I took my Rav4 to the dealership this morning for 4 recalls. I mentioned that there was a whining noise coming from the rear of the vehicle but it only lasted for a few seconds on initial take off then it would go away. This noise started last week. When I picked up the car the Service Advisor said that they figured out the noise was coming from the "Transaxle Assembly at speeds of 25-45 MPH. We would have to start with first stage repair and replace insulators and dampers to try to eliminate noise. If noise is still present, vehicle may need transaxle replacement." I then asked what do you mean first phase? They aren't even sure this will fix the "noise", this first phase is 1200.00. The service advisor said if this doesn't work then I will need a new transmission. Please let me know if anyone got confirmation that this fix even worked. Thank you so much.

Purchased my 2008 Rav4 in July 2014 and shortly after starting having a slipping/jerking feel from the transmission area. Had transmission fluid changed twice to no avail. Research on net shows that Toyota is aware that the intermittent drive shaft is faulty but do not want to address the issue. Took to dealership was quoted $2000 parts/labor for a $175 part. Wheels try to lock up each time you take off or turn a corner. Will be the last Toyota that I own has been nothing but a pain in the behind since purchased.

Having owned 7 prior Toyotas which were very reliable I purchased a new 2008 RAV4 AWD V6 to replace our gas guzzling (BUT TERRIFIC VEHICLE!) Chevy Suburban at 140K miles. No need for larger vehicle since kids are now in college. No trouble with vehicle until around 58K miles I noticed a little more road noise which I though was the Michelin Tires I had installed at 45K miles. The noise to me sounded like tire/road noise which would start around 35mph. As time went on the noise sounded more like a whine and kept on getting progressively worse. I change the oil and rotate the tires every 5K miles and had the Sears mechanic check out the tires. He said the tires were fine but wasn't sure what the whining noise was? A few months later as the noise kept on getting progressively louder I took the car to the Toyota Dealer when it was time to get the oil changed and had him check the whining noise. I was told that it was normal and most likely the tires needed balancing. Next oil change I went back to Sears where they rotated and balanced the tires to know avail, the whining noise continued. After a few more oil changes and the whining noise driving me crazy I took the car back into the Toyota dealer for a rear end recall and again to check out the whining noise. I was told the the Transmission needs replacing @ $6,800.00!!!!!! Researching online I found this has been a common problem with the V6 RAV4's especially the 2001-2004 years which resulted in a class action law suit. The problem seems to re-emerged in the 2006-2010 models as well with Toyota failing to address this "non-issue", though there are hundreds if not thousands of complaints online. Apparently the 2011 models got the transmission Fix which was to change the gear ratios in the new transmissions. From all of the online blogs about this matter I haven't heard any positive feedback regarding Toyota acknowledging the transmission issue and affording a fix. Monday I'll call Toyota America and spek with them about this problem. Ill keep you posted as to how I make out....................................?????