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, Sep 11, 2012
EARLY ON IN OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE A LIGHT 'CLUNKING' NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE. NOISE PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE. I REPEATEDLY REPORTED THE INCIDENT TWICE TO THE DEALERSHIP - TOYOTA LAKE CITY, SEATTLE, WA, PRIOR TO EXPIRATION OF VEHICLE WARRANTY. EVERY TIME I WAS ADVISED THE DEALERSHIP STAFF WAS "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE". CURRENTLY, THE NOISE IS EXTREMELY LOUD, AND THERE'S A 'POPPING' FEEL IN THE STEERING COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL, COUPLED WITH A LOUD CLUNK. I'M CONCERNED FOR MY, AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY, HOWEVER I DON'T HAVE $800.00 TO REPAIR AN ITEM WHICH SHOULDN'T BE HAVING ISSUES. NOTE: I HAVE A 2010 TOYOTA RAV4 VIN#[XXX], WHICH IS BEGINNING TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE AS 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE VIA TSB# ST001-08. TOYOTA HAS DEVELOPED A "NEW" STEERING SHAFT WHICH REMEDIES THE ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, FOR IT IMPACTS A LARGE MAJORITY OF THE RAV4 OWNERS - ANOTHER TOYOTA ISSUE WHICH THEY KNOW ABOUT, BUT TRY TO HIDE! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Sep 10, 2012
HAD A CLUNKING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING AND BACKING UP. STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM RETURNED AND REPAIRED ON AUG. 27,2012 AT 73,852 MILES AND COST $720. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 50 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A CAR THAT HAD A STEERING PROBLEM LIKE THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I DIDN'T HAVE IT REPAIRED THE STEERING COLUMN COULD LOCK UP. I SEE THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN 2006-2007 RAV4'S CAN SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 22, 2012
STEERING WHEEL "CLUNKS" AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS - CLUNKING INCREASES OVER TIME. CONCERN IS IF STEERING FAILS AS A RESULT. TOYOTA'S FIX IS TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE DRIVESHAFT AND AN ALIGNMENT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM ON A NUMBER OF RAV4 MODEL YEARS (BASED ON HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS ON INTERNET DISCUSSION SITES, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH CLAIMS FAILED STEERING RESULTING IN MULTICAR CRASH). PER THESE ONLINE DISCUSSIONS, SOME TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE STATED IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SOME HAVE NOT. GIVEN THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS (TOYOTA HAS TWO SERVICE MEMOS ISSUED ON THE PROBLEM AND EVEN DEVELOPED NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS), IF THE NHTSA HAS INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE AND DETERMINED THERE IS NO CONSUMER SAFETY ISSUES, IS THAT CONCLUSION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC? WOULD APPEAR THIS WOULD BE PROPER TO DISCLOSE, AS CONSUMERS GET VERY CONCERNED WITH A POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING AND ITS POTENTIAL CRASH RAMIFICATIONS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Aug 14, 2012
THERE WAS A RUMBLE IN THE REAR @ 40 MPH. I HAD MAPLEWOOD TOYOTA CHECK IT 2-3 TIMES, THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HEAR IT, CAR WAS FINE; THEY CHECKED THE TRANS OIL ONCE AND SAID IT WAS FINE. IT'S A CLOSED SYSTEM-YOU NEVER NEED TO CHANGE ITS OIL. (I HAD ASKED THIS QUESTION SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT I NEVER NEEDED TO CHANGE THE TRANS OIL & THE MANUAL DOES NOT LIST IT EITHER). THEY TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE AND CHECKED IT GOOD-SAID THAT 1ST GEAR WAS GOING, BUT IT WAS FINE TO DRIVE-COME BACK WHEN I COULDN'T STAND THE NOISE AND THEY'D PUT IN A NEW TRANS FOR $4,500. I WAS GOING OUT OF TOWN, THEY SAID OK, CAR WILL BE FINE. SINCE THE RUMBLE WAS SO LOUD, 3 DAYS LATER I GOT A SECOND OPINION AT A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST'S SHOP RECOMMENDED TO ME BY SEVERAL FRIENDS. THEY PUT IT UP ON A RACK AND TESTED IT WITH A STETHOSCOPE TYPE DEVICE. THEY SAID THAT THE BEARING WAS VERY BAD AND THAT I SHOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR OUT OF TOWN OR DRIVE IT AS IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD STOP AT ANY TIME. THEY REPLACED M,W/S, U240/24E 00-UP (CORK); FILTER; BUSHING, A40 SERIES PUMP; TC, RAV4, MED STALL, INK 14; CENTER GEAR BEARING, ETC. WHEN THE TOYOTA TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE TRANS OIL, I REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT "A CLOSED SYSTEM"! ALSO, THE OIL WAS BLACK AND I NOW KNOW THAT IT SHOULD BE RED. I THINK I SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGING THE TRANS OIL ALL ALONG AND MY TRANSMISSION PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. I THINK THEY SHOULD ORDER A RECALL ON ALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS - AND PAY FOR THE WORK THAT I HAD TO HAVE DONE BEFORE MY CAR FAILED ON A FREEWAY SOMEWHERE. A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST FOREVER, ESPECIALLY SINCE HALF OF THE MILES HAVE BEEN FREEWAY MILES AND I DRIVE MY CAR VERY GENTLY. I JUST PUT IN NEW BRAKE PADS FOR THE FIRST TIME RECENTLY AND THERE WAS STILL 20-30% LEFT ON THEM. PREVIOUSLY I HAD TO PAY TOYOTA $400 TO REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN-ANOTHER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Aug 9, 2012
