2007 Toyota RAV4

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Steering is the leading concern among 1,003 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 RAV4 model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,003

Of the 2007 reports, 53 involved a crash and 37 involved a fire. 41 people were injured.

Primary concernSteering271 reports · 27% of complaints
Owner complaints1,003Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship14 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Steering271
  2. Engine195
  3. Suspension125
  4. Vehicle speed control101
  5. Air bags99
  6. Electrical system76
  7. Power train53
  8. Service brakes47

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

    Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

    SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

    Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

    If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

    Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

    Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. 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

  10. Air bagsApr 21, 2011

    TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 RAV4 VEHICLES. IN THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG (CSA) SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO SENSORS IN THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DETECT VEHICLE ROLL ANGLE. IF ONE OF THESE SENSORS MALFUNCTIONS, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT: MIL) WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE ROLL DETECTION SYSTEM WILL BE SUSPENDED; HOWEVER, THE AIRBAG CSA REMAINS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE CRASH. IF BOTH SENSORS FAIL NEARLY SIMULTANEOUSLY AFTER INITIAL AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK, THE CSA AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER COULD BE INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED.

    INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE CSA AND/OR THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

    TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE CONTAINING IMPROVED ROLL RATE SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA INTENDS TO SEND AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS EARLY TO MID-MAY, 2011 WHEN SUFFICIENT PARTS AND REMEDY BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

    Campaign 11V245000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

271 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Steering, Sep 2, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, HE NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE EVEN AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.

  2. Steering, Sep 1, 2010

    CLUNK IN POWER STEERING AND/OR RACK-AND-PINION AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A SLOW SPEED (CAN BE HEARD AND FELT ON STEERING WHEEL). HAS BEEN REPORTED ORIGINALLY ON 10/03/07 (ODI# 102047400), AND AFTER THAT GLEN TOYOTA PERFORMED REPAIR AS DESCRIBED IN TSB ST001-08, BUT REPLACED THE ONLY 1 PART OUT OF 2 DESCRIBED IN TSB - NEW, REINFORCED PART HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GONE FOR A WHILE BUT RETURNED AS A RESULT OF UNCOMPLETED TSB REPAIR PERFORMED. *TR

  3. Steering, Aug 31, 2010

    KNOCKING NOISE IN STEERING. *TR

  4. Steering, Aug 24, 2010

    OUR 2007 RAV4 RECENTLY DEVELOPED A CLUNKING SOUND WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. WE WANT TOYOTA TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, PREFERABLY THROUGH A RECALL, JUST AS GM IS DOING (FEB 2010 GM RECALL ON EPS). LOOKS LIKE MANY OF THE NEW EPS SYSTEMS MADE BY JAPANESE MANUFACTURER JTEKT ARE FAILING, AND WE ARE AFRAID THAT WE ARE SEEING ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A POTENTIALLY WORSE PROBLEM. STEERING IS IMPORTANT ENOUGH A PROBLEM FOR TOYOTA TO DO A RECALL, ESPECIALLY AFTER GM HAS DONE SO FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR

  5. Steering, Aug 20, 2010

    2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 - CLUNKING AND POPPING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ADVISED BY MY SERVICE MANAGER TO REPLACE STEERING SHAFT BUT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SINCE THERE IS NOT A RECALL. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR APPROX A YEAR NOW WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE NOISE IS GETTING WORSE AND HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. I HOPE WE DO NOT HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING BEFORE A RECALL IS DONE. *TR

  6. Steering, Aug 11, 2010

    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN" MY TOYOTA 2007 RAV4'S STEERING WHEEL MAKES KNOCKING, CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING SINCE JUNE 2010 EVEN THOUGH IT STILL HAVE VERY LOW MILEAGE ON IT. MANY RAV4 OWNERS HAVE THESE PROBLEM AND PLEASE MAKE TOYOTA DO A RECALL ON THIS STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAUSES ANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF A INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WHICH COULD COST UP TO $900. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TO THIS MATTER. *TR

  7. Steering, Aug 11, 2010

    TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN" MY TOYOTA 2007 RAV4'S STEERING WHEEL MAKES KNOCKING, CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING SINCE SUMMER 2009 EVEN THOUGH IT STILL HAVE VERY LOW MILEAGE ON IT. MANY RAV4 OWNERS HAVE THESE PROBLEM AND PLEASE MAKE TOYOTA DO A RECALL ON THIS STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAUSES ANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF A INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WHICH COULD COST UP TO $900. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TO THIS MATTER. *TR

  8. Steering, Aug 10, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE MADE A TURN IN ANY DIRECTION IT MADE A CLANKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT SINCE THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE STEERING GEAR SHAFT, NUMBER ST001-08. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55000.

