Differential Unit problems of the 2008 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.