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 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would exhibit a loud abnormal noise when attempting a hard turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the intermediate drive shaft was replaced. The failure recurred three years later. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the failure could not be replicated. The failure continued for two years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 19,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. Kmj
Obvious clunking noise in steering, especially in turns. I found out through routine maint. At a Toyota dealer that there is a problem with steering linkage. I went out online and see they have a service bulletin on how to fix this, but also I read numerous other owners have the same problem. I feel this is a safety issue and should be addressed as a recall. Owners should not be saddled with the costs, when it is a definite design flaw. Please address, thank you.
Knock and sudden shift of steering wheel. Noise appeared to come from front of vehicle and along the steering column or suspension system. Has grown worse with use, but vehicle only has 30,250 miles. We would like to know if it's safe to drive; danger of loss of steering. We do not feel safe, especially at highway speeds.
My steering mechanism has been making a clunking noise when turning in either direction, and gradually, over a period of 2 years, it has gotten louder. At last service, I inquired about the noise and was told, it was nothing to be concerned about... normal wear-N-tear. Could it be investigated to see if it should be an issue to be dealt with thru a recall. I have read a large number of complaints.
No accident has happened yet, but concerned about popping noise in steering column may become an issue at some point. Toyota says vehicle is safe but continuous popping sound in steering column has us concerned. The problem first occurred in 2009 and Toyota replaced parts in steering column to fix it. A technical service bulletin was out addressing this problem, in 2011 problem has returned, well the warranty is out and to fix problem is a large out of pocket cost.
- Enterprise, AL, USA
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At 44,000 miles my 2007 Toyota Rav4 developed a clunking sound in the steering system when turning. As time went on the frequency and severity of the situation only got worse. I found a tsb which appeared to deal with the identical symptoms that I was experiencing, T-sb-0318-08. I also discovered since my vehicle was out of warranty that I would have to pay for repairs myself. My vehicle, identified by VIN, was manufactured at the tahara plant and was affected by the tsb. In my research I also discovered that there was a previous tsb and a different part that was being used to replace the defective one. This is clearly a serious safety issue that Toyota must confront and address with a safety recall notice. Obviously the part installed originally was defective. Toyota subsequently a replacement part that in due course was also deemed to be defective so they developed a third part. The part in question is the intermediate steering shaft. As a responsible grandparent there is no way in the world that I was going to let this serious problem contribute to an accident possibly injuring my grandchild. The quote from the local Toyota dealership was $1100 to do the repair and alignment (which the tsb says is unnecessary if the repair was done correctly). I had a certified Toyota mechanic complete the repair for under $700. Now I am waiting for Toyota to do the right thing and identify this very serious issue as a safety recall so that all of the thousands of responsible Rav4 owners who experience this problem can have it corrected.
I hear a clunk. Pop or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. According to Toyota service bulletin T-sb-0318-08, a new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this condition, that is to remove and replace both steering and intermediate shafts (no. 1 and no. 2.). the tsb expressly states that the repair is covered only under the 3 year/ 36K milestoyota comprehensive warranty. Many owners of the rav of this era have experienced this problem, and it often occurs when the vehicle is out of warranty. Many owners have had to pay several hundred dollars to have it fixed. Also, many owners have reported the sound getting worse over time if not fixed. ( this information is frequently stated in forums and blogs about this era rav 4). I believe this is a safety issue that will, at some point, result in negative steering effects, if not loss of steering. As such, Toyota should be forced to initiate a recall campaign to fix this tsb problem under extended warranty.
I brought the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer because of annoying rattle noise coming from the front end when turning left and right, and when stepping on brake. The dealer diagnosed that the defective steering rack made noise and it should be replaced (estimated cost of $1,984 including part and labor costs), otherwise the vehicle could break down. I was also told by the dealer that this Toyota was aware of this issue (occurring in particular to those Rav4 2006-2008 produced in shokki, Japan) and Toyota offered the replacement of the steering rack if a vehicle is under the 3 year warranty period. Toyota has documented this issue--refer to T-sb-0308-08, October 8, 2008. Apparently my Rav4 is over 6 years old (but only ran 31,400 miles) and not covered by the warranty. I talked to Toyota national customer service about the issue and Toyota declined to repair the part at their cost. I demand that NHTSA/dot take an action to investigate this particular issue so as to prevent Rav4 drivers from facing fatal accidents on the road.
