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 5, 2009
KLUNKING NOISE HEARD AND THUMP FELT IN STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING VEHICLE A SLOW SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Sep 25, 2009
THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 WENT OUT SUDDENLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING THIS MONTH. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE MOTOR. WHEN THE CAR STARTED AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAD REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ON THIS CAR FROM TOYOTA. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT SUDDENLY. TOYOTA WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME THE COST OF FIXING THIS SAFETY DEFECT. IT COSTS ABOUT $1000. HAD I BEEN ON A HIGHWAY, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS AND FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Sep 21, 2009
ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY RAN OUT, I NOTICED A THUMP OR KNOCK WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL OF MY 2006 RAV4. IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. I SEARCHED ON LINE AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS. *TR
Steering, Sep 17, 2009
I'VE HAD THE KNOCK/POP WHEN TURN ON LOW SPEED DEALER SAID NEEDS REPLACE STEERING SHAFT. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2009
I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING MY 2006 RAV4 FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE INDICATES THAT THIS CAN BECOME A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD IT GET WORSE. HE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT I RETURN THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA AS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TOYOTA TELLS ME THAT SINCE I PURCHASED THIS AS A "CERTIFIED USED" VEHICLE, DUE TO THE 50K MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT IS NOT COVERED. I CONSIDER THIS DEPLORABLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE VEHICLE. I SEE MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE FOR THIS VEHICLE ON THIS SITE AND SINCE I ONLY KNOW OF THIS COMPLAINT FORUM AS I AM IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE UNKNOWN BY THE ODI. DUE TO THE SAFETY NATURE OF THIS ISSUE, I REQUEST THAT AN INVESTIGATION BE CONDUCTED AND A RECALL MANDATED. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2009
THE STEERING COLUMN AND/OR STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNK, POP AND KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED AND SOMETIMES EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING. I AM FEARFUL THAT SOMETHING IN THE STEERING MECHANISM MIGHT BREAK WHILE DIVING LEAVING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE ON A COURSE NOT UNDER MY CONTROL. *TR
Steering, Jul 28, 2009
NOTICED A "CLUNKING" NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THAT THEY LOOK INTO THIS NOISE. MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED. THERE IS ALSO THE DANGER THAT THE CAR WOULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER IF THE PROBLEM WERE TO GET ANY WORSE, A SAFETY DANGER. SINCE THE SERVICE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY, I TOOK IT TO MY PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. HE AGREED THAT THE TWO PARTS SHOULD BE CHANGED. THE REPAIR WAS MADE ON 7/24/09. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE SERVICE BULLETIN GROUP. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2009
TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR LOOSE FEELING IN STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2006 TOYOTA RAV. THE FRONT STEERING SHAFTS ARE BAD DUE TO POOR DESIGN. TOYOTA ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN. NO ONE CONTACTED ME ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I TOOK VEH TO SHOP. I HAVE TO PAY THE ENTIRE COST ($700) WHEN WILL THIS BECOME A RECALL, WHEN PEOPLE START DYING TO STEERING FAILURE. I THINK YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS A RECALL AND MAKE TOYOTA PAY FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN, NOT THE CONSUMER. *TR
Steering, May 31, 2009
STEERING SHAFT GOES BAD ON 2006 TOYOTA RAV4'S AND SOME CAMRY'S AND TOYOTA WON'T RECALL IT. I FEEL A CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER I MAKE A TURN AND WAS TOLD THAT IT'S WORN OUT. AFTER 3 YRS OF PURCHASING A BRAND NEW CAR? AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODELS. AND I WAS TOLD EVENTUALLY, IF IT GOES UNATTENDED THAT I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE! AND THAT TOO BAD I DIDN'T BRING IT IN WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY! WHO WOULD THINK THAT A BRAD NEW CAR WOULD DO THIS? AND NOW THEY WANT US TO PAY ARM AND LEG TO FIX?! *TR
