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, Jul 21, 2010
A POPPING,KNOCKING, CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT CAN BE HEARD AND ALSO FELT WHEN TURNING. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERS REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE IS ONLY 22,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I ALSO HAVE A 2007 RAV 4 WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT. SO FAR THE POPPING NOISE HAS NOT STARTED YET BUT I THINK IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BECAUSE IT HAS THE SAME COMPONENTS AS THE 2006 HAS. *TR
Steering, Jul 17, 2010
STEERING WHEEL POPS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING WARM WEATHER. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE, BUT NO RECALLS BY TOYOTA. NO DEATHS OR INJURIES YET! *TR
Steering, Jul 5, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 DEVELOPED A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT WAS GETTING WORSE. AT 59,000 MILES I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND GOT THE NEWS THAT IT NEEDED TO HAVE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACED. THIS WAS A KNOWN DEFECT BY TOYOTA AND THEY NEVER NOTIFIED ME, WHILE I HAD THE CAR UNDER WARRANTY. THE TSB WENT OUT A YEAR BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT HAS BEEN AT THE SAME DEALERS FOR REPAIR BEFORE. I'M TOLD IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE (WHICH I DON'T BELIEVE) AND THAT IT WILL COST ME $650 TO REPLACE. TOYOTA SHOULD FIX THIS FOR OWNERS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT! *TR
Steering, Jul 1, 2010
MY VEHICLE IS MAKING CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHENEVER I MAKE TURNS. I AM AFRAID IT WILL GET WORSE SOONER OR LATER. MILEAGE: 27,699. *TR
Steering, Jul 1, 2010
CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING TURNS. *TR
Steering, Jun 18, 2010
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 AND NOW HAS ABOUT 65000 MILES. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE CLUNK NOISE (AND FEELING) WHILE STEERING WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING. THE NOISE SEEMS TO BE MORE EVIDENT IN WARMER DAYS (SUMMER TIME) AND DIMINISH DURING WINTER MONTHS. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB (TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN): ST001-08 SO THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SINCE THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED SIGNIFICANTLY, THIS TSB SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL. I DO NOT WISH TO PAY FOR A SERVICE FOR A PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA NEW ABOUT SINCE THE BEGINNING. WE SHOULD NOT CARRY THE BURDEN OF PAYING FOR TOYOTA'S INCOMPETENCE IN MANUFACTURING SAFE VEHICLES. *TR
Steering, Jun 16, 2010
THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AT LOWER SPEEDS, AND IN PARK WHEN JUST TURNING THE WHEEL. ALSO CAN FEEL THE CLICKS BY TOUCHING THE STEERING SHAFT. IF POSSIBILITY OF STEERING WHEEL SEPARATING IT IS A SAFETY DEFECT. TOYOTA KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM (TSBST001-08). TOYOTA REFUSING TO ADMIT DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Jun 14, 2010
CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING - STARTED AT 30,000 MILES WITH SLIGHT SOUND CONTINUED TO WORSEN OVER TIME NOW "CLUNK" IS FELT WHEN TURNING. SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO BREAK. *TR
Steering, Jun 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,900. UPDATED 7/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/10
Steering, Jun 7, 2010
TURNED ON THE CAR, POWER STEERING LIGHT TURNED ON WITH COMPLETE FAILURE OF POWER STEERING FUNCTION. CAR WAS PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, RESTARTED, AND COMPLETE RETURN OF POWER STEERING FUNCTION. *TR
Steering, Jun 5, 2010
TOYOTA RAV4, 2006, STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE, VEHICLE DOES NOT KEEP THE DIRECTION PROPERLY. *TR
Steering, Jun 3, 2010
I AM HEARING A CLUNK/NOISE WHEN ROTATING MY STEERING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. BASED ON MY RESEARCH IN THE INTERNET IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF RAV4'S. *TR
Steering, May 28, 2010
TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING COLUMN CLUNKING NOISE. *TR
Steering, May 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT NOTICED A KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND ECU MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RELATED SERVICE BULLETIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Steering, May 23, 2010
THERE IS A CLUNKING-TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING SHAFT ON MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, May 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING RODS MADE A NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN HE MADE LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 55,000.
