Usually following a cold start, car would unexpectedly lose power steering and most dash warning lights would flash on. This was annoying at slow speeds and dangerous at higher speeds. Usually, I could pull over, turn off and restart and the problem would disappear. Had it the dealership three times and they could not figure out problem. Also tried at local garage, same result. Finally took to a different dealership, printed off from internet blogs similar problems with others, and described in detail to the service manager who took an interest. They diagnosed the problem as the alternator, which I had replaced a year earlier with a non-Toyota after market replacement alternator. According to the dealership service manager, Rav4's do not do well with non Toyota replacement alternators. They installed a new Toyota alternator, and there have been no problems or issues since.

I have had quite a few problems with my Rav4 2006 limited Ed. with the option of 7 seaters. It is among the first of its kind for the V6. Love the power. For the last few months though, it has cost me thousands of dollars feeling like I'm having a second mortgage.

The most recent problem has caught a lot of my attention..more of a safety issue more than anything. I lost the steering power while trying to make a 360 degree turn. I thought I had, not one but two, flat tires. Apparently all tires were fine when I got out and checked. Noticed the P/S light lit up on the dash board. I can't imagine if this was going to happen when making a turn by some cliff going at high speed of 55 to 65 mph on some freeway. Just scary thinking about it. The power steering light went away after I turned off and on again.

Brought the car in, and the code pointed to the ECU as a problem. There was a loss of communication. I think the service manager said it occurred a couple of times according to the history in the memory but I noticed and experienced only once. Everyone agrees without hesitation that it needs to be replaced due to safety matter....do not want to get thrown off the cliff with wife and kids inside with me...no brainer! Talked to the service manager. He along with other crews felt they would do the same, but because it is not under warranty nor a recall, he could not do anything to help me out with the cost. Got slapped with $1,100 for part and labor.

To me it is more of a glitch in the software or electronic than anything else. I feel Toyota should pay for it especially it is a safety related issue...putting consumers' lives on the line. It is pretty hard to swallow. Will try to go thru hotline for this at least the safety concerns will be on record. Just finished reading a lot of complaints on ECU/ECM and transmission problems on Rav4 for early 2000 models. Hopefully, the ECU is replaced early enough to save potential problems with this car. Did notice the performance had gone down for the past couple of years on this Rav4.