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.
Of the 2007 reports, 53 involved a crash and 37 involved a fire. 41 people were injured.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Feb 23, 2010
I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD V6 LIMITED THAT HAD A DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED STEERING SHAFT. IN EARLY 2009, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A LOUD "CLUNK" WHEN MY VEHICLE TURNED SLOWLY (FWD OR BACK FROM A STOP) OR WHEN I ENTERED OR EXITED MY DRIVEWAY. QUICK RESEARCH REVEALED OTHERS WITH THIS CONDITION ON 2006 AND 2007 RAV4S, IT WAS LIKELY A DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT..IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED AT THE JOINT, AND IT WAS WEARING/LOOSENING. TOYOTA HAD APPARENTLY ISSUED A T-SB-0318-08 TO REPLACE THE SHAFT WHEN OWNERS COMPLAINED. I TOOK MY RAV4 IN FOR SERVICE TO CHECK, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, MY MILEAGE EXCEEDED THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE NUMEROUS DIPLOMATIC ATTEMPTS ON MY PART, TOYOTA DENIED COVERAGE ON THE BASIS OF MILEAGE, DESPITE MY ARGUMENT OF A SAFETY DEFECT. I ARGUED THAT THIS LOOSENING/DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT COULD BREAK AND CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS IGNORED NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGH REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TOYOTA "CUSTOMER SERVICE" CHANNELS. MY LOCAL DEALER WAS FRIENDLY, BUY UNABLE TO CONVINCE TOYOTA TO HELP. I FINALLY DECIDED TO HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE, FEARING FOR THE SAFETY OF MY STEERING, AND TOYOTA COULD NOT ASSURE ME THAT THE STEERING WAS SAFE WITHOUT THE REPAIR (THEY REFUSED TO COMMENT). I TOLD THEM I WOULD BE REPORTING THIS TO THE NHTSB, AND THEY DID NOT SEEM TO CARE. I SPENT OVER $500 TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED STEERING SHAFT, AND I HOPE OTHERS WITH THIS ISSUE ARE REPORTING THIS TO HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR POTENTIAL SAFETY DEFECTS. *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2010
CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING SHAFT. I HAD MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER IN NUMEROUS OCCASION THE MONTH AFTER MY WARRANTY WORE OUT THEY MENTIONED YES THERE IS A PROBLEM AND SEVERAL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR THIS PROBLEM ITS CALLED THE STEERING SHAFT WHICH MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND SOMETIMES BECOMES STUCK. THE DEALER HEADQUARTER TOYOTA (HORRIBLE SERVICER) FAILED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE PART EVEN THOUGH THERE IS RECALLS IN JAPAN FOR THIS SAME SITUATION. I AM NOT ABLE TO COVER THIS EXPENSIVE PART AND SO IM WAITING TO SEE IF THE RECALLS COMES TO THE US BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
2007 RAV4 STEERING CLUNKING NOISE. *TR
Steering, Feb 13, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 HAS LOUD CLUNKING NOISES AND "CATCHES" WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. SUPPOSED TO BE A STEERING ISSUE CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, BUT TOYOTA NOT WILL NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS THAT COST UPWARDS OF $1,000. DEALER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT RESPOND TO COMPLAINANTS ABOUT IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. IF STEERING FAILS, WILL TOYOTA BE RESPONSIBLE? *TR
Steering, Feb 11, 2010
STEERING COLUMN IN 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. PROBLEM IS S MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT WILL NOT BE CORRECTED IF THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE WHENEVER STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED AND HAS A TENDENCY TO "WANDER" TO SIDE OF ROAD. *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2010
LARGE STEERING NOISE WHEN CAR IS TURNED AT CERTAIN SPEEDS, WHICH IS WELL CHARACTERIZED BY OTHER SON MY 2007 RAV4. SEE A LINK: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0C40D0 THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HOW SAFE THE CAR IS ENLIGHT OF TOYOTA'S QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES. *TW
Steering, Feb 1, 2010
STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM WITH 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE A STRANGE NOISE EVERY TIME HE TURNED THE WHEEL. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED A NEW STEERING SHAFT WAS NEEDED. THE SEALS ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM HAD DRIED UP AND WAS CAUSING THE JOINT TO MAKE A NOISE. *JB UPDATED 03/08/10.*JB
