Steering Problems of Toyota RAV4 - part 2

Toyota RAV4 owners have reported 510 problems related to steering (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota RAV4 based on all problems reported for the RAV4.

36 Steering problem of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 03/24/2025

Car starts and then turns itself off immediately. It shows the message “engine stopped steering power low”. It is raining where I live and I’ve read online that this is an issue that is happening to these vehicles when it rains.

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37 Steering problem of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 03/14/2025

As I was driving my car jolted and I saw a message that read engine off steering power low go to safety but my car turned off shortly right after. I was lucky it wasnt a busy hour otherwise I could have been in an accident. I was driving and the car turned off on me! took it to Toyota no codes showing up and battery is 100%. This is so scary and im too scared to drive my car. Went online saw so many people reporting the same issues on Rav4 and no solutions.

38 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 03/13/2025

I came to a stop on the highway due to a law enforcement traffic slowage. As I began moving again with the rest of traffic, my car suddenly started shaking and struggling to stay on. My check engine light came on and an alert popped up for “engine stopped, steering power low” “pre collision system malfunction”and “parking brake malfunction”. I felt fearful for my safety as I was unsure if my car would safely allow me to brake and move over to the shoulder of the road. I was really scared and had so much anxiety that I wouldn’t be able to make it out safely. The dealer was not able to find any record of these codes popping up and could not recreate the check engine. I have pictures showing the codes to support my claim.

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39 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 02/23/2025

Car shut off while driving because warning light for the power steering came on p. 451stating check power steering fluid level. Vehicle has either a sealed power steering system or its electric. It was raining at the time that this happened. This is a big risk factor that could have led to a wreck but thank god that it did not was able to get out of traffic and stop. It took an hour of waiting before the vehicle would start back up and run properly. Unable to reproduce the problem at this time.

40 Steering problem of the 2015 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 02/14/2025

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle failed to respond to the direction that the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v144000 (steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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41 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 02/13/2025

It was raining and we drove about an hour, parked and shutoff car, went into the store, came back out and car would not turn on. Error message that came up was “engine stopped sterring power low” this is a brand new car just bought last year. We kept trying to turn car on and error message kept coming up. Waited for tow truck and car ended up turning on. Looked online and it seems a lot of other people are having the same issue in the rain.

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42 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 02/06/2025

While parked car engine stopped and got a message that said “ steering wheel power low”. Windshield wipers had been on for a while. Car will not start.

43 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 01/31/2025

Car had error on dashboard of engine stopped power steering low, car is available for inspection. Car would not start in the middle of the night while raining, had smoke coming out the front. Problem not reproduced at dealership. No other warnings were shown beforehand.

44 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 01/23/2025

It has happened two times. When is raining if you stop the car put it in park. The car starts to shake and it shuts off. Called road assistance brought it to the dealer. And they said there is nothing wrong with it. After researching it seems to be an ongoing issue several rav 4 owners 2024 xle have reported it on line. After a few minutes. The car starts up.

45 Steering problem of the 2019 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 01/17/2025

The electronic power steering light intermittently illuminates, particularly when the start-stop system is engaged. I recently brought my vehicle to the Toyota dealership where a diagnostic test was performed. However, no fault codes or issues were identified at that time. Despite this, the warning light continues to appear.

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46 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 01/08/2025

My Toyota rav 4 the power steering light comes on and says low & it always happens when it’s heavy raining and my wipers are on. The car just stops & wont start again for about 20 mins. This is super dangerous and has happened 4 times now.

47 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 12/29/2024

This happened on [xxx] in oakland CA, it was a rainy day. I drove off the freeway and then parked the vehicle in the parking lot. The car was in idle mode. After about 10 minutes the engine started to stall, and then shut off completely. I tried to restart the engine but it failed. The dashboard showed an error message "engine stopped, steering power low". I suspected that rainwater entered into the engine from the air intake.   after waiting for about 2 hours, I was able to restart the vehicle, and then everything seemed to be normal. Toyota should announce a recall for this problem as this is very dangerous to operate the vehicle on the freeway on rainy days. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

48 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 12/27/2024

My 2024 rav 4 showed a power steering level low message on my dash then powered off, after I was sitting in a parking lot for 10 mins in park, windshield wipers had been going that day. Tried restarting - vehicle did restart but seemed to have issues, was shaking slightly, let me drive for about a minute more in the parking lot then had a message showing to park in safe place and power steering level low and vehicle shut off again. Started vehicle about 15 mins later and everything was fine, did not experience issue again that day or next day so far. I feel I have an unreliable vehicle - what if this happened on the highway and my car just shut off in traffic, how dangerous this issue is. Several other complaints online also regarding use of windshield wipers and electrical power steering issues happening in correlation with one another. I took my vehicle to Smart Toyota after this happened but no techs were left for day. Manager said power steering is all electrical / no actual fluid. I have appt with my Toyota dealership in town for next week but without the issues on my dashboard any longer (no error message on my dashboard now) I was told they don’t know if they’ll be able to find anything wrong. This is extremely upsetting and I worry about my safety and others that this is happening to. It is a serious concern.

