Differential Unit Problems of Toyota RAV4

Moaning, buzzing noise of front differential when acceleration to 35mph, also upon deceleration, especially when car is hot.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

There is a problem with the rear differential coupling that may cause the car to lock up at high speeds. The repair cost is ridiculous and Toyota will not stand behind its product. The car makes terrible bumping noises at low speeds and sounds like it will lock up.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Rear axle seals failed due to clogged differential vent. Car has 93k miles on it. The vent is impossible to reach and can't be cleaned easily. Also it costs $1300 to fix it.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Clunking/thud is heard from the rear/under carriage. To duplicate the issue, it must be driven 30-40 min so that differential oil is hot and drive up to 30 mph then slow down to below 10 mph to confirm the issue. The issue is limited to 2019 Rav4 (with torque vectoring system - only adventure and limited trims) no known TSB to fix the issue. The sound is more like a heavy object (like a bowling ball) is dropped on a carpeted floor and like a muffled sound rather than a sharp mechanical gear rotating sound. The noise is more like a thud and very prominent enough to distract driving. It happens after awd is engaged by falling the vehicle's speed under 20 mph in eco or normal mode. It does not happen in sport mode where awd is engaged in full-time.

Toyota vehicles experiencing problems with rear differential due to design problem. Mine has both rear seals leaking and will cost hundreds of dollars to repair at Toyota dealership. Breather plug gets clogged and pressure build up causes leaks. If not repaired, differential can potentially cease and cause an accident.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

We purchased a 2006 Rav4 limited the first week of March 2019. A rear differential coupling growl noise was noticeable a month after we purchased the vehicle. While driving the rear end started making a growling noise. In early January 2015 Toyota issued a warranty enhancement program (zf4) for years 2006-2012 Rav4 to have the defective bearing replaced, but they put an expiration date of April 30th 2017 or 9 years from the date of first use regardless of mileage. I can't understand how you can put an expiration date on a defective part. These bearings could go bad and seize at any time possibly causing an accident with injuries or even death. We happen to own two of these vehicles, same years, one making no noise and not going bad yet, but the other decided it was time. There should be a recall on this rear differential coupling bearing, not a warranty enhancement program. Toyota has already acknowledged a defect with the bearing by initiating a warranty enhancement program, you can't just say after April 30th 2017 no other bearings will fail and if they do we pass the buck on the problem. Thank you for hearing my concerns, I look forward to hearing back from you. I would like to debate the issue with one of their representatives with you listening, I'd rip'em apart. It is time these billion dollar companies own up to their mistakes and not pass the buck to the little guy. Thank you again, (xxxx). You can contact me at (xxxx). Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

I took my vehicle in for service due to an engine knock. After 90 minutes to troubleshoot I was told that there was a major problem and that my vehicle was not safe to drive. Engine mount was broken, needed rear differential replaced. Mechanic had never seen anything like this.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Have a 2009 Toyota Rav4. Had growling noise in rear in 2017. Had rear differential coupler sub assembly replaced under warranty enhancement. Now 20000 miles later in November 2018 have growling noise again and local Toyota dealer says coupler would need to be replaced again. Warranty enhancement expired October 2018. Toyota won't stand by new part and dealer says would cost about $1900 including labor.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

I have a 2008 Toyota Rav4 and at the time of the issue it had approximately 150k miles. While the vehicle was moving a growling/whirring noise started to come from the rear of the vehicle. It increased in frequency and volume over time. After replacing both rear wheel bearings it was determined by a Toyota dealership that the problem was with the rear differential coupler/bearing. I was notified that a warranty replacement for this exact issue expired in November of 2017. The problem with my vehicle was noticed in October of 2018. This is a very expensive repair that thousands of Rav4 owners have had to pay for out of pocket. The defective bearing needs to be replaced under a recall as they will not get any better and Toyota has already admitted the part is faulty by issuing the warranty replacement. Toyota must be held accountable for their defective parts and a recall must be issued.

Growling noise from rear differential while driving. 4 months past enhanced warranty period. Recall is needed. Unsafe to drive and very expensive repair.

Tl the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact heard a really loud grinding noise emerging from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to downeast Toyota in brewer, maine for diagnostic testing on July 6, 2017, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle back when the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the rear differential coupler failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was outside the nine year extended warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Rear differential coupler is failing. Emitting an awful noise and getting worse. Spoke to Toyota customer service. They told me that the enhanced extended warranty has expired at the end of last year. I did not know about this, until the part has worn out. (defective) it is a $1400. Part plus labor to install. They cannot extend the enhanced extended warranty according to the rules that NHTSA has suggested. Don't you think it is time for NHTSA to require that Toyota renew this replacement, or call it a recall for their defective manufacturing process?.

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, nashville Toyota north (2400 gallatin pike n, madison, TN 37115) and diagnosed that the rear differential coupling was leaking oil, the rear driver's side axle bearing was faulty, and the radiator was leaking. The rear differential coupling, rear driver's side axle bearing, and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was past the nine-year extended warranty coverage. The failure mileage was 97,900.

Leaking rear differential seal on driver side. Only 70000 miles.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. While driving 45 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The noise occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of rock hill (640 galleria blvd, rock hill, SC 29730) where it was diagnosed that the rear differential coupling needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the warranty was expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 888-270-9371 and stated that nothing could be done. A case number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 141,203.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

My Rav4 has 66,000 miles. I noticed an oil leak coming from the rear differential. My local dealer inspected the car and told me that there is a recall for a pinion bearing inside the rear differential but after only listening for noise of a faulty bearing they determined that mine was not defective. However the oil leak is coming from the pinion seal which is the same shaft as the bearings affected by the recall. One of the first signs of a bearing failure is a leaking seal. The failing bearing causes a vibration often times not heard or felt but which causes an oil seal to fail. The dealership did inform me however that I have a front wheel bearing that is failing. I do have an appointment to have everything fixed with a trusted local mechanic shop however I am concerned that Toyota is using poor quality parts that could lead to increased accidents.

