Reconditioned Toyota RAV4 Gearbox

On the RAV4 (2001–2012), the gearbox changes from generation to generation — not just from one engine to another

Between 2001 and 2012, the RAV4 spans two major generations and features a wide range of very different petrol and diesel engines — not all of which were paired with the same transmission. The sharpest break comes with the arrival of the 2.2 D-4D: this four-cylinder diesel, available under engine codes 2AD-FHV and 2AD-FTV, requires a 6-speed manual gearbox, whereas the earlier 2.0 diesel (engine code 1CD-FTV) could be paired with either a 5-speed or a 6-speed unit depending on the year and trim level. Mixing up these two diesel gearboxes is the most common identification mistake on this model.

Petrol side: three engine codes, one 5-speed gearbox

The petrol versions of the RAV4 from this period — engine codes 3S-FE, 1AZ-FE and 3ZR-FE — all receive a 5-speed manual gearbox, but they are not the same unit: each engine generation corresponds to a distinct reference. The engine code stamped on the block therefore remains the essential identification criterion, regardless of fuel type.

Two reconditioning methods available depending on the unit

Depending on the reference and stock availability, the gearbox can be supplied on an exchange basis or rebuilt from your own unit — in the latter case, your own gearbox is reconditioned and returned to you, which eliminates any compatibility issues related to mid-production running changes. This is particularly relevant for the 2.0 D-4D, whose 5-speed and 6-speed gearboxes coexisted across the same calendar years.