2009 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

Filed May 22, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · NJ

We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. By refusing the repair without providing an alternative solution The manufacture is failing its federal obligation to remedy a known safety defect. The vehicle is currently trapped in a regularity deadlock. It can not legally or safely be repaired. It is now deemed unsafe to be driven period. When the dealership gave the vehicle back, They wanted us to sign off and yes we refused because they told us it was inspected and was going to be repaired. When they did the inspection it is known that they have to bang , wrench and or pull on these parts to check to see if recall can be completed. Which they told us it could. When the vehicle was picked up we immediately noticed that the steering wheel was no longer in the correct position and that it was making an extreme screeching sound. We did not reach back out to the dealership as we feel they definitely caused more damage and already treated us poorly. We are requesting that the federal safety agency intervenes to compel Toyota to provide an alternative remedy. Either structural vehicle replacement or a KB buyback to remove this 100% unsafe vehicle from the road. because the structural rust is directly impacting the exact components .

Filed Mar 3, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 78,000 miles · CA

The power steering light came on then the steering wheel locked I jerked it to the right to get it to pull off the road. I was driving on a city street going up hill when the car finally disabled, the mechanic told me he found nothing wrong when he put it on the diagnostic I don't feel safe driving the car with my child I've paid 140.00 for and inspection now I'm taking it to the sf toyota mechanic.

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · Steering · 140,000 miles · AL

Steering column creaks and sticks. At times it does not return to the neutral position. One of the people who serviced my car for tires today almost hit a retaining post due to this issue. I have also experienced the sticking of the steering in one position and had to forcibly return the steering wheel to the neutral position. I am not feeling safe in this vehicle and know that this issue is impacting the value of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 30, 2018 · Steering · 98,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. When the contact turned the steering wheel to the left or right, the steering wheel emitted a loud thumping noise and felt loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column shaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2016 · Steering · 108,192 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. While driving on a bumpy road or making a left or right turn, the steering wheel made a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack was leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,192.

Filed May 26, 2016 · Steering · 47,500 miles · FL

At 47,500 miles, steering started making a clunking noise when wheel turned all the way to one side or the other. Usually it occurred when turning the wheel back to center but not always. Tended t happen in a parking lot or when a sharp turn was required. Dealer repaired at a cost of almost $700. Car was unsafe to drive without repair. (cost of repair covered under extended service plan which was purchased when car was purchased.) this type of serious safety issue should not happen at under 50,000 miles or even ever.

Filed Jan 28, 2016 · Steering · 50,000 miles · WA

When turning the steering wheel either direction at low speeds a clunking noise was audible. Car has only 50,000 miles. Looked on internet and found hundreds of reports of the problem in multiple models and over many years. The cause is the steering column shaft. Took it to dealer and that was exactly the problem! $600 to repair ! Further research indicates that japan has recalled these cars for this reason already. Recall these cars now!! Steering failure can eventually happen!!

Filed Aug 20, 2015 · Steering · 66,000 miles · IN

Would hear and feel a popping sound when truing right or left. Had car serviced a 75000 mile reported the problem to beck toyota. They said this was caused by a binding og the intermediate steering shaft and cost 544.68 dollars to replace. I did not have the shaft replaced because they would have to order one. I came home and did some research on the web. I seems that over a 100000 people have had this problem. Some have had the shaft replaced to have it fail again in a short length of time. This is a safety issue if the shaft was to hard bind a person could wreck.

Filed Jan 3, 2015 · Steering · 105,000 miles · PA

There is a noticeable thumping, like a belt slipping or a gear missing, when making sharp turns. The frequency of the issue becomes more prevalent the longer you drive. On 12/22/14, york auto group, my local toyota service department, determined there is a failure in the rack and pinion. It is my understanding from my research that some people have managed to get this repair covered by toyota since it is a potential safety issue and becoming more frequent in this model. I did contact toyota and opened case # [xxx] toyota was less responsive in my case. If this is becoming a known issue, I would like them to cover the repair and possibly alert other rav4 owners. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 16, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 70,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav 4. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle started to make popping noises and started to spin out of control. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rear lower arm tie rod had fractured. The contact had received a recall notification for recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v383000 (suspension). However, the part was not available to do the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.