Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact heard a thumping noise within the steering wheel of her vehicle. The failure only occurred while making turns. Over the past three weeks, the noise occurred more frequently. The dealer stated that the intermediate shafts needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 62,248 and failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
2006 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints
Page 9 of 9: complaints 221 to 230 of 230, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The following sequence of events describe the problem with my car. In august 2006, I purchased for my wife a new toyota rav 4/l4 at 4x2. In august 2007 (vehicle mileage: 9,540), I had to take the vehicle to the car dealer because of a strange noise coming from the steering shaft assembly which had to be ordered (part # 45260-42090) and installed. In november 2007 (vehicle mileage: 11,989), I took the vehicle to the dealer due to the same noise. I was told there was nothing wrong. In december 2007 I took the car to the dealer once again (vehicle mileage: 12,717) with still the same problem and noise. Dealer personnel determined a damaged steering shaft assembly which was ordered (part # 45260-42090) and installed for the second time. We are now in september 2008 and my rav 4 (vehicle mileage: 20,855) is becoming noisy again with the same problem. I have no question in my mind tat the steering shaft assembly will have to be replaced for a third time. I have never been informed by toyota that rav 4 vehicles have been recalled but have read online that other models such as the prius have been recalled with this problem.
Steering intermediate shaft noise / loose when making turns. The shaft has not "failed" yet, however it is a safety concern. Repair has not been made yet, parts are backordered. Vehicle out of warranty by 3650 miles, so far toyota will only pay half.
Clunking noise in steering when turning left or right. Was occasional at first now is consistent. Brought in when under warranty when noise was inconsistent now that noise is consistent and warranty is up they won't pay for it.
I complained about a clunking noise in the steering column during low speed turns. The dealer could not locate it and applied grease to the steering column stops, did not fix the problem. Of course this has been a constant problem almost from date of new purchase. The car is now out of warranty and there still is no fix for these clunking noises. I believe it is a poorly designed steering column and should be recalled by toyota 2006 rav4 sport 6cyl. Awd 41,500 mi.
I have a 2006 rav4 6 cylinder. Within the last few months I have begun to notice the knocking/creaking noise when making turns at slow speeds. I have asked the dealer to look at it when it was in for service but of course they could not hear the problem. Have found many people with this dreaded "knocking" noise when turning and according to those people, the steering shaft needs replaced.
I have a loud knocking sound in the steering column of my rav4 when I make low-turn speeds. I have had the car at the dealer three times and they have not been able to identify the problem. However, among rav4 car owners this problem is very well identified, as you can see from this url: http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5820&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 that discussion thread alone has almost 150 messages on this topic, but most toyota dealers can't find or fix the problem. This seems like a real problem, and toyota should have a tsb out on this, but if they do, I can't find one. Because it makes a lot of noise it seems dangerous, but the dealer I've taken it to has said "don't worry, it won't get you in an accident or leave you stranded." if they can't identify the problem I don't understand how they can make that statement. Thank you.
Clunking noise in steering wheel when turning right at slow speeds mostly. Sometimes when turning left. Clunks 2 or 3 times on the turn ,while making the right turn mostly..it does this all the time now .I took my car to a toyota dealer a couple of weeks ago and had a mechanic ride with me .. I could not duplicate problem more then a couple of times, but the mechanic couldn't hear it. He said to bring it back if it continues. Toyota has no bulletins on this problem for the rav4, however they have service bulletins on the prius and the highlander models on this same problem.. I mentioned this to the dealer, he said they weren't related?? Thank you for your interest.
Tl* - the contact stated that his 2006 toyota rav4 accelerated while his foot was on the brake. The contact took the vehicle to dealer and the computer was replaced. On 12/27/06 the contact stated he was involved in an accident. While his foot was on the brake and he was stopped at a light, the vehicle lurched forward and struck the vehicle in front of him. The contact heard a loud noise before the incident. The failure mileage on the vehicle was 94000. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. There was damage to the front of the vehicle. The dealer told the contact that the front end damage will need to be repaired before they can diagnose errors in the computer. The contact has a police report and a repair invoice from the first incident. *nm when making turns left or right the consumer indicated that the steering wheel felt hard. The dealer ordered a power steering computer. *nm updated 02/16/07.
In june 2006, I purchased a new 2006 toyota rav 4 sport. Great vehicle. I drive 100 miles a day round trip to work. As of 1/12/07, there are 15,725 miles on the vehicle. Around 12,500 miles, I noticed a strange grinding noise coming from the steering when making a hard right or left turn (turning into a parking place or my driveway). I talked with the toyota dealer and the first attempt was to heavily lubricate the steering as I was told everything was dry. The car had been serviced for an oil and lube every 4,000 miles. This did not resolve the issue. I was told that I needed a new rack and pinion steering unit. The dealer forgot to order the part. After a week and a half, I called to find out that the part was on back order as there have been a number of problems with the vehicle's steering. When I asked if I was safe driving 100 miles a day, at speeds of 70 MPH on the florida turnpike, I was told to drive the vehicle at a safe speed of 40 MPH. (I informed the dealer that I would be killed on the florida roads if I drove that slow. - they agreed.) again, I asked if I was safe. Then I was told that although the part was on backorder, that they would see what they could do. I was called within an hour and told that the part would be in within a week. The new rack and pinion unit and gears were installed yesterday. Additionally, a recommended wheel alignment was done, and it feels as if the front brakes were adjusted. The vehicle feels good, but the crunching noise is still there. Does toyota have a problem with the steering on these vehicles? If so, I am really disappointed. I traded my chrysler for the toyota so that I would not have to go to the dealer for service all of the time. The real question is: am I safe?????
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