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 Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.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 ↗2009 Toyota RAV4 powertrain problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 27 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Toyota RAV4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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: REVISION NOTICE December 12, 2017 Rev1: The Warranty and Parts Information sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2009 ? 2011 model year RAV4 vehicles equipped with the 2AR-FE engine and four speed automatic transaxle (2WD and 4WD) may exhibit a rattle noise from the transaxle assembly between 25 and 35 mph. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module [PCM]) logic has been revised 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2009 RAV4 report a cluster of powertrain failures across multiple systems. Several owners experienced sudden engine surge or acceleration while applying the brake at low speeds—during parking maneuvers and at traffic lights—with the engine revving uncontrollably even with foot pressed firmly on the brake pedal. Dealers could not reproduce or diagnose these events.
Transmission problems are widespread. Owners report shuddering, vibration, and slipping sensations at 40 MPH and 1500–1800 RPM, with symptoms worsening on inclines. One owner noted violent jerking from complete stops occurring multiple times daily. A dealer's ECU flash per service bulletin provided only temporary relief before symptoms returned. One transmission failed completely at 110,000 miles, requiring replacement outside warranty.
The rear differential and viscous coupling assembly failures are particularly common. Multiple owners report progressive whining or growling noise from the rear starting in the 67,000–112,000 mile range. A Toyota parts manager confirmed this is a widespread, documented problem they cannot keep parts in stock for. Toyota issued a service bulletin but denies coverage on out-of-warranty vehicles. Repair costs run $1,800–$1,900. One owner's replacement coupling failed again within 20,000 miles after warranty enhancement expired.
Additional complaints include four-wheel-drive disengaging at 25 MPH during snow driving, accidental gear-shift-to-neutral incidents, and rear differential fluid leaks starting around 100,000 miles.
Same Toyota RAV4 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden unintended acceleration with brake applied
Engine surges or rapid RPM increase while driver has foot on brake pedal, often during low-speed maneuvers or at traffic lights. Owners report the vehicle accelerating despite braking effort. Some owners were able to stop by shifting to Park or turning off the ignition.
When: Low-speed parking, traffic lights, 5 MPH braking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: engine surge while braking; rapid RPM increase; vehicle accelerates despite brake pedal pressed; white smoke from engine bay during event
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers in multiple cases performed inspections but could not reproduce or diagnose the issue; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismissed floor mat involvement after inspection; no recalls or service bulletins documented for this specific failure in these narratives; manufacturer notified but no warranty coverage offered
Transmission shudder, vibration, and slipping at mid-range RPM
Transmission exhibits vibration, shuddering, or slipping sensations, particularly at 1500–1800 RPM and 40 MPH. Symptom improves or disappears above 2000 RPM or higher speeds. One owner reported violent jerking from a complete stop occurring multiple times daily.
When: 40 MPH at 1500–1800 RPM; during acceleration from stop; inclines
Symptoms owners cite: rattle/rumble/vibration in transmission area; shuddering or thrusting sensation; violent jerking from complete stop; noise progressively worsens; symptom occurs on inclines
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer flashed ECU per TSB guidance; symptom returned within a week. Owner characterized RAV4s as poor quality after experience.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple TSBs exist for ECU-related transmission issues; one customer service rep stated RAV4s are designed to last 60,000 miles (manufacturer warranty period) only
Transfer case component failure with noise
Components within the transfer case fail, producing rattle and rumble noise from the transmission/transaxle area that worsens over time. Diagnosis required specialist input from Toyota technical service line and listening inspection by technician.
When: 78,000 miles; progressively worsening over days to weeks
Symptoms owners cite: rattle/rumble/vibration at 40 MPH and 1500–1800 RPM; noise worse on inclines; noise progressively increases
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis required removal of heat shields and plastic covers to isolate source; components in transfer case identified as failing
Rear differential/viscous coupling failure with whining noise
Rear differential coupling hub or viscous coupling assembly fails, producing progressive whining or growling noise from the rear of the vehicle. Noise increases with speed. Multiple owners report this is a widespread issue; Toyota parts managers confirm they cannot keep the parts in stock. Some owners had warranty enhancement coverage; one owner's replacement failed again within 20,000 miles.
