Steering Column problems of the 2008 Toyota RAV4

Tl the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While parking the vehicle, the steering column detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the welding failed on the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1801779, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 105,000. The VIN was not available.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving various low speeds, the steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and there was movement in the steering column. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,600. Ad.

I was driving my 2008 rav 4 and I made a turn & all of a sudden my steering wheel literally became free floating. I can move the steering wheel 8 to 12 inches up and down with no resistance. I can also move it 6 to 8 inches left to right with no resistance. It's not guided in any way, you can move it around in a large circular motion. I was able to still steer somewhat. The column still seems to be attached to something. When you do steer, it makes a horrible popping sound. The dealership said: a frame weld did give out for the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly is everything between the wheel and the intermediate shaft. The steering assembly is mounted to the instrument panel reinforcement bar. This is a large bar that runs the length of your dashboard. This bar has a few welded mounts on it that allow you to bolt the steering column assembly into, it is these welds which failed. The air duct on the drivers side fell onto my feet/pedals while I was driving. Luckily it didnt get caught behind my pedals. I soft drive approx 8000-9000 miles a year. I've had no accidents. Toyota is charging me $2200 to replace this & will not coer the costs. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While operating the vehicle and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering column made a clicking noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Having just exited I-95, I was turning the steering wheel to the right to pull up to the curb at the philadelphia airport to pick up a passenger. Upon doing so, the steering column made a loud pop or clunk sound, and the steering wheel immediately lurched approximately 6-8" to the left - and nearly out of my hands - almost causing me to crash into the crowd at the curb. After this sound occurred, the steering wheel (as in a previous complaint in 2013) was still operational, however was able to move approximately 6 - 9" up, down, right, or left while still remaining operable. Upon taking the vehicle to the Toyota dealership, I was asked if I had been in a front-end collision (answer, "never"), as a factory weld had failed that keeps the steering column attached to a safety rod in the dash. Repairs are expected to run approximately $3,700. Matter has been sent to Toyota corporate, however no word has come back. It appears as if I will be responsible for the full repair cost, despite failure in factory weld. Apparently no fail-safes are in place should this weld fail, such that a very dangerous situation arises, especially if this had happened three minutes earlier when I was in very heavy interstate traffic, instead of just having exited, and moving at 10 mph or less.

I have a 2008 Rav4. In 2010, I experienced a "clunking" or "thunking" sensation in the steering column on low speed turns. The dealer determined that a faulty intermediate steering shaft was the cause and replaced it. The same problem occurred again in 2012 and the dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft again. In 2015, I had steering problems which had a similar feel (a "thunk" or "clunk" feeling when turning). This time the dealer determined that the steering rack and related parts needed to be replaced and charged me $2,400 for the repair.

Upon starting the vehicle and attempting to go in reverse, the power steering became difficult to turn. Had it towed to my mechanic and was told the electric steering control module and steering column motor assembly had to be replaced. Total cost was $3,300. This is becoming a common complaint and, considering the cost involved, should be thoroughly reviewed by the NHTSA.

Power steering became difficult,dealer replaced steering column. Problem with sensor located at column. Cost to me $1260. 00.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the steering wheel had become stiff and hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced and advised the contact not to drive until the repairs were complete. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 25,500.

The steering started feeling loose and there is a pronounced clunk any time you turn the wheel either when stopped or moving. Dealer says the steering column is worn and needs to be replaced. Deeler claims itis not a safety issue, but I can not see how a steering issue can not be a safety issue.

Steering column clunking sound when ever you turn the steering wheel left or right or going at speeds of 25-35 and 55-70. The noise was narrowed down to the steering column assembly.