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.
1. while driving a 2007 Toyota Rav4 at low speed, the steering wheel lock engaged, instrument cluster lights flashed and the radio silenced for about 5 seconds. The car was able to be safely stopped. Normal steering resumed radio came back on and cluster lights stopped flashing. The car was driven approximately 2-3 miles and parked for apprx. 1 hour. 2. the car would not start, again no radio, but lights were illuminated to full brightness. No warning/fault light was illuminated. The car was "jump-started". when pulling out of the parking stall, the steering wheel lock engaged again. A tow truck was called. The car engine remained running normally. 3. while loading the car, the tow truck driver had the steering wheel lock engage and disengage repeatedly 4 - 5 times. The Toyota of walnut creek (California) technician states that the problem is a discharged battery, causing the electric power steering assist to not operate and stated that the steering wheel lock cannot engage while the car is in motion. The problem was that the steering wheel lock did engage, not a lack of steering assist. The technician stated he "cannot duplicate" the problem.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact noticed that the steering wheel was very loose. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the steering shaft was replaced. However, he noticed the same failure even after the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership where the contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The dealer called the manufacturer who refused to repair it. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 71,000. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Clunk in power steering and/or rack-and-pinion after making a left turn at a slow speed (can be heard and felt on steering wheel). Has been reported originally on 10/03/07 (ODI# 102047400), and after that glen Toyota performed repair as described in tsb ST001-08, but replaced the only 1 part out of 2 described in tsb - new, reinforced part has not been replaced. Problem seems to be gone for a while but returned as a result of uncompleted tsb repair performed.
Our 2007 Rav4 recently developed a clunking sound while turning the steering wheel at low speeds. We want Toyota to pay for the repair, preferably through a recall, just as GM is doing (Feb 2010 GM recall on eps). Looks like many of the new eps systems made by Japanese manufacturer jtekt are failing, and we are afraid that we are seeing only the beginning of a potentially worse problem. Steering is important enough a problem for Toyota to do a recall, especially after GM has done so for the exact same problem.
- Dedham, MA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2007 Toyota rav 4 - clunking and popping noise when I turn the steering wheel. I was advised by my service manager to replace steering shaft but was not covered under warranty since there is not a recall. The problem has been occurring for approx a year now with no resolution. The noise is getting worse and happening more often. I hope we do not have a major problem with the steering before a recall is done.
To whom it may concern" my Toyota 2007 Rav4's steering wheel makes knocking, clunking noise when turning since June 2010 even though it still have very low mileage on it. Many Rav4 owners have these problem and please make Toyota do a recall on this steering wheel problem before it causes any serious problems. This problem requires a replacement of a intermediate steering shaft which could cost up to $900. Thank you for your time to this matter.
To whom it may concern" my Toyota 2007 Rav4's steering wheel makes knocking, clunking noise when turning since summer 2009 even though it still have very low mileage on it. Many Rav4 owners have these problem and please make Toyota do a recall on this steering wheel problem before it causes any serious problems. This problem requires a replacement of a intermediate steering shaft which could cost up to $900. Thank you for your time to this matter.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that every time the vehicle made a turn in any direction it made a clanking sound in the steering column. The vehicle was not inspected at the time of the complaint since the manufacturer stated that it was not under warranty. There was a technical service bulletin for the steering gear shaft, number ST001-08. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 36000 and the current mileage was 55000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. While making a left or right turn, the contact heard a noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure was located within the intermediate shaft. The manufacturer offered to assist with some of the service cost. The failure and current mileages were 25,000.
2007 Toyota rav 4. consumer states problem with steering mechanism causing a crunching feeling in his hands and sounds of metal grinding, almost every time the wheel is turned.
Clunking in front when turning; dealer says the linkage in steering shaft (connecting the two pieces that it is comprised of) is loose and creating the noise - but not a safety issue. $833 estimate to repair. Purchase at 41,587 miles - at 45,442 whenit was checked by dealer. Did not repair (do not have funds) and not covered under warranty. Do not believe this is not a serious safety concern!!! same complaint from numerous others at www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Rav4/2007/steering/index.shtml.
I have a strong popping noise coming from the steering wheel of my car. It stared very early in the life of the car about 7,000 miles and when I took it to the dealership they said they could not feel it. It is now past the warranty period and they want to charge me for the work that now is louder than ever. It happens every time you turn when at a stop either right or left. I was told by the dealership that it is not a serious issue and have found several web pages with feeds of people who have had the same problem. So if it is not a safety issue then when it breaks how will I be able to steer? from what I have read this is an on going issue with the Toyota Rav4 and they wont do anything about it.
I 'd like to file a complaint about my 2007 Toyota Rav4. Toyota has already issued a technical service bulletin to repair the steering intermediate shaft noise problem, (please see T-sb-0318-08 October 20, 2008). If the vehicle were under warranty, Toyota would make the necessary changes at no cost. However, the cost is not covered if the vehicle has more than 36,000 miles. Unfortunately, this problem did not show up on my car until after 36,000 miles. I spoke to the dealer about this problem and was informed that the cost to fix this Toyota part defect will be out of my pocket, and it's very substantial ($890). I'm afraid that this problem may create potential steering problem that would cause serious accident while operating the vehicle in the future.
Purchased a new 2007 Toyota Rav4 from mcgeorge Toyota in richmond, Virginia. In mid 2009 the steering started to make a noise. Had to take the car thrice to the dealer but finally they said there is a bulletin for the issue and replaced the intermediate shaft under warranty. Did not solve the problem. I have complained and taken the car back many times since but they have not taken any action. The sound is getting louder and an article in the richmond times 05-11-10 indicated that this was a safety issue with many of Toyota model SUV's. the dealer now claims that all Rav4's and Toyota minivans make the noise and it is nothing to worry about. I am concerned since my wife drives this car and it is very disconcerting.
I have been very disappointed with problems arise with the steering column this problem has been noticeable concerns for many customer who have owned rav 4 and Toyota has done nothing to resolve or even letting the customers be aware of this problem. It starts off as a clunk sound when you turn right or left or when you are backing up, it started for around 32,000 but dealer could not find the problem until I pushed the issue. By that time it was just pasted the warranty (37000 miles).
Oem battery died. Vehicle was jump started. During subsequent operation power steering stopped working intermittently causing difficulty steering vehicle.
2007 Toyota Rav4 steering column (intermediate shaft). This is a known manufacturing defect by Toyota and they have issued a tsb in 2008. Only have 16.5K mi. (low). Dealer will not cover under warrant (bought in Sept. 2006).
Clunking sound while turning steering wheel at low speeds. Toyota issued tsb 0318-08 regarding issue and has per the tsb "a new intermediate shaft has been developed to address the condition." Despite widespread failure of steering linkage mechanism Toyota will not replace part at no cost to consumer.
2007 rav 4sport has clunking sound when turning. Noticed it around 30,000 miles, & is one of the maintenance items the dealer is supposed to check every 5000 mile service which I have done since the vehicle was new. (inspect steering linkage and boots).my vehicle now has 46,000 miles on it, & I had asked the dealer if there was a problem, & he acted like he had not ever heard of a clunking noise in the steering, but came up with a $590 repair price & told me it was unsafe. He would not cover the defect because it was only covered until 36,000 miles. I came home & got on the internet, & there are similar complaints everywhere. Please help?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Orinda, CA, USA