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 15, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 SPORT HAS CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. LOW SPEED TURNING PRODUCES A CLUNKING SOUND AND UNSTABLE SENSATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *KB
Steering, Sep 14, 2011
HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL. ARRANGED SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER. DEALER SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE COMPLETE STEERING RACK AND STEERING SHAFT WITH "AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT". $2.563.64. I WAS NOT ADVISED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF NOT REPLACED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD IT WAS TOO BAD THAT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I UNDERSTAND OTHERS WITH 2006 & 2007 RAV4S HAVE HAD SAME ISSUE. SAFETY ISSUE? NO RECALL! *KB
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Aug 8, 2011
I TOOK MY 2006 RAV4 INTO THE LEITH TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN RALEIGH, NC FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RECALL. SERVICE MANAGER CALLS ME AND SAID THAT THERE IS A BANGING VIBRATION AND NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. (THIS DID NOT EXIST BEFORE.) THE MANAGER SAID THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND THAT FAILURE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS REPAIR IS NEARLY $400 AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL NOR MY NOW EXPIRED WARRANTY. WHEN I NEXT DROVE THE RAV4 THE BANGING WAS SO STRONG THAT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER COULD FEEL IT. I CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM, WHO CONFIRMED THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BUT SAID THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT I SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE ABOUT THEM PAYING FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE REPAIR IS NOT COVERED AND THAT TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE WOULD CONTACT ME AS TO WHAT FURTHER WOULD BE DONE. AFTER WAITING MORE THAN 60 DAYS FOR TOYOTA TO CALL ME, I CALLED CUSTOMER CARE AGAIN ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT NOTHING MORE WOULD BE DONE. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR, BUT NONE WAS AVAILABLE. I WAS TOLD THAT A SUPERVISOR WOULD CALL ME BACK WITHIN 24 HOURS. 30 HOURS LATER TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE LEFT A PHONE MESSAGE FOR ME TO CALL THEM BACK. I HAVE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT HAVE CAUSED THIS RAV4 TO LOOSE POWER AND STOP WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE BATTERY GOES DEAD ABOUT EVERY TWO MONTHS. *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2011
THERE IS A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. NOISE IS GETTING LOUDER AND FEELS LIKE STEERING IS BEING AFFECTED. *TR
Steering, Jul 13, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 - STEERING - I HAVE PRESENTED MY VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AT A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE COMPANY LAST WEEK ON TUESDAY, JULY 5TH, 2011 FOR A NOTICEABLE "CLUNKING" SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND FRONT END. THE SERVICE MANAGER SCHEDULED A 2ND VISIT FOR MY VEHICLE ON JULY 7TH, IN ORDER FOR A SERVICE MECHANIC TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. HE FIRST TOLD ME THAT THE UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE "OPENED" AND RE-PACKED WITH GREASE TO MAKE THE NOISE GO AWAY (WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE). ON THE SECOND SERVICE VISIT JULY 7TH, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UNIT WOULD REQUIRE A REBUILDING WITH AT LEAST $ 400.00 OF PARTS. THIS IS THE CASE AFTER I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN WITH 43K ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. AFTER I HAD A THIRD PARTY LOOK AT THE SAME ISSUE, THEY SAID THAT IT DID NOT PRESENT A DANGER, HOWEVER, NEW TIRES AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WERE SUGGESTED TO SEE WHETHER ANY IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE NOTICEABLE.. AFTERWARDS, I STARTED MY INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER, WHEREBY, I NOW KNOW THAT HUNDREDS OF CASES HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, AND, THE MANUFACTURER, TOYOTA, HAS "PASSED THE BUCK" ON THE BLAME AND REPAIR, CHARGING AS MUCH AS $ 1,200 FOR THE STEERING ON THE 2006 RAV 4 MODEL TO BE REPAIRED. SOUNDS LIKE A "SCAM" TO ME. JUST BECAUSE NO ONE HAS GOTTEN HURT YET, DOESN'T MEAN THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM HERE. CARS ARE CONTROLLED THROUGH THE ABILITY TO "STEER" THE VEHICLE. IN OCTOBER 1976, I SURVIVED AN ACCIDENT IN MY BRAND NEW FORD GRANADA, WHEN THE "SUSPENSION ARM" NUT WAS SHEERED OFF WHEN TAKING A CURVE ON A LOCAL ROAD WITH THE VEHICLE AT 20-25 MPH. THREE PEOPLE WALKED AWAY FROM AN ACCIDENT THAT TOOK OUT THE WHOLE FRONT BUMPER, BACK TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. AS THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, FORD MOTOR CORP. GATHERED ALL OF THE ACCIDENT PHOTOS FROM THE BODY SHOP, PREVENTING DISCLOSURE OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM (BACK BEFORE THE "LEMON LAWS" WERE PUT IN PLACE). DO NOT LET THIS PROBLEM SLIP AWAY. THE LIVES OF OWNER / OPERATORS + PASSENGERS ARE AT STAKE ! *TR
