2006 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Steering · VA · 1 injury

For several months the 2006 Rav4 with only 118k miles had been experiencing intermittent failure of power steering while driving at speeds between 5-20mph. These failures resulted in the steering wheel to become extremely difficult if not impossible to turn while the car is driving. In each incident, this resulted in stopping the car and putting on emergency lights until we can safely turn off the car and hopefully the issue goes away several minutes later. This issue has proven to be very dangerous when in traffic with no place to pull over and with the steering tightening up, it is not even possible to pull over in most cases. Four different mechanical shops tried to replicate the issue and none were able to determine the root cause nor replicate it consistently. This issue has been happening more frequently now and the car cannot be taken out safely. As [XXX] drivers, this is not safe by any means and Toyota should consider this a critical safety recall and cover towing costs to move this. There are no signs of instrument lights or any leaks coming from the car. This seems to be entirely a malfunction of steering components. With regard to incidents resulting from this, my mother is the primary driver, she is [XXX] old and injured her wrist trying to move the steering wheel to a safe location. Her wrist is still in pain several days later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 27, 2022 · Steering · 86,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while making a right or left turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the popping noise was progressively louder while steering to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering linkage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed May 13, 2022 · Steering · GA · crash

While my son was driving me the vehicles steering wheel locked and he was unable to steer the vehicle. It caused us to go off the road down a steep hill and wreck. I’ve never had any problems with this vehicle so it was completely unexpected. If there had been anyone in our path we wouldn’t of been able to stop from hitting them. It has not been inspected but there are witnesses to the accident

Filed Feb 3, 2022 · Steering · FL

Clunking noise when turning steering wheel right or left. Numerous complaints from 006 RAV 4 owners. Fear that my steering will fail and cause an accident or Death. The issue is a defective intermediate steering shaft. Toyota will not issue a recall and will only repair if vehicle is still under warranty. How many complaints, accidents, or deaths will it take for this manufacturer to do the right thing???

Filed Apr 3, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · 180,000 miles · NJ

For some time there has been an intermittent problem with the dashboard lights coming on and loss of power steering. The car has been checked by mechanics, including one at a toyota dealership, but the problem was not found. I have experienced the problem with the car stationary, but I believe my son said it has happened to him while in motion.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Steering · WA

I bought a used 2006 rav4 3.5 l v-6, after a month a bought it. I noticed when I turn left or right I heard a clunk sound. I found out that the intermediate steering shaft is the problem. This common to most rav4, dealership it's normal but to me it doesn't fell normal when I'm driving, it feels like something is will come out or broke off. Kind of scary thing to feel when driving. I think the manufacturer should find a solution to this problem before someone could hurt or die.

Filed Feb 27, 2019 · Steering · 140,000 miles · FL

Vehicle did have an official recall(steering shaft assembly) vehicle was repaired 2x's. Vehicle is experiencing same problem. Steering gets tight and knocks. Sent letter to toyota in california created case #[xxx] dealer refuses to repair *tt consumer stated there are 2 odi numbers #352270 and #1182873. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *ln

Filed Feb 1, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 125,600 miles · CA

Steering froze up while leaving my driveway and p/s light came on. Shut engine off and back on, but did not resolve. I recall at least one other time that steering locked up temporarily while at a stop. Took to dealership for diagnostic as manual recommends. Diagnostic shows dtcs u0105 and u0121. Found tab st005-06 related to this issue and "updated power steering ecu available". Diagnostic $150, parts and labor $1600+ cleary this is a safety issue requiring a recall. Please investigate there are many more similar complaints.

Filed Jan 5, 2019 · Steering · WA

Steering 'clunks' and car won't turn at low speeds/stationary, radio momentarily cuts out and dash lights flash. Can turn the steering wheel further after a few seconds. Happens intermittently, so far only at low speeds/while parking or leaving a parking space.

Filed Nov 22, 2018 · Steering · CA

Hear clunk sound when turning the steering. Check with toyota sunnyvale dealer, they said the steering intermediate shaft needs to be replaced