Steering wheel "clunks" at relatively low speeds - clunking increases over time. Concern is if steering fails as a result. Toyota's fix is to replace intermediate driveshaft and an alignment. Apparently this is a pervasive problem on a number of Rav4 model years (based on hundreds of postings on internet discussion sites, at least one of which claims failed steering resulting in multicar crash). Per these online discussions, some Toyota dealers have stated it is a serious safety issue, some have not. Given this problem has existed for a number of years (Toyota has two service memos issued on the problem and even developed new replacement parts), if the NHTSA has investigated this issue and determined there is no consumer safety issues, is that conclusion available to the public? would appear this would be proper to disclose, as consumers get very concerned with a potential loss of steering and its potential crash ramifications.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

There was a rumble in the rear @ 40 mph. I had maplewood Toyota check it 2-3 times, they said they couldn't hear it, car was fine; they checked the trans oil once and said it was fine. It's a closed system-you never need to change its oil. (I had asked this question several times over the years and they always told me that I never needed to change the trans oil & the manual does not list it either). They took it for a drive and checked it good-said that 1st gear was going, but it was fine to drive-come back when I couldn't stand the noise and they'd put in a new trans for $4,500. I was going out of town, they said ok, car will be fine. Since the rumble was so loud, 3 days later I got a second opinion at a transmission specialist's shop recommended to me by several friends. They put it up on a rack and tested it with a stethoscope type device. They said that the bearing was very bad and that I should not take the car out of town or drive it as it was not safe to drive and could stop at any time. They replaced M, w/S, U240/24E 00-up (cork); filter; bushing, A40 series pump; tc, Rav4, med stall, ink 14; center gear bearing, etc. When the Toyota technician checked the trans oil, I realized that it was not "a closed system"! also, the oil was black and I now know that it should be red. I think I should have been changing the trans oil all along and my transmission probably would not have failed. I think they should order a recall on all these transmissions - and pay for the work that I had to have done before my car failed on a freeway somewhere. A transmission should last forever, especially since half of the miles have been freeway miles and I drive my car very gently. I just put in new brake pads for the first time recently and there was still 20-30% left on them. Previously I had to pay Toyota $400 to repair the steering column-another defect that should be a recall.

- North Oaks, MN, USA

When first driving my new 2006 Toyota Rav4, I noticed at slow speeds it would sometimes accelerate when I hit the brake. I attributed this to big feet and a new car where I did not yet master the relative positions of the pedals. I started driving with two feet, just as I was taught as a teenager in drivers ed. Occasionally, this has happened again in the ensuing 3 years. Until this unintended acceleration problem came to light in 2010, I thought it was just "operator error." Now, I am beginning to think there is some defect - maybe it's hardware linkages, but I suspect there is a software problem in the electronic computer of the car. I also had the steering mid-shaft problem after warranty and screamed until they fixed it under warranty for $50. There was also a "runaway" fuel pump service bulletin I made them cover as well. I have worked with Toyota quality engineers since the 1980S and am disgusted by their responses reported in this ODI site. Toyota's claim to fame was there quality and customer Focus. Looks like the current generation of Toyota people have lost this, and that points directly to top management there. Shame, shame, shame. As they say in Japanese, they are "on shirazu" (do not understand their obligation to their customers).

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

The power steering in my 2006 Toyota Rav4 went out suddenly when I was driving this month. I pulled over and turned off the motor. When the car started again the power steering was working. The Toyota dealer had reports of this problem on this car from Toyota. The power steering goes out suddenly. Toyota would not reimburse me the cost of fixing this safety defect. It costs about $1000. Had I been on a highway, I could have been in a serious accident. Toyota should recall these cars and fix this safety defect.

- Mendham, NJ, USA

2006 Toyota Rav4 V-6 engine. Sudden and massive loss of all engine oil. Dealer is aware that this is caused by a defective oil hose. No recall issued yet. Dealer states "we're just fixing them as they come in". I was fortunate I was close to home. Engine was bone dry of oil in less than 3 miles. Should this have happened further away; 1. engine would have seized. 2. potential fire - the underside of vehicle was covered in oil and could have easily ignited. Toyota needed to recall this defective part. Not "just repair as they come in."

