Rav4 Vibrating Noise

Hi everyone welcome to my channel. I'm a Union carpenter who loves to tinker with with everything I can get my hands on.
In this video I will bring you through the troubleshooting of my 2010 Rav4. It was so much fun and I really hope you enjoy!!!! if you do smash that like button, and subscribe if you like! if you have any questions feel free to ask!

[@JRInnes]

Wow! Your video has more than 30K views so far! That proves a LOT of us are suffering from the same symptom. I cringe just hearing that noise in YOUR car, as much as I cringe hearing it in MINE. From what I can tell, this has been a problem for at least 10 years in the Rav4 line. I have a hunch this vibration only occurs in a percentage of vehicles. Meaning, Toyota and it's dealers can honestly tell you "Hey, you're the only customer who describes this problem". Phooey! There have been technical bulletins issued by Toyota for years and years. If the dealer plays dumb, they're hoping you'll think, "I must be imagining things." I'm getting angry at Toyota, so I'm going to stop writing now. Thank you for a great video and a very smart analysis of the problem.

[@Ball_Hard]

2018 same issue

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also Dealer applied a computer update, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@ddk80]

If you are hearing a jet engine type noise that starts around 20mph and gets really loud around 35 - 40mph, it’s the viscous coupler for folks with 4wd. I thought it was coming from the front, but it is actually in the back. The viscous coupler is to the front of the rear differential. The dealer and many independent mechanics will want to replace the entire viscous coupler assembly at a cost of a fortune (msrp for the part alone is 1700), but in reality, it’s the bearing in the viscous coupler that is bad. You can search for it on KZbin under RAV4 viscous coupler, and you will get a bunch of good results.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

I just bought (ugh..) a 2012 Rav4 4WD and It has the jet noise plus the rumble her 2010 has at 40 mph. So crazy that there is no video that solves the problem ~scared to take it to the dealer as they're notorious for just goofing off and not even repairing such problems, or else they sorta do, but the problems come back, and while they have the car captive, they'll screw more things up to drive trade-in value down and "..get you into a new one . . ."

[@ddk80]

@@_Ramen-Vac_ That really stinks, especially when you just bought the car. I am going to tackle the jet engine noise by replacing the bearing. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

how long b4 that fkr justs blows up? lol.. thanks.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

@@ddk80 it's a computer glitch X an engineering blunder of design. seems it may be fixable with some magic.

[@JRInnes]

So far, you're the only other RAV4 owner who figured out that this only happens in "D". After a few weeks of gritting my teeth, I shifted to "3" in frustration. The growl instantly disappeared. I notice in your video, it took some deliberate effort to make the growl return (you had to reduce your speed, then speed up again). Luckily, in typical driving situations, you won't be deliberately trying to get that growl to come back. Once my speed reaches about 50 mph, I shift back into "D" without the growl returning. I'm so sorry your growl has become worse. I'll be curious whether my frequent shifting between "D" and "3" will cause any long-term issues. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because everyone who claims they found a mechanical fix for this later reported the growling came right back. Apparently, the real problem is inherent in the design. Toyota claims that since the growl does not hurt 1) you or 2) your RAV4's operation, they refuse to really correct it. Maybe they'd have to replace the entire vehicle since this is a design flaw. No wonder they're acting as if owners are imagining this!

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also Dealer applied a computer update, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@BrianAlexander25]

It was the transfer case. I have a 2009 rav4, had the exact same problem. Took an auto shop 2 weeks to figure it out, and my initial diagnosis was only a few days before my extended warranty expired so it was replaced for free.

[@homesold]

So, this is for the 4WD/AWD version. I have an ‘02 I just bought that had a reman Toyota trans put in recently, now I’m investigating a roaring sound from the rear axle. I hear of driveshaft or axle input bearing failures affecting certain Toyota AWD vehicles, as well

[@midorihatch1960]

I have a 2011 rav4 2.5L with same exact probs! At first i thought it was the front differential so i replaced that and nothing change... I started thinking its the trans! Went to search and i saw your video and i was convinced that its the trans but out of curiousity i wanted to know what’s causing it inside the trans! So i went ahead and pull the trans (im a mechanic btw), then i take it apart and only thing i notice thats bad is the 2 bearings in the differential inside the trans. I doubt they make the rattle/growl/vibrating noise but they whine all the time and its loud enough for me to notice it too (made me replace the front wheel bearings). But rattle/growl/vibrating noise all came from the torque converter! I ordered a brand new torque converter and put it in and put car back together, went for test drive no more noise! Its been a few weeks of driving and its safe to say that its fixed! Plus the rav4 runs smoother and pick up is better! Thanks

