There is a clunking/knocking noise in steering shaft. Only normal use on this vehicle on city streets. A failure in the steering shaft could cause death at highway speeds for obvious reasons. Toyota has acknowledged the problem by issuing T-sb-0318-08, but refuses to issue a safety recall or pay for repair after warranty expires. This is a manufacturing defect and they acknowledge this by the fact that they have changed the part used here (new pn 45221-42070). This is serious and affects all 06-08 Rav4 SUVS. Just search for "steering clunk Rav4" if you want evidence.

- Stillwater, OK, USA

2007 Toyota Rav4 has a binding and thumping noise in the steering column when the steering wheel is turned to the left or right.

- Ellicott City, MD, USA

Toyota Rav4 2007. I've been hearing unusual sound when I turn steering wheel specially from parking position. Toyota elk grove ca said this is normal. I don't think this is normal. Any noise while turning steering wheel is not normal because turning steering wheel doesn't suppose to produce noise.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

Intermittent failure of steering at vehicle startup. Steering wheel will not move in either direction and P/S indicator light comes on. Car must be turned off then restarted for steering to function. More frequently - steering wheel will shake slightly at startup as if it is about to lock, but continues to function normally. Toyota dealer said cause was low battery voltage and replaced battery. Problem occurred again less than 2 months later. Will return vehicle - still under warranty - for another repair of the same problem.

- Kent, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. While driving 35 mph when turning the steering wheel in any direction at any speed he heard a noise. The manufacturer suggested that both of the intermediate shafts be replaced. A local mechanic replaced both intermediate shafts. The contact was concerned about safety. The failure mileage was approximately 37,025. The current mileage was 38,100.

- Brentwood, CA, USA

Steering issue with 2007 Toyota Rav4 sport. Big noise and sudden slip feeling in steering when turning left or right at slow speeds especially while taking out of garage or getting in or while taking turns on bumpy road.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4 4WD V6 limited that had a defectively designed steering shaft. In early 2009, I began to notice a loud "clunk" when my vehicle turned slowly (fwd or back from a stop) or when I entered or exited my driveway. Quick research revealed others with this condition on 2006 and 2007 Rav4S, it was likely a defective steering shaft..improperly engineered at the joint, and it was wearing/loosening. Toyota had apparently issued a T-sb-0318-08 to replace the shaft when owners complained. I took my Rav4 in for service to check, and it was confirmed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. However, my mileage exceeded the 36,000 mile warranty, and despite numerous diplomatic attempts on my part, Toyota denied coverage on the basis of mileage, despite my argument of a safety defect. I argued that this loosening/defective steering shaft could break and cause a loss of steering control at highway speeds. I was ignored numerous times through regional and national Toyota "customer service" channels. My local dealer was friendly, buy unable to convince Toyota to help. I finally decided to have the steering column repaired at my expense, fearing for the safety of my steering, and Toyota could not assure me that the steering was safe without the repair (they refused to comment). I told them I would be reporting this to the nhtsb, and they did not seem to care. I spent over $500 to replace a defectively designed steering shaft, and I hope others with this issue are reporting this to hold Toyota accountable for potential safety defects.

- Oregon, OH, USA

Clicking noise in steering shaft. I had mentioned this to the dealer in numerous occasion the month after my warranty wore out they mentioned yes there is a problem and several vehicles have been brought in for this problem its called the steering shaft which makes a clicking noise and sometimes becomes stuck. The dealer headquarter Toyota (horrible servicer) failed to take responsibility and I contacted the Toyota and they said they would not cover the part even though there is recalls in Japan for this same situation. I am not able to cover this expensive part and so im waiting to see if the recalls comes to the us before there is an accident.

- Hialeah , FM, USA

2007 Rav4 steering clunking noise.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

2007 Toyota Rav4 has loud clunking noises and "catches" when turning the wheel left or right. Supposed to be a steering issue caused by a manufacturers defect, but Toyota not will not cover any repairs that cost upwards of $1,000. Dealer says this is a common problem but will not respond to complainants about it being a safety issue. If steering fails, will Toyota be responsible?

- Universal City, TX, USA

Steering column in 2007 Toyota Rav4. Problem is S manufacturing defect that will not be corrected if the car is out of warranty. Makes a very loud noise whenever steering wheel is turned and has a tendency to "wander" to side of road.

- Granger, IN, USA

Large steering noise when car is turned at certain speeds, which is well characterized by other son my 2007 Rav4. See a link: townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.F0C40D0 this issue has been brought to the attention of the dealership shortly after I purchased the car. I am concerned about how safe the car is enlight of Toyota's quality control issues.