Steering, May 22, 2009
AT AROUND THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED KNOCKING WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. I BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SEEMED TO BE ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BY TIGHTENING SOMETHING DOWN IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY, BUT LATER THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE MANY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND THE ISSUE IS ADDRESSED IN TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN# ST001-08. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO ANOTHER DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT TODAY (5/22/09), AND THEY INFORMED ME OF THE PROBLEM, WHICH IS A DEFECTIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY. BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS STANDARD WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT CHARGE, WHICH THEY SAID WAS AROUND $800 PARTS & LABOR. WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS POSSIBLE IF THE SHAFT COULD FAIL COMPLETELY AT A LATER TIME, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW. AS THE NOISES SEEM TO BE GETTING LOUDER AS TIME GOES ON, IT INDICATES TO ME THAT THE SHAFT INTERLOCKS ARE WEARING OUT AND THERE IS A REAL POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE DOWN THE LINE. WITH THAT SAID, I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. *TR
Steering, May 12, 2009
CLANKING WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS. BEGAN TO OCCUR AT APPROX 45,000 MILES. STEERING COLUMN FEELS LOOSE WHEN SOUNDS APPEAR. IS THIS DANGEROUS?!?!? DEALER LOOKING FOR SERVICE BULLETIN. NEED RECALL. *TR
Steering, Mar 31, 2009
MY 2006 RAV4 WITH 21K MILES DEVELOPED STEERING CLUNKING SENSATION AT SLOW SPEEDS IN AUGUST 2008. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER AND THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW IN MARCH 2009 WITH 25K MILES IT'S SLOWLY STARTING TO DEVELOPED SAME CONDITION. IT'S SCHEDULED FOR DEALER SERVICE SHORTLY BUT I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION MUST BE APPLIED BY TOYOTA, HOPEFULLY THE DEALER WILL DO THAT. *TR
Steering, Feb 11, 2009
2006 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A GRINDING/BINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER FEEL THAT THIS IS PERHAPS A DEFECT. *NJ THE DEALER DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS WERE FAULTY. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2009
TOYOTA, 2006 RAV4 ... LOOSE STEERING ARMS. CAUSING CLUNKING NOISES WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEED. DON'T KNOW IF THIS GETS BAD ENOUGH TO FALL APART WHILE DRIVING? TOYOTA HAS A TSB OUT ON THIS. MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS TOPIC ONLINE. TOYOTA WANTS $800. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THESE CARS. ALSO VEHICLE HAS A 2 TO 3 SECOND HESITATION IF TRYING TO ACCELERATE DURING A LANE CHANGE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR DOES THIS ALSO .. AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINS WITH THIS ISSUE ON LINE. SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS. TOYOTA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS, THE CONTACT HEARS A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB
Steering, Jan 6, 2009
I AM JUST ANOTHER CONSUMER WORRIED THAT MY 2006 RAV4 WILL SOMEHOW GIVE OUT ON MY CLIMB UP A MOUNTAIN AS EACH WEEK THE STEERING COLUMN IS GETTING WORSE, ITS TO THE POINT NOW WHERE UPON START AND DRIVE IT IS CLANGING AND SOUNDS AS IF IT WERE READY TO GIVE OUT AT ANY MOMENT, I HAVE A 2006 AND HAVE 50K ON IT, I DRIVE QUITE A FEW MILES ON THE JOB AND WONDER WHAT THE THOUGHT PROCESS IS WITH TOYOTA, THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM BUT SEEM TO BE WAITING FOR A TERRIBLE DISASTER BEFORE THEY CHALK IT UP AS A RECALL HOPEFULLY IT WONT END IN A TRAGIC DEATH BEFORE THIS IS DECIDED UPON. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jan 1, 2009
SINCE DAY ONE THERE WAS A KNOCKING/POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL AT PARK AND LOW SPEEDS. I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 3 TIMES AND FINALLY, AND IRONICALLY, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE. PREVIOUS TRIPS YIELDED THE EVER PRESENT "COULD NOT DUPLICATE". HOWEVER STEERING ADJUSTMENTS VIA AN ALIGNMENT WAS ATTEMPTED. COULD NOT DUPLICATE BUT TRIED SOMETHING ANYWAY? THE IRONIC PART ABOUT WHEN THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE IS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 4000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. FUNNY HOW SUCH AN OBVIOUS THING CAN GO UNNOTICED UNTIL WARRANTY EXPIRES. *TR
Steering, Dec 28, 2008
