This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the steering rods made a noise at low speeds and when he made left and right turns. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the failure was a known defect but there were no related recalls. The contact was informed that he would be responsible for the repair costs. The VIN was unavailable when the complaint was filed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 55,000.
2006 Toyota rav 4 with only 20,000 miles regardless of months in service, (incidentally garaged throughout the winters) developed a steering column noise that was heard by a friend. I took it to a dealer who told me outright that this was a problem that "has been around". the repairs will cost me several hundred dollars and from what I'm reading online there are a lot of these out there. So if there is a problem with the steering column why isn't there a recall, or isn't the steering of a vehicle a danger to myself or others. After all the other problems Toyota has had why has this issue not been addressed by NHTSA.
My 2006 Toyota Rav4/ sport has steering clunking. There have been recalls for the same problem in other years of Toyota Rav4's. I feel that with all the complaints that I have been reading about with the same year and model that a recall needs to be issued before someone else dies.
My 06 rav experienced a cracking/grinding noise when turning to the far left or right at low speed. I was terrified!!! I contacted Toyota and at the time my car had just came out of warranty 15days earlier but I didn't let that stop me. After some back and forth with the dealer and the regional manager my steering was fixed. There was a tsa report put out about this problem but no actual recall which I think there should be but I sent out blast emails and text to my friends etc to let people know. I've noticed that they're more women driving ravs than men and the thought of a mother and child in an accident over something that cost $600 per vehicle to fix is upsetting. People turn down the music and listen to your cars!!!
- Fort Lee, NJ, USA
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"clunking " noise coming from steering wheel when turning the when left and right under low speeds. This has been an intermittent problem which is becoming more pronounced, a tsb has been issued for this problem, but a recall should be in place due to the number of owners of rav 4's (2006) blogging and reporting this same issue.
Steering intermediate shaft noise (steering gear/linkage) on 2006 Toyota rav 4. when turning the steering wheel, you will hear a clunk or knocking-type noise.
Noticeable clunk heard and felt in steering 2006 Rav4 during left and right turns at low speeds. Numerous similar reports--no recall--despite safety issue. Toyota has issued a technical service report. In an earlier recall, 2006 prius steering assembly may become loose causing vehicle to lose control.
The intermediate steering shaft has been loose since 30,000 miles on my 2006 Toyota rav 4. there was a service bulliten out, but the mechanic claimed that he could not reproduce the problem. It causes inconsistant steering when backing up and turning. I am concerned that this could cause a complete loss of steering capability at high speeds. This has been a widely reported problem with the Toyota rav 4 and Toyota will not replace the part.
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).
I have 2006 Toyota Rav4. The steering has clunk issue when make turn. This caused sometime out of control when make turns. I talked to the dealer and this is known issue.
My new 2006 Toyota rav 4 was in for repairs in February of 2008. The intermediate steering shaft had to be replaced at 39,817 miles, just after the 36,000 mile warranty had expired. Every time the steering wheel was turned the steering made a loud clunking sound. It got worse in a couple of weeks and the dealer said it was worn. I asked why after only 39,817 miles and they could not explain. Now I have 81,000 miles and the sound is back and the shaft has to be replace for another $4-5 hundred dollars. I have had cars with 250,000 miles on them and never had to replace a steering shaft. Now I have had to replace 2 in less then 80,000 miles. I feel this is a defect that Toyota is covering up.
At the end of 2008 I took my 06" Rav4 in for it's pre-paid maintenance and told the service attendant that my steering wheel was making a strange noise when I was turning. I said maybe it just needs steering fluid. He got in and turned the wheel a couple of times and said he felt it would be fine. I mentioned the noise at each of the following appts. And was told basically the same thing. Well now my car is out of warranty and they now know that it is the problem referred to as service bulletin dated 10-20-2008. They estimated the repair would cost $1,001 at my expense. I feel they put of the diagnosis until after my warranty ran out intentionally so Toyota would not have to fix it. This should be a recall asap before innocent people are killed.
2006 Toyota rev 4 with 27,000 miles with a steering shaft wearing off. This could create a safety issue if it breaks down on the road. A recall should be considered.
This is an update of complaint 10243141. In August 2006, I purchased a new Toyota rav 4/L4 at 4X2. In August 2007 (mileage: 9,540), I took the vehicle to the car dealer because of a strange noise coming from the steering shaft assembly which had to be ordered (part # 45260-42090) and installed. In November 2007 (mileage: 11,989), I took the vehicle to the dealer due to the same noise. I was told there was nothing wrong. In December 2007 I took the car to the dealer again (mileage: 12,717) with still the same problem and noise. Dealer personnel determined a damaged steering shaft assembly which was ordered (part # 45260-42090) and installed for the second time. On October 13, 2008, (mileage: 21,152) the car was again making the same noise and taken to the dealer, where the steering shaft was again replaced. I was told that a different part had to be replaced (part # 45221-42070). On July 2, 2009, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance. I again reported the same noise coming from the steering wheel. The technician drove the vehicle and said everything was fine. On November 6, 2009, I took the vehicle to a different auto shop. The mechanic disassembled the steering wheel and identified the noise. He personally took the car to a different Toyota dealership and spoke to a technician. At that dealership, he was told that the noise is a 'normal condition' and that Toyota personnel are aware of the noise but the company has not been able to identify the source or how to fix it. Also, he was told other Toyota vehicles have a similar problem. We are now in February 2010. My rav 4 (mileage: 35,983) has maintained the noise and has a funny feeling when turning the steering wheel. It feels like if the wheel will come out. Since this is a recurring problem, accepted by the Toyota dealer and confirmed by an independent mechanic, I feel I should update this complaint with the nhtsb. I would appreciate receiving some feedback from nhtsb in this regard.
Toyota tsb ST001-08 - - owners may hear a clunk, pop, or knock type noise when turning right or left. The tsb replaces 2 intermediate steering shafts with "redesigned" shafts. The replacement of these shafts will only be covered by standard 36 month/36,000 mile warranty. My 2006 Toyota rav 4 has this noise, and there is also a pulse in the wheel when it occurs (several times a week). Will this ever become a possible recall" is there a history of complaints"
2006 Toyota rav-4 clicking in steering column since early 2009...after research found that it's actually a defect that Toyota knows about and put out a service bulletin for (NHTSA item number: 10024291 service bulletin #: ST001-08 ), but refused to fix if problem was discovered after warranty expired (problem started about 1 month after my warranty expired)....next problem: Water leak when raining on floor front passenger, leaked to back of vehicle causing mold damage (again Toyota refused to fix even though they were aware of issue...my husband researched and fixed it himself). Third problem, check engine light, vehicle stability control light, and 4WD light randomly come one (quite often)...have brought to mechanic and diagnostic test comes back with an error code. Mechanics have said it's most likely a computer malfunction (which I haven't investigated myself, but have been told is very expensive to fix or worse replace).
I have a 2006 Toyota Rav4 that Toyota has already issued a technical service bulletin to repair the steering intermediate shaft noise problem that plagues this vehicle. (T-sb-0318-08 October 20, 2008). If the vehicle were under warranty, Toyota would make the necessary changes at no cost. Our car started to show the symptoms of this problem after 3 year warranty had expired. I am afraid that this problem may progress to a complete loss of steering and result in a serious accident and loss of life. This concern is not only for my car's occupants, but also for other people on the road who I may run into due to this steering problem. In lift of the recent Toyota recalls, I would hope the NHTSA would recall the effected vehicles and force Toyota to fix this potentially dangerous problem.
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- Cicero, IL, USA