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, Mar 7, 2010
WHEN I MAKE A TURN AT SLOWER SPEEDS THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM THE TIRES AND I FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2010
I HAVE 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE STEERING HAS CLUNK ISSUE WHEN MAKE TURN. THIS CAUSED SOMETIME OUT OF CONTROL WHEN MAKE TURNS. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2010
MY NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 WAS IN FOR REPAIRS IN FEBRUARY OF 2008. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 39,817 MILES, JUST AFTER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. EVERY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED THE STEERING MADE A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND. IT GOT WORSE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THE DEALER SAID IT WAS WORN. I ASKED WHY AFTER ONLY 39,817 MILES AND THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN. NOW I HAVE 81,000 MILES AND THE SOUND IS BACK AND THE SHAFT HAS TO BE REPLACE FOR ANOTHER $4-5 HUNDRED DOLLARS. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH 250,000 MILES ON THEM AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A STEERING SHAFT. NOW I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 IN LESS THEN 80,000 MILES. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT THAT TOYOTA IS COVERING UP. *TR
Steering, Feb 21, 2010
AT THE END OF 2008 I TOOK MY 06" RAV4 IN FOR IT'S PRE-PAID MAINTENANCE AND TOLD THE SERVICE ATTENDANT THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING A STRANGE NOISE WHEN I WAS TURNING. I SAID MAYBE IT JUST NEEDS STEERING FLUID. HE GOT IN AND TURNED THE WHEEL A COUPLE OF TIMES AND SAID HE FELT IT WOULD BE FINE. I MENTIONED THE NOISE AT EACH OF THE FOLLOWING APPTS. AND WAS TOLD BASICALLY THE SAME THING. WELL NOW MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY NOW KNOW THAT IT IS THE PROBLEM REFERRED TO AS SERVICE BULLETIN DATED 10-20-2008. THEY ESTIMATED THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,001.00 AT MY EXPENSE. I FEEL THEY PUT OF THE DIAGNOSIS UNTIL AFTER MY WARRANTY RAN OUT INTENTIONALLY SO TOYOTA WOULD NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ASAP BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
2006 TOYOTA REV 4 WITH 27,000 MILES WITH A STEERING SHAFT WEARING OFF. THIS COULD CREATE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT BREAKS DOWN ON THE ROAD. A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
THIS IS AN UPDATE OF COMPLAINT 10243141. IN AUGUST 2006, I PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA RAV 4/L4 AT 4X2. IN AUGUST 2007 (MILEAGE: 9,540), I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CAR DEALER BECAUSE OF A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD TO BE ORDERED (PART # 45260-42090) AND INSTALLED. IN NOVEMBER 2007 (MILEAGE: 11,989), I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE SAME NOISE. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IN DECEMBER 2007 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AGAIN (MILEAGE: 12,717) WITH STILL THE SAME PROBLEM AND NOISE. DEALER PERSONNEL DETERMINED A DAMAGED STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS ORDERED (PART # 45260-42090) AND INSTALLED FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON OCTOBER 13, 2008, (MILEAGE: 21,152) THE CAR WAS AGAIN MAKING THE SAME NOISE AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE STEERING SHAFT WAS AGAIN REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT A DIFFERENT PART HAD TO BE REPLACED (PART # 45221-42070). ON JULY 2, 2009, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. I AGAIN REPORTED THE SAME NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TECHNICIAN DROVE THE VEHICLE AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON NOVEMBER 6, 2009, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT AUTO SHOP. THE MECHANIC DISASSEMBLED THE STEERING WHEEL AND IDENTIFIED THE NOISE. HE PERSONALLY TOOK THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO A TECHNICIAN. AT THAT DEALERSHIP, HE WAS TOLD THAT THE NOISE IS A 'NORMAL CONDITION' AND THAT TOYOTA PERSONNEL ARE AWARE OF THE NOISE BUT THE COMPANY HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OR HOW TO FIX IT. ALSO, HE WAS TOLD OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM. WE ARE NOW IN FEBRUARY 2010. MY RAV 4 (MILEAGE: 35,983) HAS MAINTAINED THE NOISE AND HAS A FUNNY FEELING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT FEELS LIKE IF THE WHEEL WILL COME OUT. SINCE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, ACCEPTED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER AND CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, I FEEL I SHOULD UPDATE THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSB. I WOULD APPRECIATE RECEIVING SOME FEEDBACK FROM NHTSB IN THIS REGARD. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
TOYOTA TSB ST001-08 - - OWNERS MAY HEAR A CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. THE TSB REPLACES 2 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS WITH "REDESIGNED" SHAFTS. THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE SHAFTS WILL ONLY BE COVERED BY STANDARD 36 MONTH/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS THIS NOISE, AND THERE IS ALSO A PULSE IN THE WHEEL WHEN IT OCCURS (SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK). WILL THIS EVER BECOME A POSSIBLE RECALL? IS THERE A HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS? *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2010
