Toyota Rav 4 - Noise

[Pamela K]

I have a 2006 RAV4 V6 and am experiencing a noise near the steering area. I have mentioned it to the dealer several times and they have not fixed it. I am getting frustrated. It makes the noise in park and at low speeds. I usually keep the radio on so that I don't hear it.

[Bill B Boston MA]

We, too, were frustrated and driven batty by that "noise" on our 2006 Rav4. We brought it to the dealer and were told it was "normal." Eventually, we insisted the service manager join us on a test drive. They initially thought it was an exhaust system problem, but further tests revealed it was the Serpentine Belt (S-Belt). We had the belt replaced and the car's been running like a charm ever since. It's quiet, too, and that sluggishness we had when pulling onto the highway is gone. Hope this helps.

[Warren]

I think I know what everyone is talking about. My 2006 Rav made a droaning noise when I reached 80 km (50 Mi) dying out and returning when I reached 100 KM (62 Mi)AND only with slight pressure on the gas (ususally on flat road way). This would include a vibration under my seat. This also happened with the 2007 model.

Canyon Creek Toyota took it up with Toyota Canada - this was about Oct 06. At first I was told a new firmware for the 4x4 computer was in the works. It ended up with Toyota replacing the entire 4x4 computer (under warranty)and I have been told by the dealer they were placing more with other owners. The droaning noise is barely detectable if at all, however I seem to detect a bit of vibration but I'm unsure of the source, be it different road conditions, tires, or transfer case.

What my next venture to have looked at is a rubber like sound when turning the steering wheel at parking lot speeds. They first replaced the left front strut and realigned the wheels. Now they think it's two metal panels rubbing together.

I have my doubts about that, as I've seen reports in the Lemonaide book where the 97-98 Camry exhibited what is described the same noise I hear. The Camry had a problem with front suspension groan fixed by replacing the front suspension bumper or steering rack bushing.

MTR wrote:

I heard a loud humming sound in my Rav4 two days after I bought it. Took it into the dealer for repair. They said the sound was coming from the fuel pump (under carriage below the 2nd row seat, behind driver's seat). They replaced the fuel pump twice, and fuel tank once, & it still has the sound. It's often louder than my radio, and seems to be louder at higher speeds.

[Ivan]

I do have a noise on my 06 RAV4. It has 35K miles on it, so far many electronic parts have been replaced because of mulfunction, including radio and ECM (electronic control module). Acceleration was inconsistent.
The noise I am hearing is similar to the valve rattle when the gasoline octane is low. But RAV4s were designed to work on regular gasoline.:(

[Linda]

Lora wrote:

<quoted text>
I am on my third and it is going wacko on me as well. My second actually burnt up. I am really losing my patience.

I am waiting for my third radio. The first was full of "static" & the second would work some days & not others. It has been 2 weeks since the third was ordered. They tell me they are "checking out the radios on the shelf" before sending because of all the problems!!!!!

[Dina]

Raul wrote:

I am thinking of buying the wife a 2006 RAV4 I4 limited but I keep hearing about excessive wind noise, whining engine and rough ride.... we live in Dallas.
Anything to these problems?
Appreciate your comments

don't get this car i have one and the noise is so bad i want to sell it and i have only had if for 9 months. Bad car :(

[Sam]

Just purchased a used 2004 RAV4 in good condition. Wasn't prepared for the loud road noise. My mechanic told me that the previous owner had put on cheap tires and that if I put on higher quality tires that may remedy the problem..Anyone familiar with this issue? I'd hate to lay out a bunch of money for new tires if that does not remedy the problem. Also, has anyone experimented withg replacing the Toyota stock shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride and had good results by doing so? Love to hear from you. Thanks

[Leo]

Hi All, I have 2007 V6 Limited and I hear a reappearing every few seconds humming noise in the speed range of 55 - 60 mph, when the engine is going at constant rpm, for example at cruise crontol.
It does not look like the sound is coming from the engine or powertrain. Feels more like a vibration/resonance sound.

[Dale]

2006 Rav4 Sport makes popping sound in front end when turning either to right or left when moving. Does not make this sound when parked and steering is turned all the way right or left.