- Corona, CA, USA

Steering wheel problem with 2007 Toyota rav 4. the consumer stated the steering wheel would make a strange noise every time he turned the wheel. The dealer stated it was a common problem. The dealer stated a new steering shaft was needed. The seals on the intermediate shaft of the steering wheel system had dried up and was causing the joint to make a noise. Updated 03/08/10.

- Eagle Point, OR, USA

I have an 07 Toyota rav and recently had to take it to the dealer because of a clunking sound in the steering. Was told by the service rep that the intermediate steering rod is failing. The splines are hitting the bottom assembly. Was also told that this is not a safety issue and is safe to drive. Cost was $415.70 for parts and $178 for labor. The issue is not the cost but concern that something (intermediate steering rod) in my steering is failing (when will it fail completely) and according to service rep...this is not a safety issue. Perhaps he should be turning the wheel, listening to the "clunking sound of the failing spines" and then thinking, "this is not a safety issue!"

- Coloma, MI, USA

Thumping/clunking sound heard/felt in steering when turning left. Diagnosed as bad intermediate steering shaft. Vehicle only 9,000 miles out of warranty and failure of this part at such low mileage is absurd. Had it replaced as potential safety threat. Selling dealer initially advised that repair would cost $839 but after further discussion of Toyota tsb's and internet info that this part has also been defective in Camry and avalons Toyota agreed to provide parts under warranty-saving $517. I paid labor of $321.

- Columbia, SC, USA

Popping noise in steering at low speeds, indicating possible eventual failure of steering function. Toyota has been nonresponsive to customer complaints, though this is clearly a design failure that frequently shows just as vehicle exceeds warranty. Government pressure is required for Toyota to issue a recall before this nuisance issue becomes a safety issue.

- Greenbelt, MD, USA

I recently had to replace the steering shaft on my 2007 Toyota Rav4. My car was making popping noises when steering left and right. Come to find out it was the steering shaft. My car was above the mileage and out of the manufactures warranty. Since there was a tsb they said they would temporarily fix it by lubing it. The actual replacement of the steering shaft on my car cost me over $755.08 out of pocket. I had absolutely no choice but to pay this since I am not sure if it would have been safe to even continue driving my car. I know of one complaint on this exact same issue and I think it is ridiculous that we consumers should have to pay this out of our own pockets. Toyota should be issuing a recall for this.

- Newcastle , OK, USA

I have 2007 Toyota rav 4. the steering start making knocking / popping sound whenever I turn right or left. I found tsb from the website which is T-sb-0318-08. This tsb is to replace steering shaft. 2006,2007,2008 rav 4 is fall into this tsb. The problem is Toyota will do this tsb repair only the car is below 36K mile/36 month which is under manufacture warranty. If the car is out of warranty, consumer has to pay about $700. I don't understand why consumer has to pay for defective part replacement. If I don't replace the steering shaft, I don't know if it will be safe for keep driving or not. Toyota must recall the rav 4 to replace the steering shaft instead of tsb repair under the warranty. Steering is directly related with driver's safety.

- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA

The battery on my wife's 2007 Toyota Rav4 went out without warning, & so on the advice of the folsom lake Toyota garage, I jump started her car to get her home. The next morning I did the same, so that she could drive it to the garage to get fixed. When she started to drive the car however, the steering lock would not allow her to turn the wheel & she ended up driving towards the middle of the road. She immediately stopped, & told me, & so as I thought she meant that the power steering simply wasn't working, I said that I would drive it to the garage for her. When I started off however, the car steering lock stopped me turning the wheel, although only for a second or two, before the steering began to work correctly, & so I very slowly & carefully drove the car to the garage. The garage checked the car & said that it was just a faulty battery, but when I pointed out that if a faulty battery could cause the steering lock to engage while driving, this was a safety hazard, they said that when they asked Toyota, they simply said that it was working as designed, & so there was nothing they could do. Consequently, I called Toyota, & they told me that as the car has an electronic power steering module, the steering lock could engage with a bad battery. When I suggested to the customer services rep that they needed to address this issue as a safety hazard, she wasn't interested in helping, & point blank refused to give me contact details for her boss, or anyone at Toyota North America or Japan, only the customer services dept., I.e., people like herself. I find it insulting that Toyota not only appears not to care about the safety of their customers, but also doesn't appear to want to hear from their customers, e.g., when I took a survey after my call, & entered some very low numbers for service care, the call was deliberately cut off by Toyota. So much for Japanese service!

- Folsom, CA, USA

Part worn out in steering column they call it the shaft.

- P B Gardens, FL, USA