One problem related to transmission noise has been reported for the 1998 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Transmission failed to hold vehicle in place when stopped on inclines. Transmission would make a thunking noise. Transmission would be released. Vehicle rolled down the driveway & hit a tree. Vehicle has a standard transmission which was in gear. The hand brakes were not applied. This is the second time it happened (12/97).