2006 Toyota RAV4
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 704 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 26 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 10 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear suspension arms and encapsulate the locknuts, free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0V for Toyota vehicles and GLK for Lexus vehicles. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-383, in which some vehicles were only inspected, sealed, and did not have both arms replaced. The affected vehicles were previously recalled under 13V-383, but did not have both rear suspension arms replaced at that time. Those vehicles need to have both arms replaced as part of this recall remedy.
Campaign 16V596000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherFeb 19, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.
A cut seat belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a protector over both rear seat cushion frames, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0F.
Campaign 16V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 28, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tie rods and replace any that have rust or corrosion on the alignment adjustment threads. All of the rear tie rods will then be encased in an epoxy to prevent future environmental damage. Due to limitations in parts, the recall remedy will be launched in phases from September 2013 through mid-April 2014. All owners will receive notification of the recall, with most receiving second notifications when parts are available in their area. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373. All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied.
Campaign 13V383000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 2, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 RAV4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h passenger vehicles manufactured from October 2005 through September 2010. If the nuts for adjusting the rear wheel alignment are improperly tightened during service, the rear suspension arm (rear tie rod) may develop unwanted movement and rust, leading to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the rear tie rod will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.
Failure of the rear tie rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear tie-rod nut for looseness and replace any suspect tie-rod found loose. Dealers will also affix instructions in multiple places to prevent improper servicing in the future. The recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 12V373000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 11V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
230 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Oct 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERMEDIATE AND ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. AS A RESULT, PART OF THE STEERING SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,635 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. ...UPDATED 11-12-13 *BF UPDATED 11/18/2013 *JS
Steering, Oct 3, 2013
ON 5/30/13 I PURCHASED THE ABOVE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 FROM PIONEER VALLEY SALES PO BOX 254 S DEERFIELD, MA 01373 AND PICKED IT UP ON 6/3/13. THE VEHICLE HAD A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. ON 6/10/13 I BROUGHT IT TO CHERRY RUM AUTOMOTIVE 451 BERNARDSTON RD. GREENFIELD, MA. 01301 FOR MY MECHANIC TO INSPECT. HE REMOVED THE STEERING SHAFT COVERS AND ASCERTAINED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. HE ALSO SAID THAT THERE WAS A TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM (TSB3462). HE RECOMMENDED REPLACING IT. I TRIED TO GET PIONEER VALLEY SALES TO REPAIR IT FOR OVER A MONTH AND THEY REFUSED TO. I CONSIDERED THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAD CHERRY RUM AUTOMOTIVE REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. I PAID THEM $571.70 FOR THIS. I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. I LOOK FORWARD TO TOYOTA REIMBURSING ME FOR THIS EXPENSE. *TR
Steering, Sep 21, 2013
HEARD A CLUNK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. WAS TOLD THIS WAS A STEERING SHAFT NOISE (STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE T-SB-0318-08). CALLED DEALER TO SEE IF THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND FOUND OUT IT WAS NOT. ASKED IF PROBLEM UNDER A RECALL AND ALSO FOUND OUT IT WASN'T. ASKED DEALER IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE CAR AS IS SINCE NOT UNDER A RECALL AND DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT MAKE A COMMENT ON SAFETY CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. ------I FEEL ANYTHING LINKED TO STEERING IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND TOYOTA SHOULD INITIATE A RECALL OVER THIS PROBLEM.
