2008 Toyota RAV4: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Steering · CA

I was starting to back out of my driveway and my steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and became free floating. The plastic air vent fell on my right foot. I did not attempt to drive the car after this incident. I had it towed to Toyota Service. I was told that the steering bracket had come loose and that they had never seen anything like it before. I did some online research and found that this has happened many times with 2006, 2007 and 2008 Toyota RAV 4 vehicles. I believe there are even case numbers for some of them. It was determined to be a failed weld each time! If this had happened to me over the summer, when I was driving in the mountains it cold have caused a serious or even fatal accident. I don't understand why this hasn't been recalled?! This is very dangerous for the unsuspecting people driving RAV 4s! The repair estimate for this is over $5,000!

Filed May 25, 2018 · Steering · 118,527 miles · AZ

I am having a steerling noise issue when backing up or moving forward there's a loud clunk from the steering column area that I can feel in the wheel. I feel it in the wheel when driving down the freeway or uneven surfaces as well as when the vehicle is stopped and idling while turning the wheel to the locks. This vehicle was inspected my an ase certified master mechanic who found no issues with the rack and pinion system but diagnosed the issue as an intermediate steering shaft failure.

Filed Apr 25, 2018 · Steering · 107,600 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While driving various low speeds, the steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and there was abnormal movement in the steering column. A dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,600.

Filed Mar 29, 2018 · Steering · 42,851 miles · CA

Steering intermediate shaft worn out : making clunking noise when turning either way also when reversing car toyota technician found this defect/issue

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 Mar 24, 2017 · Suspension · 75,000 miles · MI

Steering rack noise

Filed Feb 3, 2017 · Steering · 85,000 miles · WA

When turning the steering wheel a loud banging noise comes from the steering column. It feels very unsafe and scarey to drive. Was told it is the steering and that toyota is very aware of the issue with this year car, however since nobody has died yet it is not being recalled. The steering is sometimes unreliable and I never know if it will steer where I want it to or not. I am affraid to drive it, toyota tells me its safe. I am not willing to be the first one to die because of toyota greed to not recall and fix this huge safety issue. When car is in motion at low and high speeds turning any degree either way

Filed Oct 24, 2016 · Steering · 100,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While operating the vehicle and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering column made a clicking noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2016 · Steering · 128,000 miles · NY

Clunk in steering wheel when turning to the left or right.

Filed Dec 1, 2015 · Steering · 89,000 miles · PA

Having just exited I-95, I was turning the steering wheel to the right to pull up to the curb at the philadelphia airport to pick up a passenger. Upon doing so, the steering column made a loud pop or clunk sound, and the steering wheel immediately lurched approximately 6-8" to the left - and nearly out of my hands - almost causing me to crash into the crowd at the curb. After this sound occurred, the steering wheel (as in a previous complaint in 2013) was still operational, however was able to move approximately 6 - 9" up, down, right, or left while still remaining operable. Upon taking the vehicle to the toyota dealership, I was asked if I had been in a front-end collision (answer, "never"), as a factory weld had failed that keeps the steering column attached to a safety rod in the dash. Repairs are expected to run approximately $3,700. Matter has been sent to toyota corporate, however no word has come back. It appears as if I will be responsible for the full repair cost, despite failure in factory weld. Apparently no fail-safes are in place should this weld fail, such that a very dangerous situation arises, especially if this had happened three minutes earlier when I was in very heavy interstate traffic, instead of just having exited, and moving at 10 MPH or less.

Filed Oct 8, 2015 · Steering · 73,000 miles · PA

I have a 2008 rav4. In 2010, I experienced a "clunking" or "thunking" sensation in the steering column on low speed turns. The dealer determined that a faulty intermediate steering shaft was the cause and replaced it. The same problem occurred again in 2012 and the dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft again. In 2015, I had steering problems which had a similar feel (a "thunk" or "clunk" feeling when turning). This time the dealer determined that the steering rack and related parts needed to be replaced and charged me $2,400 for the repair.

Filed Nov 14, 2012 · Steering · 49,500 miles · UT

Steering column clunking sound when ever you turn the steering wheel left or right or going at speeds of 25-35 and 55-70. The noise was narrowed down to the steering column assembly.