10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 5 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 53,712 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
I was starting to back out of my driveway and my steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and became free floating. The plastic air vent fell on my right foot. I did not attempt to drive the car after this incident. I had it towed to Toyota Service. I was told that the steering bracket had come loose and that they had never seen anything like it before. I did some online research and found that this has happened many times with 2006, 2007 and 2008 Toyota RAV 4 vehicles. I believe there are even case numbers for some of them. It was determined to be a failed weld each time! If this had happened to me over the summer, when I was driving in the mountains it cold have caused a serious or even fatal accident. I don't understand why this hasn't been recalled?! This is very dangerous for the unsuspecting people driving RAV 4s! The repair estimate for this is over $5,000!
- El Cerrito, CA, USA
The driveshaft welds that held the power steering motor to the vehicle frame failed. This caused steering wheel to be loose and unstable and the power steering motor to slam against the floor vent. It caused it to fall to the floor near the pedals where it could have obstructed the brake or accelerator pedal
- Arvada, CO, USA
Making knockings/wobbling sound when steering wheel turning left or right while driving. Sound increases everyday with van driven. This problem started about 2 months ago. I reported this problem to Toyota Coustomer Service Last week. This is very serious issue as a safety of a Van. I have several problems with Van It is Lemon
- Riverside, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel failed to remain centered. The contact stated that he had to manually correct the steering wheel to keep the vehicle driving straight. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the steering issue was normal vehicle operation. The contact had yet to notify a dealer or manufacturer about the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- North Port, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While driving, a rocking noise was heard coming from the front side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Utuado, PR, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. When the vehicle was started and while idling, an abnormal clicking noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of melbourne (24 N. harbor city boulevard, melbourne, fl 32935, (321) 426-9420) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel and shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 90906975. The contact was referred to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was invalid.
- Melbourne, FL, USA
When turning left there is a click or cluck sound. Only turning left not right have had the problem since purchased new in 2008. Now seating at 92K miles. Never in an accident
- Brighton, CO, USA
I am having a steerling noise issue when backing up or moving forward there's a loud clunk from the steering column area that I can feel in the wheel. I feel it in the wheel when driving down the freeway or uneven surfaces as well as when the vehicle is stopped and idling while turning the wheel to the locks. This vehicle was inspected my an ase certified master mechanic who found no issues with the rack and pinion system but diagnosed the issue as an intermediate steering shaft failure.
- Phoenix, AZ, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While driving various low speeds, the steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and there was abnormal movement in the steering column. A dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,600.
- Mukilteo, WA, USA
Steering intermediate shaft worn out : making clunking noise when turning either way also when reversing car Toyota technician found this defect/issue
- Riverside, CA, USA
Very bad clunking / popping sound when I back up and turn my wheels. Seems to happen mostly when I first drive the SUV in the morning. Only has 96,000 miles on it.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
I was driving my 2008 rav 4 and I made a turn & all of a sudden my steering wheel literally became free floating. I can move the steering wheel 8 to 12 inches up and down with no resistance. I can also move it 6 to 8 inches left to right with no resistance. It's not guided in any way, you can move it around in a large circular motion. I was able to still steer somewhat. The column still seems to be attached to something. When you do steer, it makes a horrible popping sound. The dealership said: A frame weld did give out for the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly is everything between the wheel and the intermediate shaft. The steering assembly is mounted to the instrument panel reinforcement bar. This is a large bar that runs the length of your dashboard. This bar has a few welded mounts on it that allow you to bolt the steering column assembly into, it is these welds which failed. The air duct on the drivers side fell onto my feet/pedals while I was driving. Luckily it didnt get caught behind my pedals. I soft drive approx 8000-9000 miles a year. I've had no accidents. Toyota is charging me $2200 to replace this & will not coer the costs. This is a major safety issue & I did reserch & this has happened numerous times! check it out here: www.rav4world.com/forums/99-4-3-mechanical/115306-steering-assembly-frame-weld-broke.html
- Huntington Beach, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While pulling out of the driveway, the steering wheel started to make a clicking sound and the check engine and ESC warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist motor needed replacement. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1709132080. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 39,800. Updated 11/02/17 consumer stated the vsc light comes on and check engine. Now that the intermediate shaft does not work correct the cruise control does not work. Updated 7/17/18
- Plant City, FL, USA
The contact owned a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While driving 40 mph, the steering seized and the vehicle crashed into a building. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. The occupant sustained left and right broken arms, stitches, and a broken rotator cuff. Medical attention was received at West chester medical center. A police report was filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 116,000.
- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
I bought my Toyota with 47316 miles, no warranty. At 49000 miles my power steering lite started intermittently coming on, at 60000 miles it comes on all the time. Took the vechile to local Toyota, was told by one gentleman he has seen this recently. Couldn't fix it as they have no programs for the issue. Told me to call Toyota, they may help me with this high price issue. Talk to two different employees at main number. I was told they wouldn't do anything since, I have not had Toyota do my maintenance. I explained to them, I have not had it long. But I have years of previous owners Toyota maintenance. Said it's not in my name, I can't control the steering wheel when the P/S light is on. Can take up to 16 true to get it off. Toyota reset it, code came right back. This car is not broke in.this is not right the cost we pay for this. Hope someone makes them make there issues right size
- Winchester, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Rav4. While the vehicle was being operated, an abnormal noise could be heard. The contact went to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a steering column failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 06/23/17
- Honolulu, HI, USA
"takata recall" I had a wreck March 8, 2017 and I could not control the steering wheel and landed in some heavy bushes on a off ramp. When to the hospital with neck problems and put a report into my insurance. The car was in motion when the steering problem happen. On I-5 58 South bound off ramp near intersection with nw morgan street, grants pass, Oregon happen so fast could not break.
- Grants Pass, OR, USA
I have 106.700 miles on my car and I start hear clicking and knocking noises inside on my rack and pinion when my car is not in motion and I turn my wheel I hear this noise also when II hit potholes I feel something loose in my steering wheel as far as im searchig many people of Toyota Rav4 owners having same problem, Toyota should make this as a recall
- Brooklyn, NY, USA
When turning the steering wheel a loud banging noise comes from the steering column. It feels very unsafe and scarey to drive. Was told it is the steering and that Toyota is very aware of the issue with this year car, however since nobody has died yet it is not being recalled. The steering is sometimes unreliable and I never know if it will steer where I want it to or not. I am affraid to drive it, Toyota tells me its safe. I am not willing to be the first one to die because of Toyota greed to not recall and fix this huge safety issue. When car is in motion at low and high speeds turning any degree either way
- Vancouver, WA, USA
- Framingham, MA, USA