Steering, Sep 16, 2013
I HAVE HAD A CLUNKING NOISE IN MY FRONT END SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHEN MAKING TURNS. THEY COULD NEVER HEAR IT TILL NOW AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT IS A PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY ISSUE AND WILL COST $748.74 TO FIX!!! NOISE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL AND NO-CHARGE. *TR
Steering, Sep 5, 2013
AFTER BUYING THE CAR IN 2006, A COUPLE YEARS LATER I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH A CLUCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. TOYOTA SAID IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PROBLEM. THEY REPLACES THE PART 3 TIMES AND THE NOISE CAME AGAIN AFTER SOME MONTHS. I CALLED TOYOTA THEY DID NOT HELP, THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND IN BETWEEN ONE THING AND THE OTHER ONE ALMOST A YEARS PASSED AND THEY DID NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THE ARE THOUSAND OF PEOPLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVED THAT THIS MAY BE A HAZARDOUS DEFECT THAT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Steering, Power train, Aug 25, 2013, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON A SUBURBAN NJ ROAD AT AROUND 30-40MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING CONTROL OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CAR VEERED INTO THE LEFT LANE, I ATTEMPTED TO RIGHT THE CAR AND SIMULTANEOUSLY HIT THE BREAKS. THE ABS RESPONSE KICKED IN, AND THE CAR VEERED DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT, GOING OFF THE ROAD, ACROSS THE SIDEWALK, AND FINALLY COMING TO A STOP IN THE WOODS. THE REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THAT THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD OF THE BACK RIGHT WHEEL, THAT HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE BECAUSE THE SLEEVE ENCASING HAD RUSTED OVER. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR TOTALLED $10,000, AND THE SHOP WOULD HAVE TOTALED THE CAR IF THE MILAGE HADNT BEEN SO LOW. *TR
Steering, Aug 9, 2013
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT POPPING; TECHS SAY THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS WORN OUT. THERE IS ONLY 56,333 MILES ON THIS TOYOTA RAV4 2006. THERE HAS BEEN OTHERS SINCE AT LEAST 2010 THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A CAR OF THIS AGE AND LOW MILEAGE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SHAFT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AS THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN SENT TO YOU BEFORE AND EVEN PEOPLE HAVE CALLED YOU ABOUT IT. THANK YOU, *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jun 17, 2013
I WAS DRIVING BY 88 ST AND 94 AVE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA WENT THROUGH THE TRAIN TRACKS, AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LIKE AN EXPLOSION, AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND MOVE TO THE LEFT LANE, THANK GOD THERE WAS NO CARS COMING, SO I FINALLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE, I LOOK FOR A REASON OF THE EXPLOSION, AND THEN DRAG...LITERALLY TO A SHOPPING PLAZA, WHERE I NOTICED THE TIRE BEHIND ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS ALMOST SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. I CALLED MY SON, AND HE SEND A TOW TRUCK, LATER A MECHANIC WOULD TELL ME THAT THE INNER TIE ROD BROKE. I NOTICED MONTHS BEFORE THAT THE CAR MADE FUNNY NOISES FROM THE SUSPENSION. I CALLED THE DEALER SENT AN E-MAIL TO TOYOTA USA WARNING THEM, THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO THE DEALER. THEY DIDN'T CARE WHAT I SAID TO THEM, I WENT THREE TIMES TO THEM, TOYOTA USA INSISTED TO GO TO THE DEALER. THREE YEARS LATER TOYOTA USA SENT ME A WARNING BROCHURE ABOUT THE INNER-TIE ROD PROBLEM AND HOW TO DO THE ALIGNMENT ON THE RAV 4 BUT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT DOING THIS PROCEDURE. I DID THE ALIGNMENT FOR THE RAV 4 IN A PLACE THAT HAS ALL THE CERTIFICATIONS, IN MY OPINION THE RAV-4 HAS A DEFECT INVOLVING THE SUSPENSION ( AFTER SHOCKS) AND THE INNER-TIE RODS, I HOPE THIS HELPS FIND THE REASON OF THIS PROBLEM. AND HOW TO GET REIMBURSED FOR ALL THE EXPENSES THAT I WENT THROUGH THIS.. *TR
Steering, Apr 23, 2013
STARTED NOTICING "CLUNKING" SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. HAD MY MECHANIC CHECK AND HE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY STEERING SHAFT ISSUE AND SAID IT COULD ALSO IINVOLVE RACK AND PINION BUT THAT COULD NOT BE VERIFIED WITHOUT FURTHER LABOR.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2013