2006 TOYOTA RAV-4 CLICKING IN STEERING COLUMN SINCE EARLY 2009...AFTER RESEARCH FOUND THAT IT'S ACTUALLY A DEFECT THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT AND PUT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10024291 SERVICE BULLETIN #: ST001-08 ) , BUT REFUSED TO FIX IF PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED (PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED)....NEXT PROBLEM: WATER LEAK WHEN RAINING ON FLOOR FRONT PASSENGER, LEAKED TO BACK OF VEHICLE CAUSING MOLD DAMAGE (AGAIN TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF ISSUE...MY HUSBAND RESEARCHED AND FIXED IT HIMSELF). THIRD PROBLEM, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT, AND 4WD LIGHT RANDOMLY COME ONE (QUITE OFTEN)...HAVE BROUGHT TO MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSTIC TEST COMES BACK WITH AN ERROR CODE. MECHANICS HAVE SAID IT'S MOST LIKELY A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION (WHICH I HAVEN'T INVESTIGATED MYSELF, BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX OR WORSE REPLACE). *TR
Steering, Feb 14, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 THAT TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE PROBLEM THAT PLAGUES THIS VEHICLE. (T-SB-0318-08 OCTOBER 20, 2008). IF THE VEHICLE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AT NO COST. OUR CAR STARTED TO SHOW THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER 3 YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY PROGRESS TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. THIS CONCERN IS NOT ONLY FOR MY CAR'S OCCUPANTS, BUT ALSO FOR OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD WHO I MAY RUN INTO DUE TO THIS STEERING PROBLEM. IN LIFT OF THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALLS, I WOULD HOPE THE NHTSA WOULD RECALL THE EFFECTED VEHICLES AND FORCE TOYOTA TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 9, 2010
THERE WAS AN INCREASING LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE FAR RIGHT OR LEFT. I INVESTIGATED TOYOTA TSBS AND FOUND MY 2006 RAV4 HAS 2 DETAILED PROBLEMS, ONE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF THE CONNECTING SHAFTS AND THE OTHER THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK. ON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED I HAD THE FIRST PROBLEM, BUT BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THIS IS A RECALL SAFETY PROBLEM, WHICH TOYOTA WAS IN DENIAL ABOUT. I ESCALATED AND PUSHED AND MANAGED TO GET THEM TO COVER THE LABOR, BUT I STILL HAD TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR PARTS FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE INSTIGATED A RECALL. IF I HAD THE 2ND PROBLEM, IT WAS 3 TIMES AS EXPENSIVE. MANY CONSUMERS HAVE REPORTED THESE ISSUES, BUT TOYOTA IGNORES THEM. JUST LOOK AT EDMUNDS AND OTHER TOYOTA FORUMS. YOU TRUST THE STEERING DESIGN OF CAR WITH YOUR LIFE. TOYOTA DID NOT SEEM TO CARE, ONLY ENOUGH TO LET THE DEALERS KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE, NOT THE CONSUMER DIRECTLY, NOR STEP UP REPAIR IT. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2010
MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAD THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAIL AROUND 33K MILES. TOYOTA REPLACED IT UNDER A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN WHILE IN WARRANTY. IT IS NOW AT 67K MILES AND THE SHAFT IS BAD AGAIN. TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 12 MONTHS SINCE THEY REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE SERVICE TECH COULD NOT TELL ME THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION WITHOUT THE CHANCE OF LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 THAT I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT. TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE PROBLEM THAT PLAGUES THIS VEHICLE. (PLEASE SEE T-SB-0318-08 OCTOBER 20, 2008). IF THE VEHICLE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AT NO COST. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND HER CAR STARTED TO DEVELOP THIS PROBLEM AFTER 3 YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY PROGRESS TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING AND RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. THIS CONCERN IS NOT ONLY FOR MY WIFE, BUT ALSO FOR ALL AMERICAN'S WHO HAVE THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. IN LIFT OF THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALLS, I WOULD HOPE THE NHTSA WOULD RECALL THE EFFECTED VEHICLES AND FORCE TOYOTA TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 5, 2010
"2006 TOYOTA RAV-4" REFERENCE---T-SB-0318-08---CLUNK/ POP/KNOCK WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. "TOYOTA" RECOMMENDED SOLUTION---REPLACE STEERING WHEEL "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT LINKAGE" WITH IMPROVED PARTS. ---"WARNING"--- DEFECTIVE "MECHANICAL LINKAGE" BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL MECHANISM IS A "SERIOUS DANGER" AND COULD, OR HAS BEEN THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS! SHOULD THIS PROBLEM BE INCLUDED AS ANOTHER "TOYOTA RECALL"? *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2009
I HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN. MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS. THEY HAVE A BULLETIN ON THIS, BUT SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON MY CAR, PROBLEMS LIKE THIS SHOULDN'T BE SHOWING UP THIS SOON. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN COULD FAIL AND I WOULD LOOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. WHY WOULD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS NOT BE COVERED BY SOME KIND OF SAFETY RECALL. SINCE THERE IS A BULLETIN OUT ON THIS PROBLEM, THEN TOYOTA IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2009
