I just had an ATF and transfer case oil changed for free in my sons’s RAV-4 Trail, … at 44,636 km.
Yes! Recall, T-SB-0065-19 Rev2 June 14, 2019, Abnormal Buzz/Groan Noise at 20 – 30 mph From Front Transfer Case.
Anyway, … buzz and groan started at about 44,000 kilometres, … but only on very hot days (+25C and up!) They changed a clutch packs - bearings, shims, rings, spacers, etc. in the transfer case electro-magnetic clutch. To do this work, both, transfer case and transmission fluids had to be drained. This means that I don’t have to do drain and fill changes which were scheduled for 50,000 km mark. Next fill and drain: at when car approaching 100,000 km mark.
Anyway, … seriously. This AWD system from Toyota has been faulty from the very start. Lots of noise about it on the net. Now, with repairs, system is warrantied for unlimited milage for up to 10 years. fwiw,
F.S.
How widespread is this issue with the AWD system, and are other Toyota’s (besides RAV4) impacted?
according to the TSB, it's only the 2019 Rav4, and only certain trims which have torque vectoring.
Its quite extensive, but only in cars with ”Dynamic Torque Vectoring” AWD, and is not limited to just 19 models. It appears as hit and miss, … no trouble most of the time, yet frequent enough to be of concern, … even in ‘21 models. For example, they prepared for influx, …if you have faulty system - retrofit kits are in stock at dealers level, and work is done right away. It takes pretty well a day to do one car by one highly skilled tech. In many cases, problem returns in few thousand miles, that is, if tech is not sufficiently careful with torquing things down just precisely right. fwiw,
F.S.
Can you describe the groan you hear related to your problem? I heard that a certain groan was "normal" for the RAV4 / RAV4 Hybrid. Is it a loud groan? Or more of a minute groan?
It’s tough to describe. It’s just sounds mechanical, … but sound is sort of "unhealthy" sounding, if you know what I mean. Lasts just about a second. It’s when power to the rear axle engages and disengages. The best way to test for it is to drive at about 20 - 30 miles per hour and keep switching between “normal” and "sport” mode. As far as loudness, … it’s loud enough for recording it with an iPhone placed on passengers side foot well floor.
F.S.
Thanks for the heads up. I know some folks with this generation and it’s good to know what to expect. I gather this is the same problem regardless If hybrid or non-hybrid.