At a routine oil change was told there was a "transaxle leak" that required immediate attention from an authorized dealer. There was no visible leak in the driveway, no check engine light or other warning. So when this developed is unknown. Told not safe to drive. Repair would be $3000. Transmission and differential had to be removed to seal leaking. This vehicle has 34k miles on it. Was told this only seen in cars over 100k. Has been well maintained--all service checks and recalls completed. Toyota accepts no responsibility. No sign of a potentially dangerous situation.

At approximately 67,000 miles (or likely much sooner), this 4wd vehicle experienced a leaking seal in the left rear differential/axle. The leak was discovered by the dealer during a recent visit to handle several outstanding recall issues. From doing extensive online research, this appears to be a widespread and common problem with the 4wd Rav4s. It is a very costly repair (as much as $800 at the local Toyota dealer), so I respectfully request that the ntsb investigate the Rav4 rear differential seal leaks for a possible recall or technical service bulletin. Please note that Toyota already issued a warranty enhancement notification (z4f) which extends the new vehicle limited powertrain warranty for a rear differential coupling issue. I believe that this warranty enhancement should extend to the rear axle seals as well. Failure of the rear seal(s) can of course lead to total failure of the powertrain and cause serious injury or death. I have attached a photo showing the leaking left rear axle seal.

While driving vehicle began to shake or "wobble" . Upon inspection was found to be tire which was uneven in wear. Replaced tire and after a short time was found not to be the problem. Upon inspection was found seals on rear differential leaking . Closer inspection found rear suspension, tie rod loose. This we believe is due to rear suspension parts being faulty. Parts are original. At this time we are being told that it is not covered under any vehicle warranty or recall. This is a major safety problem as it caused vehicle to loose complete control. At this same time vehicle rear differential also began to give off a "whine" sound. The tires have been worn unevenly due to rear suspension being loose causing this failure. Our concerns are that we are being told there is no warranty or recall to correct or protect anyone owning and driving without knowledge of this problem. It should be known that tires worn uneven were on & from rear of vehicle. No front tires had been worn unevenly with this incident.

(no accident) a whine started in the rear of the car that got progressively more prominent over the course of a week. My mechanic discovered that the rear differential coupling hub assembly has failed. According to Toyota parts manager -- and much internet 'chatter' I later discovered -- this is a wide-spread problem (they can't keep the part in stock) and there has been a TSB (0080-13/ special policy adjustment wab 2190) issued, yet Toyota will not cover, or even partially cover, this known defect. It's a very expensive repair, and while a 2009 isn't under warrenty anymore, it's far too new to have a problem like this.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Rav4. While driving various speeds, a loud unknown noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the viscous coupling needed to be replaced. The repairs were made and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

Vehicle in for service at my regular service location. Mechanic noted leaking rear differential and I was hearing a "whiring" noise while driving, told to contact Toyota. Contacted local dealership, vehicle was looked at by the dealership and they noted it was the differential coupler. Would not cover the $1400 repair even though TSB-0080-13 and special policy adjustment no 960 was in place at that date/time. Shortly thereafter, purchased part through Toyota dealership and had installed by regular repair shop due to safety concerns. Contacting Toyota customer service via letter to request reimbursement for the differential coupler that I had to have installed since so many Rav4 owners have had this same issue and others have had theirs repaired at no cost to them. I have attached a fellow Rav4 owners invoice that shows coupler replaced under the special policy adjustment that is also attached.

Differential gear box started to slowly leak fluid just over 100,000 miles and eventually the rear differential carrier assy had to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2008 Rav4 Toyota. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was making a humming noise as unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear differential coupling assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 114,000 and the current mileage was 116,000.

Rear differential started making a whirring noise while driving down the road. The noise increased in pitch and volume with speed. Dealer informed me that it was a bad magnetic coupling between the transmission and the rear differential and replaced it.

Our 2006 Rav4 creates a growling sound from the rear differential area when driving at 35 to 40 mph. The sound goes away when accelerating above 40 mph. The noise is becoming more pronounced with time. Twice the vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership and they were unable to identify the cause. Research online located technical service bulletin TSB-0080-13 which discusses symptoms very similar to what our rav is experiencing. A call to the Toyota dealership resulted in being informed that deterioration of the rear differential coupling due to contaminated bearing could be the problem, and that estimated cost of repair cost is $1,925. I asked if failure of the coupling could be catastrophic, causing loss of control. The answer was not likely unless driving on slippery surfaces. This vehicle is regularly maintained, and has not been in an accident. It is disappointing that we are looking at an impending failure of the drivetrain. Is this a flaw in the engineering/design that went into this vehicle? what else can be done beyond informing others in the interest of their personal safety?.

I was driving uphill on 4 lane highway when I noticed speed dropping, I had dropped to 50 mph, then started to hear metal banging, I was starting to head to burm when some very loud metallic bangs happened, and one or more wheels locked up and sent me into a spin to the right, and I hit gaurd rails. I was on rt. 68 eastbound in maryland, on sideling hill. After having it in the garage the mechanics told me that a gasket or seal leaked on the differential, they told me they have never had it happen, nor do they no why.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota RAV4 🔎.