My 2007 Toyota Rav4 was being driven by my wife and she noticed indicator lights suddenly coming on the dashboard and the vehicle sputtering and starting to stall. Prior to the vehicle stalling, she noticed the power steering inoperable and she was having difficulty steering to bring the vehicle to the shoulder lane and to a stop. She called me and I called for emergency roadside assistance. The vehicle was restarted. At this time, as the engine ran, the power steering was still inoperable and the vehicle was undrivable. It was then towed home. My mechanic checked and found the battery to be undercharged due to a defective alternator not properly charging the battery. The battery and the alternator was replaced and the power steering and all other functions resumed back to normal. My safety concern is that the power steering unit should not have stopped functioning as long as the engine was in operation. If the braking system continued to operate normally as the engine ran, the power steering unit should also continue to operate so that the driver can stay in complete control of the vehicle. If my wife was traveling at a higher rate of speed and on a busy interstate freeway, the outcome could have been disastrous. Please look into getting Toyota to recall and correcting this safety issue on mine and other 2007 Rav4S. Thank you for your assistance. A reply would be greatly appreciated.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that when turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that something had become loose inside the steering column and that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 18,000. The current mileage was 18,400.
The steering shaft has a clunk noise and a clunk or shift can be felt in the steering wheel. Internet research reveals that this is an ongoing problem in 2006 and subsequent Rav4 autos. It was originally felt at about 40,000 miles and internet research reveals that this may even occur at less mileage. Internet research reveals that this is an ongoing common problem in Rav4S that has not been corrected by Toyota. If this is a problem, why has Toyota not been required to fix the problem for free and why are they permitted to continue to sell cars with the problem?? my dealer accepted responsibility for 50% of the charge. Total bill for my 50% was $173.72 I read on internet that as much as $800 was charged for the repair.
Vehicle parked started turned steering wheel exit from garage loud noise at full lock left and right. Contacted dealer. Informed problem in middle section steering shaft inherent to V6 repair cost 325 dealer said inability steer not a safety issue.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the wheel began to squeak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.
I brought the rav 4 in for a recall notice. The dealer told me they discovered this issue by turning the wheel. We had not noticed the issue previous to this. They stated the intermediate shaft needed replacement and that the cost was > $500. I declined the service. This vehicle has been taken care of since new. After doing some research, it appears that this issue has occurred to thousands of rav 4 drivers. It is unacceptable that Toyota is not recognizing and fixing this issue. Please help. Thanks.
At approx. 25000 miles, I started hearing a thumping noise while making right turns, I don't drive it that often, so I didn't think much about it, until it started happening more and more, I then had 31,000, I looked up the problem on the internet and seen it was the intermediate shaft and that it was a common problem with this make and year of the Rav4, I took it to a Toyota dealership and they said I needed the steering gear and lower intermediate shaft replaced, it would cost $2259 plus tax for parts and labor. I refused the repair at that time, the vehicle was no longer under warranty.I called Toyota customer service and they agreed to pay for only the part, because of the low mileage. I took it back to the dealership, they repaired that and while there they also said my water pump needed to be replaced, it was covered under a warranty they gave when I bought the Rav4, this is another part the 2007 Rav4 has had numerous complaints about. I paid over $1,000 out of pocket for a vehicle with only 31,367, for parts that Toyota knows are faulty, I am the only owner. I believe there should be a recall.
Getting the clunk/thunk when turning the steering wheel left or right. Cant believe Toyota has not stepped up with a acknowledgement of mfg defect of material or pg design and assisted customers with this problem. I am now very concerned with my son driving this car and will have to have it repaired even without Toyota's help.
In a parked position or while turning, sometimes, there is a vibrating/clunking sound made by the steering/steering shaft...Toyota suggests replacing for $520 plus tax.... for the year and mileage on vehicle I think it's a manufacturers defect and should be corrected by Toyota.
There is a popping noise in the steering while making turns. The Toyota service dealer identified it as the "intermediate steering shaft, a recurring problem with the 07-08 rav." He said the cost to replace it would be $650.72. I asked him it was covered by Toyota, and he said no. I asked if it was a safety hazard, and he said, "the steering could potentially fail while you're driving." I have five children and don't want my steering to fail while I'm driving. Since this is a known problem on 07-08 rav's, I am requesting that it be turned into a national safety recall for Toyota to fix. Thank you for your time and consideration! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Worcester, MA, USA