general problems of the 2006 Toyota RAV4 - part 2

When backing the car out and turning the steering, there is a clunking noise that occurs. It mostly occurs from a cold start. There is a service bulletin out for this, but the dealer won't cover it. The car started making a popping sound. It was coming from underneath that car and made the exhaust sound really loud. Dealership said it was the centerpipe that was connected to the catalytic converter. The material of the centerpipe and catalytic was rusted and the dealership blamed it on me and that I drove the car off roading. I told them that the car has never gone off roading, garaged, and well maintained. Other 2006 Rav4 owners have cited the same issue stating that the material and craftsmanship of the centerpipe and catalytic converter were of poor quality. The seams of the centerpipe just completely came undone. When speaking with the dealership, they refused to cover it under the emissions warranty. When talking to the environment protection agency for emissions, they said that Toyota should cover it. This centerpipe issue became a larger issue when the vehicle misfired and the vsc, check engine, and 4wd lights on. Took it to the dealership to discuss what the issue may be. Other owners stated that the ignition coils were of poor quality and Toyota has issued replacements. Talked to the dealership and they refused to replace it under warranty. Shortly after, the car seems to be driving very clunky and does not drive as well as usual. The car vibrates and drives very slowly. It sounded like it dropped a cylinder. The engine sounds very clunky. This has happened many times. Ignition coils were replaced several times. Check engine light, vsc, and 4wd lights turn on solid each of these instances. Since then the tire pressure has turned on and gone bad. Had to get that replaced. Now all 3 lights are back on and will need to find out why.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that when driving at 5 mph or below, or when in park, the steering wheel would exhibit loud clunking noises. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The current mileages were approximately 95,000. The VIN was unavailable. Kmj.

Heard abnormal mechanical rattle from the front end going over rough streets in san francisco. Took vehicle in suspecting suspension issue to capitol Toyota of san jose. Diagnosis was steering rack has a known part issue, internal to its design, nothing the dealer could do, as factory did not allow them to open the part up, only replace it. Dealer was unable to tell me if the car was safe or not to drive. Said only thing they could so was replace the entire steering rack at $2000 +, which is outrageous. They said if I had extended warranty they would swap it out, and this is done all the time for this model and year! this car is serviced regularly and not driven off-road. This is a design defect that could pose a threat if the steering were to lock up/fail while driving, yet Toyota refuses to address the issue and says its wear and tear. At 70k miles? this part should last 200k. There are many reports online of issues with the steering system. . Read more...

There is a defect in the steering shaft that results in an audible thump that is felt through the steering wheel when turning 90 degree corners at low speeds. This does not happen on the highway, but rather pulling into parking spaces, turning at intersections, etc. My local Toyota dealer lubed the steering shaft at 87,169 mi, and the problem is back again in 11k miles. I know that Toyota has recalled several vehicles in the last year or two for steering-related problems, and I feel that this issue with the 2006 Rav4 should be added to the list of recalls. Thank you for your help. Updated 06/25/2012.

Intermediate shaft faulty after first couple years of owning vehicle. Clunking noise and clicking feel when turning vehicle. Toyota did not want to cover repair. Owners have to pay to get it fixed which wasn't cheap. Now, after 6 yrs of owning the vehicle, I feel it starting again. They said this was dangerous if left unfixed. It could lead to steering wheel malfunction and loss of vehicle control while driving. This should be recalled by Toyota since it's a manufacturer's defect. I don't think it's fair for the vehicle owners to have to deal with this when all we wanted was a safe and reliable vehicle.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel made a loud noise whenever the wheel was turned. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 55,000. Mah.

Clinking and grinding coming from the steering wheel. The dealership informed us it was the steering shaft is worn and would cost between $800- $1000 to repair. This is not covered since the warranty has expired. The dealership reported it's a common problem. I feel this is a safety issue and needs to be looked at.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the steering wheel would exhibit an abnormal clicking sound when turned. The failure recurred whenever the steering wheel was turned. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 29,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota rav 4. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact stated that she heard a loud popping noise as the vehicle became stiff and difficult to steer. The dealer informed her that there was a technical service bulletin issued for the failure but no recalls. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the steering unit needed to be replaced. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current and failure mileage was 38,106. Updated 6/8/11.

Intermediate steering shaft has to be replaced due to normal wear. We understand that many rav 4 and other Toyota models have the same problem or failures and must be replaced. Is this a possible recall issue. Updated 01/20/11.

On my 2006 Toyota Rav4, I can hear and feel a clunking or popping noise and sensation in the steering wheel while turning. The feel is as if the linkage(s) in the steering wheel have some interference or have become prematurely worn to the point where they are rubbing on each other and produce a popping sensation in the steering wheel while turning. The popping noise/sensation occurs every time I turn the car through turns greater than about 45 degrees, left or right. The sensation started about two years ago when the car had about 30,000 miles on it. The car currently has about 67,000 miles on it.

Our 2006 Rav4 has a knocking sound when you turn. We took it in for 90k service at the Toyota dealership and they said it was a steering rod/shaft issue that would cost $2000 to replace. We asked if it was safe to drive because we can't afford that repair and wanted to shop for other pricing, and they said we could but to be careful because it could cause additional damage at any time. I've read about several other complaints and how this is a Toyota defect and not a driver fault, so I'm concerned why this hasn't yet been recalled. I saw there were was a recall for 2005 and earlier models for the same issue, why is it now not being addressed since it could cause further damage and safety issues?.