49 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 12/09/2024

While sitting idle in the parking lot at work, I suddenly got a "engine off steering power low" warning on my vehicle. The check engine and power steering warning lights came on. I could no longer operate the vehicle. When trying to restart the vehicle, it started up but the entire vehicle began shaking and the engine shut off again. I have researched this problem on Toyota and Rav4 forums online, and this problem has been happening to a lot of Rav4 owners. I had the vehicle towed. Toyota claims that everything is fine and they cannot find the cause of the problem. Some owners have reported that water is getting into the engine because of a faulty lower area intake tube. One user said that Toyota specifically told them to make a complaint here so that is what I am going to do as well. I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle and I am in a constant state of worry while I am driving. Other owners have reported near misses/accidents because of this problem. There were no symptoms/messages/warnings before this problem suddenly happened all at once.

50 Steering problem of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 11/21/2024

Just a little over 33k miles, regular maintenance wit dealer, after the power steering light flashes on then goes off after auto stop of motor when stopping and stop at long intervals sometime see a battery charging at same time. Fluid is great no noise. I see a recall but not on this VIN. However I’m reading on line several of these are having the same issue, the car is too new. .

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51 Steering problem of the 2017 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 11/05/2024

The eps system light came up creating a very dangerous driving situation, unable to turn the wheel. Car was taken to the dealer. Replaced computer assy. . Replaced negative terminal voltage sensor. Dealer stated that problem was taken care off. Problem persisted, brought car back three times. Keeps doing the same thing , warning light coming on , wheel no moving. First time it happened was on November 2024. At this time and date ( 5/6/2025) the car is located at the Toyota dealer in hollywood florida, being evaluated again.

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52 Steering problem of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 08/28/2024

Abs lights have been on since I bought vehicle the dealership that sold it to me cleared the code and did not fix vehicle.

53 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 08/19/2024

Unknown. I drove my car off the dealership lot and not even 10 minutes into my ride home, as I pulled of the highway, I noticed that the rpm of the vehicle was slowing down. I pressed down harder on the gas to get it to accelerate but it just kept jerking and slowing down. Eventually I tried to get off to the side of the road and the car stopped in the middle of two lanes. The check engine, battery warning and electric power steering lights all came on the dashboard. There was also another error message: engine stopped steering power low. I called the dealership and they came and towed the car. Not sure what the issue is but saw on some forums that this has happened to other Rav4 owners on used and brand new cars as well. Someone encouraged users to report it to the NHTSA so Toyota is aware of the issue.

54 Steering problem of the 2015 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 07/27/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 50-55 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering became functional. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure was linked to NHTSA campaign number: 15v144000 (steering); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

55 Steering problem of the 2019 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 07/25/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and several unknown messages were displayed. The contact stated that the transmission and steering wheel seized during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that unknown parts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened during the cold months. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

56 Steering problem of the 2020 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 07/24/2024

While I was driving the power steering light came on and lost power. A message came on the vehicle history alert. After driving slowly for 2 miles it when away and got power back on the steering.

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57 Steering problem of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 07/17/2024

There is an issue that seems to be plaguing certain 2021+ Toyota models after a lot of research on this topic. My Rav4 has been operating perfectly and around 42k the voltage abnormality: power steering low warning came on. I've had the alternator, starter, and battery tested. Alternator and starter were given a good bill of health, the battery was given a full recharge as it outputting a bit low. The battery was put back into my car and the issue still persists. The issue only occurs after the automatic shut off feature engages when fully stopped at a light or in traffic. If I drive with the feature turned off (something I have to do every time I turn the car on now) the issue doesn't happen. If the issue persists the car can become "locked" and either completely undriveable or a safety hazard to drive if the issue/warning light take full effect and engage the safety features of the car to prevent dangerous driving. Multiple people online are reporting instances of full vehicle seizure on the highway due to this issue and it is becoming a growing safety concern as most cars encountering this issue are reaching 35k+ miles when the issue seems to start occurring on certain vehicles.

58 Steering problem of the 2014 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 07/15/2024

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v734000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver while turning. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,258. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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59 Steering problem of the 2016 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 07/13/2024

On July 13th I was driving at a slow speed and I was making a right turn and the steering wheel felt like it was locked in not being able to turn into my lane and so a car coming into my direction, so quickly I had to stop across the opposite lane to let the car go by me, then I looked at the dashboard it had the steering wheel and brake symbol illuminated, so I tried to restart the motor but it made the clinching noise telling me that still running so I stopped and restarted the motor and the symbols went off and continued driving with caution, made it home safe.

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60 Steering problem of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 06/28/2024

Rack and pinion stiff steering, noisy steering, diagnostic from Toyota dealer : rack and pinion damage , recomended a replacement.

61 Steering problem of the 2014 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 06/27/2024

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed the failure. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA campaign number: 15v144000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 109,003.

62 Steering problem of the 2016 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 05/30/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 mph and driving over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel seized, and the information system rebooted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,388.

