I have a 2012 Scion tC that makes a chattering noise when starting.
It usually happens only on Cold Start. I have attached an MP3 of the sound.

Any diagnosis help would be appreciated.

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Just my opinion, your starter needs an inspection if not replacement. Sounds like the bendix isn't disengaging properly.

That's a pretty cool sound file. Might want to keep that for your mechanic (for a potential second opinion.)

EDIT: On second thought, it also sounds like a tapping valve. Could be a dry valve that's silenced with oil. Warm starts aren't making any noise because the oil hasn't completely dripped away from the valve.

 

I've done some more research, and I hope I haven't found the issue. I have the exact same symptoms of the intake camshaft timing gear assembly needing to be replaced.
There is apparently a known issue described here and I have found two videos having the same sound with the same engine
( and ). There is a service bulletin out for this issue (here) but my car has 130k miles on it and is out of warranty.
I'm going to guess that Toyota won't be fixing their known issue if it is out of warranty.

Does anyone think that this issue is the one that I'm experiencing? Does anyone have any advice for my predicament?

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The infamous oil psi to timing tensioner BS that plagues the Toyota WinEngine!! There are some easy ways to cure it. Replace it, and see it happen again.. most likely..open the valve cover and re-adjust the top again, or replace the cam chain sprocket, or ____ off on the Whole deal and run less a viscosity.. Cold areas don’t have fun with this. Heat the oil pan!! Only my 2sense!

 

I live in Alabama, so it doesn't get really cold here. I'm running full synthetic 0W20 with about 130k miles on the car. I do my own oil changes, just recently changed the spark plugs, cleaned the MAF sensor, and cleaned out the throttle body, but that is the extent of my mechanical knowledge/ability.

I would love to fix the problem, but definitely don't want to pay over $1,000 to have it fixed. What is the long term effects of ignoring the issue? How long should I expect it to last before it keels over?

 

Pretty in-depth look at the problem

 

Sorry to point in the wrong directions, FB. Good luck with the fix.

 

130k..on the ride, let it ride, you have any power, acceleration WOT issues? Like putt-putt now.. Then it goes? Maybe a concern..but..Only start ups is an annoyance I agree, and tad embarrassing!! Long term, your half life miles, but that also is determined by good maintenance and care.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Keep up on your oil changes. I do mine when the maintenance required light starts flashing (about 500 miles before it turns solid). It's a very known issue, but it didn't kill very many engines at all supposedly so that's why Toyota never issued a recall. If you ever plan on taking your engine out, fix it then. I plan on getting my engine rebuilt and transmission swapped eventually so it'll be fixed then.