- Schwenksville, PA, USA

2006 Toyota rav 4 rubber oil hose (part no. 15707-31010) rupture spewed oil all over engine and road. Vehicle has 61000 miles. The 2008 and later model rav 4's now use a different metal part (part no. 15772-31030). Luckily I was able to get to the breakdown after noticing engine smoking from excess oil. The dealership will only install original part number for the 2006 and 2007 rav 4 models, even though apparently the 2008 metal part is superior.

- Allen, TX, USA

On freeway, other motorist notified me my car was "on fire!" I saw excessive smoke in rearview mirror. I took the next exit which was dixon, ca off interstate 80 West in California. The side of the freeway there is grassy, did not think it was safe to stop...I stopped the car and smoke was everywhere, coming up through the hood & under the car. This was tues, 2/3/09. I has the car serviced the fri before, 1/30/09 at Toyota vallejo in vallejo, ca. I called the dealership after calling aaa for a tow. The service advisor, ryan said "it couldn't have been from anything they had done. But there is an 'oil hose' that had been coming off alot of the Rav4's." I was already upset & that made me livid!! if it were a known problem the dealership should have checked during the scheduled maint. My car was towed to lithia Toyota of vacaville #47 at 500 orange drive, vacaville, ca. Work order 394212. As of yesterday, 2/12/09, the assistant service manager, megan, told me there was no tsb she was aware of, yet the part that came off (vvti oil pipe) was not found at any other dealership or supplier in the United States, and was on order from Toyota in Japan. I am furious that it appears Toyota was well aware of this problem and has failed to initiate any steps to prevent risk to its consumers. I am asking for a full investigation which hopefully will lead to a recall of the 2006 Rav4's and any other year this affects. Megan, the assistant service manager at lithia Toyota confirmed with my insurance adjuster, jose lara (geico 707-688-3318) the cost is covered under the powertrain warranty....what about the cost of my life, and the lives of the other motorist surrounding me"?" the risk of fire is never to be taken lightly. Please investigate this matter to avoid any cost of life.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

I have a serious delay in the acceleration of my 06 Toyota Rav4. It is dangerous especially when pulling into traffic. I have gotten no help from the dealer or Toyota. It happens about 5-10 times per week.

- Greenbelt, MD, USA

New 2006 rav 4 was purchased at grappone Toyota, concord nh, on 7-28-06. During he first 600 miles of operation per the manufacturer. Break in recommendations it became apparent that the vehicle had a serious malfunction regarding normal acceleration and throttle use. This condition leads in an intermittent fashion to failure to accelerate when merging on the highway, failure to resume steady throttle setting after rounding a corner, sudden and serious hesitation when attempting to accelerate normally and sudden and serious losses of power on the road. These symptom are accompanied by a full time throttle lag, which prevents normal use of the throttle and often, after a varied period of delay, is followed by a sudden downshift and rush of power and acceleration. I complained to the dealer on 8-22-06 and was deferred until 8-25-06 at which time the dealer checked the engine computer and told me that the degree of malfunctioning is "normal" and could not be addressed. I told them that was unacceptable and that since this uncertain and erratic performance compromised the safety of my wife and myself we would not be able to resume normal use of the car until the dealer or manufacturer chose to address the problem. After 43 years of safe driving, I'm not about to drive an uncontrollable car in traffic on public roads when it may suddenly fail to accelerate or fail to resume normal speed after braking. Any sudden erratic moves can be dangerous to ourselves and to surrounding traffic and I find it deeply disturbing that neither Toyota nor grappone Toyota will bother to return my calls nor address this matter. I have spoken with Toyota and they have not returned my calls, facilitated a repair or even bothered to try to fix the car. Please investigate this situation which I now believe is common to about 10% of rav 4S before it costs someone their life. Thank you.

- Concord, NH, USA

My 2006 toytoa Rav4 has displayed non responsive throttle on many occasions where you give it gas and it does nothing, then it takes off like a rocket. I have nearly been in accidents because I pull out from a stop and the throttle is unresponsive while traffic is bearing down on me.

- Clackamas, OR, USA