Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4

When turning right at low speed, passenger side rear tie rod assembly failed and wheel turned at 45 degree angle, disabling the automobile. If this had happened on the highway, it would have caused a catastrophic accident. Dealership had previously checked a knocking noise in rear, but was unable to find a problem. I was told that this problem was a design fault and that there were not enough threads on the tie rod assembly to hold the tie rod sufficiently. I have found other reports of this tie rod failure. Should be a safety recall.

Tl- the contact owned a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle erroneously veered off the road. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was determined that the threads on the tie rod had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Kmj.

2007 Toyota rav 4. Consumer writes in regards to expected recall concerning rear tie rods the consumer stated sometime around June 2011, she began to hear a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle; sometimes from the left and sometimes from the right. Finally, in December 2011, the consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop and after test driving the vehicle, it was confirmed there was a noise, but the technician stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. In may 2012, the noise was still there, only periodically. On may 3, 2012, as the consumer was driving approximately 60 mph the noise became even louder. However, the next day while driving 40 mph, suddenly the vehicle went out of control, going back and forth across the road and doing a complete 360 degree turn. She finally managed to get the vehicle under control and was able to stop in a safety zone. The left rear tire was bent in at a 90 degree angle and almost off the vehicle. On Monday may 7, 2012, the dealer informed the consumer the left rear tie rod snapped and the right one was in a weakened condition and both would need to be replaced.

I recently replace both intermediate steering wheel shaft in my 2007 Toyota Rav4 due to excessive clicking noise and disturbing feedback on steering wheel. Car has 49k miles on it, notice the issue around 45k miles but unfortunately a local mechanic misdiagnoised the problem as a tie rod issue. As the noise and steering wheel feedback became more serious, I went to dealer for evaluation. Given the dangers around loss of steering wheel and potential for serious crash, I believe this wear and team on the steering shaft is way to premature at this age. I have never had steering wheel defect in over 8 cars I have owned in the past 30 years especially given that the car is not even 4 years old. Part replaced included both steering wheel shaft and assembly at Toyota dealer with new part.