Two problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds have been reported for the 2007 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the 2007 RAV4.
V6 engine makes a rattle noise at startup. It has been identified by the dealer as the vvt camshaft gear. Toyota has a technical service bulletin (t-sb-0094-09) identifying the cause as the intake or exhaust camshaft vvt assembly. However the Lexus division of Toyota has a recall for this exact problem on is and GS models (reference NHTSA campaign number: 13v395000). The consequence is that the loose bolts could cause the vvt gear housing and sprocket to separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash. If this is dangerous enough to cause a crash for a Lexus customer, then why isn't this dangerous enough to issue a recall for a Toyota customer. These are the same motors and the customers should be treated as such.
- the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. While driving 45 mph the contact heard a high pitched whistling sound. The dealer stated that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The whistling sound started to occur more frequently, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact felt that thiswas a safety issue because it caused the driver to become distracted. The current mileage was 1,500 .