It sounds like a bad Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system, or drive-by- wire system.
Any lost signal from the Electronic Throttle body, Throttle Position Sensor(TPS), and electronic accelerator pedal could trigger a Limp mode.
If the ETC system is good, the computer detected a problem with the engine or transmission, it will trigger a Limp mode as a Safe guard from further damage.
The whining could be as simple as an idler pulley.
If bought new, it might have 10year / 100,000 mile warranty.