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 2010 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Nashville Toyota North (2400 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 37115), and diagnosed that the rear differential coupling was leaking oil, the rear driver's side axle bearing was faulty, and the radiator was leaking. The rear differential coupling, rear driver's side axle bearing, and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was past the nine-year extended warranty coverage. The failure mileage was 97,900.
I was about to accelerate on a main avenue, made a clunking sound and came to a halt. Couldn't pull over safely. Investigated by mechanic, said the Transmission exploded, and the differential gears broke. No warning lights.
We were pulling out of a paralllel parking spot on a residential street very slowly. Then suddenly the car unintendedly accelerated very fast and hit another parked car on the other side of the street. It seemed like the car took control on its own as we were pulling out very slowly.
While driving vehicle began to shake or "wobble" . Upon inspection was found to be tire which was uneven in wear. Replaced tire and after a short time was found not to be the problem. Upon inspection was found seals on rear differential leaking . Closer inspection found rear suspension, tie rod loose. This we believe is due to rear suspension parts being faulty. Parts are original. At this time we are being told that it is not covered under any vehicle warranty or recall. This is a major safety problem as it caused vehicle to loose complete control. At this same time vehicle rear differential also began to give off a "whine" sound. The tires have been worn unevenly due to rear suspension being loose causing this failure. Our concerns are that we are being told there is no warranty or recall to correct or protect anyone owning and driving without knowledge of this problem. …
The vehicle jerks visciously when shifting. This occurs when driving up a hill and the transmission down shifts from 3rd to 2nd or when accelerating from 1st to 2nd when turning a corner or when going in reverse while traversing up any type of in line. This is a sporadic problem that began occurring at around 93,000 miles. The vehicle now has 128,000. I initially thought that the transmission was failing but I thought the mileage was way too low for that type of problem to occur. I had the transmission fluid changed at 94,000 miles. This action made no difference. Recently I began researching on the web and have found information pointing to the ECM (electronic control module). Either solution is an extremely costly repair. I am interested to know if there are other people who are experiencing similar problems and if Toyota has any responsibility for repairs?
Yesterday my car drove perfectly fine. Today, I am pulling out of my driveway trying to accelerate, there was a delayed reaction, then a thud and the car jumped forward at the time of the thud. It did it again when I pulled into a parking space, propelling the vehicle forward suddently after the thud was heard again. When I put it in reverse, the thud was heard again, not as loud. All of my driving was on city streets, but due to the sudden lerching forward after the thud sound, I kept a very wise distance from vehicles in front of me. This happened both in stationary and also while in motion. It feels like a transmission problem, although I have read about issues with ECM solenoids. This car has record of being serviced on a very regular basis. It has about 148K miles on it.
When driving the vehicle at approximately 40-50 MPH, in 4th gear, a vibration or shudder is felt in the transmission. It is a slight loss of power. It can be felt intermittently as long as you are holding a constant speed. If you manually or automatically shift down it stops, but as soon as you maintain speed again it will come back. It doesn't necessary matter which roadway you are driving on. From my understanding there is a malfunction in the torque converter. A "lock-up clutch" design flaw in the damper plate and springs. This is already a known issue for some models and recalls have been issued. It is becoming a bigger, more wide spread issue and the recall needs to be expanded to include all models with this problem.
Vehicle was at the stop sign for the high speed train. The vehicle was rearended by a truck. Brakes were applied, the brakes failed and the vehicle continued to go towards the railroad crossing with approach of the high speed train. The driver in desperation made a u-turn still trying to stop the vehicle. In desperation the gear was shifted to park and the key removed, the vehicle continued to roll jumped the curb and fortunately ran into tree which stopped the vehicle. The vehicle body damage is being repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the vehicle would start after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear differential mount needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,975.
Whining sound, possibly transmission. The sound happens when I accelerate or maintain a certain speed (25-45 MPH). When I remove my foot off the pedal the sound goes away so it's only temporary. I can't really hear it on the highway but when I'm on the small roads I sometimes do. The vehicle is only 8 years old with slightly less of 100, 000 miles. The vehicle should be able to run a few more years.
Transmission complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Toyota RAV4, 10% of the model year's 400 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 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 2010 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 49% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.