Toyota RAV4 Transmission Fluid Guide
A transmission fluid change is an essential maintenance task that can be done with a vehicle, however, it’s not something you do very often (if at all). It’s normally listed with the recommended maintenance guide by the manufacturer, so what does this mean for a Toyota RAV4?
Before you can follow through with this scheduled maintenance item, you must understand what Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid to use and the procedures to follow.
In this guide, I cover the various model years and what RAV4 transmission fluid should be used. I also illustrate how to check the RAV4 transmission fluid and include other useful information.
What Is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a special lubricant that is designed to protect your RAV4’s gears and enable smooth shifting. It is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle.
Gear shifting is an intensive process. You have many mechanical parts making up the transmission which come in contact with each other while moving. Transmission fluid is essential to keep these parts working properly and prevent them from wearing down.
Not only does the transmission fluid help lubricate these parts, but it also provides pressure and friction to keep your transmission operating properly. It helps reduce temperatures as well.
(Amsoil, Universal Technical Institute)
How to Check Your Fluid
How to check the RAV4’s transmission fluid is a very common question among drivers. Everyone knows how important it is to keep an eye on your car’s fluids.
The procedures to check the transmission fluid vary depending on which Toyota RAV4 you drive. Here are the guidelines you need to know.
2013 – 2024 Toyota RAV4:
In the newer RAV4 models, there’s no way to check the transmission fluid. A dipstick is not included. Instead, a Toyota dealer or mechanic needs to be contacted if you have concerns about the transmission fluid.
This may be why you’re reading this article right now. Perhaps you were trying to check it on your own RAV4, but could not find a dipstick.
In most situations, you do not need to replace the transmission fluid anyway. Keep reading for more information about the recommended transmission fluid change intervals.
1994 – 2012 Toyota RAV4:
Older RAV4 models have a dipstick, so you can monitor the condition of the transmission yourself.
See the image below for the location of the transmission fluid dipstick.
Here are some helpful steps to follow to check your transmission fluid:
- Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature.
- Cycle through the gears.
- Locate the dipstick.
- Remove the dipstick. Take note of its color. It should be a clear or amber color. If it’s dark and dirty, it may need to be changed.
- Wipe off the dipstick with a clean shop towel.
- Insert the dipstick back into the tube.
- Remove it and check the level.
If the level is low, add an appropriate amount of compatible fluid.
Signs of Low or Dirty Fluid
Since checking the fluid manually isn’t an option on newer RAV4s, here are signs to look for to diagnose low or dirty transmission fluid.
- Noises: If you’re hearing noises from the transmission area or while shifting gears, this could indicate something is wrong with the transmission fluid.
- Burning smell: Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause abnormally high friction which can produce a burning smell and cause excessive wear and tear.
- Transmission leakage: Transmission fluid should not burn off, so a leak could cause it to be low. If you notice a dark red fluid leaking from your vehicle, it might be transmission fluid.
- Shifting issues: When you accelerate and decelerate, your vehicle cycles through the gears. If you notice a slipping feeling or slow gear engagement when changing speeds, you may need to replace or refill your transmission fluid.
- Check engine light: A “Check Engine” light can indicate various vehicle problems, including transmission issues. visit a Toyota dealership or auto parts store to read the engine codes to see if the transmission is to blame.
(Toyota of Manchester, Consumer Reports)
How Often to Change
Toyota recommends changing the transmission fluid only as necessary in normal driving scenarios. This means you may find yourself not needing to change your transmission fluid while owning your RAV4. However, if you tow, use a car-top carrier, or carry heavy loads in your vehicle, you should change the transmission fluid every 60,000 miles or 72 months.
In addition to this regular service, Toyota recommends having the transmission fluid cooler hoses and connections inspected every 30,000 miles. The system should also be checked for signs of leakage. Any faults must be repaired immediately to prevent transmission damage.
Even though Toyota claims that you shouldn’t have to replace the transmission fluid in most cases, I recommend asking your mechanic to check the fluid quality every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It’s better to play it safe.
Cost to Change
How much does it cost to change the Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid? This could be a concern of yours as a RAV4 owner.
Thankfully, this maintenance task isn’t expensive, especially when considering what a new transmission could cost due to neglect.
The estimated cost to change the transmission fluid on a Toyota RAV4 is between $260 and $304. This includes an estimated cost of $117 to $137 for parts and $143 to $167 for labor, according to Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com).
If you have basic mechanical skills and some tools, you could change the transmission fluid yourself. Performing Toyota RAV4 maintenance at home saves you on labor costs, leaving you to pay only for the parts. That saves you around $143 to $167 on the total bill, based on the KBB estimate.
