Steering Column problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 - part 1

Toyota 2007 Rav4 steering makes a klunking / popping noise while driving, when turning either direction, while pulling out of driving. No sounds on freeway. Issues seems to be steering column.

My 2007 Rav4 is experiencing a clunking sound in the steering column when turning at low speeds and the steering feels suspect at times at highway speeds. A online search, revealed that this has been a common problem for some time with this model and year. Toyota diagnoses this as a problem with the intermediate steering column. Is the NHTSA aware of this problem and is it a safety concern?.

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.

No crash involved. No loss of vehicle control. During routine maintenance, was informed the rack assembly would have to be replaced to deal with a clunking noise that a technician had noticed. I checked and found that while parked and idling, pulling the wheel in either direction did produce the clunk. After additional estimates, settled on a specific repair venue at almost $1700. Also informed by one of the estimators that the steering column would soon need replaced. Not scheduled for repair at this time. I was informed by one of the estimators that most vehicles would not have required a whole rack replacement (or as much money) for a problem such as this, but rather the 2007 design was integrated rather then modular.

When turning the steering wheel there is an audible click accompanied by feedback through the steering column. This is caused by defective hardware used in the assembly of the steering column. These weakened components, when completely compromised, may lead to a catastrophic loss of the ability to steer the vehicle. When asked, the Toyota dealership acknowledged this is a common problem but refused to repair it free of charge in the absence of a safety recall.

In October I noticed a clunk in the steering column. This is most noticeable at slow speeds when turning left or right. After researching the internet, it seems to be a common problem with Toyota vehicles in the steering shaft. I recently had to have the steering shaft replaced on my 2008 tacoma, VIN. No. : [xxx], with only 37000 miles, and reported this to Toyota customer rep. , they said they would give me a $350 credit at a Toyota dealership for future work, however, the replacement was considerably higher. I fear now that my rav 4 is going the same route. I feel Toyota should be required to have a recall on this problem because it could be a safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

There is a loud "thud" sound coming from my steering column when making turns (left or right). The sound has been noticeable for about a year, but has become far worse very quickly since September 2013. I can tell the steering wheel is hitting something inside the steering column (the sound plus a tug at the wheel when I turn the car). I am concerned this is a safety issue, and want to be sure there is nothing mechanically wrong with the steering column.

While getting recall work done on my 2007 Toyota Rav4, the dealership called to say that they detected a 'clunking' in my steering column that was caused by the steering shaft and it was a 'known issue' with the model but not big enough for a recall.

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.

Notice a popping sound in the steering column. Found Toyota bulletin t-sb-0318-08 which superseded TSB st001-08. The bulletins gave new parts and repair for the steering column. If Toyota knows there is a design problem, the fix should be covered by Toyota. The parts person says he knew the part number by heart since so many were being replaced.

About 18 months before the dates above, I noticed a knocking in the steering wheel when I turned it. I didn't think too much about it until it started getting worse and I mentioned it to a friend at work. He mentioned researching it online to see if there were any recalls or problems and suggested having someone look at it. I took his advice and saw that Rav4s did have some steering issues. I took my car to the local Toyota dealership diagnosis and repair. The steering column was replaced at the charge of $45. 00 for diagnosis and $428. 77 parts and labor for the repair.

Knock and sudden shift of steering wheel. Noise appeared to come from front of vehichle and along the steering column or suspension system. Has grown worse with use, but vehichle 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.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. While driving various speeds making a right or left turn, the steering wheel made a metal to metal grinding noise. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column middle shaft failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

I have a Toyota Rav4, 2007. I heard steeing column noise right after it crossed 35000 mile only. I read in in the internet many Rav4 user mention the same problem and Toyota knowingly not recalling the vehicles to fix it. The dealer wants to replace intermediate shaft with $550 cost. Since this is a known problem encountered by many Rav4 buyers, Toyota should replace this free.

My 2007 Toyota Rav4 is making an unsettling clunking noise when making right hands turns. This same problem has been reported by countless Toyota Rav4 and camry owners, and Toyota has even issued a service bulletin acknowledging defective parts in the steering column. Clearly this is not a part that should wear out in a 4 year old vehicle with 40k miles, and is a Toyota design flaw. Quoted repair cost is ~$800, but this should be a recall item given the number of owners it is impacting. Its only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured due to defective steering components.

I began hearing a clunk in my steering column approximately 3 weeks ago. I purchased my 2007 rav 4 at the end of January 2008. It has only 40,000 miles on it. . Read more...

