TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Toyota RAV4 powertrain problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 21 model years of Toyota RAV4 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: SOME 2006 - 2012 MODEL YEAR 4WD RAV4 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROWL TYPE NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING WHEN DRIVING AS A RESULT OF CONTAMINATION TO THE FRONT BEARING. FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN THIS BULLETIN TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2006 - 2012 model year 4WD RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a growl type noise from the rear differential coupling when driving as a result of contamination to the front bearing. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"DL: IN OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO HELP ENSURE THE BEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, TOYOTA IS ANNOUNCING A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING GROWL NOISE ON 2006-2012 MODEL YEAR RAV4 4WD VEHICLES. IN SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED SOME REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A GROWL TYPE NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING WHEN DRIVING DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE FRONT BEARING. ALTHOUGH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY IS COVERED BY TOYOTAS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY FOR 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST), WE AT TOYOTA CARE ABOUT OUR CUSTOMERS OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE. TOYOTA IS NOW EXTENDING THE WAR
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"DD: IN OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO HELP ENSURE THE BEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, TOYOTA IS ANNOUNCING A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING GROWL NOISE ON 2006-2012 MODEL YEAR RAV4 4WD VEHICLES. IN SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED SOME REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT A GROWL TYPE NOISE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING WHEN DRIVING DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE FRONT BEARING. ALTHOUGH THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY IS COVERED BY TOYOTAS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY FOR 5 YEARS OR 60,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST), WE AT TOYOTA CARE ABOUT OUR CUSTOMERS OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE. TOYOTA IS NOW EXTENDING THE WAR
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report transmission lag and hesitation—particularly from stops or low speeds—where the engine revs without the vehicle responding, then suddenly downshifts and surges forward. Dealers have dismissed this as "normal" or claimed it's a safety mechanism, despite owners noting it creates dangerous merging situations and has caused at least one collision. Some vehicles experience complete transmission failure at low mileage (66,000 miles) with no warning, despite fluid checks showing "good" condition weeks prior.
Slipping and grinding in the 20–35 mph range, harsh 2nd-to-3rd gear shifts with momentary neutral drops, and unexplained droning or whining noises are documented repeatedly. A critical rear differential bearing defect generates growling noise at highway speeds; Toyota issued a warranty program (ZF4) but capped coverage at April 2017, leaving owners facing $1,400–$1,925 repairs on vehicles still in service.
Oil consumption is severe on many units—burning 1–2 quarts every 1,000 miles by high mileage. A rubber oil hose (part 15707-31010) ruptures on some vehicles, draining the engine completely in under 3 miles and creating fire hazard, yet Toyota refuses to upgrade to the superior metal hose (15772-31030) used in 2008+ models. Wheel bearing failure at 144 miles and steering shaft clunking causing safety concerns round out the powertrain issues owners cite.
Same Toyota RAV4 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hesitation and lag on acceleration
Delayed response when pressing the accelerator pedal, particularly from stops or low speeds. Engine RPMs climb without corresponding speed increase, followed by sudden downshift and acceleration surge. Occurs intermittently or persistently depending on owner report. Dealers have told owners this is 'normal' or a safety mechanism.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; some owners report 3-4 incidents over months, others report 5-10 times per week
Symptoms owners cite: No response when depressing accelerator; RPMs rise without speed increase (engine revs high but car doesn't accelerate); Sudden downshift and acceleration surge after delay; Throttle lag especially from stops or low speeds; Dangerous when merging traffic or making turns; Sluggish throttle response unpredictable (works fine one moment, sluggish the next)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable or unwilling to replicate. Owner reports check engine computer shows 'normal,' dealers claim it's a safety feature or downshifting behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim hesitation is 'normal,' a safety mechanism to prevent hard shifting, or expected downshifting behavior. No repair offered.
Transmission slipping and grinding gears
Transmission loses engagement in specific speed ranges (20-35 MPH), with grinding noise and hesitation before slipping into gear. Occurs more frequently during deceleration for turns and re-acceleration. Pattern resembles issues documented in earlier model-year RAV4s.
When: Recurring, especially at 20-35 MPH during speed changes
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips and grinds in 20-35 MPH range; Grinding noise during downshift and re-acceleration; More frequent during turns; Hanging before slipping into gear
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate during test drive. Owner recently flushed transmission with OEM fluid, properly maintained.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states no ECU code recorded, so problem doesn't exist. Dismisses concern.
