2009 Toyota RAV4: clunking or noise when steering

5 of the 327 complaints about the 2009 Toyota RAV4 describe clunking or noise when steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 49,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Clunking or noise when steering by model year

2024
1
2019
2
2015
2
2011
1
2010
1
2009
5
2008
13
2007
83
2006
89

What owners say

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 Apr 14, 2012 · Steering · 37,000 miles · TX

I have a 2009 toyota rav4. The steering column started making a clunking noise when turning right or left at low speeds. Looks like others have had this same problem. No recall that I know of, but there should be. Noticed problem shortly after 36,000 mile warranty expired so all out of pocket expense. Had to replace steering shaft at dealer for $378. Ouch!

Filed Nov 10, 2011 · Brakes, Steering · 49,000 miles · NY

Steering started creating occasional mild noise while turning at around 49000. At 53000 during maintenance service at burlington toyota, ontario I reported this incident along with a metallic noise when the brake pedal is pressed. They mentioned not to be able to reproduce the problem and hence did not make any fix. They refused to deal to brake noise and mentioned that my brake pad will last for much longer time and reason may be a little bit of rust. They will have to charge me for any further diagnosis even though it was within the warranty period. Later I have escalated this to toyota canada, as another toyota dealer found that the shaft inside the steering column is cracked. Toyota canada claims that to be a wear and tear and refused to cover that as my warranty was over even though I have reported this problem when my vehicle was within warranty period. Today november 10th, newspapers publish that more than 500,000 rav4 are recalled for steering. I called the dealer and they mentioned, this recall is only for 2006 rav4 and not for 2009. I strongly feel that toyota rav4 2009 has the same issue. I could not find an ontario site. So I could not enter my province and zip code below.