I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4. There is a major problem with these in the steering column and Toyota has a technical service bulletin dealing with it; steering intermediate shaft and is covered under two numbers; st001-08 and later t-sb-0318-08. The shaft is coming apart and makes noise particularly at low speed. According to reports it affects thousands of these vehicles. I first became aware of my problem when the vehicle was under warranty but was told the noise was nothing; this incident was not reported in their system. Later I found out what this issue was and that they knew. Since then I have made multiple attempts to get it fixed but they want $800 to fix what appears to be a manufacturing/design defect. They recently offered to fix it for $600; not much of an offer since my local mechanic will do it for the same price. Since there are thousands of these with issues and I would assume poses a safety issue I would expect them to do a general recall. I hope you can force them to do such.

Experienced knocking and popping noise with vibration in the steering column when turning the steering wheel. This condition worsened over the course of a few weeks and eventually became constant.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota rav 4. The contact was driving 30 mph when an abnormal clunking noise was exhibited from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the steering shaft would need to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that if the steering shaft was not replaced, the vehicle could become difficult to control and could result in a crash. The failure mileage was 50,000.

At any time during the life of the vehicle, the steering column can make an audible clunk when turning either left or right at low speeds. It gets progressively worse over time. The worry is that the steering joint could completely dislocate disabling control of the car. It is a well known problem documented in a TSB by the manufacturer. Typical repair costs can exceed $800.

Popping and clunking sound and feel in steering wheel noticeable more at low speeds. Obviously this is a common problem and one that Toyota is fully aware of to the point of issuing service bulletin in 2008 addressing the concern. The solution is a re-design of the column components. This information was not passed on to vehicle owners as apparently Toyota realized many failures would occur or be noticed beyond the original warranty period. This deserves a recall. A known design flaw in a safety component should not cost the consumer $700 to $1000 to repair. Nor should it take a number of accidents or loss of one life before action is taken.

Steering did not feel right - grinding and bumping through steering column.

Clunking-grinding sound in steering column when steering wheel is turned rav4 does not track on highway as it did before. . . Likes to wander, always correcting the steering. Dealer states there is a TSB to correct this problem at my expense.

I would like to file a complaint which some of the Rav4 owners were experiencing as I browse through the internet I found a lot of complaints about this. I'm not sure if everybody filed a complaint about this. My car is only 38 months old and bought it brand new. I have 37000 mi on it. What I noticed is a clicking sound when I'm turning slowly to the right or left, mostly when I'm parking. I brought it to the dealership service center and they diagnosed that the steering column shaft is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. They said it's a safety issue if not taken care of because the steering wheel might get stucked.

When moving at low speeds and the steering wheel is turned, clunking sounds are heard. The first time it was reported to Toyota, it was dismissed as being a result of the cold weather. Warmer weather and subsequent research indicates this is a problem with the steering column; a problem Toyota is aware of, but has not responded to proactively.

An obvious "clunking" sound became evident right after the expiration of the warranty. In addition to the sound a "looseness" within the steering column is also evident. Research shows thousands of these reported. Dealers have been replacing parts to no avail and to much cost. The problem can be easily heard at low speeds especially when turning in or out of driveways, intersections, etc.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, she heard an abnormal sound from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the intermediate steering shaft would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

There is a chronic clicking/clunking sound on the steering column as it is turned left or right as the vehicle is stationary or in motion. Might become a safety issue over the short or long term. Do we need to wait until an accident or death happens before this issue is looked at?.

Steering column has a catch in it when turning. . . Toyota knows about this . . But their has not been a recall on it. . .

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).

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that a knocking noise was exhibited from the steering column whenever making a left or right turn, regardless of the speed. The vehicle was never taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 35,000. The VIN was not available.

I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4 4wd v6 limited that had a defectively designed steering shaft. In early 2009, I began to notice a loud "clunk" when my vehicle turned slowly (fwd or back from a stop) or when I entered or exited my driveway. Quick research revealed others with this condition on 2006 and 2007 Rav4s, it was likely a defective steering shaft. . Improperly engineered at the joint, and it was wearing/loosening. Toyota had apparently issued a t-sb-0318-08 to replace the shaft when owners complained. I took my Rav4 in for service to check, and it was confirmed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. However, my mileage exceeded the 36,000 mile warranty, and despite numerous diplomatic attempts on my part, Toyota denied coverage on the basis of mileage, despite my argument of a safety defect. I argued that this loosening/defective steering shaft could break and cause a loss of steering control at highway speeds. I was ignored numerous times through regional and national Toyota "customer service" channels. My local dealer was friendly, buy unable to convince Toyota to help. I finally decided to have the steering column repaired at my expense, fearing for the safety of my steering, and Toyota could not assure me that the steering was safe without the repair (they refused to comment). I told them I would be reporting this to the nhtsb, and they did not seem to care. I spent over $500 to replace a defectively designed steering shaft, and I hope others with this issue are reporting this to hold Toyota accountable for potential safety defects.

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).

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.