# RAV-4 transmission problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [May 29, 2008, 12:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587 "2008-05-29T00:27:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![joanlmt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8c91f0/32.png) [@joanlmt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/joanlmt)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 12:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/1 "2008-05-29T00:27:50Z")
I have a 2003 RAV-4 automatic that vibrates before it shifts into overdrive. It does it more so when it under a load going up hill. A mechanic said the transmission flush would help and it has but for how long? Should I start looking for another vehicle? There is just over 100,000 miles on it. ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/2 "2008-05-29T01:17:05Z")
another question about magic trans flush. Pull the pan cut open the filter look for metal ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/3 "2008-05-29T02:05:49Z")
Is this the first time the fluid (and filter if it has one) was changed? Regular changes will help your transmissionlast quite a while longer unless it’s already damaged. ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 3:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/4 "2008-05-29T03:59:43Z")
BMW automatic transmissions by design never are serviced. They last. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 12:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/5 "2008-05-29T12:38:41Z")
When Toyota starts charging as much for their cars as BMW does, perhaps their transmissions will be designed in the same manner. Until that time, I don’t think that it is realistic to compare the two manufacturers. ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/6 "2008-05-29T13:10:17Z")
I know a few owners who ones changed under the 100k certified warranty thankfully. (5 series and 3 series) ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/7 "2008-05-29T13:59:33Z")
So they don’t necessary last, despite a lack of servicing? I am shocked!! ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/8 "2008-05-29T18:21:38Z")
Do you know what year 5 and three series. I was with BMW since 2001 at a major Milwauke dealer and not one. No timing chain failures either. ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2008, 6:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rav-4-transmission-problems/14587/9 "2008-05-29T18:24:46Z")
Do you know what the operational concern was?I think the no-service required condition for BMW is related to the chemical make-up of the fluid rather than the design of the transmission