Transmission failure with no warning
Transmission fails suddenly at low mileage (66,319 miles) with no prior symptoms or diagnostic codes, despite transmission fluid marked 'good' weeks earlier. Check engine, VSC, and 4WD lights illuminate simultaneously at failure. Requires complete transmission replacement.
When: At 66,319 miles after recent fluid service showing 'good' condition
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) light; 4WD light; Complete transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required. Transmission flushed 9/18/12 at 59,767 miles marked 'good,' failed 8/16/13 at 66,319 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised new transmission needed. Owner filed case with Toyota awaiting follow-up.
Engine revving during braking (unintended acceleration on brake)
Engine continues to rev and push vehicle forward after brake pedal is depressed, creating excessive braking distances. In one case, caused a collision at 5 MPH after delayed deceleration. Dealer claims downshifting behavior, but owner cannot replicate by jamming brakes.
When: Incident at 8/5/06; ongoing issue when braking from 25 MPH in other case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues to rev for 1-2 seconds after brake pedal depressed; Vehicle continues moving forward despite braking; Excessive braking distance; Engine still pushing car forward
Repairs/costs cited: Collision damage ($5 MPH impact). Dealership road-tested and claimed no problem found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissed concern, claiming it is normal downshifting behavior.
Reverse gear failure and jumping/bolting
Vehicle pops out of reverse gear and lunges or bolts back in uncontrollably. On hills, transmission drops out of reverse causing loss of control, then re-engages with sudden violent lunge. Identified as premature reverse clutch wear. Occurs consistently when backing up hills.
When: Recurring every time vehicle backs up a hill
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission pops out of reverse gear; Uncontrollable lunge when re-engaging; Loss of control on hills; Loud noise on engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires new transmission at approximately $4,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance program mentioned.
Harsh 2nd-to-3rd gear shift with neutral drop
When upshifting from 2nd to 3rd gear (especially after 30+ minutes of driving when transmission heats up), transmission momentarily goes into neutral, engine wines out, then bangs hard into 3rd gear. Creates a harsh, jarring shift. Occurs consistently once transmission is warm.
When: After transmission heats up (approximately 30 minutes of driving), then every subsequent shift from stop
Symptoms owners cite: Momentary neutral while shifting 2nd to 3rd; Engine wine-out noise; Harsh bang into gear; Very harsh shifting feel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised new transmission required at approximately $4,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged problem but only offered transmission replacement.
Transmission whining noise
Whining sound from transmission drivetrain, occurring in 30-55 MPH range. Began at low mileage (5,070 miles). Regional engineer states noise is typical of 2006 RAV4 and inherent to vehicle design.
When: Started at 5,070 miles, ongoing through 24,100 miles at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Whining sound from transmission; Occurs at 30-55 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced transmission but noise persisted. Regional engineer states it is inherent to the vehicle design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Regional engineer stated noise is typical and inherent, nothing to repair. Transmission replaced but issue persisted.
Droning noise from transmission with unknown cause
Ongoing droning noise from transmission that changes in intensity depending on which gear is selected. Dealership and master technician unable to pinpoint cause. Toyota Engineering acknowledged other complaints of same noise and is working on TSB but provided no timeline for fix. Owner concerned overworking part could cause failure.
When: Approximately one month of ongoing noise at time of report (June 2006)
Symptoms owners cite: Droning noise from transmission area; Changes in intensity based on selected gear
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered. Dealership advised to wait for TSB development.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Engineering acknowledged multiple complaints of same issue, working on TSB to reduce or eliminate noise. No timeline provided. Dealer told owner to 'sit tight' and wait.
Rear differential coupling bearing failure and growling noise
Rear differential bearing deterioration causes growling noise at 35-40 MPH, noise disappears above 40 MPH but becomes more pronounced over time. Some vehicles show no noise initially, but noise eventually develops. Toyota issued warranty enhancement program (ZF4) for 2006-2012 RAV4s but set expiration date of April 30, 2017 (9 years from first use). Estimated repair cost $1,400-$1,925 depending on parts and labor.
