Two problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds 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.
Whenever we are traveling about 40 mph and 1500 rpm, there is a rattle noise. The vibration holds for as long as 1-2 seconds. As soon as the vibration starts, you can let off the gas or step on the gas to change the rpms and it instantly stops. The car has been making this sound since shortly after we bought it brand new. Now we're being told that it's a transmission failure. The torque converter is the route if the problem. At 1500 rpm and 38-40 mph the torque converter in the transfer case is vibrating, causing the heat shield to rattle because of the transfer of vibrations. It just seems like we've had a faulty transmission all along.
I noticed a strange rattling noise from the engine when starting my car 1st thing in the morning and when starting it after it has sat for a few hours; I researched online for other similar complaints and found that Toyota has discovered an issue with the cam shaft on some vehicles. I have just learned of a 2nd recall on my vehicle, this one for the rear suspension after visiting the Toyota website, but I found nothing about a recall regarding the cam shaft. I had planned on bringing the cam shaft issue to the attention of the service tech when I take the vehicle in for the rear suspension recall but am unsure if anything will be done. Please advise.