STEERING HAS CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEED AND CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FORUMS ARE FULL OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE WHICH POINT TO "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT". ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN NO FATALITIES CONNECTED TO THIS-IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ON THE LARGE SCALE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA. WHAT HAPPENED TO TOYOTAS CULTURE OF HONOR? *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2012
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM. WHEN ON SLOW SPEED. THE STEERING MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING BOTH DIRECTION. SOMETIME IT MAKES YOU FEEL IT IS SO LOOSE THAT THE WHEEL NOT TURNING AT ALL. WHAT HAPPEN IF I AM DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THE WHEEL WON'T BE ABLE TO TURN. MANY MANY HAVE COMPLAINT WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NOT A SINGLE SOLUTION. IT MUST BE THE PROBLEM OF THE DESIGN OR DEFECTIVE MATERIALS!! *TR
Steering, Jul 19, 2012
WE JUST HAD OUR 2006 RAV4 STATE INSPECTION TODAY AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE FRONT INNER TIE ROD REPLACED SINCE IT HAS BECOME UNSTABLE. THEY SAID THIS CANNOT BE REPLACED BY ITSELF SINCE IT IS ATTACHED TO THE STEERING RACK, SO WE WILL NEED ENTIRE RACK REPLACED, RESULTING IN $2400 IN REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO SAID THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS FOR SAFETY REASONS, SINCE IT CAN GO OUT OF ALIGNMENT AT ANY TIME. WE'VE ALSO HEARD KNOCKING WHEN WE TURN THE CAR FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND HAVE ASKED ABOUT IT, BUT NEVER BEEN GIVEN AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. THE DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS THIS COULD BE THE CAUSE. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM OF INTEGRITY WITH THE PART AND NOT A WEAR & TEAR ISSUE THEN I THINK THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL SINCE IT IS A FAULT OF THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 16, 2012
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH FRONT STEERING, SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS STARTED WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND CONTINUED WITH OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING, FRONT SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN. VARIOUS FRONT END COMPONENTS HAD BEEN REPLACED 10 TIMES. AFTER THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN AUGUST OF 2011, THE VEHICLE IS NOW PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. *JB
Steering, Jul 15, 2012
HEARD ABNORMAL MECHANICAL RATTLE FROM THE FRONT END GOING OVER ROUGH STREETS IN SAN FRANCISCO. TOOK VEHICLE IN SUSPECTING SUSPENSION ISSUE TO CAPITOL TOYOTA OF SAN JOSE. DIAGNOSIS WAS STEERING RACK HAS A KNOWN PART ISSUE, INTERNAL TO ITS DESIGN, NOTHING THE DEALER COULD DO, AS FACTORY DID NOT ALLOW THEM TO OPEN THE PART UP, ONLY REPLACE IT. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE CAR WAS SAFE OR NOT TO DRIVE. SAID ONLY THING THEY COULD SO WAS REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK AT $2000 +, WHICH IS OUTRAGEOUS. THEY SAID IF I HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY WOULD SWAP IT OUT, AND THIS IS DONE ALL THE TIME FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR! THIS CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY AND NOT DRIVEN OFF-ROAD. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD POSE A THREAT IF THE STEERING WERE TO LOCK UP/FAIL WHILE DRIVING, YET TOYOTA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AND SAYS ITS WEAR AND TEAR. AT 70K MILES? THIS PART SHOULD LAST 200K. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS ONLINE OF ISSUES WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM. ONE SUCH REPORT: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/TSB/2006/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING TSB NUMBER: 00506NHTSA NUMBER: 10020124TSB DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2007DATE ADDED TO FILE: JULY 24, 2006 FAILING COMPONENT: STEERING SUMMARY: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING: MIL ON DTC U0105 & U0121. *TR
Steering, Jun 19, 2012
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FAULTY AFTER FIRST COUPLE YEARS OF OWNING VEHICLE. CLUNKING NOISE AND CLICKING FEEL WHEN TURNING VEHICLE. TOYOTA DID NOT WANT TO COVER REPAIR. OWNERS HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED WHICH WASN'T CHEAP. NOW, AFTER 6 YRS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, I FEEL IT STARTING AGAIN. THEY SAID THIS WAS DANGEROUS IF LEFT UNFIXED. IT COULD LEAD TO STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA SINCE IT'S A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR FOR THE VEHICLE OWNERS TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS WHEN ALL WE WANTED WAS A SAFE AND RELIABLE VEHICLE. *JS
