Steering Noise problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 - part 1

Clunking noise when turning steering wheel on very low speed or on car that in not moving. It was discovered during state inspection [car was in garage and was not moving]. Car has just above 30,000 miles, mostly city driving, regularly, but short distance commute.

The intermediate steering shaft is making clunk noise when turning the steering at low speeds. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. I am feared to drive this vehicle and the steering is dangerous.

I hear a clunk, pop, or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. Toyota was acutely aware of this issue (please see attached technical service bulletin st001-08) and had to redesign the intermediate shaft. Unfortunately, Toyota has not taken the steps to recall all effected vehicles and replace this defective part. I urge the NHTSA to take immediate steps to force Toyota to issue a recall and make the necessary repairs as this issue has been witnessed in a large proportion of the 06-07 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.

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.

Steering intermediate shaft clunk ,when I turn steering making noise. I talk to a mecanic he says need to replace steering. It is so expensive ,my income is not allowed to do this. Please give me advice pailytjames@gmail. Com.

I hear a clunk, pop or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel. Toyota is aware of this (tech service bulletin st001-08). Toyota redesigned the intermediate shaft. However, Toyota has not taken the steps to issue recall to replace this defective part.

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.

Audible clunk sound in the steering when turning the steering wheel. The driver can also feel a knock through the steering wheel. I am worried that this is a safety issue. This appears to be a common issue for this model and year (e. G. , about 40 complaints of this kind have been filed for 2007 Rav4s on carcomplaints. Com). It appears to be related to the intermediate steering shaft; Toyota has for example issued TSB 0318 08 to address this problem. According to our Toyota dealership, it is due to a shaft tolerance that is too loose; the clunk sound would only be an annoyance, but not a safety concern. Given that the steering is critical for control and safe operations of the car, I feel that any noise in the steering might indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed. We bought the car used with 107874 miles (from the first owner) on 05/09/2014, and noticed the problem immediately during the first weeks of use. We believe the condition had already existed before we purchased the car, but we have no information at which mileage the previous owner started to notice it.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota rav 4. The contact stated while driving she heard a loud noise in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the technician stated the intermediate steering column needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The mileage at the time of the failure was 52,730 and the current mileage was 54,134.

Obvious clunking noise in steering, especially in turns. I found out thru 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.

I've been hearing clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel to either sides. Not always present but it is a safety concern for me.

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.

My car began to make a clunking noise at the steering wheel every time I would turn it in any direction at any speed. I was worried about the safety of the car so I called Toyota and scheduled for my car to be inspected. I was told I had 3 recalls on my car. After all the repairs where made the dealership told me that the only concern they still had was the clunking noise in the steering wheel. They told me that I needed to replace the accessory shaft. I was also told that I would have to pay out of pocket. I had no choice but to decline the repair due to the cost. I decided to do research of my own and have found many other Toyota rav 4 owners that have experienced the same issue with their vehicles. All have the same complaints and feel the same frustrations as I do. This problem should be looked at. This could possibly be a defect in their design at the expensive of the car owner.

Noise in steering column - Toyota service inspected same - suggested steering shaft needed to be replaced mileage on car 59200.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making a right or left turn, there was a loud strange noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 46,000. The VIN was not available.

For 2 years prior to taking the car to Toyota for repair, I was hearing a clicking noise when I turned the steering wheel back and forth, normally when I began using the car early in the morning. I took the car to the Toyota dealer to find the problem, expecting it to be a slight adjustment. I was told that the steering shaft was broken along with a yoke assembly that needed to be replaced. I was alarmed that I had been driving a car with a broken steering shaft for so long. Toyota replaced the broken parts and charged me $600. I thought Toyota should cover the cost as a warranty item but they refused. It seems to me that a steering defect should be taken care of via a safety recall. Had the shaft broken or become more damaged then a high speed accident could have occurred.

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 Rav4 was making popping noises in the steering, I took it to the dealership to have it looked at. The dealership said that the steering shaft had to be replaced and there was not a recall on that. I have never heard of a car having a serious problem with steering, especially one with only 70,000 miles on it. Anyway, I had to pay $380 to have that fixed and they also did an alignment. They said that I needed the alignment because of the repair. I picked up the car and on the way home, it started making a horrible popping and clunking sound in the rear-end. I called the dealership back to tell them to come get it because I did not feel safe driving it back to them. After the tow truck came, my husband found that there is a recall on the car because of rear suspension after an alignment. I am writing this to let you know about my problems with 1) the steering problem and 2) the rear suspension problem. Again, this alignment was done at a Toyota dealership!.

Experience knocking and popping noises in the steering wheel column. My vehicle had 31,247 miles on it when I brought in for airbag recall. They asked me about the knocking and I said yes it's knocking. Asked if it was dangerous to drive they said they would get back to me if it was. . . . I never heard back from them. They told me it would cost about $500 to repair. I did research on line and found 117 complaints. Why hasn't Toyota recalled this? I don't feel I should have to pay for this. Toyota knew this was a defective part.

