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.
When pulling out from stop signs heard clicking noise when turning right or left. Car was repaired under warranty. Now in March 2015 noise is there again. There is a little over 80000 miles on vehicle. Bad enough it went bad once.no idea what cost will be to repair should be recalled.
As soon as I back up out of the garage, there is a clunking noise as I turn the steering wheel. It is more pronounced when I turn the wheel, more so turning to the right. I took it into have it checked out and had 2 employees drive it. They both agreed it was coming from the steering column, possibly a bracket. When I turn it almost feels like the wheel doesn't want to go any further, makes this loud clunking sound then lets go. This has been happening for the last few months and the tightness in the turn has worsened.
My 2007 Toyota Rav4 has developed a loud clunk and slight binding when the steering when turning at slow speeds. The diagnosis from Toyota appears to be a worn intermediate steering shaft. In my opinion, the steering shaft on this vehicle does not resemble those on other cars in that starts connected to the steering wheel and then runs vertically down through the dash area changing direction abruptly. Other vehicles have a generally straight steering shaft in line with the steering wheel axis and no abrupt changes in alignment. There appears to be significant discussions on Toyota related websites of similar Rav4 steering shaft problems. Is Toyota and the NHTSA aware of this problem and preparing an investigation or remedy.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that when the brakes were activated, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it diagnosed that the steering rack intermediate shaft and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000. Updated 3/18/15 updated 8/18/2015 updated 10/19/2015
My 2007 Toyota Rav4 has a "clunking/popping" noise coming from what appears to be the steering linkage somewhere between the intermediate shaft and rack-and-pinion assembly.in early 2014, a Toyota dealership in Indiana recommended servicing the intermediate shaft assembly via an issued Toyota service bulletin. The intermediate shaft was replaced in the spring of 2014 (cost=$1000, car mileage ~65K).I have since job relocated to New Jersey and the problem has resurfaced (car mileage ~75K).a dealership here told me that the rack-and-pinion assembly needs to be replace (est. Cost= $2000).general signs of rack-and-pinion failure as stated by the dealership and general research are not observed in my car (signs including "play/slop" in the steering wheel, loose steering, stiff steering, etc.).further research of this issue has show multiple hundreds-of-thousands of Rav4 owners inquiring about this issue either via Rav4/Toyota forums, or through the NHTSA and other third party auto safety agencies.the dealerships seem to be guessing at what the problem is, and they issue repair guidelines based only on service bulletins without fully investigating the issue.there is a serious safety concern with a "clunking/popping" noise with the steering assembly of these automobiles.owners of this (highly rated, abundantly sold) Rav4 model should be issued a recall by Toyota to have the rack-and-pinion and the intermediate shaft assembly fixed without consumer purchase.Toyota is aware of the problems, as they have issued multiple service bulletins, but have yet to deem the issue a safety concern leaving their loyal owners with repair cost in upwards of $3000 for cars that are well under 100,000 miles, but outside of Toyota's warranty period. Protecting the safety of drivers and their precious passengers, should be the number one concern of Toyota and the NHTSA.
- Raritan, NJ, USA
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The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. While driving 65 mph, the battery warning indicator illuminated, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 70,000.
I brought my vehicle to the dealer for the rear suspension recall and when I picked it up I was advised that the steering shaft needs to be replaced and there is a clunking sound when turning the wheel. The service advisor told me the shaft is cracked and could be dangerous. I never noticed any steering sounds but now that I'm specifically listening for it I do hear it. I believe that if this is a safety issue as the dealer stated then the vehicle should be recalled. Most owners will not know they have this problem since the sound is not that noticeable and I assume that if left uncorrected loss of steering will occur.
Very clunky and noisy steering resulting an a vague, unsafe sense of control over the vehicle. Took to the dealership and was repaired (replaced intermediate steering column). Subsequent research has shown that this is a common and well known design flaw.
The steering column binds to one side or the other such that the vehicle never steers straight ahead. The situation causes the vehicle to always want to steer out of the intended lane causing driver fatigue at best and an unsafe condition when the vehicle is constantly heading out of its intended path toward other vehicles.
The electric power steering would not work. It has happened twice. The last time was July 28, 2014. We shut the car off, and restart it, and then it works ok. We are afraid that it might happen while we are driving it and we will have an accident. From online I have learned there have been a lot of occurrences of this. I'm surprised there hasn't been a recall, I think it is a real safety concern!
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota rav 4. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle lost power steering with the engine and vsc light illuminated on instrument panel. The vehicle regained power steering once the vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle and steering wheel would shake violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the intermediate shaft was defective and had to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000. Updated 10/7/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 3/11/15
Noticed knocking/clunking noise from steering at low speed as described in T-sb-0318-08 steering intermediate shaft noise' dated October 20, 2008. Took the car to a Toyota dealer to replace the steering intermediate shafts as detailed by the T-sb. Upon further inspection the technician reported that both the intermediate shaft and the steering rack have play in them and recommended that they both be replaced. The service advisor stated that this will become a safety issue if not repaired and can lead to loss of steering. The estimate for the repair was $2700 since the extended warranty has expired two month prior to taking the vehicle in. Given that there is a safety concern, I opted to have the recommended service done and paid $2731.77 for the repair. A quick internet search shows that this is a common issue with the Toyota rav for model years 2006 - 2008. Given that this is a safety issue and that some drivers might not associate the noise with a serious issue, Toyota motors should: 1.instate a recall to inspect all parts related to the steering mechanism in effected models. 2.replace all effected parts at no cost to the owner 3.reimburse diligent owners who noticed the issue, reported it to the dealers and paid to have the repair done. Best regards.
On August 29, 2011, 19 year-old subject was traveling straight across an intersection when subject was struck on driver side by a 2010 Hyundai elantra. Subject was struck by a motorist that according to police officer report, ran a red light. Subject was proceeding straight with green light while driving a white 2007 Toyota Rav4 with approximately 104,299 miles. Subject purchased Rav4 vehicle from Toyota in April of 2011. Subject purchased 2007 Rav4 on account of the airbag safety features (head, side, front, passenger side airbags) to protect subject from injury. On August 29, 2011, subject 2007 Rav4 sustained damage from rocker panel to roof and from front left bumper to doors. Structural, suspension, wheel, and steering components were also damaged as per the appraiser's damage estimate following the August 29, 2011 accident. No airbags deployed. A letter was sent to Toyota. Calls were made to Toyota to assess the damage and Toyota denied claims of any wrongdoing or defect. Subject was injured in accident. Toyota declined to inspect vehicle. Recent notices of recalls received along with Toyota sending emails to subject to try to purchase subject Rav4 lends credibility to subject assertion that airbags should have deployed and protected subject from injury during the August 29, 2011 incident. The airbag features failed subject and failed to protect subject from injury on August 29, 2011. 2007 Rav4 was declared a total loss by geico and Liberty mutual. This accident totaled a Rav4 and no airbags deployed. Given inadequate attention was given to subject and investigation of this matter by Toyota, subject seeks investigation and remedy for injuries sustained.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to dealer where the steering wheel shaft was replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer a second time where it was diagnosed that the electric steering column failed but the repairs were not performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Latrobe, PA, USA