Steering, Jun 23, 2011
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WITH STEERING SHAFT ISSUES. THE SHAFT MAKES GRINDING/KNOCKING NOISES WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME OF THIS ISSUE AND STATED THAT I SHOULD REPLACE THE SHAFT. I ARGUED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE COSTS, BUT THEY WOULD NOT CONCUR. I STARTED RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE AND DISCOVERED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. THEY HAVE EVEN ALREADY DEVELOPED A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. IT IS CLEAR THAT THEY RECOGNIZE THIS AS A DESIGN/ENGINEERING ISSUE. FURTHERMORE, THIS DEFECT COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO STEER, WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IN MY OPINION, MERITS A RECALL. *TR
Steering, May 24, 2011
STEERING COLUMN ON TOYOTA 2006 RAV 4 SHOWING SIGNS OF BAD U-JOINT/THRUST COLLAR BEARING. CAR HAS 43,000 MILES AND MAKES LOUD CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING. TOYOTA HAS A TSB BUT SAYS IT IS NOT YET A SAFETY ISSUE SO NO REFUND AND NO PRICE CUT ON $500 REPAIR. IF STEERING COLUMN U-JOINT FAILS WHAT HAPPENS TO STEERING??? *TR
Steering, May 24, 2011
TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING NOISE. *TR
Steering, May 5, 2011
LIKE MANY OTHER 2006 RAV4 OWNERS, I HAVE EXPERIENCE THE SO-CALLED "CLUNKING" NOISE WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS APPEAR TO BE A KNOW PROBLEM (DESIGN FLAW) WITH THIS MODEL, YET TOYOTA FAIL TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND INITIATIVE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DO WE HAVE TO EXPERIENCE SUCH CATASTROPHIC EVENTS AS THE "ACCELERATION ISSUE", BEFORE TOYOTA DECIDE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? *TR
Steering, Equipment, Mar 13, 2011
TOYOTA RAV4 MAKES POPPING AND CLUNKING NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THIS IS DUE TO LOOSENESS IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SPLINES AND JOINTS (TOTAL COST:$468; PART NUMBERS 45221-42071 [STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT] AND 45260-42090 [STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY]). THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. IT IS A PRODUCT DEFECT IN STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AS EVIDENT BY THE TSB ISSUED BY TOYOTA. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2011
TOYOTA TSB-0308-08 FOR A STEERING CLUNK ON 2006 AND LATER TOYOTA RAV4'S SHOULD BE A RECALL, BEFORE STEERING GOES OUT IN THESE VEHICLES. THE TSB INDICATES THAT "BEEFED UP" STEERING SHAFTS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BUT MANY CARS ARE NOW "OUT OF WARRANTY" BECAUSE THE DEALERS CLAIMED NOT TO BE ABLE TO HEAR THE NOISE. NOW THAT MANY OF THESE CARS ARE OUT OF WARRANTY, THE COST TO FIX IS EXCESSIVE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS AND FIX THIS PROBLEM ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY FROM IT. ANY TOYOTA FORUM ON THE INTERNET HAS SCORES OF COMPLAINTS FROM RAV4 OWNERS, AND STORIES OF INDIFFERENCE ON THE PART OF THE TOYOTA DEALERS. PROBLEM: STEERING AUDIBLE CLUNK AND THE FELL OF THE CLUNK, WHILE TURNING LEFT OF RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED FOR THE FAILURE BUT NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE STEERING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,106. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN UPDATED 01/05/2012 *LN *TR
Steering, Feb 14, 2011
CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END ANY TIME I DO A SLOW TURN. SOUNDS AS THOUGH SOMETHING IN THE STEERING MECHANICS IS SLIPPING OUT OF JOINT. *TR
Steering, Jan 19, 2011
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR. WE UNDERSTAND THAT MANY RAV 4 AND OTHER TOYOTA MODELS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OR FAILURES AND MUST BE REPLACED. IS THIS A POSSIBLE RECALL ISSUE. UPDATED 01/20/11 *BF UPDATED 07/26/11 STATUS UPDATE 08/30/11. *JB STAUS UPDATE 10/06/11. *JB
Steering, Jan 3, 2011
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. PROBLEM BEGAN ON JAN. 2 2011. WHILE SLOWLY TURNING LEFT I DETECTED "CLUNKING" SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. EVERY TIME I TURN LEFT I HEAR THIS NOISE, AND KNOWING TOYOTA HAS HAD SOME STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS IN THE PAST I BECAME EXTRA NERVOUS. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND QUITE QUICKLY THAT THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RAV 4S BUT NO RECALL CAN BE ISSUED UNTIL THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS, AND OWNERS ARE PAYING UP TO $1000 TO GET THIS FIXED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Dec 26, 2010
