We have always over the years had Toyota cars and trucks, because they "had" been reliable. We have this 2007 Rav 4, only with 30,000 miles on it, and it starts making loud popping noises when steering. Also, we had to have the car recalled for a whole new brake system. We called Toyota, and the repair Folsom Lake Facility. We thought Toyota would want to prevent further action by replacing the steering shaft, but no, they refused.

It took us awhile to determine what the clunking sound was when driving, we actually didn't think it was too serious at first. We thought they would rather address the problem then before it advanced to more serious things. Well, our faith in Toyota is pretty much over, all the complaints must be right. We will be contacting a lawyer, because this is a manufacturing problem, faulty workmanship.

Purchased from Canton, MI Victory dealer "certified" at end of 2008. Less than year later this became very noticeable. Dealer said the steering shaft is made of two parts, and the klunking is from the piece in between that connects them and not covered by warranty. The estimate for repair is $833. I cannot see how that could not be a major safety issue; they claim it is not. I have owned Toyotas all my life and sing their praise, but this is making me re-think the reputation and quality I have always counted on. I am presently trying another make.

This was the SECOND time the intermediate shaft needed replacing on my car! The first time under factory warranty at 35,000 miles, no big deal. When the symptoms returned at about 65,000 miles I contacted the dealer and complained that this must be a re-curring problem with other owners......they denied that was the case. I contacted Toyota at their tollfree number and filed a complaint. They instructed me to have my dealer diagnose the problem before they could proceed. My dealer told me that the Intermediate shaft was fine, but the Rack and Pinion unit was bad now. Quoted me $1800+ to repair. I said BULL SH*#!! It had the EXACT same symptoms as before.

I then took it to an independent mechanic that I know and trust. He replaced the Intermediate shaft for the second time and fixed the problem for $600. He also found when shopping for parts at all the local dealerships that there was an ABUNDANCE of repair parts at all the dealerships he tried. This indicates that Toyota HAS a re-occuring problem with this!!!!!!!! I then relayed this to Toyota's Customer service department and they still deny any pattern of problems!!

Had to take the car to the dealer thrice before they suddenly realized there was a bulletin on the intermediate steering columns for the 2007 RAV4. Replaced it under warranty but did not solve the problem - now it is out of warranty and they say all Toyota SUVs and minivans make this sound - ridiculous!!! The shop foreman even took me on a drive in the dealership's minivan in which I did not hear the sound and he said its very faint. ITS A SHAM. Is there any way I can go register a complaint at Toyota?

am the owner of a 2007 Rav 4 up until now; I was a repeat owner of many Toyota vehicles. I have been very disappointed with problems arise with the steering column this problem has been noticeable concerns for many customer who have owned Rav 4 and Toyota has done nothing to resolve or even letting the customers be aware of this problem. Until problem gets noticeable by that time it’s no longer covered under warranty, therefore the customer has to repair and pay for it out their own pocket. Which I think Toyota should be responsible if not solely partially for the cost of this replacement. Considering this has been ongoing problem in these vehicles going back to 2006-2008. I been a return Toyota customer because of the “Quality Of A Well Made Vehicle” Now that this has happened obviously the part is not as good quality as I thought it was. I would constantly encourage people to buy Toyota vehicles, because I thought they cared about making a good vehicle. My family and friends all have Toyota vehicles, but this may change their minds as well. I am not sure why this wasn’t addressed in some type of recall, if was because it’s not a safety issues I disagree. Are you going wait until it kills someone before you rectify the problem? I believe that Toyota should be able to cover half of my cost of repairing the steering column at the very least.

Augusta Becker

My problem began in the 30,000 mile range. My car steering wheel would clunk as it was turned. When accelerated it had a hop delay as well. Took my vehicle into dealership and they stated that it had a steering shaft defect and the cost would be $700-$750 to repair it. This is the shocker: they wanted to charge me even though my car was still under warranty!!!! I was within a hundred of my warranty expiring. I argued and demanding that the problem be resolved without cost. It was repaired/replaced but I feel uneasy about my vehicle and this problem recurring.

