2008 Toyota RAV4: loss of power steering

6 of the 575 complaints about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 54,640
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 6 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2023
1
2022
1
2020
5
2019
3
2018
3
2017
2
2016
2
2015
16
2014
6
2013
2
2012
1
2011
2
2010
2
2009
3
2008
6
2007
25
2006
17
2005
1
2002
4

What owners say

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Electrical · 162,000 miles · NC

Vehicle lost power when accelerating at highway speeds. No power steering, lights flickering, gauges died.

Filed Sep 15, 2017 · Steering · 39,800 miles · FL

Tl* 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*lj 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

Filed Oct 3, 2015 · Steering · 98,386 miles · OH

Upon starting the vehicle and attempting to go in reverse, the power steering became difficult to turn. Had it towed to my mechanic and was told the electric steering control module and steering column motor assembly had to be replaced. Total cost was $3,300. This is becoming a common complaint and, considering the cost involved, should be thoroughly reviewed by the federal safety agency.

Filed Feb 15, 2015 · Steering · 40,230 miles · MA

Power steering became difficult,dealer replaced steering column. Problem with sensor located at column. Cost to me $1260.00.

Filed Apr 16, 2012 · Steering · 30,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns 2008 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact stopped the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure, but believed that the failure was due to an electrical issue. The dealer repaired the battery and various other electrical components. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage 40,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2011 · Lights, Steering · 54,640 miles · VA

Number 1 -- I am very happy with my rav4. It was a cold evening after dark and I left work. The battery had failed. Not a problem, I got a jump and the car started. I let it sit and obtain some charge. What was very unusual were the number of systems that could fail whenever a power surge was needed, say from the power steering, power brakes, etc. The power surge would lead to a lights out, or loss of steering, or engine temporarily stalling, etc. It recovered each time after the surge was over (good news). I am reporting this because if the battery failure had occurred at speed I could have easily lost control of the car. I view myself as very lucky. The battery was the original battery supplied with the car. I have not yet returned it for re-cycling. It it would be helpful to you for safety study reasons I can make it available.