general problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 - part 2

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.

Getting the clunk/thunk when turning the steering wheel left or right. Cant believe Toyota has not steped up with a acknowlegment 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.

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.

On March 21st the abs, vsc, traction and break warning lights came on while driving at 35 mph in dry weather condition. When the lights were on, the abs system was triggered making difficult to break to stop. Since then the warning lights have been on and off and so I've been having difficulties when slowing down at a higher speed rate 60 mph, slow speed 20 mph, and even stopping. On Tuesday, April 8 I brought the Rav4 to the dealer and they said that there is nothing wrong with the car and that the breaks were ok. Dealer said: it is just the a rear sensor that needs to be reset. So dealer technician reset the sensor the same day. On Wednesday, April 9, 2014 around 6:00 pm when turning left at a corner I heard a ticking noise then four warning lights appeared again and the breaks started to malfunction again. I'll bring the Rav4 to the dealer on April 12, 2014 and see what they have to say. The codes the dealer have initially were c0210 and c1223. My spouse and I don't want to drive the Rav4 without knowing that the sensor that the dealer talks about is either fixed or replaced. I don't want to be exposed nor expose my family to any possible accident due to the sensor/breaking system failure.

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. 00 plus tax. . . . For the year and mileage on vehicle I think it's a manufacturers defect and should be corrected by Toyota.

Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise that came from the front driver and passenger side wheels whenever the contact moved the steering wheel or when the vehicle was not in motion. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,200. The current mileage was 48,684. Kmj.

A r e call now on the clock spring stop acting stupid's.

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.

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.

Vehicle parked started turned steering wheel exit from garage loud noise at full lock left and right. Contacted dealer . Informed proble in middle section steering shaft inherant to v6 repair cost 325 dealer said inablity steer not a safty issue.

I started experiencing a clunking noise whenever I turn the steering wheel to the left or to the right at low speeds. It has progressively gotten worse. Right now, it's really bad. I took it in to the Toyota dealership at 62k miles and they said I need to replace the intermediate shaft at a cost of $6,400 out of owner's pocket. They said it had been out of warranty for a few months before I took it in hence, cost to owner. I reported it to Toyota head quarters and they offered to reimburse $1k after I send them receipt of repairs, since they said my warranty expired not long before. I thought it was a kind gesture but I didn't have $5,400 to spend on those repairs, so I didn't take them up on that offer. I asked about their knowledge of this being a common problem with the stated model, and they said I may have seen this reported frequently in forums online, but until enough people report the problem to Toyota's head quarters they won't have grounds to issue a recall. The problem persists and continues to get louder an is now accompanied by vibrations in the steering wheel. I hope Toyota sees the need to issue a recall soon.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated the steering intermediate shaft failed causing a loud clunking noise when making a right or left turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated there was no recall and they would have to take the vehicle apart to find the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified which offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 25,000.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that when turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a popping noise coming from the intermediate shaft of the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the intermediate shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the intermediate shaft. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 71,633.

Around the 12th of October 2012 I started to notice a sound when turning the steering wheel to the left. Within a few days I could hear it when turning left or right at slower speeds. I took my car to my mechanic for an oil change and mentioned it. He said that it seemed to be the steering intermediate shaft. I contacted a Toyota dealer to enquire about cost of part and repair. I was told that the part was around $400 and that it would take approximately 1. 6 hours to repair at $80/hour. I contacted Toyota headquarters and was told that even though there was a service bulletin out on this same problem, that there was not a recall and the car is not under warranty now. If I had not asked my mechanic to check the problem I very likely would of had an accident when the splines finally gave out. I have the old shaft now as I had my mechanic order the part from a Toyota dealer (the price was just over $100) and it took him 1. 7 hours to do the repair, so it cost me about $200 total. Toyota said that if there were a recall I might be able to get some of my money back. Does someone have to die before they have a recall on this. It would be stupid of them to wait until there is a death!! I've had 2 recalls taken care of and there are 2 more that will need to be done soon. Did someone die to get them to recall for those problems. There was a recall announced yesterday on this very same problem with the prius 2004-2009. I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4. . . This is a bigger problem than they have acknowledged.

When you turn left or right a strange noise happening and you can feel some sort of bump or catch in the steering. There is a service 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.

