Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
(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 warranty anymore, it's far too new to have a problem like this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated before and during the failure. The vehicle was towed to autonation Toyota winter park (225 n semoran blvd, winter park, fl 32792) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall or warranty. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4. While driving various speeds, the contact heard abnormal noises coming from the rear of the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the rear differential needed to be repaired. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 112,000.
On May 20, 2015 my 2009 rav 4 developed a whining noise in rear area that got louder the faster I went. Vehicle has 78,385 miles on it and is just out of warranty. Took to dealer and was told that it was the viscous coupler assembly that needed to be replaced at a cost of $1,806.75. I mentioned the service bulletin put out in 2013 and the multiple posts on the rav 4 forum online but they still refuse to cover the repair.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000. Updated 7/1/15 updated 9/15/2015
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.
Tl* 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.
When the vehicle travels above 25 MPH, a loud whining noise can be heard from the rear-center of the vehicle. The noise progressively increases in volume as the vehicle increases its speed. Once the vehicle travels fast enough, or enough power is fed through, power of the vehicle can be affected.
When car is at 1500 RPM at 40 MPH, the transmission vibrates and thrusts. Noise goes away if above 2000 RPM or above 40 MPH. It's Toyota of manchester nh has been able to reproduce. Waiting to see if Toyota will do anything.
Transmission complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 9% of the model year's 327 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Toyota RAV4, though it has 15 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota RAV4 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.