Steering, Jun 4, 2012
MY RAV4 BEGAN MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED AS A STEERING COLUMN ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB ABOUT IT, BUT DOES NOT COVER THE REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH IT'S A DESIGN FLAW (AND SAFETY ISSUE) ON THEIR PART. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD RESULT IN A RECALL. SEE TOYOTA TSB ST001-08. *TR
Steering, May 15, 2012
THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING SHAFT THAT RESULTS IN AN AUDIBLE THUMP THAT IS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING 90 DEGREE CORNERS AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT RATHER PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES, TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS, ETC. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER LUBED THE STEERING SHAFT AT 87,169 MI, AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN IN 11K MILES. I KNOW THAT TOYOTA HAS RECALLED SEVERAL VEHICLES IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO FOR STEERING-RELATED PROBLEMS, AND I FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2006 RAV4 SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF RECALLS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR UPDATED 06/25/2012 *JS
Steering, May 8, 2012
I HAVE 2006 RAV4 WITH STEERING CLUNKING NOISE. I SPOKE WITH MY LOCAL DEALER IN ATLANTIC CITY NJ AND HE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT THERE IS NOT RECALL. I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKET FOR SOMETHING WHAT IS FACTORY PROBLEM. I THINK TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD ALSO INITIATE A RECALL FOR THE STEERING PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Apr 24, 2012
PURCHASED A 2006 RAV4 SPORT 4WD V6 BACK IN THE SUMMER OF 2006 AND THE CAR WAS DOING GREAT UP UNTIL LAST YEAR (2011) WHEN I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING MAKING THIS STRANGE CLICKING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2011 AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION MAKING THE NOISE AND THAT OVER TIME I COULD POSSIBLY LOSE STEERING. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST OVER $2,000 TO FIX. I ASKED IF I COULD JUST DRIVE IT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WORSENED AND THEY SEEMED TO SAY THAT WAS PROBABLY OK THAT IT WOULD COST THE SAME TO FIX SO I LET IT GO. FAST FORWARD ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS (APRIL 2012) AND NOW MY CAR IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURN RIGHT (AS DESCRIBED BY ALMOST EVERYONE ELSE ON THE WEB WITH THIS PROBLEM). I BROUGHT IT BACK IN AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD STILL COST THE SAME PRICE TO FIX AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS INSANE HOW TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH SO MANY OTHERS AND REFUSE TO FIX IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A FAULTY PART ON ALL RAV4'S AROUND 2006-2007 (MAYBE MORE?). MOST COMPANIES WILL REALIZE THEY USED A FAULTY PART TO MAKE A PRODUCT AND REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE TO KEEP THE CUSTOMER HAPPY. THAT IS NOT THE CASE HERE. I CALLED TOYOTA'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE LINE AND SPOKE TO A NASTY PERSON WHO SPOKE VERY CONDESCENDINGLY TO ME. HE KEPT TRYING TO AVOID THE ISSUE AT HAND AND EVENTUALLY JUST SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO BECAUSE MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HE FILED THE COMPLAINT WITH THE REST OF EVERYONE ELSE AND WENT ON HIS WAY. I AM PRETTY SADDENED BY THIS SINCE THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY JUST WENT THROUGH A PAINFUL TIME HOW CAN THEY TURN AROUND AND ACT LIKE THIS TO LOYAL CUSTOMERS? *TR
Steering, Mar 22, 2012
IN 2010, I COMPLAINED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER ABOUT KNOCKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER TWO YEARS THE NOISE BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE AND THE TOYOTA MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE LOWER INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT HAS EXCESSIVE PLAY DUE TO WORN-OUT SPLINES. CORRECTION: REPLACE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ($359.--). I DECLINED REPAIR SINCE I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THE 2006 AND 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 MODEL AND A RECALL WOULD WARRANTED. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF STEERING. THE MECHANIC DID NOT THINK SO. *TR
Steering, Mar 15, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 04/27/12*LJ
Steering, Mar 13, 2012