[@animecatgirl14]

Midori Hatch wow! I’m so happy that worked for you! I had a feeling the torque converter was the problem. I ended up going with the tranny because I have been driving the car with the vibration for so long, I was afraid I caused more damage. I appreciate the comment. Check out the other videos I made for my tranny replacement.

[@mubrkamri9062]

Hello, I had the same this noise in my 2009 rav4, can you give me your whatsapp

[@andrewanaruma2358]

Torque converter

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also applied a reprogrammed update to the computer, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@mcmon002ify]

Had that noise before. Try changing the transfer case fluid. Fixed my rav!

[@HB-yq8gy]

Cool Union carpenter. I always wanted to learn a trade the rightway. Instead became a firefighter.

[@animecatgirl14]

I love my job. Very Rewarding.

[@bentackett6299]

I'm a 31 year member. Local 1485 Laporte Indiana

[@sistersin2010]

I purchased a 2007 Toyota RAV4 limited 4x4 in early October of 2023. After I had it for a week or so, I realized I had a shudder when going over certain specific road areas. I had some work down on it less than 10 days after purchasing it. When they test drove it it didn’t do the rattling sound, so this was not addressed. I started researching and thought it may be my torque converter. I finally had the mechanic at NTB test drive it again and it did it this time. I have only driven it about 1400 miles so far. I don’t keep how long this was happening before I purchased it. The mechanic said it was the torque converter and that it would be best to replace the transmission because it could be damaged. It has about 181500 miles on it I believe. It also burns oil, which the seller did tell me. I add a little oil after every gas fill. I am wondering what is the best thing to do to fix the torque converter issues. The mechanic said he is quitting his job and going somewhere else, although they can’t do that kind of work there anyway. He said he would try to find some place he could do the work or someone he trusts to do it for me. My brother has a friend who has his own shop, but isn’t very reliable for doing repairs for me. I have a hard time getting him to commit the doing work. I purchased this because my car kept having issues and I was afraid even though it only has 70k miles it may not last. I am a single disabled mother of an 18 year old autistic son who can’t work. So I need someone trustworthy to do things for me since I have limited resources. My brother contacted me yesterday and suggested the following options, I wonder what you would recommend? My brother talked to his friend he found a transmission with 78k miles and it’s 1650$ he will change it and everything for 2500 including transmission. Or he can change your torque converter for 1000$ and change fluid in your transmission he does a lot of transmissions and hardly has any problems sis I’d go for converter because it hasn’t been making noise long enough to hurt transmission. I asked him Will he be able to tell if the torque converter is ok on it before it gets put in? He said He could change the converter on the 78k one before it’s installed for 200$ more dollars What would you suggest, and are these fair prices? My other car is not drivable right now, the clutch sticks to the floor and I have not been able to get his friend to fix it yet. This happened on Christmas Eve, so 6 1/2 months. I appreciate any advice. Thanks so much

[@sistersin]

Got the other transmission and a new torque converter put in, it didn’t fix the shuttering, it seems worse now.

[@jimgeorge6220]

So an old video but the problem still remains. See Mia soCulpa below This is what I know. This problem exists in almost all Rav4's, it is not a recall item since it's not a danger or cause of accidents and it doesn't present a wear problem. It has to do with the power transfer case and an electromagnetic system therein. What is required to keep the annoying noise from happening is to keep the shift lever in the left position (3rd gear and mostly in town driving) until 45 mph or so then move the shift lever to the right hand position (4th gear used for highway driving). By doing that you can think of it as jumping over the problem spot. My guess is that the noise is a result of the amount of torque on the electromagnetic connection in the power transfer case. I found this answer by searching for an example of the shift pattern of a 2010 Rav4 wherein the problem was described, sort of explained and solved.

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also applied a reprogrammed update to the computer, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

Where's part 2? did you figure it out??

