Does the Toyota RAV4 6-speed automatic have transmission problems?

The shudder or vibration shows up when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds, at around 30–65 km/h, and often appears between roughly 50,000 and 110,000 km.

Likely causes include torque converter lock-up, degraded transmission fluid and software calibration. Toyota issued service bulletins with fixes such as software updates, fluid changes and torque converter replacement.

Complaints are less common on 2016–2018 cars than on earlier years. Test drive at low speeds and ask for service records.