INTERMEDIATE STEERING LINKAGE MAKES A POPPING NOISE. CONDITION HAS BEEN ADDRESSED UNDER TSB ST 001-08: HOWEVER THIS CONDITION HAS GROWN STEADILY WORSE AND WE FEAR MAY LEAD TO STEERING FAILURE. TOYOTA DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER 36,000 MILE WARRANTY AS 36 MONTHS HAVE ELAPSED SINCE OUR PURCHASE OF THIS NEW CAR. PLEASE ADD OUR COMPLAINT TO YOUR DATA BASE WITH THE HOPE THAT TOYOTA CAN BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS FACTORY STEERING DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2012
CLUNKING SOUND ( AND FEEL) COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT, PARTICULARLY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. CLUNKING IS WORSE IN COLDER WEATHER, BUT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE OFTEN AS TIME PASSES. NO LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY - YET. WHY IS THIS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA? A SIMPLY INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES IT IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND YET TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT INTERESTED IN SPEAKING TO ME ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, OTHER THAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT MY COST. MUST WE EXPERIENCE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO GET TOYOTA'S ATTENTION? *TR
Steering, Jan 17, 2012
THERE'S A WEIRD CLICKING/GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM MY STEERING WHEN TURNING. I WAS MAKING A U-TURN (NOT EVEN 5MPH) WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT AND HAS HEARD IT ALMOST EVERYDAY SINCE. ITS TERRIFYING WHILE DRIVING TO THINK THAT MY STEERING CAN FAIL. MY MECHANIC WILL LET ME KNOW IF IT CAN BE FIXED AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST. I HAVE TO SAY... I'M CONSIDERING TRADING THAT SUCKER IN. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
Steering, Nov 27, 2011
STEERING MAKES A "BUMPING" SOUND WHEN IT IS TURNED IN ANY DIRECTION. MY SON COMMENTED THAT HE NOTICED IT IN 2010. LAST WEEK MY MECHANIC MENTIONED IT AND SAID THAT IT SHOULD BE FIXED. ANOTHER MECHANIC AT THE SAME SHOP ALSO MENTIONED IT TO ME AFTER HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Oct 24, 2011
WHILE MAKING A TURN OF A HIGHWAY EXIT, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, ON THE 4TH DAY OF OWNING MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE. NOT ONLY WAS I TALKED DOWN TO AND TREATED RUDELY BY TOYOTA STAFF, I WAS DISMISSED, AS IF THIS WAS NOT A SERIOUS CONCERN. TOYOTA DID FIX THE VEHICLE, AND ASSURED ME THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. ONLY A FEW MONTHS LATER, MY CAR WAS BACK AT TOYOTA, WILL ROTTEN STRUTS, ON A 6 MONTH OLD VEHICLE. AGAIN THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THERE WAS NO HELP FROM TOYOTA WILL ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY FAULTY AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. 2 YEARS TO THE MONTH OF PURCHASE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME AGAIN WHILE DRIVING, THIS TIME TOYOTA REPLACED THE COMPUTER, BEING SURE TO STATE A DIFFERENT REASON FOR THE SAME ISSUE, TO INSURE THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE LEMON LAW. NOW, LESS THAT 2 YEARS AFTER THE 2ND INSTANCE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FOR A 3RD TIME WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY LUCKY TO BE ALIVE, AND THAT IN ALL 3 INSTANCES THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ME, AND I WAS ON AN OPEN ROAD, WHERE I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP BEFORE SERIOUSLY INJURING MYSELF OR OTHERS. AFTER THIS MANY REPEAT SERIOUS ISSUES, I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW NO ONE AT TOYOTA CARES TO FURTHER LOOK INTO THE RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE OR REPLACEMENT OF. IF I HAD ACTUALLY CRASHED OR GOD FOR BID BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, I'M SURE THAT MY CLAIMS WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY. WHY DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE, BEFORE TOYOTA CAN TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DEFAULTED VEHICLE? *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN FAILED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN, BUT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Steering, Oct 2, 2011
CLINKING AND GRINDING COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US IT WAS THE STEERING SHAFT IS WORN AND WOULD COST BETWEEN $800- $1000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS NOT COVERED SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. *TR
Steering, Sep 30, 2011
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A CLUNK NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT SLOW OR NO SPEED. THE REPAIR COSTS ARE VERY HIGH I WAS TOLD BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT WOULD COST CLOSE TO $800 TO REPAIR. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINTS. I WORK FOR VW AND KNOW THAT WHEN THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS THIS MANY VEHICLES AND A STEERING CONCERN THAT THERE IS ALWAYS A SAFETY RECALL ISSUED I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE ALREADY. IS IT REALLY GOING TO TAKE ANOTHER " GAS PEDAL " INCIDENT TO MAKE THEM TAKE CARE OF IT? *TR