[@hagakure4414]

Hey i have the EXACT same problem with my Rav4 ! Can you let me know if you find a solution/cause for this torque converter non-sense 😭

[@animecatgirl14]

If you have any questions feel free to ask

[@animecatgirl14]

Haga Kure my conclusion was to replace the tranny. I’m not exactly to sure what causes the torque converter to do this.

[@bliayang4744]

My rav4 has the same problem like this. Can you tell me what wrong. How can I fix it. Thanks

[@logankromray3456]

Eryn Sullivan hello, could you think of any cheaper options or no, this is going to be my first car and it’s a hand me down that makes that noise

[@logankromray3456]

Also could I just continue driving it like that?

[@MaxPower-kb4ke]

You know....I've been trying to figure out for years now that this annoying rattling/vibrating noise my 2011 RAV4 makes. It sounds like something is loose and reverberating at certain RPMs. It only does it around 1500-2000 RPMs as your getting up to speed then it stops. Seems to only do it when the engine and tranny are working harder (low speed/ low RPM). If I take my foot off the gas it stops and then hit the gas again I won't hear it as long as I'm around 2500 RPM or more. It's definitely annoying but it's been going on for so long that I've just adapted to it and drive in a way that minimizes the duration of the noise. But, I'd love to someday figure it out and not have to deal with it anymore.

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also Dealer applied a computer update, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@nwslimbubba]

i have an 07 that does that exact same thing but i never tried putting it into 3rd to see if it goes away. Smart girl, does it at the same speed under slight load. good video iv'e heard it might be a torque converter problem from 07-11 ravs but not sure.

[@animecatgirl14]

nwslimbubba yea the shifting into third helped up so much!

[@Ball_Hard]

I got a 2018 same problem!

[@Ball_Hard]

113,485 miles. Been doing it since at least 110,000 miles

[@ponyboyack00]

Can anyone tell me if this is just a problem with the 4wd models? Does this happen with the 2wd as well? Thx

[@bayin]

Thank you for the video and I have the exactly problem. I got the quote from dealer say it transmissions need to replace and cost is $4000

[@animecatgirl14]

Neil Bayin I replaced my tranny this week on my own. But If you don’t have all the necessary tools and time for this project the 4000 is well worth it.

[@Elchicleboss]

I did all that still got the same problem

[@robertdivany1627]

@@animecatgirl14 .so your saying that the problem was the transmission ?.and you replaced the transmission and that fix the problem ?

[@izotopz]

A little bit out of topic: I noticed that the paint on your gas fill door is chipping off. Mine did the same (also white color), on multiple panels, and this is covered by a manufacturer's recall. If you haven't already, you should go to your dealer and get it fixed, for free!

[@tg6892]

I have paint chipping all over the RAV4. Is the recall still available?

[@Gennypup7]

Did you fix it?? If so, what was the problem?? Please...I have the EXACT same problem and no mechanic can seem to figure it out 🥺

[@alexander10chicas16]

Change the ATF fluid and buy and add to your transmisión a Instant Shudder Fixx that fix the problem no my Rav4 2011

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also Dealer applied a computer update, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@Gennypup7]

@@Maxx134a Haha thanks. I ended up finding a mechanic who figured it was my transmission getting stuck between gears. He changed my transmission fluid and advised i do it again, so I did. It no longer makes the noise...for now. But definitely notice the transmission having issues when coming to a stop sometimes.

[@krisjoniel4109]

I had the same problem in my 2006 rav4 and I decided to change the fluid and filter but all original Toyota and did not make the noise again was new again

[@breakeetdown]

Cristofer Vega How long ago did you do that? I wonder if it comes back. Thanks!

[@animecatgirl14]

I had no luck when I did that.

[@Blarel19]

I have a 2012 RAV4 and is been doing that same noise between 35-45 mph, it is driving me crazy!!! Toyota couldn't find the problem (or they did not look properly) three mechanics and nothing, all they say is it has to be something loose vibrating against something. Now yesterday another noise when the fan starts it makes a weird noise.

[@bigjames6666]

what happened after that? I have the same car and problem

[@Mitkino]

Симпатичная и голос приятный!

[@Abbegale4]

Mine did exact thing. Flush and fill transmission fluid. 3 years no problems afterward.

[@nideiki3815]

Did not solve mine unfortunately. Replacing the filter will probably do it.

[@Darrenbrown09]

What was your mileage at flush. I’m 180k and scared to try the flush.