[Shaun S]

If you hear the noise while speeding is due to cupping on tires which need to be replaced.
Before replacing all 4 tires check the shocks. Most of of SUV cars have cupping issue due of using cheap tires or not manufacture recommendations. Cupping tires make some weird noises on certain speeds.
Hope that helps into looking that.

[Shaun S]

Dale wrote:

2006 Rav4 Sport makes popping sound in front end when turning either to right or left when moving. Does not make this sound when parked and steering is turned all the way right or left.

Check the front brakes and clippers. Even my pads didn't give screetching noises ended up changing rotor, clipper and pads for front tire - 1996 RAV4 130K

[Mike P]

Clank, Tink, however you want to describe it, my new 07 Rav4 developed a noise in less than 30 miles. Took it to the dealer, who at first tried to convince me it was the calipers. after some convincing, they took the car into service, nad have already replaced the left and right CV axles, and now are replacing the transaxle assembly. not quite what i expect from a new car. Waiting to see how the dealership reacts (they were awarded 2006 President's Cabinet Award), to make a final judgemnet call on the whole experience.

[Linda S]

Well, I've only had my 2007 RAV 4 for 6 months and I've had weird radio problems and a pressure noise! Relieved to hear it's a problem with the car and not me (NOT!). Wish I had read these posts sooner...:(

[Henry]

We have a 2006 RAV4 Limited V6 (with 25K miles) and are experiencing the steering wheel popping/clunking noise like most people here. We have taken the car in 3 times for the same problem. So far, they've lubed the steering shaft, replaced the electronic steering pump unit and intermediate steering shaft. None them seem to cure the problem. And this time, the Toyota dealer is trying to convince us that it's normal and something we have to live with. Arghh... This is getting frustrated!!!

Oh, we also start to notice that the radio is behaving funny. It's displaying weird squire characters. We are asking the dealer to have it replaced.

[Norma]

I own a toyota rav4 2007 and when I turn the steering wheel when parking or going on a small bump slowly 5 miles per hour I feel a cluncking noise on the steering wheel. I also hear it. What can it be?

[Sylbo]

On my second JBL Stereo, sound fades in and out, lots of static and some stations that I've never had problems receiving in other cars don't come in at all. They've checked the antenna and claim there is nothing wrong. Very frustrating.

[Andrew]

I have 3 questions -- I need to replace the fuel pump in a 2000 Rav 4 (and the fuel filter)-- I don't have any literature on the car yet. Does anyone know if the fuel pump is an internal (in the gas tank) or external pump, and where it's located if external? Also where is the fuel filter? This car always makes a rattleing noise but expecially when the a/c is on -- I can't find any loose pulleys and I don't think it's the compressor -- has anyone had this problem before?

[Minh Phan - Vietnam]

Mine is Rav4 2007 Limited V6 2WD and this noise is really driving me nut, at 40 Mph it inconsistently makes strange noise which sounds like a vibrating cable hitting the fuel tank 'toc toc toc...' or something like that.
I have done everything I could but still no luck. I have also brought it to Toyota service centre several times and did miles of drive test with the technician but he could not determine the problem. This car really really sucks, if you know how to fix this, please share the experience to [e-mail], much much appreciate!

God bless owners of the new Rav4!

[andrew]

Dale wrote:

2006 Rav4 Sport makes popping sound in front end when turning either to right or left when moving. Does not make this sound when parked and steering is turned all the way right or left.

I recently had the same or very similar problem(Toyota Rav4 2006) and the Toyota/dealership replaced the steering shaft assembly. I had 40k miles on the vehicle.

[2roadstaken]

Nearing 40K miles, and the buzzing noise is getting louder and more consistent every day. I've contacted Toyota and have not heard back from them. My wife has a 2007 Toyota Highlander V6, and the buzzing noise is evident there, too, though much louder in my 2006 RAV4. This is a real slap to Toyota quality, and I know I am one of those people who will think twice about picking up another Toyota. I should have stuck with Honda (had an Accord before), but I wanted the V6 power of the RAV4 with its nice fuel economy. BAD mistake because that buzzing noise drives me crazy every morning on the way to work, and I can sincerely tell you that that is not a good way to start a day.