I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN TOYOTA'S RELIABLE VEHICLES TILL I BOUGHT MY RAV4. LATELY I HAVE HAD THE UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE OF HAVING TO REPLACE ALL SIX COILS WITH NEW ONES, BECAUSE TOYOTA MAID A BAD DESIGN FOR THE 2006 RAV4. AND NOW I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS BECAUSE THEY ARE BAD TOO. TOYOTA PLEASE HELP WITH COVERING THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR. *TR
Steering, Apr 2, 2013
I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN MY STEERING EACH TIME I TURN. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS JUST TOLD I NEEDED TO GET IT REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT SEVERAL OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I HAVE NO INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY BUT FEEL THAT SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM TOYOTA NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL AND HAVE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED. WE SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL TRAGEDY HAPPENS BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 28, 2013
OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST 2 MONTHS I HAVE HEARD A QUIET POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK RIGHT TIRE AREA WHEN I MAKE TURNS. I ACTUALLY VISITED A TOYOTA DEALER 1/8/2013 BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOWER SUSPENSION ARM RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THEY "INSPECTED" AND PUT A STICKER ON, AND A WORTHLESS CLAMP (MIGHT AS WELL BEEN A PAPERCLIP) ON THE THE TIE ROD. ON 2/27/13, I TOOK A FEW CO-WORKERS TO LUNCH AND THEY NOTICED A LOUD POP EVERY TIME I TURNED A CORNER OR HIT ANY UNEVEN SPOT IN THE ROAD. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPOT AT WORK I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT THE REAR RIGHT TIRE AND IT WAS SLANTED ONLY SLIGHTLY. LATER IN THE DAY, I BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND HEARD A VERY SEVERE POP AND THE TIRE MADE A WHOOSHING NOISE AS IT WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE TIRE WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF SERVICE AT THIS POINT. I GOT MY VEHICLE TOED TO A NEARBY SHOP, AND THEY FOUND THAT THE TIE ROD ON THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS BENT SEVERELY. THE MECHANIC THAT WAS INSPECTING MY VEHICLE WAS NOT A DEALER, AND AGREED THAT THE "FIX" TOYOTA DEVELOPED FOR THIS RECALL ISSUE WAS WORTHLESS, AND AGREED THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THIS HAD FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE BENT TIE ROD, AND VISITED THE SHOP TO SEE FOR MYSELF THIS AFTERNOON. I TRULY THINK THAT TOYOTA'S FIX SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO REPLACE EVERYONE'S TIE RODS. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE STILL AT RISK! I PLAN TO SUBMIT MY CHARGES TO TOYOTA FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
Steering, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE WHENEVER THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ..UPDATED 03/18/13 *BF
Steering, Visibility/wiper, Feb 6, 2013
THE RAV4 HAS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR IN WHICH IT WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE VISOR FREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING ABRUPTLY DROPS TO A STRAIGHT-DOWN POSITION. IN THIS POSITION IT IMPAIRS FORWARD VISIBILITY, AND FOR TALL DRIVERS IT CAN BLOCK THE VIEW OF THE ROAD COMPLETELY. THERE IS ALSO A WIDELY-REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING (THERE ARE 166 REPORTS ON THIS SITE AT THE TIME OF MY FILING) WHICH IS NOTICED IN THE FORM OF A KNOCKING OR CLUNKING NOISE WHICH CAN ALSO BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. MANY OWNERS, INCLUDING ME, ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD BE A PRECURSOR TO A STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Feb 2, 2013
A NOISE CAME FROM STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SOMETIME. TOYOTA REPLACED R&R STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. EVENTUALLY STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SEVERANCE OF THE SPIRAL CABLE. NO DOUBT THESE WERE RELATED. UNKNOWN TO ME AT THE TIME OF THE REPAIR TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON 2-8-08 COVERING THIS ISSUE. THEY REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEFECTIVE PART STARTED TO FAIL FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. BOTH OF THE ISSUES ARE SAFETY RELATED ITEMS. WAITING FOR THE STEERING TO FAIL WOULD BE ABSURD. A LOOK AT THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL YEAR OF THE RAV4. PLEASE ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS FOR THE 2006 RAV4. *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2013
