Rav 4 T180

[Miked]

I have just taken delivery of a new T 180 and after only two days I reversed up a slight incline and after 30 feet a terrible burning smell filled the cabin to the extent that I thought it was about to catch fire.

The warning light indicated engine problem and I took the car to the local dealer (not the supplier of the car) who checked it out and declared nothing wrong.

I have since found out that al least since September 2006 Toyota are aware of a problem when reversing, causing clutch smells or failure. This may be just on some models and may be on very new cars.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any further information. I need to resolve the matter urgently as I bought the car with a veiw to future towing.

[sywy]

Is this really a known problem? This is the first i've seen of it.

Anyway, no I have not experienced it. However, i can't recall having to reverse up a incline.

[Miked]

Is this really a known problem? This is the first i've seen of it.

Anyway, no I have not experienced it. However, i can't recall having to reverse up a incline.

I have a copy of an internal instruction from a Toyota Dealer asking for completion of a questionnaire by their staff asking about the problem and driving styles, useage, where it occurs, etc. of customers.

If Toyota are monitering this site, I have written to them direct asking for an explanation and update. I have also advised the dealers/finance company who sold me the car. I will update the site as and when I hear from those concerned.

Miked

[rav man]

Spoke to someone the other day with a T180 also bought for towing and he reported the same problem of clutch smoke whilst manouvering his caravan.

[rav-U-like]

I had a similar experience with my clutch. it was the strangest smell I have ever had from a car. Mentioned it at my last service, they had a look but could not find anything wrong. I was unhappy as it was my last chance to claim under warranty before it expired. As always they were not aware of any problems with RAV clutches although there was a technical note floating around regard the Avensis clutch. I forgot to mention to the service guy that the car was under load as I was pulling a VW camper with ceased brakes up the drive in reverse !. Been ok since (8 months) no additional signs of wear although I would not expect it to go the distance after giving it a hard time. (53 XT3 38000m)

[Miked]

I had a similar experience with my clutch. it was the strangest smell I have ever had from a car. Mentioned it at my last service, they had a look but could not find anything wrong. I was unhappy as it was my last chance to claim under warranty before it expired. As always they were not aware of any problems with RAV clutches although there was a technical note floating around regard the Avensis clutch. I forgot to mention to the service guy that the car was under load as I was pulling a VW camper with ceased brakes up the drive in reverse !. Been ok since (8 months) no additional signs of wear although I would not expect it to go the distance after giving it a hard time. (53 XT3 38000m)

Update

Delay in adding comments due to unexpected Hospital visit (Appendix burst)

Have now tried Rav out twice on same incline, feathered the clutch and happy to report no smells. Hope this is an end to the matter but Toyota are aware of a problem even though they officially don't admit it!

Miked

[Steve@Aberdeen]

Delay in adding comments due to unexpected Hospital visit (Appendix burst)

Have now tried Rav out twice on same incline, feathered the clutch and happy to report no smells. Hope this is an end to the matter but Toyota are aware of a problem even though they officially don't admit it!

Miked

Ouch - trust you're fine now. Perhaps somebody will come up with a theory how a dodgy appendix will affect a Rav clutch

[chris.d]

I have just taken delivery of a new T 180 and after only two days I reversed up a slight incline and after 30 feet a terrible burning smell filled the cabin to the extent that I thought it was about to catch fire.

The warning light indicated engine problem and I took the car to the local dealer (not the supplier of the car) who checked it out and declared nothing wrong.

I have since found out that al least since September 2006 Toyota are aware of a problem when reversing, causing clutch smells or failure. This may be just on some models and may be on very new cars.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any further information. I need to resolve the matter urgently as I bought the car with a veiw to future towing.

I have had 2 rav4 s 2.0 d-4d. Both have had what i consider suspect clutches.

The main time it happens is on reversing specialy if on a gradient.

The first one i bought in 2002 that one was quite bad and the stink hung around in the car for ages.

My present 2004 rav has the same problem tho i now tow a caravan and when I reverse this on grass it always smokes. It's not the driver cos i met another caravaner had same problem on his rav. Swapped it for a Hyundai and no more problems.

I was thinking about buying a new car..but..daren't risk another rav

chris

[vanessa butterworth]

Delay in adding comments due to unexpected Hospital visit (Appendix burst)

Have now tried Rav out twice on same incline, feathered the clutch and happy to report no smells. Hope this is an end to the matter but Toyota are aware of a problem even though they officially don't admit it!

Miked

Ouch - trust you're fine now. Perhaps somebody will come up with a theory how a dodgy appendix will affect a Rav clutch

Hi

We've got an 2004 Rav XT3 Diesel. We have towed a light trailer but changed over to a caravan one year ago. It tows beautifully but every single time we reverse the caravan on grass or slight incline, the caravan smells and smokes.

I took it straight in to my local Toyota dealer who had a look and said that it was because the new clutches now are not made with asbestos and the do tend to smell. When I've told friends they've just laughed and said Toyota have fobbed me off.

Towed it to Holland for Easter and on return when manouvering the clutch smoked so much I thought it had caught fire.

Lo and behold it started slipping the next day and I've now got to have a new clutch fitted. Fortunately it is just within warranty.

I am quite disappointed about this though as this is my second Rav, I love it and don't want to drive anything bigger or thirstier.

[chris.d]

continuing rav 4 clutch saga I just had a repacement after 24K ..course there is no problem with them...so why did they fit a modified version eh ???? Thank goodness for a 3 year warranty tho. O and this is 3 rav4 that I know of that smoked like chimneys particularly when reversin up steep inclines..adda caravan and you cant see where your going so much smoke..hope modified clutch lasts longer

[browners]

continuing rav 4 clutch saga I just had a repacement after 24K ..course there is no problem with them...so why did they fit a modified version eh ???? Thank goodness for a 3 year warranty tho. O and this is 3 rav4 that I know of that smoked like chimneys particularly when reversin up steep inclines..adda caravan and you cant see where your going so much smoke..hope modified clutch lasts longer

Just to add that I too experienced this. I tow a caravan, and it tows it a dream. I try and reverse into my drive with the van on and the stink is awfull. This is a simple inclince 6 foot long into a driveway. Was really worried but now I know there is a fault with the RAVs i am still annoyed but at least i know its not my driving.

I drive a 2003 Rav d4d 5 door.