YearToAvoid

2011 Toyota RAV4 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Toyota RAV4, 9% of its 287 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 47,000. No related recall is listed for this component.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
25
9% of 287
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
47,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle rolling backward or downhill unexpectedly while in drive or parked, in one case causing a crash into a pole and sign.
  • Some describe unintended acceleration or engine revving with the brakes unable to slow the car, forcing drivers to shift into neutral.
  • Several report differential fluid or rear axle seal leaks tied to a clogged differential vent, with one owner noting a subframe rusted through near the leak.
  • One owner reported the four-wheel drive system deactivating on its own with flickering dashboard lights during a snowstorm.
  • A viscous coupling unit failure was reported, with the dealer stating it was not covered under the extended warranty.

When 2011 Toyota RAV4 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 14, 2011, latest Dec 19, 2023.

2011 Toyota RAV4 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Nov 2011Jan 2013Apr 2014Nov 2015Oct 2017Apr 2018Jul 2019Nov 2021
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2011 to Dec 2023; peak Nov 2011 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Toyota RAV4

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by RAV4 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201038 (10%)
  2. 201125 (9%)
  3. 201219 (7%)
  4. 201329 (11%)
  5. 201420 (10%)
  6. 201525 (8%)
  7. 201611 (5%)
  8. 201716 (5%)
  9. 201826 (8%)
  10. 201980 (9%)
  11. 202038 (6%)
  12. 202122 (6%)
  13. 202211 (8%)
  14. 202311 (7%)
  15. 20248 (5%)
  16. 20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2011 Toyota RAV4 have?
NHTSA lists 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 RAV4, which is 9% of the 287 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Toyota RAV4 transmission?
No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2011 RAV4.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 RAV4?
The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2011 RAV4 is 47,000 miles.
How does the 2011 RAV4 compare to other years for this problem area?
The 2011 RAV4 had 25 complaints (9% share) in this area, close to 2012's 19 complaints (7%) and lower than 2010's 38 complaints (10%) and 2013's 29 complaints (11%).
Were any crashes or fires linked to these complaints?
Among the 25 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 RAV4, NHTSA records 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.