While backing up out of a driveway there is a loud clunk and the steer wheel shakes. While making turns at low speed and driving over pot holes the same loud clunk. The dealer said its a problem in the steering shaft that has 2 different parts. I asked the dealer about it being covered under warranty and they said no. I have read several other complaints on this same issue and a couple have been covered under warranty even thou the vehicle had over 100000 miles on it. I understand toyota has made 2 replacement parts regarding this issue so they know there is a problem. I would like to see a national recall on this part and have toyota cover the repairs before someone is injured or killed.
2007 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints
Page 3 of 10: complaints 41 to 70 of 271, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The car failed to start, the battery was extremely hot and had not water in it. Changed the battery, the car started properly; however, once set to drive it hesitated a bit, as if it were chocking for lack of gas but it had gas. Drove on and at about speed of 40 MPH steering became hard to handle, AC and engine cut off. Restarted it drove back home... Just made the last payment on the car, car was regularly serviced at the dealer.
When pulling out from stop signs heard clicking noise when turning right or left. Car was repaired under warranty. Now in march 2015 noise is there again. There is a little over 80000 miles on vehicle. Bad enough it went bad once.no idea what cost will be to repair should be recalled.
As soon as I back up out of the garage, there is a clunking noise as I turn the steering wheel. It is more pronounced when I turn the wheel, more so turning to the right. I took it into have it checked out and had 2 employees drive it. They both agreed it was coming from the steering column, possibly a bracket. When I turn it almost feels like the wheel doesn't want to go any further, makes this loud clunking sound then lets go. This has been happening for the last few months and the tightness in the turn has worsened.
My 2007 toyota rav4 has developed a loud clunk and slight binding when the steering when turning at slow speeds. The diagnosis from toyota appears to be a worn intermediate steering shaft. In my opinion, the steering shaft on this vehicle does not resemble those on other cars in that starts connected to the steering wheel and then runs vertically down through the dash area changing direction abruptly. Other vehicles have a generally straight steering shaft in line with the steering wheel axis and no abrupt changes in alignment. There appears to be significant discussions on toyota related websites of similar rav4 steering shaft problems. Is toyota and the federal safety agency aware of this problem and preparing an investigation or remedy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. The contact stated that when the brakes were activated, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it diagnosed that the steering rack intermediate shaft and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000. Updated 3/18/15*cn updated 8/18/2015*js updated 10/19/2015
My 2007 toyota rav4 has a "clunking/popping" noise coming from what appears to be the steering linkage somewhere between the intermediate shaft and rack-and-pinion assembly.in early 2014, a toyota dealership in indiana recommended servicing the intermediate shaft assembly via an issued toyota service bulletin. The intermediate shaft was replaced in the spring of 2014 (cost=$1000, car mileage ~65k).I have since job relocated to new jersey and the problem has resurfaced (car mileage ~75k).a dealership here told me that the rack-and-pinion assembly needs to be replace (est. Cost= $2000).general signs of rack-and-pinion failure as stated by the dealership and general research are not observed in my car (signs including "play/slop" in the steering wheel, loose steering, stiff steering, etc.).further research of this issue has show multiple hundreds-of-thousands of rav4 owners inquiring about this issue either via rav4/toyota forums, or through the federal safety agency and other third party auto safety agencies.the dealerships seem to be guessing at what the problem is, and they issue repair guidelines based only on service bulletins without fully investigating the issue.there is a serious safety concern with a "clunking/popping" noise with the steering assembly of these automobiles.owners of this (highly rated, abundantly sold) rav4 model should be issued a recall by toyota to have the rack-and-pinion and the intermediate shaft assembly fixed without consumer purchase.toyota is aware of the problems, as they have issued multiple service bulletins, but have yet to deem the issue a safety concern leaving their loyal owners with repair cost in upwards of $3000 for cars that are well under 100,000 miles, but outside of toyota's warranty period. Protecting the safety of drivers and their precious passengers, should be the number one concern of toyota and the federal safety agency.
There are multiple knocks coming up the steering shaft at low speeds when turning the steering wheel.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. While driving 65 MPH, the battery warning indicator illuminated, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 70,000.
I brought my vehicle to the dealer for the rear suspension recall and when I picked it up I was advised that the steering shaft needs to be replaced and there is a clunking sound when turning the wheel. The service advisor told me the shaft is cracked and could be dangerous. I never noticed any steering sounds but now that I'm specifically listening for it I do hear it. I believe that if this is a safety issue as the dealer stated then the vehicle should be recalled. Most owners will not know they have this problem since the sound is not that noticeable and I assume that if left uncorrected loss of steering will occur.
