For 2 years prior to taking the car to toyota for repair, I was hearing a clicking noise when I turned the steering wheel back and forth, normally when I began using the car early in the morning. I took the car to the toyota dealer to find the problem, expecting it to be a slight adjustment. I was told that the steering shaft was broken along with a yoke assembly that needed to be replaced. I was alarmed that I had been driving a car with a broken steering shaft for so long. Toyota replaced the broken parts and charged me $600. I thought toyota should cover the cost as a warranty item but they refused. It seems to me that a steering defect should be taken care of via a safety recall. Had the shaft broken or become more damaged then a high speed accident could have occurred.
2007 Toyota RAV4 steering complaints
Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 271, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Defective intermediate steering shaft causing partial loss of steering. Car feel very unsafe to drive, especially on vet surface and during braking.
On march 29, 2012, I pulled out of my driveway & heard a clunk. Checked rear underside & saw nothing amiss. Arrived in downtown chicago and heard 3 more clunks (when making right turns). Then the final extra loud clunk as the steering went out of control. I was on michigan ave. In front of the hilton hotel during rush hour traffic (5 pm) doing 25 to 30 MPH. Cars all around me. Gently applied brakes & emergency flashers to warn others, as I kept turning the steering wheel from way left to way right. Eased my way from center lane over to the curb. Can't believe I didn't hit anything! Right rear wheel was tilted at about a 45 degree angle--top outward, bottom inward. In another 15 min. I would have been on the expressway doing 50 --60 MPH. Vehicle had to be towed back to indiana. Toyota service advisor said: "bolt rusted through. If keeping car, suggest getting left rear suspension replaced too because it is getting ready to go. A company rep is going to come out to look at it because we have had another exact failure just recently." the rep decided he did not need to see it. (I'm sure he was already aware of the bigger problem toyota would be facing.) vehicle facts: 2007 rav-4, mileage: 43,185, one owner, garage kept (except for vacations). Last 27-point inspection: (1-21-2012) 2 months before failure. No items in the section titled "under vehicle" were even checked off as completed (good or bad). This included "suspension & steering linkage". I paid $778. To have both left & right suspension assemblies replaced & an alignment. When I asked about reimbursement from toyota, the service advisor said "no. They consider it normal "wear & tear". Note: cases like mine are not going to show up as "traffic accidents" because I didn't hit anything or anyone. And those that are accidents could possibly be mistaken as: "over-corrective steering!"
My rav4 was making popping noises in the steering, I took it to the dealership to have it looked at. The dealership said that the steering shaft had to be replaced and there was not a recall on that. I have never heard of a car having a serious problem with steering, especially one with only 70,000 miles on it. Anyway, I had to pay $380 to have that fixed and they also did an alignment. They said that I needed the alignment because of the repair. I picked up the car and on the way home, it started making a horrible popping and clunking sound in the rear-end. I called the dealership back to tell them to come get it because I did not feel safe driving it back to them. After the tow truck came, my husband found that there is a recall on the car because of rear suspension after an alignment. I am writing this to let you know about my problems with 1) the steering problem and 2) the rear suspension problem. Again, this alignment was done at a toyota dealership!
2007 toyota rav 4. Consumer writes in regards to expected recall concerning rear tie rods *tgw the consumer stated sometime around june 2011, she began to hear a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle; sometimes from the left and sometimes from the right. Finally, in december 2011, the consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop and after test driving the vehicle, it was confirmed there was a noise, but the technician stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. In may 2012, the noise was still there, only periodically. On may 3, 2012, as the consumer was driving approximately 60 MPH the noise became even louder. However, the next day while driving 40 MPH, suddenly the vehicle went out of control, going back and forth across the road and doing a complete 360 degree turn. She finally managed to get the vehicle under control and was able to stop in a safety zone. The left rear tire was bent in at a 90 degree angle and almost off the vehicle. On monday may 7, 2012, the dealer informed the consumer the left rear tie rod snapped and the right one was in a weakened condition and both would need to be replaced.
Felt a looseness in the steering, a popping noise when making turns. Under warrenty, at approximately 33,000 miles, the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. At approximately 56,000 miles, the same problem recurred. Was advised by the local toyota dealer the intermediate steering shaft had failed once again. Cost of replacement estimated at $628.00. Called toyota customer experience center and received a case manager. Case manager informed me the final offer toyota would make is to pay the cost of the part, I would be responsible for the approximate $300.00 labor costs. They would not guarantee future replacements should the part fail again. Clearly a safety issue that toyota refuses to properly address.
About 18 months before the dates above, I noticed a knocking in the steering wheel when I turned it. I didn't think too much about it until it started getting worse and I mentioned it to a friend at work. He mentioned researching it online to see if there were any recalls or problems and suggested having someone look at it. I took his advice and saw that rav4s did have some steering issues. I took my car to the local toyota dealership diagnosis and repair. The steering column was replaced at the charge of $45.00 for diagnosis and $428.77 parts and labor for the repair.