Defective intermediate steering shaft causing partial loss of steering. Car feel very unsafe to drive,specially on vet surface and during breaking.

Hi good day, I am writing this complain about my vehicle problem Toyota Rav4 2007 "steering knocking" which affects my driving ability cause it bothers me while driving due to noise everytime I turn my steering wheel left and right. I already write the company about this matter but there is no proper answer about the defect. I search the vehicle defect online and there are a lot of Rav4 owners with the same problem. I hope it's not to late to notify this problem and not waiting for the time that it will cause accidents to the owners of the vehicle in the near future. I am just anticipating that there will be no future accidents arise related to this vehicle problem.

On March 29, 2012, I pulled out of my driveway & heard a clunk. Checked rear underside & saw nothing amiss. Arrived in downtown chicago and heard 3 more clunks (when making right turns). Then the final extra loud clunk as the steering went out of control. I was on michigan Ave. In front of the hilton hotel during rush hour traffic (5 pm) doing 25 to 30 mph. Cars all around me. Gently applied brakes & emergency flashers to warn others, as I kept turning the steering wheel from way left to way right. Eased my way from center lane over to the curb. Can't believe I didn't hit anything! right rear wheel was tilted at about a 45 degree angle--top outward, bottom inward. In another 15 min. I would have been on the expressway doing 50 --60 mph. Vehicle had to be towed back to indiana. Toyota service advisor said: "bolt rusted through. If keeping car, suggest getting left rear suspension replaced too because it is getting ready to go. A company rep is going to come out to look at it because we have had another exact failure just recently. " the rep decided he did not need to see it. (I'm sure he was already aware of the bigger problem Toyota would be facing. ) vehicle facts: 2007 rav-4, mileage: 43,185, one owner, garage kept (except for vacations). Last 27-point inspection: (1-21-2012) 2 months before failure. No items in the section titled "under vehicle" were even checked off as completed (good or bad). This included "suspension & steering linkage". I paid $778. To have both left & right suspension assemblies replaced & an alignment. When I asked about reimbursement from Toyota, the service advisor said "no. They consider it normal "wear & tear". Note: cases like mine are not going to show up as "traffic accidents" because I didn't hit anything or anyone. And those that are accidents could possibly be mistaken "over-corrective steering!".

I was just in a serious car accident where I lost steering and control of my vehicle. After reading online about the knocking in the steering from other owners, I believe I had the same problem. Although noone was seriously injured I am worried about other drivers safety. My car and two others were totaled. I have my car serviced for regular maintenance at the same Toyota dealer and I think that they should have noticed something with the steering and checked it . I just had a 50000 mile checkup. I really feel something is wrong here that alot of people are having the same problem and it can be fatal. I am lucky that I was not on the highway. My car did go into oncoming traffic though. I hope someone knows how to get ahold of me and help me with this problem. But just to say everyone else, please be careful.

Steering intermediate shaft started failing causing knocking noises when turning the wheel. Toyota will only replace within standard warranty period as they don't think this is a safety issue.

Began experiencing a distinctive clunking noise, at low speeds, while turning the steering wheel. The clunk could be felt in the steering wheel and felt as though a bushing was defective, or their is excessive play in the steering assembly. No noise from the front end, or undercarriage, just at the steering wheel, when turning, at low speeds. Toyota states that this is a common problem and that they have developed a part replacement, however, I feel that it is definitely a safety issue, which could become fatal, at highway speeds. Should be elevated to a recall status, as it involves the steering assembly.

At 66,000 miles heard & felt clunking in the steering, & then spent $2033 plus tax at the Toyota dealer to replace intermediate shafts #1 & #2, & power steering rack. Toyota should cover their manufacturing defects.

There is a known issue with the steering shaft causing complete failure in steering. Toyota is well aware of the issue but has not recalled the defective parts. . . Read more...

Took my Rav4 in for service of five thousand miles oil change. At that time when I picked up car was told I needed to get my steering lower shaft replaced. I have been having strange noises since about 30000 and was told it was not the steering. All of a sudden it is the steering and I need to get it fix right away. I feel this is a much bigger problem than Toyota wants to acknowledge. This needs to be recalled. Is this being looked into? reading online there are thousands of people having the same problem I am having with my 2007.

