How common are transmission problems in the 2017 Toyota RAV4?

NHTSA lists 16 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2017 RAV4, making up about 5% of the 307 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Toyota RAV4?

No related recalls are listed for the transmission and powertrain area in this data.

At what mileage do 2017 RAV4 transmission problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure among reported transmission and powertrain complaints is 39,000 miles.

What kind of transmission issues do owners describe most?

Owners most often describe shuddering or shaking at moderate speeds, delayed shifting in cold weather, and CV axle noise or grease leaks.

Did the 2017 RAV4 transmission complaints lead to any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to these transmission and powertrain complaints.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 16 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2017 Toyota RAV4, about 5% of all complaints for the year, with median mileage at failure of 39,000. There are no related recalls listed for this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 16; 5% of 307
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 39,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle shuddering or shaking while driving at moderate speeds, sometimes with a rumbling or vibration felt through the car.
Some drivers report the transmission failing to shift into proper gears in cold weather, causing high RPMs while the car struggles to accelerate.
Several complaints mention noise or shuddering later diagnosed by a dealer as a malfunctioning torque converter.
Owners report CV axle problems, including grease leaking from the axles and noise coming from the front axle area when shifting from park to drive.
One owner described a loss of power and reduced fuel efficiency alongside unusual transmission noise.

When 2017 Toyota RAV4 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 10, 2018, latest Aug 18, 2025.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to Aug 2025; peak Feb 2019 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 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.

201038 (10%)
201125 (9%)
201219 (7%)
201329 (11%)
201420 (10%)
201525 (8%)
201611 (5%)
201716 (5%)
201826 (8%)
201980 (9%)
202038 (6%)
202122 (6%)
202211 (8%)
202311 (7%)
20248 (5%)
20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2017 Toyota RAV4?: NHTSA lists 16 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2017 RAV4, making up about 5% of the 307 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Toyota RAV4?: No related recalls are listed for the transmission and powertrain area in this data.
At what mileage do 2017 RAV4 transmission problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure among reported transmission and powertrain complaints is 39,000 miles.
What kind of transmission issues do owners describe most?: Owners most often describe shuddering or shaking at moderate speeds, delayed shifting in cold weather, and CV axle noise or grease leaks.
Did the 2017 RAV4 transmission complaints lead to any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to these transmission and powertrain complaints.