Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
RAV4 has been maintained per Toyota's recommendations. At approx 86K miles it started using up excessive amounts of oil. Oil is not leaking, nor burning (can't see anything in the tail pipes), and there's no burn oil smell anywhere. After researching, I found that in 2011, Toyota issued TSB-0094-11 that acknowledged excessive oil consumption in my year vehicle. Toyota also issued a lsc ze7 which offered free repair for qualified vehicles during the campaign (11/24/2017 or 150K miles whichever came first). Unfortunately my car just hit 86K miles. I'm the 2nd owner and never got any notification. My car is burning about 1 quart per 1,000 miles. After speaking to Toyota cust no-svc, they're not willing to do anything. Even though they acknowledge there's an issue!!! My case with Toyota is 1912311193. …
While stopped at a light waiting to turn left the RAV4 engine began to rev and lurched forward with driver's foot still on the brake. Driver put car into neutral while holding down the brake pedal to prevent the car hurtling into the intersection. Driver then turned off the car and put gear shift to park. After 30 seconds restarted the car with foot on brake and the engine began to rev again with car in park. The engine noise was very loud. Car was again turned off. Car was restarted after about 2-3 minutes and engine behaved normally. Owners took car to Toyota dealer within an hour of the incident. Toyota dealership ran diagnostic and manager said driver had foot on the accelerator when it happened which is certainly not true. Dealer would not release a copy of the diagnostic report. …
Vehicle in for service at my regular service location. Mechanic noted leaking rear differential and I was hearing a "whiring" noise while driving, told to contact Toyota. Contacted local dealership, vehicle was looked at by the dealership and they noted it was the differential coupler. Would not cover the $1400 repair even though TSB-0080-13 and special policy adjustment no 960 was in place at that date/time. Shortly thereafter, purchased part through Toyota dealership and had installed by regular repair shop due to safety concerns. Contacting Toyota customer service via letter to request reimbursement for the differential coupler that I had to have installed since so many RAV4 owners have had this same issue and others have had theirs repaired at no cost to them. …
I have a 2008 Toyota RAV4 and at the time of the issue it had approximately 150K miles. While the vehicle was moving a growling/whirring noise started to come from the rear of the vehicle. It increased in frequency and volume over time. After replacing both rear wheel bearings it was determined by a Toyota dealership that the problem was with the rear differential coupler/bearing. I was notified that a warranty replacement for this exact issue expired in November of 2017. The problem with my vehicle was noticed in October of 2018. This is a very expensive repair that thousands of RAV4 owners have had to pay for out of pocket. The defective bearing needs to be replaced under a recall as they will not get any better and Toyota has already admitted the part is faulty by issuing the warranty replacement. Toyota must be held accountable for their defective parts and a recall must be issued.
Rear differential is making a loud rumbling noise in the beginning of 1st, and 2nd gear. Brought it in to Toyota and they said it was not leaking and I went into the shop and also looked at it myself and it wasn't leaking. Did the rear dif service like Toyota recommended because the car has been super reliable and I would like to keep it that way. I have done 2 rear dif services before and had no problems. Right when they did the service a couple days later it started making the rumbling noise again and is now leaking and made a puddle in my driveway. I took a look at it myself and all plugs are tightened but it is now leaking from the coupling where the driveshaft connects and the drivers side axle seal. They want me to pay 1000 dollars for a whole new coupling assembley that is refurbished not including the ds axle seal and labour. I will post picture below of the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact heard a really loud grinding noise emerging from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to downeast Toyota in brewer, maine for diagnostic testing on July 6, 2017, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle back when the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear differential coupler failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was outside the nine year extended warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
1. Excessive oil consumption up to 1qt every 1200 miles, under normal driving conditions noticed December of 2013. 2. ECM fails to hold reverse gear. Gear frequently slips in reverse when gas pedal is pressed, won't back up hills. Noticed December of 2013, no power when first starting up for first 10 to 15 minutes of drive. October of 2013 immediately after purchasing 3. Head gasket fail between number 2 and 3 cylinders due to faulty head gasket. Replaced head gasket June 2016 4. Very low fuel economy December 2013. 5. No oil pressure very ruff idle oil pressure light on, with oil level reading full. September 2017
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. The contact struck a deer while driving 75 MPH. She pulled off the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that it was on fire. The vehicle soon became engulfed in flames. The insurance company stated that the fire was due to the transmission fluid line being ruptured. The coolant dripped on the catalytic converter and caused the fire. A police report was filed. Toyota is not accepting responsibility because the contact was the one who struck the deer. The failure mileage was 7,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota RAV4. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle vibrated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (vic's auto service located at 3400 south park ave, buffalo, ny 14219; [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the entire drive shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Vehicle began brief hesitation at moderate speeds when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Also, the idle seems to stay high RPM for longer than it did. Then just two days ago, the engine briefly quit completely while accelerating to climb a hill. All these issues seem to be related to the first use of the day for a 10 or 15 minute period. The vehicle is parked outside overnight.
Transmission complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, 6% of the model year's 575 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Toyota RAV4, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.