Steering Column Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 1

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the steering wheel intermittently stiffened while driving straight and while making left and right turns. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

A cracking noise is notice when turning the steering wheel to the left or right, whether stationary or in motion. The vehicle was checked at a Toyota dealer and recommended to replace the steering column motor assembly and steering rack assembly.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

Steering column creaks and sticks. At times it does not return to the neutral position. One of the people who serviced my car for tires today almost hit a retaining post due to this issue. I have also experienced the sticking of the steering in one position and had to forcibly return the steering wheel to the neutral position. I am not feeling safe in this vehicle and know that this issue is impacting the value of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

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?.

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.

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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.

On 10/19/2015 the electronic steering system warning panel activated, locking my steering column and preventing the start of the Rav4. Towing company arrived, experienced/witnessed same event. Rav4 towed to dealership. 10/20 dealership stated "no repairs performed vehicle operating as designed. " 10/20/2015 the customer representative stated "there was no electronic footprint in the memory card, indicating this event took place. " no action by dealership. Reported to general manager and Toyota CO. Toyota case #1510220162. Toyota stated they will not be making any repairs because the VIN is not part of recall number 15v144000 dated 3/13/2015. Dealership and corporation stated the vehicle must present the issue at the shop or on the road (at this point there will be a crash) before they will take any action.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

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.

Steering column cluncking noise year: 2006 make: Toyota model: Rav4/base issue: steering column cluncking noise. I just bought the car on the 12th of June but have seen other people online talking about it.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota RAV4 🔎.

U-joint in steering column wearing out and making noise. Mechanic at dealership said common problem, but not at 21,000 miles. Estimated cost to repair approximately $400.

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.

After reading several news stories today (04/09/14) about the recall of 27 Toyota models (including 2013 rav 4), for: •cables for the driver air bag module that can be damaged, disabling the bag, though a warning light will come on (3. 5 million vehicles, 1. 67 million in the u. S. ). •seats that don't lock in place (2. 32 million, 670,000 in north America) •steering column brackets that may become loose or fail (760,000, europe and asia only) •windshield wiper motor (160,000, asia only) •starter motor fire hazard (20,000, asia only) I called the dealer where I bought my car - Toyota of rock hill. I was informed that recalls are "coming," but they didn't have specific information from Toyota yet. I should be getting a letter in the mail and then I take the car in for service. Frustrating to see that the media has more information on the actual recalls than the Toyota dealer. So, if something happens between now and the time I get "my letter," (my air bags fail or the seats become dislodged during an accident), I'm pretty much screwed.

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.

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

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.

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, a strange noise was emitted from the steering column while making a turn. The contact stated the failure occurred when driving between 10 and 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the intermediate steering shaft would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000. Mah.

There is a knocking in the steering I took it to a garage they said it was a shaft in the steering column that Toyota had a bullentin out about it. I called Toyota and they said they have not heard of this problem but according to myself doing research there is a problem and I feel this is a safety issue.

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 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.

I have a 2009 Toyota Rav4. The steering column started making a clunking noise when turning right or left at low speeds. Looks like others have had this same problem. No recall that I know of, but there should be. Noticed problem shortly after 36,000 mile warranty expired so all out of pocket expense. Had to replace steering shaft at dealer for $378. Ouch!.

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.

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.

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.