When: 67,000–112,000+ miles; some failures within 1–2 years of warranty enhancement coverage
Symptoms owners cite: whining noise from rear; growling noise from rear; noise increases with speed; noise progressively more prominent over days to weeks
Repairs/costs cited: Viscous coupling or rear differential coupling hub assembly replacement; costs cited: $1,806.75–$1,900 including labor. One owner had part replaced under warranty enhancement; same part failed again 20,000 miles later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB 0080-13 (Special Policy Adjustment WAB 2190) but will not cover repair on out-of-warranty vehicles. Some owners received warranty enhancement coverage (expiration dates noted: October 2018). Warranty enhancement does not cover repeat failures.
Transmission failure with stalling and check engine light
Transmission fails while vehicle is in motion, causing stalling and check engine indicator illumination. One documented case at 110,000 miles resulted in complete transmission replacement.
When: 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalled while driving; check engine indicator illuminated before and during failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission repaired at independent mechanic; original dealer diagnosis indicated transmission failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not included in recall or warranty coverage
Transmission clanking noise and abnormal sounds
Transmission produces clanking, rattling, or other abnormal noises during braking or normal driving. Dealers unable to diagnose or duplicate failures in multiple cases.
When: 8,900 miles; 40 MPH braking; various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal clanking noise from transmission during braking; loud unknown noise from transmission area
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed diagnosis but could not duplicate or identify cause; no repairs completed
Four-wheel-drive disengagement at low speed
Four-wheel-drive system disengages automatically when vehicle reaches approximately 25 MPH, even when driver has intentionally activated 4WD and road conditions require it (snow/slipping tires).
When: 25 MPH threshold in snowy conditions
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD disengages at 25 MPH; system kicks out repeatedly during snow driving; tire slipping does not prevent automatic 4WD cutoff
Gear shift mechanism allows accidental neutral engagement
Front passenger can accidentally shift the gear stick to neutral during normal vehicle operation, causing loss of power and potential for loss of control. Owner reports this occurred within first three months of ownership.
When: Within first 3 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: accidental gear shift to neutral by passenger; vehicle loss of power; potential for vehicle to spin out of control
Acceleration hesitation or failure to accelerate when stopped
Vehicle fails to respond to acceleration attempts during low-speed maneuvers or from a complete stop at traffic lights. In one case, vehicle accelerated in reverse when driver removed foot from brake after shifting into Drive.
When: At traffic lights; during turns at low speed; 500 miles (early failure); 23,789 miles (reverse acceleration)
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle does not respond to acceleration attempts; vehicle accelerates in reverse after shifting into Drive; loss of engine power during downward turn
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; no repairs documented
Rear differential fluid leak and carrier assembly failure
Rear differential begins to leak fluid slowly around 100,000 miles; differential carrier assembly requires replacement.
When: Just over 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: rear differential fluid leak; gradual fluid loss
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential carrier assembly replacement required
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My wife was parking her 2009 Toyota rav4. After backing up into a space she put the car in drive and it took off, crashing into the car in front of her. My wife was petrified being my daughter ,who is six months pregnant was in the passenger seat. Thank god no one was hurt. The owner of the other car was more concerned about the well being of my wife and daughter then the damage to his car. To…
My vehicle is listed as 4 wheel drive when driving in snowy conditions the car will kick out of 4 wheel drive if I reach 25 miles an hour. Was driving in heavy snow and the car was constantly kicking out as my tires were slipping which were new tires. I was then driving in light snow and had turned on the 4 wheel drive as soon as got close to 25 MPH it kicked out again.
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…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota rav4. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH and applying the brakes when the transmission began making an abnormal clanking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians performed a diagnosis but was unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,900. Updated 2/23/11 *cn updated 06/20/11
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Toyota rav4. The contact stated that she shifted into drive from park and when she removed her foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle began to accelerate in reverse. The contact stopped the vehicle and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 23,789.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Toyota RAV4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 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 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 38,364 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 78,555. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,364; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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/2009/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.