Purchased the above vehicle for my wife on October 25 2011 from an auto broker in orange, CA who had advertised the car in autotrader. Com as a clean and low millage(under 26,000 miles) and in his email to me stated that the unit was completley inspected and warranty. Since buying it 2 1/2 days ago we have only taken it out on 3 occasions locally as I have a rented car and wanted to make the most of the rented car whilst we have it. I noticed a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel and it just felt weird and unsafe. Having googled the problem I realise that there is a major problem with the steering of rav 4 and so many ther people are experiencing the same problem. I have notified the broker and waiting to hear from him. I am amazed and disappointed that Toyota does not treat this serious safety issue seriously to do a free repair and recall. I called them this morning and they stated as the car is over 3 years then there is no warranty!!! Toyota please get your act together and do not risk peoples life!! as far as the broker is concerened I have to reserve judgement until I see him and find out what he is willing to do to resolve this problem. The broker is solutions auto sales, mission viejo, CA but I met him and bought the car from his office in orange, CA.

My Rav4 has began having clunking noises in the steering column. I have done some searches on this problem. It seems this is prevalent with Rav4's and Toyota is refusing to issue a recall. Is this a serious safety concern? will this eventually be a recall?.

Recently I have noticed a 'clunking sound' when I turn my steering wheel either direction on my Toyota rav 4 2007 vehicle. I am bringing in this vehicle to be checked out by my local dealer. I was looking to see if there are any recall notices on this steering noise issue.

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 dealership's service department determined the noise was coming from the steering rack and not the intermediate steering shafts and recommended replacement of the steering gear assembly per t-sb-0308-08 "steering rack noise". I'm concerned this might be a safety issue that could result in failure of the steering components and have the potential for losing control of the vehicle.

Steering column is making a clunking noise while turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Many others have experienced the same problem and Toyota has issued t-sb-0318-08 bulletin with a procedure to repair an inadequately designed intermediate steering shaft. There are concerns about long-term safety and losing control of the vehicle if this repair is not done. Toyota should be required to issue a safety recall and owners should be notified immediately of this known problem.

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.

At around 60,000 miles, my 2007 Rav4 began making a very loud thumping, knocking noise from the steering column and shafts every time I turned the wheel left or right. The issue was noticeably worse at low speeds and the impact could be felt as a tremor through the steering wheel. By 70,000 miles, I feared for my safety driving at speeds higher than 35mph. The problem was addressed by two independent mechanics and the local Toyota dealership. All three advised that the issue should be repaired urgently as it is an immediate driver safety concern. Further research confirms that this is a recurring problem with 2006-2008 year Rav4s. Toyota recognizes that the intermediate steering shaft failures are serious enough to warrant the issue of two technical service bulletins. This flaw is covered by warranty for vehicles under 3 years of 36,000 miles, but costs over $1,000 to repair (at the owner¿s cost) out of warranty. This issue obviously relates to a design/material of construction deficiency with this model. Over 100 complaints already listed on NHTSA site. Any problems with the steering mechanism clearly affect the ability to safely drive the vehicle and thus need to be addressed immediately. Toyota is knowingly imposing risk on its drivers until this issue is dealt with, by a mandatory recall or extended warranty.

The vehicle has problems with the steering column and it is causing issues with wheels when turning. I have read a bunch of others complaints. Please have Toyota recall this part and replace there is a clunking in my steering when I turn the car left or right at any speed. The steering feel as their is looseness causing non accurate turning and wobblesness. ¿¢Jan 14, 2013 - wesley chapel , FL - steering the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making a right or left turn, there was a loud strange noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 46,000. The VIN was not available. Bulletin out on this intermediate steering shaft. A new shaft is going to run $400. 00 plus at least an hour of labor. This mean that it is going to cost each owner of this Rav4 model at least $500. 00. Toyota has put a service bulletin out on this very problem. The bulletin # is TSB-0318-08 rev1. I am afraid that this will become a safety issue and I believe that there is some manufacturing defect or design problem at the basis of this problem. ¿¢view details ¢Nov 14, 2010 - howell, NJ - steering at approximately 50,000 miles we noticed a clunking noise in the power steering. It got progressively worse. At 69,457 miles we took it to the dealer. He informed us the steering shaft would have to be replaced at $456. 00 with a wheel alignment. After asking about a possible steering defect I was told it was normal maintenance. Without a repair I am afraid I might loose my steering.

Clunking noise coming from steering. Toyota will not assist in repairing costs being car is out of warranty.

Clunking noise coming from steering mechanism. Replaced lower and middle steering shaft and front and rear end links.

"klunking" noise from steering column. Noticed intermittently initially,now all the time. Occurs at any speeds but primarily lower speeds and while stopped. Worsening over time.

At approximately 50,000 miles we noticed a clunking noise in the power steering. It got progressively worse. At 69,457 miles we took it to the dealer. He informed us the steering shaft would have to be replaced at $456. 00 with a wheel alignment. After asking about a possible steering defect I was told it was normal maintenance. Without a repair I am afraid I might loose my steering.

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.

2007 Toyota rav 4 . Reported a loud clunking in the steering. The noise while turning the steering wheel keeps getting worse. Can feel a clunking in the wheel while driving. Dealer reports, steering rack assembly needs replacing. Many others reporting the same problem on the internet. Should be a safety recall on this. Not much help from Toyota in acknowledging the problem.

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.

Toyota Rav4 steering, klunking noise in the steering column.