Steering, Dec 1, 2009
I HAVE AN 07 TOYOTA RAV AND RECENTLY HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING. WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE REP THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING ROD IS FAILING. THE SPLINES ARE HITTING THE BOTTOM ASSEMBLY. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS SAFE TO DRIVE. COST WAS $415.70 FOR PARTS AND 178.00 FOR LABOR. THE ISSUE IS NOT THE COST BUT CONCERN THAT SOMETHING (INTERMEDIATE STEERING ROD) IN MY STEERING IS FAILING (WHEN WILL IT FAIL COMPLETELY) AND ACCORDING TO SERVICE REP...THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. PERHAPS HE SHOULD BE TURNING THE WHEEL, LISTENING TO THE "CLUNKING SOUND OF THE FAILING SPINES" AND THEN THINKING, "THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE!" *TR
Steering, Nov 17, 2009
THUMPING/CLUNKING SOUND HEARD/FELT IN STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT. DIAGNOSED AS BAD INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. VEHICLE ONLY 9,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY AND FAILURE OF THIS PART AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE IS ABSURD. HAD IT REPLACED AS POTENTIAL SAFETY THREAT. SELLING DEALER INITIALLY ADVISED THAT REPAIR WOULD COST $839.00 BUT AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSION OF TOYOTA TSB'S AND INTERNET INFO THAT THIS PART HAS ALSO BEEN DEFECTIVE IN CAMRYS AND AVALONS TOYOTA AGREED TO PROVIDE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY-SAVING $517. I PAID LABOR OF $321.00. *TR
Steering, Nov 15, 2009
POPPING NOISE IN STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS, INDICATING POSSIBLE EVENTUAL FAILURE OF STEERING FUNCTION. TOYOTA HAS BEEN NONRESPONSIVE TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, THOUGH THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FAILURE THAT FREQUENTLY SHOWS JUST AS VEHICLE EXCEEDS WARRANTY. GOVERNMENT PRESSURE IS REQUIRED FOR TOYOTA TO ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE THIS NUISANCE ISSUE BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 18, 2009
I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT ON MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. MY CAR WAS MAKING POPPING NOISES WHEN STEERING LEFT AND RIGHT. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE STEERING SHAFT. MY CAR WAS ABOVE THE MILEAGE AND OUT OF THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY. SINCE THERE WAS A TSB THEY SAID THEY WOULD TEMPORARILY FIX IT BY LUBING IT. THE ACTUAL REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING SHAFT ON MY CAR COST ME OVER $755.08 OUT OF POCKET. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY THIS SINCE I AM NOT SURE IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SAFE TO EVEN CONTINUE DRIVING MY CAR. I KNOW OF ONE COMPLAINT ON THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE AND I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT WE CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THIS OUT OF OUR OWN POCKETS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE ISSUING A RECALL FOR THIS. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2009
I HAVE 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE STEERING START MAKING KNOCKING / POPPING SOUND WHENEVER I TURN RIGHT OR LEFT. I FOUND TSB FROM THE WEBSITE WHICH IS T-SB-0318-08. THIS TSB IS TO REPLACE STEERING SHAFT. 2006,2007,2008 RAV 4 IS FALL INTO THIS TSB. THE PROBLEM IS TOYOTA WILL DO THIS TSB REPAIR ONLY THE CAR IS BELOW 36K MILE/36 MONTH WHICH IS UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY. IF THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, CONSUMER HAS TO PAY ABOUT $700. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY CONSUMER HAS TO PAY FOR DEFECTIVE PART REPLACEMENT. IF I DON'T REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT, I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE SAFE FOR KEEP DRIVING OR NOT. TOYOTA MUST RECALL THE RAV 4 TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT INSTEAD OF TSB REPAIR UNDER THE WARRANTY. STEERING IS DIRECTLY RELATED WITH DRIVER'S SAFETY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2009