Toyota 2006 Rav4 4 cyl automatic 4 wheel drive has frequent clunking sound when turning the wheel at low speeds. After searching for similar problems online I found numerous complaints others have had regarding "steering intermediate shaft noise Rav4". It seems to be a very common problem that is not covered once out of warranty and it seems there is a real concern that failure of the part could lead to a real safety problem.

My 2006 Toyota rav-4 makes a clunking noise when I turn a corner. At first, it was only when I turned to the left. Now the noise is worse and it makes the noise no matter which way I am turning. I have reported it every time I take my vehicle in to Toyota for servicing, but they claim they can't find a problem. My car has 31,000+ miles on it.

When slowly turning and applying the brakes, there is a clunking in the wheel as you turn. Many others have complained about this being the intermediate steering shaft. If this many people are complaining, I don't know why a recall hasn't been issued. I have contacted Toyota to question this; however I have yet to hear back from them.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at low speed and turning the steering wheel, he would hear an abnormal knocking sound. The failure would only occur when driving at low speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the steering shaft bushing had dried out. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 48,000.

My Rav4 makes an annoying knocking/popping sound when I turn the steering wheel at low speeds.

I have a 2006 Toyota Rav4 with 33,167 miles. The ignition key is about to fall apart. All the covers for the push buttons on the key are falling apart. This just started about a month ago. I went to the dealer and I was informed the key was not covered under warranty and would cost $250. 00 to replace.

I have a 2006 Toyota Rav4 with 87000 miles on it. The steering started making clunking noise about 2 months ago. Based on my research many other owners have this problem as well. Here's one of many links regarding people's complain on this problem. Please start investigate on this issue and thanks!.

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.

Steering makes a "bumping" sound when it is turned in any direction. My son commented that he noticed it in 2010. Last week my mechanic mentioned it and said that it should be fixed. Another mechanic at the same shop also mentioned it to me after he drove the vehicle.

2006 Rav4 steering clunk.

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 .

My steering has developed a serious knocking. Initially it was light but is now rapidly increasing specifically when making short turns like exiting my garage and/or backing up. The car has 47000 miles and I don't think a defect like this should happen. It certainly is not part of regular maintenance. Checking the web I notice that many complaints have been filed about this problem and I wonder why Toyota has not recalled the model to fix this obvious- and possibly dangerous - defect.

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?.

I have a 2006 Toyota Rav4 that I would like to file a complaint about. Toyota has already issued a technical service bulletin to repair the steering intermediate shaft noise problem that plagues this vehicle. (please see t-sb-0318-08 October 20, 2008). If the vehicle were under warranty, Toyota would make the necessary changes at no cost. This is my wife's car and her car started to develop 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 wife, but also for all american's who have this similar 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.

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.

In 2010, I complained to the Toyota dealer about knocking noise while driving and turning the steering wheel. After two years the noise became more noticeable and the Toyota mechanic informed me that the lower intermittent steering shaft has excessive play due to worn-out splines. Correction: replace lower steering shaft ($359. --). I declined repair since I found that this is a common defect in the 2006 and 2007 Toyota Rav4 model and a recall would warranted. I feel this is a safety issue with the possibility of loss of steering. The mechanic did not think so.

Hear clunk sound when turning the steering. Check with Toyota sunnyvale dealer, they said the steering intermediate shaft needs to be replaced.

Steering mechanism was not smooth in movement and made popping noise. It appears by searching online that several other owners have had same trouble. Fortunately, we never had an accident due to this manufacturer's defect. We had repair performed at adams Toyota lee's summit, mo. Dealership replaced defective lower steering intermediate shaft. Repair was corrective and cost $262. 85 before taxes. Thank you.

"2006 Toyota rav-4" reference---t-sb-0318-08---clunk/ pop/knock when turning steering wheel. "Toyota" recommended solution---replace steering wheel "intermediate shaft linkage" with improved parts. ---"warning"--- defective "mechanical linkage" between the steering wheel and front wheel mechanism is a "serious danger" and could, or has been the cause of accidental deaths! should this problem be included as another "Toyota recall"?.

I own a 2006 Toyota rav 4 v6. I have under 21,000 miles on the vehicle and my manufacturers warranty expired in August. For about a week now I've been hearing a loud, clunking noise whenever I make a left or right turn. Took the car to the Toyota dealership today and was told I had a steering shaft problem, which would cost over $400 to fix. I happen to check this out on the web and realized that many others are having the same problem. What's going on? did Toyota issue a recall?.

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.

2006 Rav4 unsafe to drive!!! le brun Toyota, canadaigua, NY, made me pay to exchange lemon with only 150-200 miles 2 days after purchase, they made me pay an additional 7k to trade for the v-6 I have now, because of the transmission accelerated downhill, on both 4cyl and v-6, it still does it though not as severe, still scary at times. Recently,my steering went out on the exit ramp luckily and locked a few times, it now makes a thump and caused a minor accident, next time I won't be so lucky. Really loud noise from rear also. Antifreeze smell inside car too. H. E. L. P.

2006 Rav4 has a faulty intermediate steering shaft that Toyota has put out a tech bulletin on but has not issued a recall or fix the problem if the car is past its 3year 36,000 mile warranty. I think it is irresponsible of Toyota to be aware of a safety issue and not want to rectify the situation!.