Very clunky and noisy steering resulting an a vague, unsafe sense of control over the vehicle. Took to the dealership and was repaired (replaced intermediate steering column). Subsequent research has shown that this is a common and well known design flaw.
The steering column binds to one side or the other such that the vehicle never steers straight ahead. The situation causes the vehicle to always want to steer out of the intended lane causing driver fatigue at best and an unsafe condition when the vehicle is constantly heading out of its intended path toward other vehicles.
Steering intermediate shaft clunks and it is getting worse. Toyota has not recalled the common problem.
The electric power steering would not work. It has happened twice. The last time was july 28, 2014. We shut the car off, and restart it, and then it works ok. We are afraid that it might happen while we are driving it and we will have an accident. From online I have learned there have been a lot of occurrences of this. I'm surprised there hasn't been a recall, I think it is a real safety concern!
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav 4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering with the engine and vsc light illuminated on instrument panel. The vehicle regained power steering once the vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
When turning the steering wheel you can hear a clunk or a thud.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle and steering wheel would shake violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the intermediate shaft was defective and had to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000. Updated 10/7/14*cn the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 3/11/15
As daughter was entering freeway steering failed, rear-ended by 18 wheeler.
Noticed knocking/clunking noise from steering at low speed as described in t-sb-0318-08 steering intermediate shaft noise' dated october 20, 2008. Took the car to a toyota dealer to replace the steering intermediate shafts as detailed by the t-sb. Upon further inspection the technician reported that both the intermediate shaft and the steering rack have play in them and recommended that they both be replaced. The service advisor stated that this will become a safety issue if not repaired and can lead to loss of steering. The estimate for the repair was $2700 since the extended warranty has expired two month prior to taking the vehicle in. Given that there is a safety concern, I opted to have the recommended service done and paid $2731.77 for the repair. A quick internet search shows that this is a common issue with the toyota rav for model years 2006 - 2008. Given that this is a safety issue and that some drivers might not associate the noise with a serious issue, toyota motors should: 1.instate a recall to inspect all parts related to the steering mechanism in effected models. 2.replace all effected parts at no cost to the owner 3.reimburse diligent owners who noticed the issue, reported it to the dealers and paid to have the repair done. Best regards.
Clunking sound in steering at low speed.
On august 29, 2011, 19 year-old subject was traveling straight across an intersection when subject was struck on driver side by a 2010 hyundai elantra. Subject was struck by a motorist that according to police officer report, ran a red light. Subject was proceeding straight with green light while driving a white 2007 toyota rav4 with approximately 104,299 miles. Subject purchased rav4 vehicle from toyota in april of 2011. Subject purchased 2007 rav4 on account of the airbag safety features (head, side, front, passenger side airbags) to protect subject from injury. On august 29, 2011, subject 2007 rav4 sustained damage from rocker panel to roof and from front left bumper to doors. Structural, suspension, wheel, and steering components were also damaged as per the appraiser's damage estimate following the august 29, 2011 accident. No airbags deployed. A letter was sent to toyota. Calls were made to toyota to assess the damage and toyota denied claims of any wrongdoing or defect. Subject was injured in accident. Toyota declined to inspect vehicle. Recent notices of recalls received along with toyota sending emails to subject to try to purchase subject rav4 lends credibility to subject assertion that airbags should have deployed and protected subject from injury during the august 29, 2011 incident. The airbag features failed subject and failed to protect subject from injury on august 29, 2011. 2007 rav4 was declared a total loss by geico and liberty mutual. This accident totaled a rav4 and no airbags deployed. Given inadequate attention was given to subject and investigation of this matter by toyota, subject seeks investigation and remedy for injuries sustained.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to dealer where the steering wheel shaft was replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer a second time where it was diagnosed that the electric steering column failed but the repairs were not performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Lost power steering without warning in heavy traffic. P/s light came on at the same time. Barely avoided collision with large truck. Started engine after 20 mins., p/s light out & steering normal. Took vehicle to dealer who found code c1524 (low voltage in power steering). In order to find root of problem I need to pay $200 for diagnostic, which I refused. This is not a wear/tear issue but either a defect or malfunction. Called toyota, asked them to pay for diagnostic & toyota refused since vehicle is out of warrenty. Guess toyota could care less about customer safety even though there are numerous vehicles with same complaint!