The car makes a clunking, popping noise when turning at low speed. Dealer says it is a intermediate shaft, and although there is a service bulletin for it, it is not covered out of warranty. The dealer quoted a price of $350, for the intermediate shaft and $ 700. If both shafts would need to be replaced, if this is a safety issue, it should be covered by the manufacturer.
Took my rav4 in for service of five thousand miles oil change. At that time when I picked up car was told I needed to get my steering lower shaft replaced. I have been having strange noises since about 30000 and was told it was not the steering. All of a sudden it is the steering and I need to get it fix right away. I feel this is a much bigger problem than toyota wants to acknowledge. This needs to be recalled. Is this being looked into? Reading online there are thousands of people having the same problem I am having with my 2007.
When turning right at low speed, passenger side rear tie rod assembly failed and wheel turned at 45 degree angle, disabling the automobile. If this had happened on the highway, it would have caused a catastrophic accident. Dealership had previously checked a knocking noise in rear, but was unable to find a problem. I was told that this problem was a design fault and that there were not enough threads on the tie rod assembly to hold the tie rod sufficiently. I have found other reports of this tie rod failure. Should be a safety recall.
Steering popping when turning left or right at low speed.
I have 2 toyota rav4s - both have the same problem, the steering column is making a "clunking" noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. It appears that this is a problem that many, many other toyota rav4 owners have experienced and toyota has issued t-sb-0318-08 bulletin with at 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 compelled to issue a safety recall and owners should be notified immediately.
This toyota rav4 began having clunking with steering the vehicle right and left directly after the power train warranty was expired. The clunking worsened so it was inspected by the dealer's service department. I was told that it needed a replacement part that was not in the original manufacturing of the vehicle. There is a technical service bulletin on this rav4 with the steering component. The service department described this as a safety issue. Why is this not a recall if it is a safety issue and a factory defect? The service department quoted me a $3500 charge for repair. This is ridiculous that I need to pay an enormous cost for a factory defect that is also a safety concern.
Just like many other owners of 2007 rav4 I began experiencing a distinctive klunking noise around 35,000 miles. Took it to the dealer and they said it was normal noise when you turn the wheel all the way to the side..... My problem was that it was making cracking noise all the time, when turning or especially parking the car.... Also a problem with my driver visor flap not staying in upward position it was hanging down halfway and faces forward. I had to pay 75 dollars to replace it, warranty would not cover it. Since so many 2007 toyota rav4 owner are having the same problems it should be elevated to a recall status!!!
Experience knocking and popping noises in the steering wheel column. My vehicle had 31,247 miles on it when I brought in for airbag recall. They asked me about the knocking and I said yes it's knocking. Asked if it was dangerous to drive they said they would get back to me if it was....I never heard back from them. They told me it would cost about $500 to repair. I did research on line and found 117 complaints. Why hasn't toyota recalled this? I don't feel I should have to pay for this. Toyota knew this was a defective part.
I was just in a serious car accident where I lost steering and control of my vehicle. After reading online about the knocking in the steering from other owners, I believe I had the same problem. Although noone was seriously injured I am worried about other drivers safety. My car and two others were totaled. I have my car serviced for regular maintenance at the same toyota dealer and I think that they should have noticed something with the steering and checked it . I just had a 50000 mile checkup. I really feel something is wrong here that alot of people are having the same problem and it can be fatal. I am lucky that I was not on the highway. My car did go into oncoming traffic though. I hope someone knows how to get ahold of me and help me with this problem. But just to say everyone else, please be careful.
I purchased a new 2007 rav4 from toyota of braintree in 2007. 1. In 2009 I could hear wind in the driver's window; I took the vehicle to be checked, toyota service department said I was hearing things. 2.the driver's door caught fire (I had the keys with me) I had to spend $606.01 to fix it, toyota said there was water intrusion (I thought, it probably was, because of the air leak previously reported in 2009) 3. The steering wheel felt strange when I drove, I took it back for service, the diagnosis was steering shaft internal failure which needed to be replaced; I fought to get that fixed out of warranty. 5. On november 25, 2011 I was driving, the window fell in on me and on november 26, 2011, I had to have the driver's side window regulator replaced for $338.30 7. Now, oil is leaking into the muffler. (I purchase oil frequently) this vehicle is only 4.5 years old and should not have any of these major problems, when I purchased this rav4, it was going to be my last vehicle purchase because toyota advertises longevity of their products. I also know people who drive 1990 and 1995 toyota products who have never had any of these problems. I was also treated very poorly during some of my repair visits. After the door caught on fire, I had a meeting with the owner of toyota of braintree, [xxx] but his resolution was giving me $13,000.00 for my vehicle (which I own) and me purchasing a brand new vehicle, which meant I would have a monthly payment. I did contact toyota headquarters in california and filed a complaint and never received any resolution. Since then I received a letter from the national center for dispute settlement stating they can't help me. Thank you for any assistance, sincerely, toyota rav4 owner. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Began experiencing a distinctive clunking noise, at low speeds, while turning the steering wheel. The clunk could be felt in the steering wheel and felt as though a bushing was defective, or their is excessive play in the steering assembly. No noise from the front end, or undercarriage, just at the steering wheel, when turning, at low speeds. Toyota states that this is a common problem and that they have developed a part replacement, however, I feel that it is definitely a safety issue, which could become fatal, at highway speeds. Should be elevated to a recall status, as it involves the steering assembly.