  9. Steering, Aug 9, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED WITHIN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH SOME OF THE SERVICE COST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,000.

  10. Steering, Aug 4, 2010

    2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH STEERING MECHANISM CAUSING A CRUNCHING FEELING IN HIS HANDS AND SOUNDS OF METAL GRINDING, ALMOST EVERY TIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED. *TGW

  11. Steering, Aug 3, 2010

    CLUNKING IN FRONT WHEN TURNING; DEALER SAYS THE LINKAGE IN STEERING SHAFT (CONNECTING THE TWO PIECES THAT IT IS COMPRISED OF) IS LOOSE AND CREATING THE NOISE - BUT NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. $833 ESTIMATE TO REPAIR. PURCHASE AT 41,587 MILES - AT 45,442 WHENIT WAS CHECKED BY DEALER. DID NOT REPAIR (DO NOT HAVE FUNDS) AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN!!! SAME COMPLAINT FROM NUMEROUS OTHERS AT HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/TOYOTA/RAV4/2007/STEERING/INDEX.SHTML. *TR

  12. Steering, Jul 26, 2010

    I HAVE A STRONG POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY CAR. IT STARED VERY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR ABOUT 7,000 MILES AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FEEL IT. IT IS NOW PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME FOR THE WORK THAT NOW IS LOUDER THAN EVER. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU TURN WHEN AT A STOP EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS NOT A SERIOUS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND SEVERAL WEB PAGES WITH FEEDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SO IF IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE THEN WHEN IT BREAKS HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO STEER? FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH THE TOYOTA RAV4 AND THEY WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

  13. Steering, Jun 20, 2010

    I 'D LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. TOYOTA HAS ALREADY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE PROBLEM, (PLEASE SEE T-SB-0318-08 OCTOBER 20, 2008). IF THE VEHICLE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, TOYOTA WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES AT NO COST. HOWEVER, THE COST IS NOT COVERED IF THE VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN 36,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PROBLEM DID NOT SHOW UP ON MY CAR UNTIL AFTER 36,000 MILES. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COST TO FIX THIS TOYOTA PART DEFECT WILL BE OUT OF MY POCKET, AND IT'S VERY SUBSTANTIAL ($890) . I'M AFRAID THAT THIS PROBLEM MAY CREATE POTENTIAL STEERING PROBLEM THAT WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN THE FUTURE. *TR

  14. Steering, Jun 19, 2010

    PURCHASED A NEW 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 FROM MCGEORGE TOYOTA IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. IN MID 2009 THE STEERING STARTED TO MAKE A NOISE. HAD TO TAKE THE CAR THRICE TO THE DEALER BUT FINALLY THEY SAID THERE IS A BULLETIN FOR THE ISSUE AND REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNDER WARRANTY. DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED AND TAKEN THE CAR BACK MANY TIMES SINCE BUT THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION. THE SOUND IS GETTING LOUDER AND AN ARTICLE IN THE RICHMOND TIMES 05-11-10 INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH MANY OF TOYOTA MODEL SUV'S. THE DEALER NOW CLAIMS THAT ALL RAV4'S AND TOYOTA MINIVANS MAKE THE NOISE AND IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I AM CONCERNED SINCE MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING. *TR

  15. Steering, Jun 17, 2010

    I HAVE BEEN VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH PROBLEMS ARISE WITH THE STEERING COLUMN THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE CONCERNS FOR MANY CUSTOMER WHO HAVE OWNED RAV 4 AND TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE OR EVEN LETTING THE CUSTOMERS BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT STARTS OFF AS A CLUNK SOUND WHEN YOU TURN RIGHT OR LEFT OR WHEN YOU ARE BACKING UP, IT STARTED FOR AROUND 32,000 BUT DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM UNTIL I PUSHED THE ISSUE. BY THAT TIME IT WAS JUST PASTED THE WARRANTY (37000 MILES). *TR