At about 42,00 miles I noted a clunk in the steering, I don't know how long it was happening since my wife is the primary driver and has the radio most of the time. I was informed by the dealer that it was a safety problem. At that point I had it repaired at a cost of $728.00. I mentioned to the service writer that I felt this was a premature failure, and I felt in was a manufacturing or design problem, and a problem I have never had on any of my previous vehicles. I have a ford explorer with 150,000 miles on it and have put less than $2,000 in repairs in the 12 years I have owned. I bought the Toyota for the quality reputation. I have also noticed a noise in the differential that I have brought to the dealerships attention 3 times. I was told it is normal. I would like to know if anyone has had deferential problems.

I purchased a 2007 Toyota Rava4 from Wheeler Toyota in 10/06. I just retired and wanted a fuel efficient car made by the best manufacture I knew or thought I knew-Toyota. I have had it serviced as the manual states. At 40k the service garage tells me we need to bring this car in and check out that bumping noise in the steering. I looked up the problem on the internet and found this was a ongoing problems with the Rava 4 steering. I called Wheeler T. and was told since I was out of warranty it's tough and I would have to pay to have a steering shaft assembly put in. I feel that the steering system is a safety issue and they said no but would not put this in writing. I contacted the North American Toyota office and they so far have not given me too much thought. They have a lot going on now with other manufacturing defects in their line of cars. The steering problem is a manufacturing defect with safety issues. The steering system is a integral part of safety. When I turn the wheel it pop and bonks and I believe over a period of time it will only get worse. Every owner of the Rava 4 with steering problems needs to notify the Gov web site you have posted. This may save your life and or the lives of others who may and will get injured in the future unless Toyota steps up and takes responsibility for their defects. Jim Brick

Many Rava 4 has a knock when the steering wheel is turned. I have been told this was a mistake when car was manufactured. This clunking noise in the steering and is possibly coming from the seals on or in the intermediate steering shaft.. Wheler Toyota of Grants Pass, Or was very aware of this ongoing problem with the Rava 4 as wheel as Toyota USA in CA. Since my warranty has expired they will not stand by their manufacturing mistake. The fix is to replace the steering shaft assembly for $591.00. When I asked about the safety issue the service manager said " no worry on safety". I ask him to put the origin of the problem and it's safety in writing he would not do this and actually got upset with me. I believe it is the duty of every Toyota Rava 4 owner to notify NHTSA at www.safercar.gov. Why-because of the safety issues surround this manufactured defect. If some one is injured we will all which we could have headed of this potential hazard. I am not mechanic but when I hear ny steering column knock when I turn I know its not right. We all know that this is a ongoing problem and Toyota needs to give us a clear understanding of their problem and make it right before many people get injured. I think the only this will happen is when the government makes them stand up to ther mistake. Jim Brick

My RAV4 has been making a noise every time I turn the steering wheel about halfway in either direction for quite some time now. I thought this was normal for the vehicle and the steering seems fine but recently after a road test the dealer took after the car had new front brakes put in the service manager told us that this is common on RAV4's and it is most likely the seal on the intermediate shaft of the steering system dried up and is causing a joint to make the clunking noise. This was quoted as a $1000 repair and we are trying to get Toyota to pay for it as it seems to be a widespread issue.

My 2007 Rav4 has been making a clunking noise whenever I turned the wheel for quite some time. It started out happening only occasionally and only on sharp turns. I had it looked at but no one could ever find anything wrong. It has gotten worse and worse and now it clunks nearly anytime I move the wheel. I have been told it is likely the steering rack, which is quite expensive to fix. Since my warranty is long gone, I am supposed to be responsible to fix this problem. Since when does the steering rack go bad in a car this new and with this few miles?