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 29, 2010
STEERING COLUMN MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AT A SLOW SPEED GOING BOTH FORWARD AND IN REVERSE. CLICKING HAS GOTTEN MORE FREQUENT AND STRONGER OVER THE PAST MONTHS. *TR
Steering, Oct 22, 2010
TOYOTA 2006 RAV4 4 CYL AUTOMATIC 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAS FREQUENT CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. AFTER SEARCHING FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS ONLINE I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OTHERS HAVE HAD REGARDING "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE RAV4". IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS NOT COVERED ONCE OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT SEEMS THERE IS A REAL CONCERN THAT FAILURE OF THE PART COULD LEAD TO A REAL SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. THE DEALER SAID I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR $300.00 IF I WANTED TO ELIMINATE THE NOISE. I DECLINED. THEY SAID IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. NOW THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2010
OUR 2006 RAV4 HAS A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN. WE TOOK IT IN FOR 90K SERVICE AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A STEERING ROD/SHAFT ISSUE THAT WOULD COST $2000 TO REPLACE. WE ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD THAT REPAIR AND WANTED TO SHOP FOR OTHER PRICING, AND THEY SAID WE COULD BUT TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE AT ANY TIME. I'VE READ ABOUT SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS AND HOW THIS IS A TOYOTA DEFECT AND NOT A DRIVER FAULT, SO I'M CONCERNED WHY THIS HASN'T YET BEEN RECALLED. I SAW THERE WERE WAS A RECALL FOR 2005 AND EARLIER MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, WHY IS IT NOW NOT BEING ADDRESSED SINCE IT COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE AND SAFETY ISSUES? *TR
Steering, Oct 10, 2010
THIS DEFECT IS WITH REGARD TO MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEED CAUSES MULTIPLE LOUD CLUNKING SOUNDS, AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES ALONG WITH CLUNK. IT'S ALMOST LIKE A RATCHETING BEHAVIOR ON THE SHAFT CONNECTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE STEERING MECHANISM. THIS DEFECT BEGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS 83,000 MILES AND THE CLUNKING IS BECOMING MORE PRONOUNCED. THERE IS AT LEAST ONE TOYOTA TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THE DEFECT: #ST001-08. IT DESCRIBES A NEW SERIES OF PARTS REDESIGNED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. WHEN I BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER FOR REPAIR, THEY SAID PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER AND TOYOTA ISN'T OFFERING A RECALL OR ASSISTANCE IN COVERING THE COST OF THE REPAIR. AS IT REQUIRES REDESIGNED PARTS, IS A PREVALENT DEFECT, AND DIRECTLY INVOLVES THE STEERING INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE, I WOULD CONTEND THAT TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE AFFECTED CARS AND REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS WITHOUT CHARGE AND WITHOUT DELAY. *TR
Steering, Sep 29, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WITH 23,500 MILES. STEERING KNOCKING NOISE AND CLUNKING. STARTED AT 20,000 MILES APPROX. I WENT ON LINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH RAV OWNERS YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. WHY? I CAN'T GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER AS TO WHETHER THIS IS A NOISE PROBLEM OR WILL BE A STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 28, 2010
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE 2006 RETURNED TO DEALER IN MARCH 2008; APPROX 32K MILES. COMPLAINED TO SERVICE REP. OF "CLUNK" SOUND IN THE STEERING MECHANISM DURING LOW SPEED OPERATION. TECH STANDING NEARBY STATED, IN EFFECT, "THEY DO THAT ALOT". (HE IS NOW PROBABLY UNEMPLOYED) DEALER REPLACED (AT THEIR COST) THE STEERING SHAFT, PART #45260-42090. IN AUGUST 2010, APPROX 70K MILES; VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER FOR STATE INSPECTION WITH, AGAIN, COMPLAINT OF "CLUNK" NOISE IN STEERING MECHANISM AT LOW SPEED. THE STATE INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED; DEALER FOUND NO FAULT WITH THE STEERING MECHANISM. ON 09/28/10; 72K MILES, VEHICLE RETURNED TO DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY DOOR LATCH AND COMPLAINT SAA. "CLUNK" DEALER REPLACED STEERING SHAFT, PART #45221-42070 *THE TWO PARTS ARE BOTH PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN; BUT