[@miasoculpa8490]

There's a RECALL for "growling noise" at same speed. The fix is software upgrade called re-calibration for ECM with Toyota Techstream

[@luthen4464]

Had that done, did not fix my issue 😩

[@thomasdoran5969]

Did you fix the problem

[@tawsifm1448]

I have the same issue! Was the noise in yours coming from the back or the front?

[@Asif-g5v]

Hi get some one to check transfer case oil but it sounds like your driveshaft bering not too expensive.

[@animecatgirl14]

We checked that! wasn't the problem.

[@trabloblablo9332]

This happens in my RAV4! We've spent so much money troubleshooting the problem! Argh!

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also Dealer applied a computer update, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@gidkid1958]

Got that noise in our 2011 Rav4 too. It appears to be the transfer case coupler that causing the noise. Toyota knows all about it, it is a design defect. They won’t fix because it is not a safety issue.

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also applied a reprogrammed update to the computer, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear.

[@HamiltonMechanical]

yeah i constantly kick mine out of 4th to make the noise go away. I've read a lot about the bearing in the viscous coupler going bad, I'm going to check that out. Does yours clunk really bad in reverse? mine does lol. almost like the pinion gear is skipping. 150k miles on mine

[@animecatgirl14]

I had no problem in reverse.

[@tawsifm1448]

Mine does the same thing in reverse! Did you ever find a solution?

[@Alex_Off-Beat]

Is it just me or is yr voice getting more Bawstin? Lol I love it.

[@animecatgirl14]

Alex Golembeski well I grew up 20 min away 😹😹😹

[@Alex_Off-Beat]

@@animecatgirl14 Haha I know, youve always had it, it just stuck out more in this video for some reason lol idk 😅

[@animecatgirl14]

Wicked!

[@Alex_Off-Beat]

@@animecatgirl14 It's the best adverb ever!

[@kelfalakamara4975]

I have this same problem with my 2003 RAV 4 have spent a lot of cash the problem is not yet solve

[@Maxx134a]

If you dealt with rear components (like transfer case/ gearbox or driveshaft joint) and still have issues then it's the torque converter. The locking gets worn so it doesn't engage fully and makes the noise. Manually shifting gear sideways locks it. Happen to me. Solution was Dealer replacement of torque converter, and also applied a reprogrammed update to the computer, to make the converter engage longer, so less wear. I also agree a temporary solution would be a transmission fluid change.

[@JRInnes]

An annoying growling noise at 40-45 mph was driving me crazy. Apparently some part of the 2010 RAV4 powertrain is flawed by design, so replacing the part might not fix anything! I found this free and easy workaround and it eliminated the noise! kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOngYpsir6Gp9U

[@nantuck8146]

I have the same problem at 35-40 in my 2008 rav4

[@breakeetdown]

Poncho Grande What was your solution?

[@animecatgirl14]

what did you have to do?

[@bobbone8029]

Roll that beautiful bush bean bone yard footage!

[@animecatgirl14]

hahahaha.

[@keyandaneshmand9915]

Thanks

[@monte9499]

Did you find the problem?

[@akman45304]

Nvm I see it was the transmission

[@jesusayala6859]

Did you ever found out what it was?

[@animecatgirl14]

The Transmission was going bad. Check out my other videos on the subject!

[@te_dhyzi4488]

95% it's t.c. maybe also transmission. Common problem with i4 or v6 series.

[@darrellsanders9031]

I had to replace the axle. My U-joints were seizing up. $1700 for a new axle. Back in the day it was $10 to replace the u-joints. There are not any grease fittings and the joints are welded into the axle.

[@homesold]

What type of noise did the car make (and at what speeds) when you had the driveshaft problem?

[@darrellsanders9031]

@@homesold vibration at 35-45 mph. A noise replicating a helicopter spinning blade and the seat bounced up and down. Similar to a tire out of balance.

[@gordonzehr9997]

That's it

[@josburd6429]

So, it makes the noise about 60% the time , and it goes away the other 40% it's makes no noise 🤔💭 must be Alien's helping that 40%

[@zeeshanmirza5266]

Transmission!

[@animecatgirl14]

Thats Right.!

[@zeyadalsayadi4872]

This the same issue I had on my rav4 2014 and it’s drive shaft