Differential Unit problems of the 2009 Toyota RAV4

Five problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2009 Toyota RAV4. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the 2009 RAV4.

1 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2018

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.

2 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2018

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

3 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2015

(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.

4 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 12/26/2014

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.

5 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2014

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




Safety Ratings of RAV4 Cars
Fuel Economy of RAV4 Vehicles
RAV4 Service Bulletins
RAV4 Safety Recalls
RAV4 Defect Investigations