Steering makes popping sound when turning to left or right when pulling out of driveways or parking spaces. Took to Toyota dealership, and it was shrugged off as not a big deal, but that it would cost over $500 to fix. Was told it was the steering intermediate. It was lubed and I was told that might help and that it wasn't a safety issue and I didn't have to get it fixed right away; however after reviewing complaints on-line, it appears a lot of '07 rav's have had the same issue at different mileage points and nothing has been done by Toyota. I believe a recall should have been made on this.

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.

On or about 9/01/11, I began to notice a popping/clunking sound when turning my car left or right, when parking and when turning into or backing out of my driveway (approx 5mph). This clunking sound was occurring without turning the steering wheel all the way to either side and when turning the steering wheel left or right with the car running at a complete stop. On 10/27/11, I took my car to my Toyota dealership in winston salem, nc and was told the steering shaft needed to be replaced and the car would need a 4 wheel alignment as a result of the replacement. On 11/01/11, I had this service done at my Toyota dealership (replaced steering shaft assembly, item #45260-42090, and 4 wheel alignment. ) I paid a total of $479. 73 for this service. Nhtsa service bulletin #st001-08, item #10024291, was issued 2/08/08 for the 2007 Rav4 steering component. In seaching mycarstats. Com along with other sites on the internet, this is an extremely common issue and complaint. A repair cost of $479. 73 is substantial, and since this is a known consumer complaint and a service bulletin was issued, I believe Toyota should issue a recall on this steering shaft component for the 2007 Rav4.

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.

This Toyota Rav4 began having clunking with steering the vehicle right and left directly after the power train warranty was expired. The clunking worsened so it was inspected by the dealer's service department. I was told that it needed a replacement part that was not in the original manufacturing of the vehicle. There is a technical service bulletin on this Rav4 with the steering component. The service department described this as a safety issue. Why is this not a recall if it is a safety issue and a factory defect? the service department quoted me a $3500 charge for repair. This is ridiculous that I need to pay an enormous cost for a factory defect that is also a safety concern.

When turning left or right, vehicle makes a thumping noise. The thumping noise seems to come from the steering shaft. I fear losing control of the steering. Apparently, Toyota is aware of the problem and has issued a technical service bulletin. However, there has been no recall of the vehicle, and Toyota is refusing to pay for the repair of the vehicle. I fear this defect in the steering will impact the safety of the vehicle. I fear complete loss of control of the steering.

Toyota technical service bulletin sb0318-08 describes a steering intermediate shaft failure that is widespread (based on internet search) for the 2007 Toyota rav-4. The TSB also indicates that a newly designed part is required to fix the problem. It appears that Toyota has waited the 3 year - 36 months warranty to expire in order to charge its customers to fix the manufacturer's defect - at a cost of over $1,000. Given the extent of this problem and the recognition by Toyota that failures occur frequently and require replacement via a newly designed part - a recall should be issued so owner's can have this part replaced.

2007 Toyota Rav4 has distinctive clunking, clacking and banging sounds while turning the steering wheel. Noticed it at 37,204 miles, right after warranty expired. Has TSB on this problem which reveals intermediate steering shaft defect and new version available for fix. Web check also reveals epidemic exists for this problem. Took vehicle to dealer to confirm problems which they did. Called Toyota but they will do or pay nothing since vehicle is past warrantee. What does warranty have to do with this? this is a defective part which needs to be recalled and replaced. I am very angry at Toyota and it's stance concerning this problem. A mandatory recall needs to be enacted.

2007 Toyota Rav4 steering.

Replaced lower and middle steering shaft. Replaced stabilizer bar control end links, front and rear and struts.

Just like many other owners of 2007 Rav4 I began experiencing a distinctive klunking noise around 35,000 miles. Took it to the dealer and they said it was normal noise when you turn the wheel all the way to the side. . . . . My problem was that it was making cracking noise all the time, when turning or especially parking the car. . . . Also a problem with my driver visor flap not staying in upward position it was hanging down halfway and faces forward. I had to pay 75 dollars to replace it, warranty would not cover it. Since so many 2007 Toyota Rav4 owner are having the same problems it should be elevated to a recall status!!!.