THE BATTERY ON MY WIFE'S 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING, & SO ON THE ADVICE OF THE FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA GARAGE, I JUMP STARTED HER CAR TO GET HER HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I DID THE SAME, SO THAT SHE COULD DRIVE IT TO THE GARAGE TO GET FIXED. WHEN SHE STARTED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOWEVER, THE STEERING LOCK WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO TURN THE WHEEL & SHE ENDED UP DRIVING TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED, & TOLD ME, & SO AS I THOUGHT SHE MEANT THAT THE POWER STEERING SIMPLY WASN'T WORKING, I SAID THAT I WOULD DRIVE IT TO THE GARAGE FOR HER. WHEN I STARTED OFF HOWEVER, THE CAR STEERING LOCK STOPPED ME TURNING THE WHEEL, ALTHOUGH ONLY FOR A SECOND OR TWO, BEFORE THE STEERING BEGAN TO WORK CORRECTLY, & SO I VERY SLOWLY & CAREFULLY DROVE THE CAR TO THE GARAGE. THE GARAGE CHECKED THE CAR & SAID THAT IT WAS JUST A FAULTY BATTERY, BUT WHEN I POINTED OUT THAT IF A FAULTY BATTERY COULD CAUSE THE STEERING LOCK TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING, THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD, THEY SAID THAT WHEN THEY ASKED TOYOTA, THEY SIMPLY SAID THAT IT WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED, & SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. CONSEQUENTLY, I CALLED TOYOTA, & THEY TOLD ME THAT AS THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE, THE STEERING LOCK COULD ENGAGE WITH A BAD BATTERY. WHEN I SUGGESTED TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICES REP THAT THEY NEEDED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS A SAFETY HAZARD, SHE WASN'T INTERESTED IN HELPING, & POINT BLANK REFUSED TO GIVE ME CONTACT DETAILS FOR HER BOSS, OR ANYONE AT TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA OR JAPAN, ONLY THE CUSTOMER SERVICES DEPT., I.E., PEOPLE LIKE HERSELF. I FIND IT INSULTING THAT TOYOTA NOT ONLY APPEARS NOT TO CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS, BUT ALSO DOESN'T APPEAR TO WANT TO HEAR FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS, E.G., WHEN I TOOK A SURVEY AFTER MY CALL, & ENTERED SOME VERY LOW NUMBERS FOR SERVICE CARE, THE CALL WAS DELIBERATELY CUT OFF BY TOYOTA. SO MUCH FOR JAPANESE SERVICE! *TR
Steering, Sep 19, 2008
PART WORN OUT IN STEERING COLUMN THEY CALL IT THE SHAFT. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2008
STEERING NOISE-WHETHER TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT YOU CAN HEAR AND FEEL A NOISE(CLANKING SOUND). THE FEEL IS ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHEEL. THIS VEHICLE HAS 10,000 MI. BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN THERE SINCE 6,000 MI.. TIRE PRESSURE IS GOOD, I CHECK IT ONCE A WEEK. *TR
Steering, May 16, 2008
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE,HAD TO DRIVE FROM LORSBURGE N.M.TO EL PASO TX 180 MILES WITH NO ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. TOOK CAR TO DICK POE TOYOTA ON 5/14/08 CAR HAD 2 FAILURE CODES 1-COMPUTER FAILED 2-POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED DEALER WOULD NOT MAKE REPAIRS,CAR IS COVERED BY TOYOTA WITH 100,000 MILES WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Tires, Mar 7, 2008
07 TOYOTA RAV 4 HAS HAD "PULL TO LEFT" PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASED 6-07. BEEN TO DEALER TWICE FOR THIS AND STILL CANNOT CORRECT. THEY SAY IT HAS BEEN CORRECTED. THEY FOUND ALIGNMENT. PROBLEM 10-07, BUT JUST X-ROTATED TIRES 3-08 AND SAID WAS CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2007
KNOCKING/POPPING NOISE IN STEERING WHEN TRUN LEFT OR RIGHT. SOMETIME HAPPENS WHEN MAKE A U-TURN.
Steering, Oct 3, 2007
CLUNK IN POWER STEERING (RACK-AND-PINION) WHILE MAKING A TURN AT A SLOW SPEED (CAN BE HEART AND FELT ON STEERING WHEEL). *TR
Steering, Sep 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS DIFFERENT ON ALL FOUR TIRES. THEY CORRECTED THE TIRE PRESSURE, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT ALL TOYOTA'S EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS OR ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,100.
Steering, Aug 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER STEERING DID NOT RETURN UNTIL THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,600. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST TIME THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, IT RESET ITSELF, HOWEVER THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE THIRD TIME, A COMPUTER COMPONENT WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 09/18/07. *JB