Steering intermediate shaft started failing causing knocking noises when turning the wheel. Toyota will only replace within standard warranty period as they don't think this is a safety issue.
Several years ago I noticed a popping noise when the steering wheel was turned. I thought it was in the steering wheel because I frequently used the tilt and telescope features to let me use my work laptop while in the car. (I am a retired hospice nurse.) I just figured it was aging from overuse. However, last week I took the 2007 rav4 in to my tire dealer and asked them to check the alignment while they did some other work. The mechanic was sharp and told me that he had first thought the same thing about the steering wheel being the source of the noise, but investigated further and found it was the "intermediate shaft" of the steering system. He told me there was a technical service bulletin about it. I've looked up the tsb's and they are 0318-08 and st001-08, and they describe my car exactly. I have an appointment tomorrow-2-3-12-to have a local dealer look at it. The car has 69659 miles on it now, but only 49882 when I retired in may of '10 and it was maybe a year before that (at 33842 miles) that the noise started. This has certainly not been the car our '96 rav was. I call it my bad luck car for various reasons and it appears it still is. The tire mechanic said the repair was about $400.
Experienced knocking noises with vibration in the steering column when turning the steering wheel. Condition has worsened over the last year. I am concerned this could result in steering failure and an expected inability to turn the vehicle while driving.
Experienced knocking and popping noise with vibration in the steering column when turning the steering wheel. This condition worsened over the course of a few weeks and eventually became constant.
"klunking" noise from steering column. Noticed intermittently initially,now all the time. Occurs at any speeds but primarily lower speeds and while stopped. Worsening over time.
Upon starting the car the red power steering warning light (p/s) stayed on and the steering wheel would not move. This has happened twice in 2 weeks. We are told by a mechanic that it is a very dangerous condition. Others on the internet with this exact problem say it cost $2500 to fix!! Turning the car off and then back on relieved the problem but it came back again a week later. Gm issued a recall quickly for its cars when they had a problem with the new electric instead of hydraulic steering. This is another major defect for toyota which could be very serious if the steering fails while driving! Loss of steering can result in major accidents. Thank you for your interest in this matter. Lives will be saved if you make toyota meet its responsibilities and issue a recall.
Hearing a clucking noise from steering column for last couple of years. It was getting worse and increased frequency so we took it to the local toyota dealer. Service dept personnel said they had replaced other steering shafts but no recall on our rav4's year. 2001 & 02's and other years have recalls. Searched on-line and there are numerous other posts with this same problem on 2006 & 07 rav4s. Why is toyota not acknowledging this problem. Others have stated the steering will evidently go out. Definite major safety problem. $800+ cost to fix.
Experienced knocking and popping noise with vibration in the steering column when turning the steering wheel. This condition worsened over the course of a few weeks and eventually became constant. The dealership's service department determined the noise was coming from the steering rack and not the intermediate steering shafts and recommended replacement of the steering gear assembly per t-sb-0308-08 "steering rack noise". I'm concerned this might be a safety issue that could result in failure of the steering components and have the potential for losing control of the vehicle.
At 66,000 miles heard & felt clunking in the steering, & then spent $2033 plus tax at the toyota dealer to replace intermediate shafts #1 & #2, & power steering rack. Toyota should cover their manufacturing defects.
My rav4 has began having clunking noises in the steering column. I have done some searches on this problem. It seems this is prevalent with rav4's and toyota is refusing to issue a recall. Is this a serious safety concern? Will this eventually be a recall?
Steering makes popping sound when turning to left or right when pulling out of driveways or parking spaces. Took to toyota dealership, and it was shrugged off as not a big deal, but that it would cost over $500 to fix. Was told it was the steering intermediate. It was lubed and I was told that might help and that it wasn't a safety issue and I didn't have to get it fixed right away; however after reviewing complaints on-line, it appears a lot of '07 rav's have had the same issue at different mileage points and nothing has been done by toyota. I believe a recall should have been made on this.
On or about 9/01/11, I began to notice a popping/clunking sound when turning my car left or right, when parking and when turning into or backing out of my driveway (approx 5mph). This clunking sound was occurring without turning the steering wheel all the way to either side and when turning the steering wheel left or right with the car running at a complete stop. On 10/27/11, I took my car to my toyota dealership in winston salem, nc and was told the steering shaft needed to be replaced and the car would need a 4 wheel alignment as a result of the replacement. On 11/01/11, I had this service done at my toyota dealership (replaced steering shaft assembly, item #45260-42090, and 4 wheel alignment.) I paid a total of $479.73 for this service. The federal safety agency service bulletin #st001-08, item #10024291, was issued 2/08/08 for the 2007 rav4 steering component. In searching mycarstats.com along with other sites on the internet, this is an extremely common issue and complaint. A repair cost of $479.73 is substantial, and since this is a known consumer complaint and a service bulletin was issued, I believe toyota should issue a recall on this steering shaft component for the 2007 rav4.
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