When: Develops within months or years of ownership; warranty enhancement program expired April 30, 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Growling noise from rear differential area; Noise at 35-40 MPH; Noise disappears when accelerating above 40 MPH; Noise becomes more pronounced over time
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost estimated $1,400-$1,925. TSB-0080-13 references symptom. Deterioration caused by contaminated bearing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued Warranty Enhancement Program (ZF4) for 2006-2012 RAV4s with expiration date April 30, 2017. Program has expired, leaving owners responsible for repairs after expiration date.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns oil at alarming rates, consuming 1-2 quarts every 1,000-3,000 miles. Problem identified as faulty pistons and rings per Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0094-11. Some owners consume 2 quarts per 1,000 miles by higher mileage. Defect causes potential engine damage, catalytic converter issues, and risk of engine seizure if oil level drops undetected.
When: Develops around 60,000-81,000 miles; worsens with age. Some catch it early (2 quarts low within 2 weeks of purchase), others notice at high mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil consumption 1-2 quarts every 1,000-3,000 miles; Low oil warnings; Risk of engine seizure if undetected
Repairs/costs cited: Root cause identified as faulty pistons and rings per T-SB-0094-11. Repair would require engine work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refuses to address under warranty, claiming out of warranty despite early complaints. Service bulletin exists but no recall issued or assistance program offered.
Defective oil hose rupture
Rubber oil hose (part 15707-31010) ruptures or spews oil over engine and road. Engine loses oil rapidly (bone dry in less than 3 miles), creating fire hazard and risk of engine seizure. 2008+ models upgraded to metal part (15772-31030) but 2006-2007 models continue using faulty rubber hose. No recall issued; dealerships handle on case-by-case basis.
When: Multiple instances reported; one at 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil hose rupture; Complete oil loss in less than 3 miles; Engine smoking; Oil covering underside and road
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement requires new hose. Dealership will only install original faulty part (15707-31010), refuses to install superior metal replacement (15772-31030) used in 2008+ models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealerships repair on case-by-case basis. Dealership refuses to install improved metal hose from later models.
Wheel bearing/hub assembly failure and loose wheel
Wheel bearing and hub assembly comes apart at extremely low mileage (144 miles). Wheel becomes very loose despite tight lug nuts. Wheel would have fallen off if owner had driven on highway. Squealing noise progressively worsens from 50 miles until failure detected at 144 miles.
When: Within 144 miles of new vehicle ownership (4 days after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Squealing noise starting around 50 miles; Wheel bearing/hub assembly coming apart; Wheel becomes very loose despite tight lug nuts
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Replaced under warranty but owner unhappy with dealer response to potentially fatal situation.
Intermediate steering shaft clunking noise
Clunking noise from steering wheel area caused by failing intermediate steering shaft. Noise occurs whenever steering wheel is moved. Develops within couple months of purchase and worsens over time. Dealership initially claimed it was normal factory noise. When pursued years later, repair quoted at $600 for part plus labor. Owners report many 2006 RAV4 owners have same issue. Safety concern given steering shaft controls front wheel direction.
When: Develops within couple months of purchase; reported here in 2014 (8+ years after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise from steering wheel area; Noise occurs when steering wheel is moved; Noise worsens over time
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost quoted at $600 for intermediate steering shaft part, not including labor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially claimed clunking was normal factory noise. Later, when owner sought repair, quoted $600 for part. No recall issued despite many owners reporting same problem.
Torque converter locking issue
Torque converter locks every time transmission is placed into overdrive, causing rough riding. Vehicle also experienced sudden unintended acceleration at low speed (17,687 miles) causing collision while coasting into parking space with foot on brake. Engine revved and vehicle accelerated at high rate of speed into another vehicle.
When: Unintended acceleration at 17,687 miles; torque converter issue discovered after that incident
Symptoms owners cite: Rough riding when overdrive engaged; Torque converter locks in overdrive; Sudden unintended acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified overdrive/torque converter problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer determined problem with overdrive and made repairs. Police report filed for accident.
Transmission shift lever engagement issue
Vehicle sometimes fails to start because transmission shift lever appears engaged. Giving the shift lever a small jiggle allows engagement and vehicle starts. Electrical problem related to shift lever interlock.
When: Multiple start attempts required
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Shift lever appears engaged; Jiggling shift lever allows vehicle to start
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner planned to bring up at service.
Transaxle failure
Transaxle fails, diagnosed at approximately 62,000 miles after loud clunking noise heard during backing up around 60,000 miles.
When: At 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise from rear when backing
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as transaxle problem requiring replacement.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Toyota RAV4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Toyota RAV4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 9,400 and 91,738 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,400; a quarter make it past 91,738. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/RAV4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.