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 2011 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking differential fluid. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contract was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the viscous coupling unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, there was a loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and the rear differential fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4. While driving 2-3 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact accelerated independently again. The contact stated that the engine revved excessively. The contact also noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, excessive leaking underneath the vehicle, and an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The contact was able to place the vehicle in drive and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was towed to Toyota of nicholasville (2100 lexington rd, nicholasville, ky 40356, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Toyota RAV4. While the vehicle was parked without the emergency brake engaged, it rolled down hill into the back yard, through lawn furniture, and stopped in the woods. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
Our 2011 RAV4 was totaled in December 2013 when a BMW 5 series crashed into us while my wife was making a left turn. The impact was to the front tire on the passenger side and it was so severe, the entire wheel assembly was ripped out of the transmission and ended compressed against the passenger door; however incredibly none of the airbags deployed. My son, who was sitting in the front was unharmed, however my daughter in the back was sitting behind the driver seat and flew across the car smashing violently against the rear passenger door, loosing consciousness. As she woke up she vomited and per recommendation of the emergency crew on the scene, we took her to the er. I have written several Toyota groups about this incident and they have not even acknowledged my request. …
At approximately 67,000 miles (or likely much sooner), this 4wd vehicle experienced a leaking seal in the left rear differential/axle. The leak was discovered by the dealer during a recent visit to handle several outstanding recall issues. From doing extensive online research, this appears to be a widespread and common problem with the 4wd rav4s. It is a very costly repair (as much as $800 at the local Toyota dealer), so I respectfully request that the ntsb investigate the RAV4 rear differential seal leaks for a possible recall or technical service bulletin. Please note that Toyota already issued a warranty enhancement notification (z4f) which extends the new vehicle limited powertrain warranty for a rear differential coupling issue. I believe that this warranty enhancement should extend to the rear axle seals as well. …
My RAV4 has 66,000 miles. I noticed an oil leak coming from the rear differential. My local dealer inspected the car and told me that there is a recall for a pinion bearing inside the rear differential but after only listening for noise of a faulty bearing they determined that mine was not defective. However the oil leak is coming from the pinion seal which is the same shaft as the bearings affected by the recall. One of the first signs of a bearing failure is a leaking seal. The failing bearing causes a vibration often times not heard or felt but which causes an oil seal to fail. The dealership did inform me however that I have a front wheel bearing that is failing. I do have an appointment to have everything fixed with a trusted local mechanic shop however I am concerned that Toyota is using poor quality parts that could lead to increased accidents.
My recently purchased RAV4 2011 rolled backwards while in drive and my passenger door mirror caught the edge of my garage and shattered. I had no idea that this car rolled backwards while in drive. I was not told by the salesman, the manual also does not state it. The replacement of my mirror will cost me $360.00 but more importantly it could have rolled back into my wife and she is not replaceable. This car is not safe. It is not expected to happen with an automatic transmission and if no one is mentioning it to you, how are you suppose to know? Someone is going to get hurt eventually. It was almost my wife. It will soon be someone else.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that after shifting into driver from reverse, the vehicle erroneously accelerated. The vehicle crashed into a pole and then crashed into another sign before stopping. The contact was not injured. The contact also stated that the clamp that held the transmission failed and the transmission had to be replaced. The police were notified and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified and a representative inspected the failure before the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000.
At a routine oil change was told there was a "transaxle leak" that required immediate attention from an authorized dealer. There was no visible leak in the driveway, no check engine light or other warning. So when this developed is unknown. Told not safe to drive. Repair would be $3000. Transmission and differential had to be removed to seal leaking. This vehicle has 34K miles on it. Was told this only seen in cars over 100K. Has been well maintained--all service checks and recalls completed. Toyota accepts no responsibility. No sign of a potentially dangerous situation.
Transmission complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Toyota RAV4, 9% of the model year's 287 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 Toyota RAV4, though it has 11 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 2011 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.