I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT. THERE IS A LOUD THUMP IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, OR TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY. THE PROBLEM STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO AND IS GETTING WORSE. THE CAR HAS 38K AND IS SEVERAL MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2009
CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING SHAFT IN LOW SPEED TURNING AND BACKING. I WAS UNDER THE 36000 MILES (32,000) BUT THE 3 YEARS ON WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED.9 MONTHS AGO. TOYOTA AUTHORIZED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT" AND ALL LABOR. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE SERVICE AND I HOPE THIS PERMANENTLY SOLVES THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2009
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN SITTING STILL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS ITEM, BUT TOYOTA WILL ONLY REPLACE IT IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. TOYOTA HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REDESIGNING THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND IS AWARE THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IS ATTEMPTING TO NOT PAY BY DELAYING UNTIL OWNERS ARE OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE FOR THE PART. *TR
Steering, Nov 25, 2009
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE. TOYOTA TSB REPORT NUMBER T-SB-0318-08. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL YOU FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND YOU HEAR AND FEEL A BANGING NOISE. FROM WHAT I READ MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE ON THERE RAV4 MODEL YEARS 2006-7. COULD THIS BE A SAFETY PROBLEM IF LEFT UNFIXED? *TR
Steering, Structure, Equipment, Nov 24, 2009
CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN, CHIPPED PAINT ON THE HOOD, AND A JUMBLED RADIO SCREEN. RADIO FIXED, STEERING COLUMN ONGOING, PAINT STILL CHIPPING. *TR
Steering, Nov 20, 2009
I OWN A 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 V6. I HAVE UNDER 21,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND MY MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY EXPIRED IN AUGUST. FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW I'VE BEEN HEARING A LOUD, CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER I MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TODAY AND WAS TOLD I HAD A STEERING SHAFT PROBLEM, WHICH WOULD COST OVER $400 TO FIX. I HAPPEN TO CHECK THIS OUT ON THE WEB AND REALIZED THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT'S GOING ON? DID TOYOTA ISSUE A RECALL? *TR
Steering, Power train, Nov 15, 2009
2006 RAV4 UNSAFE TO DRIVE!!! LE BRUN TOYOTA, CANADAIGUA, NY, MADE ME PAY TO EXCHANGE LEMON WITH ONLY 150-200 MILES 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, THEY MADE ME PAY AN ADDITIONAL 7K TO TRADE FOR THE V-6 I HAVE NOW, BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION ACCELERATED DOWNHILL, ON BOTH 4CYL AND V-6, IT STILL DOES IT THOUGH NOT AS SEVERE, STILL SCARY AT TIMES. RECENTLY,MY STEERING WENT OUT ON THE EXIT RAMP LUCKILY AND LOCKED A FEW TIMES, IT NOW MAKES A THUMP AND CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT, NEXT TIME I WON'T BE SO LUCKY. REALLY LOUD NOISE FROM REAR ALSO. ANTIFREEZE SMELL INSIDE CAR TOO.H.E.L.P. *TR
Steering, Nov 9, 2009
2006 RAV4 HAS A FAULTY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT THAT TOYOTA HAS PUT OUT A TECH BULLETIN ON BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR FIX THE PROBLEM IF THE CAR IS PAST ITS 3YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. I THINK IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE OF TOYOTA TO BE AWARE OF A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT WANT TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION! *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2009
WHEN I TURN, I CAN FEEL AND HEAR THE STEERING COLUMN "KNOCK." IT HAS BEEN GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO AND THE WALNUT CREEK, CA SERVICE CENTER HAD TO REPLACE SOME INTERMEDIATE LINK IN STEERING COLUMN. FOR THIS RECENT OCCURRENCE, THE SERVICE CENTER WAS GOING TO CHARGE $500 TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM THEY SHOULD HAVE FIXED ON A PERMANENT BASIS (AT LEAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS). I AM CONCERNED BASED ON OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT THIS MIGHT BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A SAFETY PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Oct 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR RECREATE THE FAILURE ON FOUR OCCASIONS. HE WILL NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Steering, Oct 16, 2009
SEPT. 2009 MY WIFE COMPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE THAT SHE COULD FEEL THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN SHE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOW SPEEDS. IT GOT LOUDER AND MORE PRONOUNCED OVER THE LAST 30 DAYS. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I THEN LOCATED TOYOTA'S TSB ST001-08 DATED 2/8/08 "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE" WHICH PERFECTLY DESCRIBES THE STEERING NOISE I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. WHILE I HAVE ONLY 21K MILES ON THE RAV4, MY 36 MONTHS RAN OUT 3 MONTHS AGO. THE NEARBY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE QUITE AWARE OF THE SITUATION BUT BASICALLY, YET POLITELY SAID, "TOO BAD, OUT OF WARRANTY." CONSIDERING THIS COMPLAINT SEEMS TO BE A QUITE WIDESPREAD ISSUE, AND ONE THAT INVOLVES THE STEERING AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, I WOULD ARGUE THAT THIS RISES TO THE LEVEL OF A SERIOUS PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD MERIT A SAFETY RECALL. TOYOTA CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS STEERING NOISE WILL NOT DETERIORATE INTO A "LOSS OF CONTROL" ISSUE. *TR