I PURCHASED A NEW 4 CYLINDER 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 IN APRIL 2006. AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES I NOTICED A SUBTLE CLUNKING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS AT A SLOW SPEED. WHEN THE SOUND CONTINUED TO INCREASE AND ALSO OCCURRED WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING, I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. I HAVE NOW DONE SO 2 TIMES . THE MECHANICS ASSIGNED TO EVALUATE THE SITUATION AGREED THAT THERE WAS THE CLUNKING NOISE AND GAVE ME THE TOYOTA T-SB-0318-08. SINCE THE SITUATION HAS CONTINUED TO GET WORSE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WEAR ON PARTS. WE DRIVE ON MOUNTAIN ROADS WITH MANY CURVES. ARE WE SAFE? DOES TOYOTA HAVE PLANS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Steering, Nov 13, 2008
I BOUGHT A NEW 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 V6 SPORT. AFTER A YEAR I GOT A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT WHEN I WAS TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED. I HAD AROUND 15,000 MILES. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME AFTER THE CHECK UP THAT IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM. AFTER A YEAR MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR WAS SURPRISED BY THE NOISE. SHE HAD A NISSAN QUEST FOR 15 YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH A BAD RIDE AT LOW SPEED. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF ABOUT $1500 TO FIX IT. IS OUT OF WARRANTY. LOOK LIKE THERE IS A PROBLEM GENERATED BY A BAD ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TOYOTA MFG. KNOWS ABOUT. WHY THEY DON'T STAY BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND RECALL IT FOR REPLACEMENT WITH A BETTER DESIGN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT? *TR
Steering, Nov 12, 2008
I HAVE 2006 RAV4 SPORT WITH 52K MILES ON IT THAT IS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE IS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE: ST001-08 FOR STEERING. I CAN LIVE WITH THE NOISE BUT I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS WILL BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE STEERING CONTROL IF I DO NOT HAVE THIS REPLACED SINCE THE WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLE EXPIRED AT 36K OR 36 MONTHS. *TR
Steering, Oct 31, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL OF HER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHILE MAKING TURNS. OVER THE PAST THREE WEEKS, THE NOISE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,248 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Steering, Sep 22, 2008
THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE OF EVENTS DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. IN AUGUST 2006, I PURCHASED FOR MY WIFE A NEW TOYOTA RAV 4/L4 AT 4X2. IN AUGUST 2007 (VEHICLE MILEAGE: 9,540), I HAD TO TAKE 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 (VEHICLE 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 ONCE AGAIN (VEHICLE 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. WE ARE NOW IN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND MY RAV 4 (VEHICLE MILEAGE: 20,855) IS BECOMING NOISY AGAIN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NO QUESTION IN MY MIND TAT THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME. I HAVE NEVER BEEN INFORMED BY TOYOTA THAT RAV 4 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT HAVE READ ONLINE THAT OTHER MODELS SUCH AS THE PRIUS HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 18, 2008
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE / LOOSE WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE SHAFT HAS NOT "FAILED" YET, HOWEVER IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET, PARTS ARE BACKORDERED. VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3650 MILES, SO FAR TOYOTA WILL ONLY PAY HALF. *TR
Steering, Aug 18, 2008
CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. WAS OCCASIONAL AT FIRST NOW IS CONSISTENT. BROUGHT IN WHEN UNDER WARRANTY WHEN NOISE WAS INCONSISTENT NOW THAT NOISE IS CONSISTENT AND WARRANTY IS UP THEY WON'T PAY FOR IT. *TR
Steering, Jul 24, 2008
I COMPLAINED ABOUT A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN DURING LOW SPEED TURNS. THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE IT AND APPLIED GREASE TO THE STEERING COLUMN STOPS, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. OF COURSE THIS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM ALMOST FROM DATE OF NEW PURCHASE. THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE STILL IS NO FIX FOR THESE CLUNKING NOISES. I BELIEVE IT IS A POORLY DESIGNED STEERING COLUMN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA 2006 RAV4 SPORT 6CYL. AWD 41,500 MI. *TR