Purchased the above vehicle for my wife on October 25 2011 from an auto broker in orange, ca who had advertised the car in autotrader.com as a clean and low mileage(under 26,000 miles) and in his email to me stated that the unit was completely inspected and warranty. Since buying it 2 1/2 days ago we have only taken it out on 3 occasions locally as I have a rented car and wanted to make the most of the rented car whilst we have it. I noticed a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel and it just felt weird and unsafe. Having googled the problem I realize that there is a major problem with the steering of rav 4 and so many their people are experiencing the same problem. I have notified the broker and waiting to hear from him. I am amazed and disappointed that Toyota does not treat this serious safety issue seriously to do a free repair and recall. I called them this morning and they stated as the car is over 3 years then there is no warranty!!! Toyota please get your act together and do not risk peoples life!! as far as the broker is concerned I have to reserve judgment until I see him and find out what he is willing to do to resolve this problem. The broker is solutions auto sales, mission viejo, ca but I met him and bought the car from his office in orange, ca.

- Tustin, CA, USA

Like thousands of other Toyota Rav4 owners, I have experienced a "clunking" noise and loose feel to the steering system of my vehicle. Toyota dealership diagnosed as steering intermediate shaft assembly needs to be replaced. Toyota is unwilling to repair this item at their expense even though they acknowledge that it is a defect according to thier own bulletins. Toyota has issued service bulletin #T-sb-0319-08" to tell the Toyota mechanics how to replace the defective steering shafts. Toyota should be made to issue a recall to repair this problem. This needs to be a mandated recall before people start getting injured due to steering failure! when contacting Toyota representatives, they also refuse to tell consumers what governmental Agency to contact to file a complaint. They are clearly trying to avoid paying for this known defect!!!

- Frederick, MD, USA

My 2007 Toyota Rav4 is making an unsettling clunking noise when making right hands turns. This same problem has been reported by countless Toyota Rav4 and Camry owners, and Toyota has even issued a service bulletin acknowledging defective parts in the steering column. Clearly this is not a part that should wear out in a 4 year old vehicle with 40K miles, and is a Toyota design flaw. Quoted repair cost is ~$800, but this should be a recall item given the number of owners it is impacting. Its only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured due to defective steering components.

- King Of Prussia, PA, USA

At around 60,000 miles, my 2007 Rav4 began making a very loud thumping, knocking noise from the steering column and shafts every time I turned the wheel left or right. The issue was noticeably worse at low speeds and the impact could be felt as a tremor through the steering wheel. By 70,000 miles, I feared for my safety driving at speeds higher than 35mph. The problem was addressed by two independent mechanics and the local Toyota dealership. All three advised that the issue should be repaired urgently as it is an immediate driver safety concern. Further research confirms that this is a recurring problem with 2006-2008 year Rav4S. Toyota recognizes that the intermediate steering shaft failures are serious enough to warrant the issue of two technical service bulletins. This flaw is covered by warranty for vehicles under 3 years of 36,000 miles, but costs over $1,000 to repair (at the owner''s cost) out of warranty. This issue obviously relates to a design/material of construction deficiency with this model. Over 100 complaints already listed on NHTSA site. Any problems with the steering mechanism clearly affect the ability to safely drive the vehicle and thus need to be addressed immediately. Toyota is knowingly imposing risk on its drivers until this issue is dealt with, by a mandatory recall or extended warranty.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Whenever I turn the wheel (does not matter what direction) in the middle of the turn it makes a clunk noise, and you can feel it in your hands.

- San Jose, CA, USA

The vehicle makes a clunking noise turning at low speeds. Looking at similar complaints it would appear the problem is with the Rav4's manufactured in Japan. There is also a loud intermittent moaning sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, was told it could be the fuel pump. I have had it in to Toyota service several times while it was still under warranty but the cause could not be found.

- Nanuet, NY, USA

I began hearing a clunk in my steering column approximately 3 weeks ago. I purchased my 2007 rav 4 at the end of January 2008. It has only 40,000 miles on it. Less than 2 weeks after purchase, Toyota issued a technical service bulletin (2/8/08) acknowledging a problem with the steering column: WW2.justanswer.com/uploads/snd27613/2008-10-14_215655_rav_4_steering_2.pdf. now I am responsible for hundreds of dollars needed to replace an intermediate steering column shaft that is not covered under warranty (5,000 miles or 9 months too late). Toyota will not cover the repair. This is not a normal wear and tear problem. This is a manufacturing defect and Toyota should be responsible. My mechanic urged me not to do any long distance driving or wait very long to take care of this problem. The parts are not available for 5 days (apparently many others are having the same problem!!!!). please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

When turning left or right, vehicle makes a thumping noise. The thumping noise seems to come from the steering shaft. I fear losing control of the steering. Apparently, Toyota is aware of the problem and has issued a technical service bulletin. However, there has been no recall of the vehicle, and Toyota is refusing to pay for the repair of the vehicle. I fear this defect in the steering will impact the safety of the vehicle. I fear complete loss of control of the steering.