63 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 05/11/2024

Dear tim sir, greetings to you and team I hope this email finds you well, brining it to your attention once again ( voq #11581817 previous case no), in a less than 3 weeks of time and after Toyota's investigations and promises went unfaithful. As per Toyota's office sent email on the April 17th stating the vehicle is fit and safe after claiming highly on the investigation report and put me again into unsafe vehicle, unfortunately, again last Sunday morning 12th may 2024 time around 2:45 am on the highway 10 near orangeville this happened again when the vehicle was on the speed of 80km a big red steering wheel with exclamation mark appeared with warning sound and for a few seconds steering lost all its power by putting me and family in a dangerous sitaution and I had to stop the vehicle and its regain the power to pull over on the safer side. I called emergency roadside assistance of Toyota at 3:15 am after taking car in near safe place, they said they would need a few hours to reach out me and requested me if you can still drive vehicle can park at home and contact your dealer, I had no choice than driving the vehicle as I was with my wife on the rainy night and dark road, I took this risk to reach home. I infomed Toyota after reaching home safely. This is already brought to your attention briefly last time before with Toyota and so as dealership level and provided digital facts regarding the safety issue in Rav4 xle awd I VIN: 2t3r1rfv6rc426510. Toyota is just giving false commitments in the shape of reports and promises that could lead to accidents or someone's life. In last 3 months its 3rd time and vehicle spend almost 25 days in service centre and and its brand new vehicle with less than 3000 km on it. Tim sir please help.

64 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 05/02/2024

I bought a brand new 2024 Toyota Rav4. It was raining heavy, I drove through some deep puddles. I parked at my jobs parking lot, let my car idle for a few minutes, and I received a message on the dash "engine stopped. Steering power low. " I went out 2 hours later, tried again, same message. Waited all day, even called a tow truck. Right when tow was about to show up, I started the car again, no message, and car was fine. I told dealership, and they told me it was because the engine got water in it. But looking online it's because of a faulty battery or alternator from the factory. Two days later, it happened again as I was parking. I saw the warning momentarily as I was turning off the car. I turned it back on again, and no message. Please look into this. I fear for everyone who buys a Rav4 from the factory. It seems to be a common occurrence for brand new Rav4, not just a one or two happenstance.

65 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 05/02/2024

Toyota Rav4 2023 , had it not even a whole year bought it from the dealer 0miles. Today while running errands parked on the side of the road, car started to vibrate weirdly and then it shut off. I try starting the vehicle again and it just keep showing the same message “engine stopped steering power low” with the check engine light and steering wheel light on. After 30minutes I let it sit and when I tried turning the car on again, it ran perfectly but I wasn’t risking it happening again. So I had to call Toyota roadside to tow it since the warranty still covers it. And now I gotta wait to see what’s going on. I did my research on google and a lot of people have the same problem going on with Rav4s.

66 Steering problem of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 04/13/2024

I was sitting in line at a drive-thru with my wiper blades on the intermittent setting when suddenly the engine shut off and I got an error message that said “engine shut off steering power low”. The check engine light, battery, and steering light all came on. I turned the car off and then on again. It rumbled and then shut off again with the same message. I had to shift to neutral and push into a parking spot.

67 Steering problem of the 2024 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 04/04/2024

Rav 4 will randomly shake and turn off saying engine stopped steering power low.

68 Steering problem of the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

Steering wheel is deteriorating on vehicle. It is low mileage and and has one driver.

69 Steering problem of the 2017 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 03/23/2024

I purchased this vehicle used in July of 2023. There had been a persistant clunking noise in the rear when the road is bumpy along with some stabilty or swaying feeling. I had it inspected by independant mechanical shops. I was advised to replace the shock absorbers and the stabilizer links which I did. The rt rear shock abosborber was bad. March of 2024 I took a road trip to florida. First long trip since replacing the parts. On the drive down I was by myself and felt as though the rear of the vehicle was swaying back and forth a lot worse than before changing the parts listed above. I thought maybe it was the condition of the roads. On the way home my son was following me in his vehcle. He had told me that when the "swaying" feeling is happening the rear of the vehicle is moving separate to the front. The clunking sound is still there and that stability issue seems to have worsen since changing the suspension parts previously listed. There was a point in driving home in the rain where I definitely felt the abitlity to control the vehicle was difficult and dangerous. I will be taking the vehicle to be inspected further. I've read information on a Toyota forum that there are other owners experiencing this issue. I do have vidio and you can see my body rocking back and forth in the driver seat while it's happening and the hood swaying but am unable to upload it.

70 Steering problem of the 2020 Toyota RAV4

Failure Date: 03/22/2024

Electronic power steering failure. Upon starting the car, the steering wheel has no power steering. The steering wheel can still be turned but requires a lot of force. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard or infotainment system before or after the issue. Toyota has issued recalls for this issue but informed me that my car is not covered under the recall, despite having the exact same issue on the exact same model described in the recall. (ntsha 20v373000, Toyota 20tb11 / 20ta11) this is dangerous as it could have failed while driving, leading to an accident.



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