STEERING MECHANISM WAS NOT SMOOTH IN MOVEMENT AND MADE POPPING NOISE. IT APPEARS BY SEARCHING ONLINE THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD SAME TROUBLE. FORTUNATELY, WE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. WE HAD REPAIR PERFORMED AT ADAMS TOYOTA LEE'S SUMMIT, MO. DEALERSHIP REPLACED DEFECTIVE LOWER STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. REPAIR WAS CORRECTIVE AND COST $262.85 BEFORE TAXES. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Nov 26, 2012
WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, I HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. A MECHANIC I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RECENTLY FOUND THAT THE STEERING SHAFT IS FAILING. THIS IS THE SECOND STEERING SHAFT THAT HAS GONE BAD; I HAD THE FIRST ONE REPLACED 4 YEARS AGO WITH A SUPPOSEDLY IMPROVED VERSION. EVIDENTLY, WHATEVER CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE DESIGN DID NOT PREVENT THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OCCURRING. I STARTED TO HEAR THE SAME NOISE APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AFTER HAVING THE REPLACEMENT INSTALLED. *TR
Steering, Engine, Oct 24, 2012
2006 TOYOTA RAV4, CONSUMER STATED WITHIN 3 1/2 MONTHS AFTER OIL, TOTAL OIL LEAKAGE OCCURRED. THE PISTONS, RINGS AND GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED. ON FEB 2, 2012 THE CONSUMER HAD AN OIL CHANGED. ON JUNE 1, 2012 THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE DIPSTICK WAS COMPLETELY DRY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE OIL LEAK WAS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND NOT JUST SUDDENLY WITHIN 3 1/2 MONTHS. THE TECHNICIANS WHO PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3-4 MONTHS SHOULD HAVE NOTICED THE SHORTAGE OF OIL, ESPECIALLY ON FEB 2, 2012. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *JB
Steering, Oct 24, 2012
GET A CLUNKING IN STEERING,, TOOK IT TO DEALER BAD INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT.. THEY HAVE A TSB ON IT,, BUT WONT FIX DUE TO IT CURRENTLY BEING OUT OF WARRANTY, AM CONCERNED ABOUT STEERING ISSUES AND CAUSING A ACCIDENT. TOYOTA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND WONT RECALL,, HAS TO THINK STEERING PROBS CAN BE A MAJOR RISK HAZARD,, SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT IT IN 2008 READ FORUMS.. AND SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR WIDESPREAD ISSUE NOTJUST MINE..WILL IT TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED BEFORE THIS IS BROUGHT TO LIGHT? *TR
Steering, Oct 20, 2012
THERE IS A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE THEY SAID IT WAS A SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT TOYOTA HAD A BULLENTIN OUT ABOUT IT. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BUT ACCORDING TO MYSELF DOING RESEARCH THERE IS A PROBLEM AND I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, SHARPLY HE HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STRING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY OR THE STEERING WOULD FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. ...UPDATED11/21/12 *BF UPDATED 11/30/2012 *JS
Steering, Oct 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 5 MPH OR BELOW, OR WHEN IN PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EXHIBIT LOUD CLUNKING NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/1/12 *CN UPDATED 11/1/2012 *JS
Steering, Oct 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY SLUGGISH AND THE STEERING MADE A CRACKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Steering, Sep 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING AND THUMPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL AND ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,956.
Steering, Sep 17, 2012
STEERING FEELS LOOSE AND RATTLES OVER BUMPS. TOYOTA SAID NO CREDIT FOR OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. COST TO REPAIR WITH REDESIGNED PARTS IS $1,900. VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY MAINTAINED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY STEERING PROBLEMS. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS. TOYOTA SAID THIS IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM BUT THE LOOSE STEERING FEELING DOES NOT INSPIRE CONFIDENCE. TOYOTA SAID I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING WITH THE PROBLEMS AND THAT IT WOULD ONLY BE AN ANNOYANCE. THIS IS A PRODUCT DEFECT. TOYOTA HAS REDESIGNED THE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THIS IS EVIDENCE THE ORIGINAL DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE. *TR