The contact owns a 2006 Toyota rav-4. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph around a bend, the driver's side rear wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised her that the tie rod end was fractured, causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired by welding the tie rod into place. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. The current mileage was approximately 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Semms, AL, USA

This is an inquiry not a complaint I had my car checked for the suspension arm recall nothing was done to my car I given a repair estimate for tires and a alignment my concern is if there was nothing done now what happens if this suspension arm causes a problem next week or next year can I be certain that a quick check is all that is needed to ensure safety no clips or caution labels were mentioned am I driving a safe vehicle.

- Roselle, NJ, USA

My rav 4 is making a loud clunking noise from the rear suspension. My local shop replaced the rear shocks and the rear sway bar end links, which did not solve the clunking noise. I took it to Toyota of westport in westport, ct on October 1, 2012 where they checked the vehicle and said they are unsure how to rectify the problem until Toyota produces a formal recall and fix, but they do know of the problem. If the problems are stated all over the internet and Toyota knows of the problem...how can it not be fixed" I am worried as my wife travels distances by highway and I do not want this to cause a crash if it can be solved. What is one to do when the dealer does not know how to fix their product" I am at a loss, but will keep my fingers crossed and hope that my car holds up until Toyota figures this out.

- Oxford, CT, USA

Performing a three-point turn on an uneven, rocky surface. Heard a loud clang/pop from the rear of the car. Thought a rock was kicked up or it might have been suspension related. Was informed by dealer at previous oil change that I was in need of replacing passenger rear shock absorber as it was leaking badly. I had figured that the failed shock absorber had finally given in and had created the noise. I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for service that same week and had an oil change done and had both rear shock absorbers replaced. Peeked underneath the car when I got home to see new the new shiny (not oily) shocks and noticed that the bolt connecting the anti sway or stabilizer bar to the lower suspension arm had sheared off on the driver's side. The bottom half of the bolt, the bushing, washer and nut were missing. The passenger side was complete and intact. The failure of this critical piece of suspension had obviously created the noise I heard.

- Denver, CO, USA

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

2006 Toyota rav 4. consumer states issues with front steering, suspension and drive train the consumer stated the problems started with an abnormal noise in the steering system and continued with other problems associated with the steering, front suspension and drive train. Various front end components had been replaced 10 times. After the steering shaft was replaced for the second time in August of 2011, the vehicle is now performing as designed.

- Weddington, NC, USA