ARE NOT THE SAME COMPONENT THE FIRST SHAFT REPLACED WAS A "LOWER SHAFT" THE PART REPLACED ON 09/28 IS THE "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT" ALTHOUGH TOYOTA HAS ISSUED "SERVICE BULLETINS"CONCERNING STEERING COLUMN SHAFT FAILURES; THE COMPANY REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN EXISTING DESIGN FLAW AN INTERNET "GOOGLE" SEARCH FOR CLUNKING NOISES IN THE 2006 RAV4 RETRIEVES MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. (NOT EXACTLY EVIDENCE I WOULD WANT TO WALK INTO A COURTROOM WITH) I SUGGEST THAT THE ONLY REASON THERE HAVE NOT BEEN A RASH OF STEERING RELATED ACCIDENTS IS THAT THE CONSUMER CAN IDENTIFY THE NOISE AND CORRECT THE DEFECT PRIOR TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I AM CERTAIN THAT A REVIEW OF VEHICLE REPAIR HISTORIES OF THIS VEHICLE WILL REVEAL AN ALARMINGLY HIGH INCIDENCE OF FAILURE FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Sep 28, 2010
CLUNKING IS HEARD AND FELT FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING CORNERS. THIS OCCURS ABOUT 80% OF THE TIME AND IS GETTING WORSE. TOYOTA HAS ADDRESSED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $530 CDN. *TR
Steering, Sep 15, 2010
THE STEERING COLUMN CLUNKS WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL. MY VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES. THE CLUNKING IS GETTING WORSE. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE! THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 12, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV-4 MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN A CORNER. AT FIRST, IT WAS ONLY WHEN I TURNED TO THE LEFT. NOW THE NOISE IS WORSE AND IT MAKES THE NOISE NO MATTER WHICH WAY I AM TURNING. I HAVE REPORTED IT EVERY TIME I TAKE MY VEHICLE IN TO TOYOTA FOR SERVICING, BUT THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS 31,000+ MILES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Sep 4, 2010
THE STEERING COLUMN 'CLUNKS' WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL. MY VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES, AND I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WILL NEED TO GET IT REPAIRED, BUT SINCE THERE'S NO RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF! MEANWHILE, THE CLUNKING IS GETTING WORSE. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THIS VEHICLE! THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 25, 2010
WHEN SLOWLY TURNING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE IS A CLUNKING IN THE WHEEL AS YOU TURN. MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS BEING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. IF THIS MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING, I DON'T KNOW WHY A RECALL HASN'T BEEN ISSUED. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA TO QUESTION THIS; HOWEVER I HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 24, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 CLUNKING/POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. DEALER SAYS I NEED INTERM. STEERING SHAFT, CLAMPS AND HOSE FOR A TOTAL OF $597.49. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, WHY NO RECALL? GEAR SHIFTER AND GEAR SHIFTER SLIDE BECAME PROBLEMATIC AT 49,000 MILES BUT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Aug 17, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS STEERING PROBLEMS. THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE AND TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX IT.$1700 TO FIX IT, DON,T HAVE MONEY. COULD COME APART? THERE HAS BEEN LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RAV 4,THEY NEED TO DO A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Aug 17, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV-4 WITH 27,000 MILES DEVELOPED A CLUNKING, GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS SO SEVERE THAT I EVEN CHECKED THE WHEELS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WERE NOT LOOSE. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALER, TANSKY TOYOTA, 6300 SAWMILL RD., DUBLIN, OH 43017, ON JULY 13, 2010 FOR SERVICING. THEY DISCOVERED A BROKEN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT [PART #45221-42071] ON THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH THEY REPLACED AT A COST OF $439.50. WHILE MY CAR HAD ONLY 27,334 MILES, I TOOK DELIVERY ON 8/25/06 SO IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. TOGETHER WITH WHEEL ALIGNMENT, THE TOTAL COST TO ME WAS $523.00. THE SERVICE STAFF ACTED AS IF THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF SUCH A FAILURE, BUT AFTER CHECKING THE NHTSA WEBSITE, I FOUND A NUMBER OF REPORTS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS FOR 2006 RAV-4'S. I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS IN 2008 TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HOW TO REPAIR IT. TO DATE, TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. SINCE THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO EITHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR POOR ENGINEERING, I ASKED FOR MY DEALER TO COVER MY EXPENSES FOR THE REPAIR, BUT AFTER A MONTH WITH MULTIPLE MEETINGS WITH THEIR SERVICE MANAGER, THE DEALER HAS NOT REIMBURSED ME. WHILE I DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT, I CONSIDERED STEERING COLUMN FAILURE TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE; ONE REQUIRING A RECALL TO PROTECT OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Aug 16, 2010
WE HEAR A CONTINUOUS POPPING/CLUNKING NOISE FROM OUR 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, A SLIGHT INCREASE OF THE FORCE IS REQUIRED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN TOYOTA T-SB-0318-08: "SOME CUSTOMERS MAY HEAR A CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION." IT SHOWS THAT TOYOTA ORIGINALLY USED DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. "WARRANTY APPLICATION IS LIMITED TO CORRECTION OF A PROBLEM BASED UPON A CUSTOMER'S SPECIFIC COMPLAINT." TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IF CUSTOMER DOESN'T COMPLAIN. THE NOISE IS CAUSED BY "SHAFT EXCESSIVE PLAY" ACCORDING TO TOYOTA. IT MAY NOT CAUSE AUDIBLE NOISE IN EARLY STAGES SO A CUSTOMER CAN'T HEAR IT. TOYOTA CAN CONTINUE TO IGNORE THE DEFECT UNTIL THIS CONDITION AGGRAVATES TO A CERTAIN POINT. IS IT A SAFETY CONCERN THAT EXCESSIVE SHAFT PLAY MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO FULL OR PARTIAL LOSS OF STEERING? WE HAVE FILED COMPLAIN THROUGH BBB TO TOYOTA BUT THEY DECIDED TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Steering, Aug 16, 2010
THERE IS A LOUD "CLUNK" IN STEERING AND YOU CAN ACTUALLY "FEEL" IT IN THE TURNS. MECHANIC FEELS IT SHOULD BE FIXED (ABOUT $800) AND CHECKED WITH TOYOTA TO SEE FIX. THERE IS A RECOMMENDATION, BUT NO RECALL. WHAT THE HECK?! SOUNDS LIKE DEFECTIVE WORK TO ME - AND THIS WASN'T A CHEAP CAR. DOES SOMEBODY HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THEY TAKE CARE OF THIS? I HOPE THIS ISN'T BECOMING TOYOTA'S POLICY. WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO TAKE ACTION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 9, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 33,167 MILES. THE IGNITION KEY IS ABOUT TO FALL APART. ALL THE COVERS FOR THE PUSH BUTTONS ON THE KEY ARE FALLING APART. THIS JUST STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND I WAS INFORMED THE KEY WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE. *TR
Steering, Aug 4, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING SHAFT CLUNKING NOISE. IT WAS NOTICED BY THE DEALER AND FIXED UNDER WARRANTY LAST YEAR. BUT LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER THE NOISE IS BACK AND THE DEALER INDICATED IT COULD BE A DEFECTIVE PARTS; REPLACING IT WILL COST 800, NOW OUT OF WARRANTY THE OWNER NEED TO PAY FOR IT. IT'S CLEARLY A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE ORIGINAL PARTS THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. NOW I'M LIVING WITH THIS NOISE AND IT APPEARS IT'S GETTING WORSE. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2010
ON JULY 20TH OF 2010 I TOOK MY 2006 RAV 4 TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN ST. AUGUSTINE FL CONCERNING A NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEN I MADE A TURN. CONCERNS I HAVE THIS WITH EXPERIENCE INCLUDE TOYOTA STATES THEY HAVE A SMART TEAM TO QUICKLY REACT TO CUSTOMERS. I TOOK MY RAV INTO THE DEALERSHIP AT 1PM ON THE 20TH AND AT 5 PM THEY LET ME KNOW THEY WOULD NEED TO KEEP MY RAV OVERNIGHT BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY THEY WERE ABLE TO FIND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT INTERNAL FAILURE. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HOWEVER THESE 2 DAYS OF FAULTY PRODUCT COST ME $262.52 WHEN I HAD ONLY A$50.00 DEDUCTIBLE. I WAS TOLD I WOULD SPLIT THE COST OF THE RENTAL CAR AS THE COVERAGE ONLY COVERED A RENTAL IF THE REPAIR TOOK OVER 6 HOURS. IT TOOK OVER 6 HOURS TO EVEN FIND THE PROBLEM EVEN WITH THE SMART TEAM. I ALSO HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT AS I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED TO BE DONE AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE STEERING REPAIR. IN MY EXPERIENCE IF SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AS PART OF THE REPAIR IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE COST. A DOCTOR IS NOT ALLOWED TO CHARGE EXTRA TO STITCH YOU BACK UP AFTER OPENING YOU FOR A SURGERY. IS THIS STEERING SHAFT INTERNAL FAILURE THE SAME ISSUE I CAME HOME TO WY AND SAW ON THE NEWS? IF SO SHOULD THIS NOT BE COVERED AS PART OF THE RECALL ~ ~ (TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010--A FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN NEW YORK ASKED TOYOTA MOTOR CORP. TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS RELATED TO PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING RELAY RODS IN TOYOTA 4RUNNERS (1990-1995), PICKUPS (1989-1995) AND T100 TRUCKS (1993-1998). THE SUBPOENAS, MAILED TO TOYOTA'S U.S. SUBSIDIARIES ON JUNE 29, COME SHORTLY AFTER A NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER TOYOTA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY OF A STEERING ROD DEFECT IN A TIMELY FASHION, AS REQUIRED BY LAW.) *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2010
I OWN A 2006 RAV4. THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM, THERE IS A REGULAR CLUNKING NOISE. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT LEAST 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,300.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 24, 2010
'MODEL YEAR: 2006 'MAKE: TOYOTA RAV4 'MODEL: 4 DRIVE, 2 WD, V6 SPORT 'COMPONENT: POWER STEERING SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: I BOUGHT THE ABOVE CAR ON 12/16/2006. AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT THERE IS A TWEAKING SOUND ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHENEVER I MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN OF THE VEHICLE AT A SLOW SPEED. I HAVE MADE A COMPLAIN TO CAPITOL TOYOTA AT THE BEGINNING OF 2009 AND DEMAND A FIX WITHOUT CHARGE, BUT THEIR MANAGEMENT INSISTED THAT THEY CHARGE ME A FEE OF $132.00 FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND ADDITIONAL REPAIR COST IF THEY FIND OUT THAT PROBLEM IS NOT WITHIN THEIR WARRANTY LIMITS; PLEASE NOTE THAT MY CAR WAS WITHIN WARRANTY AT 42K MILES. FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY, I BROUGHT MY CAR HOME WITHOUT ANY SERVICE. A YEAR LATER WITH 44.3K MILES, I BEGAN TO NOTICE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. THIS TIME, THE CHECK ENGINE, VISCOUS, AND TRACK LIGHTS GET TURNED ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO CAPITOL TOYOTA AGAIN WITH MY ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT. THIS TIME, THEY AGREED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE WITHOUT A FEE OF $132.00, BUT THEY CHARGE ME FOR $1083.00 TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING ECU COMPUTER WHICH IS OUT OF RANGE AND CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BE TURNED ON, AND $483.00 FOR FIXING THE FIRST, ORIGINAL POWER STEERING NOISE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THAT MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE ONLY THING THEY CAN HELP COVER FOR FREE OF CHARGE AND WITHIN WARRANTY AT THIS TIME IS TO FIX THE CAM TIMING OIL VALVE WHICH IS STICKING OUT TO CAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MY TOYOTA HAS THEIR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS, AND I HAVE NOT ORDERED THE ECU COMPUTER AND STEERING WHEEL NOISE FIXES THAT THEY RECOMMENDED BECAUSE I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE PROVIDED COST. I AM EXPECTING THAT THEY SHOULD FIX THESE PROBLEMS FOR ME FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS DEVELOPED A VERY DISTINCT CLUNKING SOUND AND FEEL WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I NEVER DRIVE THE CAR, AND NOTICED IT IMMEDIATELY WHEN I HAD TO DRIVE IT A WEEK AGO. I QUESTIONED MY HUSBAND, WHO SAID IT HAD FELT LIKE THAT "FOREVER"!! WHEN I SEARCHED ONLINE I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT IT ACTUALLY IS QUITE A PROBLEM! CAR NOW HAS 90-K MILES. LAST SUMMER (AT A HAIR OVER 60-K) THE WATER PUMP WENT - OUT OF WARRANTY. VERY POOR DESIGN, AS THE ENGINE MUST BE PULLED TO REPLACE THE PUMP TO THE TUNE OF $1,600!!!! MY HUSBAND IS NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO QUESTIONING THE DEALER ABOUT THE STEERING. *TR
Steering, Jul 21, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH 87000 MILES ON IT. THE STEERING STARTED MAKING CLUNKING NOISE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. BASED ON MY RESEARCH MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. HERE'S ONE OF MANY LINKS REGARDING PEOPLE'S COMPLAIN ON THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE START INVESTIGATE ON THIS ISSUE AND THANKS! *TR