Compatible Fluid Types
Just as the RAV4 requires a certain type of oil to run, the transmission fluid must also be compatible. There are various types of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to purchase. Using the wrong one could lead to damage.
The most common types of transmission fluid these days are either the Multi-Vehicle Synthetic or Dexron/Mercon. Some brands, such as Toyota, also recommend using a genuine formulation only provided by the automaker.
Here are the various transmission fluid types for all years and configurations of the Toyota RAV4.
| Model Year | RAV4 Gas | RAV4 Hybrid | RAV4 Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2023 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2022 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2021 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2020 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2019 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2018 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2017 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2016 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — |
| 2015 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2014 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2013 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2012 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2011 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2010 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2009 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2008 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2007 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2006 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | — | — |
| 2005 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2004 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2003 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2002 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2001 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: ATF Type T-IV | — | — |
| 2000 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II) Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or T-IV or equivalent | — | — |
| 1999 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II) Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent | — | — |
| 1998 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II) Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent | — | — |
| 1997 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF D-11 or DEXRON III (DEXRON II) Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent | — | — |
| 1996 | Manual 2WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Manual 4WD: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Automatic 2WD: ATF DEXRON II Automatic 4WD: Toyota ATF Type T or equivalent | — | — |
| 1995 | ATF Dexron III* | — | — |
| 1994 | ATF Dexron III* | — | — |
*Unable to officially confirm this data point. Please refer to your owner’s manual.
Data sources: garage.wiki, toyota.com
Fluid Capacity
It’s also important to know how much fluid the system holds. You don’t want to under or overfill the transmission. This information can be found in the service manual or simply reference the table provided below.
| Model Year | RAV4 Gas | RAV4 Hybrid | RAV4 Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | 4.6 qt. |
| 2022 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | 4.6 qt. |
| 2021 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | 4.6 qt. |
| 2020 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | — |
| 2019 | 7.8 qt. | 4.1 qt. | — |
| 2018 | 6.9 qt. | Front: 4.0 qt. Rear: 1.9 qt. | — |
| 2017 | 6.9 qt. | Front: 4.0 qt. Rear: 1.9 qt. | — |
| 2016 | 6.9 qt. | Front: 4.0 qt. Rear: 1.9 qt. | — |
| 2015 | 6.9 qt. | — | — |
| 2014 | 6.9 qt. | — | — |
| 2013 | 6.9 qt. | — | — |
| 2012 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. | — | — |
| 2011 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. | — | — |
| 2010 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. | — | — |
| 2009 | 4-speed: 8.6 qt. 5-speed: 9.3 qt. | — | — |
| 2008 | 3.5 qt. | — | — |
| 2007 | 3.5 qt. | — | — |
| 2006 | 3.5 qt. | — | — |
| 2005 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic: 3.5 qt. | — | — |
| 2004 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic: 3.5 qt. | — | — |
| 2003 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic: 3.5 qt. | — | — |
| 2002 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt. Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt. | — | — |
| 2001 | Manual 2WD: 2.5 qt. Manual 4WD: 3.4 qt. Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt. Automatic 4WD: 3.9 qt. | — | — |
| 2000 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. | — | — |
| 1999 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. | — | — |
| 1998 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. | — | — |
| 1997 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic 2WD: 3.3 qt. Automatic 4WD: 7.0 qt. | — | — |
| 1996 | Manual 2WD: 3.9 qt. Manual 4WD: 5.0 qt. Automatic: 3.3 qt. | — | — |
| 1995 | 3.49 qt.* | — | — |
| 1994 | 3.49 qt.* | — | — |
*Unable to officially confirm this data point. Please refer to your owner’s manual.
Data sources: garage.wiki, toyota.com
Maintenance benefits
You may be wondering why transmission fluid maintenance is so important. Is it really something you should be worried about?
Here are the benefits of proper transmission fluid maintenance:
- Extends transmission lifespan
- Prevents costly transmission repairs
- Improves transmission performance
- Improves fuel economy
- Provides smoother shifting
Frequently Asked Questions
Protecting the RAV4 Transmission
Your Toyota’s transmission is one of the most critical components to protect. If the transmission fails because of a lack of maintenance, it costs a lot of money to replace it. For this reason, it’s essential to know the right RAV4 transmission fluid to use.
Consider Toyota RAV4 maintenance to be similar to an insurance policy. By following all of the manufacturer guidelines, you ensure that the transmission provides many more miles of service.