On march 21st the ABS, vsc, traction and brake warning lights came on while driving at 35 MPH in dry weather condition. When the lights were on, the ABS system was triggered making difficult to brake to stop. Since then the warning lights have been on and off and so I've been having difficulties when slowing down at a higher speed rate 60 MPH, slow speed 20 MPH, and even stopping. On tuesday, april 8 I brought the rav4 to the dealer and they said that there is nothing wrong with the car and that the breaks were ok. Dealer said: it is just the a rear sensor that needs to be reset. So dealer technician reset the sensor the same day. On wednesday, april 9, 2014 around 6:00 pm when turning left at a corner I heard a ticking noise then four warning lights appeared again and the breaks started to malfunction again. I'll bring the rav4 to the dealer on april 12, 2014 and see what they have to say. The codes the dealer have initially were c0210 and c1223. My spouse and I don't want to drive the rav4 without knowing that the sensor that the dealer talks about is either fixed or replaced. I don't want to be exposed nor expose my family to any possible accident due to the sensor/braking system failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav 4. The contact stated while driving she heard a loud noise in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the technician stated the intermediate steering column needed to be replaced. The contact paid for the repairs, at her expense. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The mileage at the time of the failure was 52,730 and the current mileage was 54,134. Updated 5/27/14*cn updated 08/04/14
No crash involved. No loss of vehicle control. During routine maintenance, was informed the rack assembly would have to be replaced to deal with a clunking noise that a technician had noticed. I checked and found that while parked and idling, pulling the wheel in either direction did produce the clunk. After additional estimates, settled on a specific repair venue at almost $1700. Also informed by one of the estimators that the steering column would soon need replaced. Not scheduled for repair at this time. I was informed by one of the estimators that most vehicles would not have required a whole rack replacement (or as much money) for a problem such as this, but rather the 2007 design was integrated rather then modular.
The steering mechanism makes a clunk when turned. The dealer says the intermediate steering shaft needs replaced. There are numerous accounts of this same defect on the internet. Toyota issued a bulletin in 2008 telling dealers to replace the shaft on cars still on warranty but will not replace ours because it is more than 3 years old. A mechanical failure at such low mileage such as this should be repaired by the company at their cost since it is not cause by use but by poor engineering or assembly.
The intermediate shaft on the vehicle is not working properly. In some states the toyota has changed them for no cost after the warranty has expired, but know the do not. There have been numerous amount of claims in regard to this issue on this model, but continues to be ignored. On friday 03/08/2014 I took my vehicle to have it checked because of this, and what they told me was that it was my struts. Well after getting them changed it turns out it was the intermediate shaft and they want to charge me an additional 502.00 for this. This is an on going issue with numerous claims about the intermediate shaft and toyota is not realizing the safety issue in which it places it customers.
Reference toyota recall: tis designation c2j found at: https://techinfo.toyota.com/techinfoportal/staticcontent/en/techinfo/html/prelogin/docs/cp/c2jtofaq.pdf reference question q1a and answer a1a: "....alignment will be set and the arms will be sealed with epoxy." reference question qua and answer a1c: "if the rear wheel alignment shifts out of specification, rear suspension arms or other components may need to be replaced." reference my phone conversation with toyota @ 888‑270‑9371 on 11 february 2014 @ 0800 and their assigned case # 1402110228: my question to toyota to the answer a1c above: who pays for the required replacement of suspension arms or other components? Their answer was: the owner. My complaint deals with fairness. Due to a toyota design defect, rear control arms must be encased in epoxy thus rendering rear wheel alignments impossible. If an owner hits a pothole, and rear wheel(s) are knocked out of alignment, the control arm and/or associates components might need to be replace - at considerable expense to the owner. This could generate large profits to toyota due to a remedy for one of their design defects. Without the (epoxy encapsulation), a mere rear wheel alignment might rectify the misalignment. A possible $50 versus $500 repair. Additionally, if the control arms must be replaced to align the back wheel(s), toyota is the only entity that has the know how and parts to re-encapsulate the new control arm(s): more profits for toyota. Owners need to be made aware of the consequences this remedy will have on their vehicle so they can decide if they want a vehicle in which the rear wheels cannot be aligned without considerable expense. My question to nhsta: why should the owner pay for repairs to one of their remedies? Is this fair?
Received a recall notice for tie rod/suspension back in september 2013. Today I called local toyota dealer and asked about the fix. They told me that there was no fix yet available....obviously very disappointed and worried about how long I have been driving with potentially dangerous part/defect that could cause loss of control and wreck. I think the federal safety agency should force the issue with toyota now it has been too long!. Local dealer advised me what sound, loud rattling in back of vehicle to listen for....really unbelievable the delay.
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