolts. I feel like my car stops for a moment and suddenly moves forward. It is a noticeable problem.  

These are some common issues customers are facing with their 2019 RAV4.  

Toyota gives us some ideas that these problems occur under the following conditions:.  

• If you are driving very slowly, like 6 mph or even lower,  
• Immediately shifting of gears: third (3) gear to one (1) gear.  
• When you apply less than 40% pressure to the gas pedal  

Personally, when I go with my friend’s on-road tip and I face that problem,. It’s very annoying and uncomfortable that suddenly my car jerks, and it catches me off guard.  

Here are some temporary and permanent solutions.  

Temporary  

Why wait for dealers? Maybe they will make you wait two weeks, or maybe even more, depending on their viability. I will give you some tips to prevent your 2019 RAV4 from jerking. And make your ride more comfortable.  

Here are some temporary solutions.  

• Don’t wait for the proper location. Just locate a nearby position and stop the SUV.  
• Press the accelerator very slowly.  
• Change your RAV4 mode to sport mode. I know it takes more fuel, but it will help you with that condition.  

If you make more stops and are planning to drive at very low speeds, use the sequential shifting mode.  

These steps are temporary; don’t think for a second that they can eliminate the jerk issue permanently. It’s very important to fix it once and for all.  

Permanent Solution  

You don’t have to worry now that Toyota comes with a great technical service bulletin (TSB).  

What does TBS mean? Its simple TBS is a message from the car producer to the dealership about the common problem with their SUV. It’s an assurance to the public that the owner can easily find out what the problem is and if the car  is under warranty or not.  

If the car has a warranty left, then all the parts and labor costs will be covered. However, don’t think that repairs will be fully covered because there is a TBS.  

The issue will be covered in TSB-0107-19. Under the following, you will know how to repair it.  

• ECU update means the technician will perform an electronic control unit  
• After the ECU update, a reprogramming and relearning process must be done to determine the shift strategy.  
• Then the final step is a good test drive to ensure the problem is resolved.  

To make these repairs happen, you must contact your dealership. A professional with a certificate will be better than a local. Reach out to Toyota as soon as possible.  

Are Newer Rav4s Affected?

Fortunately, only the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is affected by this issue. Regardless of the specific model, all 2019 RAV4s are experiencing the same problem.  

Both 2WD and 4WD models, and even every trim level, are facing this issue.  

Let’s look at the good news: they fixed the issue at the end of 2019. Now, the 2020 RAV4 has no such issue. All 2020 models are free from that issue.  

Conclusion

It is very important to check whether you purchase a new one or used one. These problems are very annoying and uncomfortable. At some point, maybe you want to sell it because of this problem.  

If you have a warranty left, most of the repair and labor costs will be covered by it. If you want to buy a used car, make sure to properly check with the dealership and take a test drive.  

It’s a good thing for all Toyota users that at the end of 2019, the issue will be resolved and the 2020 model will have no problem.  

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)