- Rochester, MI, USA

2007 Toyota rav 4 developed clunking that is heard and felt in steering at slow speeds (example: Pulling out of parking space.) while vehicle was being serviced routinely and for another recall (carpet/gas pedal), the problem was brought to dealer's attention. The problem was the "steering rod" and repair would be at my expense. The car is already out of warranty. I was told it "wasn't a safety issue" and that "it would get worse." Given all the complaints already documented by other owners, this should be a recall item. Is waiting for a complete failure of steering resulting in a serious accident required to have this recalled" since Toyota is unwilling to take responsibility, can NHTSA take a proactive response, rather than wait for an accident with fatality to push the issue"

- Hummelstown, PA, USA

Steering column is making a clunking noise while turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Many others have experienced the same problem and Toyota has issued T-sb-0318-08 bulletin with a procedure to repair an inadequately designed intermediate steering shaft. There are concerns about long-term safety and losing control of the vehicle if this repair is not done. Toyota should be required to issue a safety recall and owners should be notified immediately of this known problem.

- Pine Island, MN, USA

Clunking sound when turning steering wheel at low speed in 2007 Toyota Rav4, which started at 39,000 miles and remains at 51,000 miles.

- Gilbertsville, PA, USA

2007 Toyota Rav4. Steering column failure. Toyota knows of this problem and has multiple service bulletins on this item. This should be a recall item.

- Blue Point, NY, USA

Toyota technical service bulletin SB0318-08 describes a steering intermediate shaft failure that is widespread (based on internet search) for the 2007 Toyota rav-4. the tsb also indicates that a newly designed part is required to fix the problem. It appears that Toyota has waited the 3 year - 36 months warranty to expire in order to charge its customers to fix the manufacturer's defect - at a cost of over $1,000. Given the extent of this problem and the recognition by Toyota that failures occur frequently and require replacement via a newly designed part - a recall should be issued so owner's can have this part replaced.

- Noblesville, IN, USA

Steering system makes knocking noises when car is turning either right of left. Usually at slow speed.

- Hudson, WI, USA

Steering is beginning to feel loose. When making turns to right or left there is a clunking sound at low speeds. Getting worse with time. This appears to be exactly the same situation described by many other Rav4 owners who are reporting that led to their repairs/replacement of the intermediate steering shafts on which Toyota has issued a service bulletin but no recall. This would seem to be a safety concern. First noticed the clunking sound at about 45,000 miles.

- Wadsworth, OH, USA

When moving at low speeds and the steering wheel is turned, clunking sounds are heard. The first time it was reported to Toyota, it was dismissed as being a result of the cold weather. Warmer weather and subsequent research indicates this is a problem with the steering column; a problem Toyota is aware of, but has not responded to proactively.

- Chicago, IL, USA

I have a 2007 Toyota Rav4. There is a major problem with these in the steering column and Toyota has a technical service bulletin dealing with it; steering intermediate shaft and is covered under two numbers; ST001-08 and later T-sb-0318-08. The shaft is coming apart and makes noise particularly at low speed. According to reports it affects thousands of these vehicles. I first became aware of my problem when the vehicle was under warranty but was told the noise was nothing; this incident was not reported in their system. Later I found out what this issue was and that they knew. Since then I have made multiple attempts to get it fixed but they want $800 to fix what appears to be a manufacturing/design defect. They recently offered to fix it for $600; not much of an offer since my local mechanic will do it for the same price. Since there are thousands of these with issues and I would assume poses a safety issue I would expect them to do a general recall. I hope you can force them to do such.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

I have a 2007 Toyota rav 4. I noticed a clanking noise when I turned the wheel all the way to the right or left. So I took my car to the dealer. I was told "intermediate steering shaft needs replacement." My car was just 1000 miles over of the 36000 miles warranty. Dealer said it will cost me 600 plus tax to fix it. But they also mentioned this is not something I have to fix right away. I found out later that many Toyota Rav4 owners have the same issue. Toyota has a bulletin stating this is caused by a lack of grease at one of the joints. It looks like it is a design flaw that Toyota should fix at their cost. I think it is time for the dealer to take some action regarding this.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

Toyota Rav4 steering, clunking noise in the steering column.

- Daniel Island, SC, USA

2007 Toyota Rav4 has distinctive clunking, clacking and banging sounds while turning the steering wheel. Noticed it at 37,204 miles, right after warranty expired. Has tsb on this problem which reveals intermediate steering shaft defect and new version available for fix. Web check also reveals epidemic exists for this problem. Took vehicle to dealer to confirm problems which they did. Called Toyota but they will do or pay nothing since vehicle is past warranty. What does warranty have to do with this? this is a defective part which needs to be recalled and replaced. I am very angry at Toyota and it's stance concerning this problem. A mandatory recall needs to be enacted.

- Beverly Hills, FL, USA