Steering, May 12, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES REGARDLESS OF MONTHS IN SERVICE, (INCIDENTALLY GARAGED THROUGHOUT THE WINTERS) DEVELOPED A STEERING COLUMN NOISE THAT WAS HEARD BY A FRIEND. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO TOLD ME OUTRIGHT THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM THAT "HAS BEEN AROUND". THE REPAIRS WILL COST ME SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS AND FROM WHAT I'M READING ONLINE THERE ARE A LOT OF THESE OUT THERE. SO IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL, OR ISN'T THE STEERING OF A VEHICLE A DANGER TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. AFTER ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS TOYOTA HAS HAD WHY HAS THIS ISSUE NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY NHTSA. *TR
Steering, May 11, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4/ SPORT HAS STEERING CLUNKING. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN OTHER YEARS OF TOYOTA RAV4'S. I FEEL THAT WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL THAT A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DIES. *TR
Steering, May 10, 2010
MY 06 RAV EXPERIENCED A CRACKING/GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING TO THE FAR LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED. I WAS TERRIFIED!!! I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND AT THE TIME MY CAR HAD JUST CAME OUT OF WARRANTY 15DAYS EARLIER BUT I DIDN'T LET THAT STOP ME. AFTER SOME BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALER AND THE REGIONAL MANAGER MY STEERING WAS FIXED. THERE WAS A TSA REPORT PUT OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT NO ACTUAL RECALL WHICH I THINK THERE SHOULD BE BUT I SENT OUT BLAST EMAILS AND TEXT TO MY FRIENDS ETC TO LET PEOPLE KNOW. I'VE NOTICED THAT THEY'RE MORE WOMEN DRIVING RAVS THAN MEN AND THE THOUGHT OF A MOTHER AND CHILD IN AN ACCIDENT OVER SOMETHING THAT COST $600 PER VEHICLE TO FIX IS UPSETTING. PEOPLE TURN DOWN THE MUSIC AND LISTEN TO YOUR CARS!!! *TR
Steering, May 7, 2010
"CLUNKING " NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING THE WHEN LEFT AND RIGHT UNDER LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHICH IS BECOMING MORE PRONOUNCED, A TSB HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT A RECALL SHOULD BE IN PLACE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF OWNERS OF RAV 4'S (2006) BLOGGING AND REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE . *TR
Steering, May 5, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 STEERING CLUNKING NOISE. CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW AND CURRENTLY HAS 24,557 MILES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS GOING OUT. *TR
Steering, Apr 27, 2010
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE (STEERING GEAR/LINKAGE) ON 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, YOU WILL HEAR A CLUNK OR KNOCKING-TYPE NOISE. *TR
Steering, Apr 5, 2010
NOTICEABLE CLUNK HEARD AND FELT IN STEERING 2006 RAV4 DURING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS. NUMEROUS SIMILAR REPORTS--NO RECALL--DESPITE SAFETY ISSUE. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE REPORT. IN AN EARLIER RECALL, 2006 PRIUS STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY BECOME LOOSE CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL . *TR
Steering, Mar 25, 2010
THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN LOOSE SINCE 30,000 MILES ON MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLITEN OUT, BUT THE MECHANIC CLAIMED THAT HE COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. IT CAUSES INCONSISTANT STEERING WHEN BACKING UP AND TURNING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS HAS BEEN A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA RAV 4 AND TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 9, 2010
WHEN FIRST DRIVING MY NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV4, I NOTICED AT SLOW SPEEDS IT WOULD SOMETIMES ACCELERATE WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE. I ATTRIBUTED THIS TO BIG FEET AND A NEW CAR WHERE I DID NOT YET MASTER THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PEDALS. I STARTED DRIVING WITH TWO FEET, JUST AS I WAS TAUGHT AS A TEENAGER IN DRIVERS ED. OCCASIONALLY, THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN IN THE ENSUING 3 YEARS. UNTIL THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEM CAME TO LIGHT IN 2010, I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST "OPERATOR ERROR." NOW, I AM BEGINNING TO THINK THERE IS SOME DEFECT - MAYBE IT'S HARDWARE LINKAGES, BUT I SUSPECT THERE IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IN THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER OF THE CAR. I ALSO HAD THE STEERING MID-SHAFT PROBLEM AFTER WARRANTY AND SCREAMED UNTIL THEY FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY FOR $50. THERE WAS ALSO A "RUNAWAY" FUEL PUMP SERVICE BULLETIN I MADE THEM COVER AS WELL. I HAVE WORKED WITH TOYOTA QUALITY ENGINEERS SINCE THE 1980S AND AM DISGUSTED BY THEIR RESPONSES REPORTED IN THIS ODI SITE. TOYOTA'S CLAIM TO FAME WAS THERE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER FOCUS. LOOKS LIKE THE CURRENT GENERATION OF TOYOTA PEOPLE HAVE LOST THIS, AND THAT POINTS DIRECTLY TO TOP MANAGEMENT THERE. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. AS THEY SAY IN JAPANESE, THEY ARE "ON SHIRAZU" (DO NOT UNDERSTAND THEIR OBLIGATION TO THEIR CUSTOMERS). *TR