  16. Steering, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2010

    OEM BATTERY DIED. VEHICLE WAS JUMP STARTED. DURING SUBSEQUENT OPERATION POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING DIFFICULTY STEERING VEHICLE. *TR

  17. Steering, May 22, 2010

    2007 TOYOTA RAV4 STEERING COLUMN (INTERMEDIATE SHAFT). THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT BY TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE ISSUED A TSB IN 2008. ONLY HAVE 16.5K MI. (LOW). DEALER WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANT (BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2006). *TR

  18. Steering, May 20, 2010

    CLUNKING SOUND WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. TOYOTA ISSUED TSB 0318-08 REGARDING ISSUE AND HAS PER THE TSB "A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION." DESPITE WIDESPREAD FAILURE OF STEERING LINKAGE MECHANISM TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE PART AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. *TR

  19. Steering, Apr 17, 2010

    2007 RAV 4SPORT HAS CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. NOTICED IT AROUND 30,000 MILES, & IS ONE OF THE MAINTENANCE ITEMS THE DEALER IS SUPPOSED TO CHECK EVERY 5000 MILE SERVICE WHICH I HAVE DONE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. (INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE AND BOOTS).MY VEHICLE NOW HAS 46,000 MILES ON IT, & I HAD ASKED THE DEALER IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM , & HE ACTED LIKE HE HAD NOT EVER HEARD OF A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING, BUT CAME UP WITH A $590.00 REPAIR PRICE & TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE. HE WOULD NOT COVER THE DEFECT BECAUSE IT WAS ONLY COVERED UNTIL 36,000 MILES. I CAME HOME & GOT ON THE INTERNET, & THERE ARE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS EVERYWHERE. PLEASE HELP? *TR

  20. Steering, Apr 3, 2010

    THERE IS A CLUNKING/KNOCKING NOISE IN STEERING SHAFT. ONLY NORMAL USE ON THIS VEHICLE ON CITY STREETS. A FAILURE IN THE STEERING SHAFT COULD CAUSE DEATH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR OBVIOUS REASONS. TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BY ISSUING T-SB-0318-08, BUT REFUSES TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL OR PAY FOR REPAIR AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS BY THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE CHANGED THE PART USED HERE (NEW PN 45221-42070). THIS IS SERIOUS AND AFFECTS ALL 06-08 RAV4 SUVS. JUST SEARCH FOR "STEERING CLUNK RAV4" IF YOU WANT EVIDENCE.

  21. Steering, Mar 26, 2010

    2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS A BINDING AND THUMPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT.

  22. Steering, Mar 18, 2010

    TOYOTA RAV4 2007. I'VE BEEN HEARING UNUSUAL SOUND WHEN I TURN STEERING WHEEL SPECIALLY FROM PARKING POSITION. TOYOTA ELK GROVE CA SAID THIS IS NORMAL. I DON'T THINK THIS IS NORMAL. ANY NOISE WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL IS NOT NORMAL BECAUSE TURNING STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T SUPPOSE TO PRODUCE NOISE. *TR

  23. Steering, Feb 28, 2010

    INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF STEERING AT VEHICLE STARTUP. STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE IN EITHER DIRECTION AND P/S INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON. CAR MUST BE TURNED OFF THEN RESTARTED FOR STEERING TO FUNCTION. MORE FREQUENTLY - STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE SLIGHTLY AT STARTUP AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO LOCK, BUT CONTINUES TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. TOYOTA DEALER SAID CAUSE WAS LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE AND REPLACED BATTERY. PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER. WILL RETURN VEHICLE - STILL UNDER WARRANTY - FOR ANOTHER REPAIR OF THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

  24. Steering, Feb 25, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANY DIRECTION AT ANY SPEED HE HEARD A NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THAT BOTH OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS BE REPLACED. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,025. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,100.

  25. Steering, Feb 23, 2010

    STEERING ISSUE WITH 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 SPORT. BIG NOISE AND SUDDEN SLIP FEELING IN STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOW SPEEDS ESPECIALLY WHILE TAKING OUT OF GARAGE OR GETTING IN OR WHILE TAKING TURNS ON BUMPY ROAD. *TR