MY 2006 RAV 4 HAS HAD A SERIES OF FRONT END PROBLEMS DATING FROM JAN 2007 TO APRIL 2009. IT HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES (WARRANTY WORK) WITH NUMEROUS PARTS BEING REPLACED BEFORE TOYOTA HAD THEIR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REP COME AND LOOK AT IT. THEY ENDED UP REPLACING JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE FRONT END COMPONENT PARTS EXCEPT THE STEERING. THAT WAS THE 10TH TIME THE CAR WAS IN. NOW AFTER 21 MONTHS THE SOUND IS BACK AND I CAN EVEN FEEL VIBRATION KNOCK IN THE STEERING. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2006. MILEAGE AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE WAS 4847. MILEAGE IN APRIL 2009 WAS 26737. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 41800. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WITH THE FEELING THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK WHILE I'M MAKING A SHARP TURN. *TR
Steering, Dec 23, 2010
WE HAD THE TOYOTA DEALER CHECK A NOISE IN THE STEERING ON A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THEY DIAGNOSED THE NOISE AS NOISE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF TOYOTA WARRANTY, TSB ST001-08, THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE. WE CONTACTED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE AND THEY ALSO REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE INDICATED THAT THE PART WOULD HAVE TO PHYSICALLY BREAK BEFORE IT COULD BE FIXED. RESEARCHING THE ISSUE INDICATES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES YET DUE TO THE DEFECT. WHEN AN ISSUE INDICATES A POSSIBLE FAILURE WE LIKE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BEFORE DAMAGE OCCURS.*LN
Steering, Dec 21, 2010
ON MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4, I CAN HEAR AND FEEL A CLUNKING OR POPPING NOISE AND SENSATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THE FEEL IS AS IF THE LINKAGE(S) IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE SOME INTERFERENCE OR HAVE BECOME PREMATURELY WORN TO THE POINT WHERE THEY ARE RUBBING ON EACH OTHER AND PRODUCE A POPPING SENSATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THE POPPING NOISE/SENSATION OCCURS EVERY TIME I TURN THE CAR THROUGH TURNS GREATER THAN ABOUT 45 DEGREES, LEFT OR RIGHT. THE SENSATION STARTED ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO WHEN THE CAR HAD ABOUT 30,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 67,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, HE WOULD HEAR AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND. THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT BUSHING HAD DRIED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Steering, Nov 29, 2010
HEARD A NOISE IN MY STEERING COLUMN . TOOK CAR FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE NOISE. THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE UNIVERSAL STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS AN ITEM THAT TOYOTA RECALLED IN OCTOBER 20, 2008 FOR THIS PROBLEM 2006 - 2008 RAV 4'S. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA THEY TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE RECALL AND I WAS OVER THE 36 MONTHS TIME FRAME. HOWEVER I ONLY HAD 30,000 MILES ON MY CAR AT THE TIME AND JUST STARTED TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AS THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE OCCURRED IN ANY OF THE VIN #'S OF THOSE YEARS. I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THEY RECALLED THE OTHER VIN #'S FOR. UPDATED 01/20/11 *BF
Steering, Nov 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.
Steering, Nov 9, 2010
MY STEERING HAS DEVELOPED A SERIOUS KNOCKING. INITIALLY IT WAS LIGHT BUT IS NOW RAPIDLY INCREASING SPECIFICALLY WHEN MAKING SHORT TURNS LIKE EXITING MY GARAGE AND/OR BACKING UP. THE CAR HAS 47000 MILES AND I DON'T THINK A DEFECT LIKE THIS SHOULD HAPPEN. IT CERTAINLY IS NOT PART OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE. CHECKING THE WEB I NOTICE THAT MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I WONDER WHY TOYOTA HAS NOT RECALLED THE MODEL TO FIX THIS OBVIOUS- AND POSSIBLY DANGEROUS - DEFECT.
Steering, Nov 1, 2010
CLUNKING STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING. STARTED AT ABOUT 15K MILES. NOW 45K AND NOISE MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED. READ THIS IS ROD/SHAFT PROBLEM WITH 2006S, SEE THAT MAJORITY OF COMPLAINS FILED W/ NHTSA RELATE TO THIS ISSUE. WHY IS TOYOTA NOT RECALLING? THEY CLAIM NOT SAFETY ISSUE. CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING CAN'T BE GOOD FOR FUTURE INTEGRITY OF VEHICLE'S STEERING. IT'S NOT A PROBLEM UNTIL THERE IS A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. READ TOYOTA RECALLED 2005S FOR SAME ISSUE, AND READ NO POST-2006 MODELS SUFFER SAME PROBLEM. COME ON TOYOTA, FIX THIS PROBLEM ON 2006S. *TR
Steering, Oct 30, 2010
2006 RAV4 STEERING CLUNK. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Oct 29, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV4. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING TOYOTA PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HER MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE HAS A WIDELY KNOWN DEFECT IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE ECM COMPUTER IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS ALSO AN ASSOCIATED RATTLING SOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS REGARDING THE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF CLOSE TO TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE MECHANIC STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME. ALSO, THE TIRES WERE LEAKING AIR. *JB