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, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 31, 2013
A R E CALL NOW ON THE CLOCK SPRING STOP ACTING STUPID'S. *TR
Steering, Nov 20, 2013
THERE IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE ACCOMPANIED BY A TUG AT THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING TURNS EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. MOST NOTABLE AT SLOWER SPEEDS. THIS NOISE STARTED THIS SUMMER AT AROUND 32000 MILES AND IS BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE STEERING. CAR CURRENTLY HAS 36000 MILES. FROM READING COMMENTS ON LINE THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2007 RAV 4. IS TOYOTA GOING TO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? THEY MOST CERTAINLY SHOULD! *TR
Steering, Nov 17, 2013
THERE IS A LOUD "THUD" SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING TURNS (LEFT OR RIGHT). THE SOUND HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR, BUT HAS BECOME FAR WORSE VERY QUICKLY SINCE SEPTEMBER 2013. I CAN TELL THE STEERING WHEEL IS HITTING SOMETHING INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN (THE SOUND PLUS A TUG AT THE WHEEL WHEN I TURN THE CAR). I AM CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND WANT TO BE SURE THERE IS NOTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Nov 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUCKING NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,851.
Steering, Oct 30, 2013
CLUNK NOISE FROM L\R STEERING AND EXCESS PLAY IN STEERING DIAGNOSED AGAIN..AND (COST ME $59..AT DEALER).. AS PROBLEM WITH STEERING SHAFT\INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ..WAS QUOTED $428 TO CORRECT..THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2009 @ 27,477 MILES AT WHICH DEALER REPLACED STEERING SHAFT AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT @ NOCHARGE AS WAS UNDER WARRANTY..UNDER TSB 0318-08 AND TSB327.. USING PART NOS..45221 & 45260.. I BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH REPLACING DEFECTIVE PARTS WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS( OR BAD TSBS) ..NEVER HAD THIS KINDA PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER TOYOTA OR VEHICLE..THIS SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL AS I REFUSED TO PAY AGAIN FOR A SAME ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2013
I STARTED EXPERIENCING A CLUNKING NOISE WHENEVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. RIGHT NOW, IT'S REALLY BAD. I TOOK IT IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AT 62K MILES AND THEY SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AT A COST OF $6,400 OUT OF OWNER'S POCKET. THEY SAID IT HAD BEEN OUT OF WARRANTY FOR A FEW MONTHS BEFORE I TOOK IT IN HENCE, COST TO OWNER. I REPORTED IT TO TOYOTA HEAD QUARTERS AND THEY OFFERED TO REIMBURSE $1K AFTER I SEND THEM RECEIPT OF REPAIRS, SINCE THEY SAID MY WARRANTY EXPIRED NOT LONG BEFORE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A KIND GESTURE BUT I DIDN'T HAVE $5,400 TO SPEND ON THOSE REPAIRS, SO I DIDN'T TAKE THEM UP ON THAT OFFER. I ASKED ABOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS BEING A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE STATED MODEL, AND THEY SAID I MAY HAVE SEEN THIS REPORTED FREQUENTLY IN FORUMS ONLINE, BUT UNTIL ENOUGH PEOPLE REPORT THE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA'S HEAD QUARTERS THEY WON'T HAVE GROUNDS TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND CONTINUES TO GET LOUDER AN IS NOW ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HOPE TOYOTA SEES THE NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL SOON. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,633.
Steering, Oct 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING A HARD TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED FOR TWO YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. KMJ
Steering, Sep 26, 2013
OBVIOUS CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING, ESPECIALLY IN TURNS. I FOUND OUT THROUGH ROUTINE MAINT. AT A TOYOTA DEALER THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH STEERING LINKAGE. I WENT OUT ONLINE AND SEE THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN ON HOW TO FIX THIS, BUT ALSO I READ NUMEROUS OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A RECALL. OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE SADDLED WITH THE COSTS, WHEN IT IS A DEFINITE DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE ADDRESS, THANK YOU. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Sep 25, 2013
KNOCK AND SUDDEN SHIFT OF STEERING WHEEL. NOISE APPEARED TO COME FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND ALONG THE STEERING COLUMN OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. HAS GROWN WORSE WITH USE, BUT VEHICLE ONLY HAS 30,250 MILES. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE; DANGER OF LOSS OF STEERING. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JS
Steering, Sep 16, 2013
MY STEERING MECHANISM HAS BEEN MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION, AND GRADUALLY, OVER A PERIOD OF 2 YEARS, IT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. AT LAST SERVICE, I INQUIRED ABOUT THE NOISE AND WAS TOLD, IT WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT... NORMAL WEAR-N-TEAR. COULD IT BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF IT SHOULD BE AN ISSUE TO BE DEALT WITH THRU A RECALL. I HAVE READ A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS. *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2013
NO ACCIDENT HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT CONCERNED ABOUT POPPING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN MAY BECOME AN ISSUE AT SOME POINT. TOYOTA SAYS VEHICLE IS SAFE BUT CONTINUOUS POPPING SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN HAS US CONCERNED. THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED IN 2009 AND TOYOTA REPLACED PARTS IN STEERING COLUMN TO FIX IT. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS OUT ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, IN 2011 PROBLEM HAS RETURNED, WELL THE WARRANTY IS OUT AND TO FIX PROBLEM IS A LARGE OUT OF POCKET COST.
Steering, Aug 27, 2013
AT 44,000 MILES MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 DEVELOPED A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE STEERING SYSTEM WHEN TURNING. AS TIME WENT ON THE FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF THE SITUATION ONLY GOT WORSE. I FOUND A TSB WHICH APPEARED TO DEAL WITH THE IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING, T-SB-0318-08. I ALSO DISCOVERED SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS MYSELF. MY VEHICLE, IDENTIFIED BY VIN, WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE TAHARA PLANT AND WAS AFFECTED BY THE TSB. IN MY RESEARCH I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS TSB AND A DIFFERENT PART THAT WAS BEING USED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ONE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA MUST CONFRONT AND ADDRESS WITH A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. OBVIOUSLY THE PART INSTALLED ORIGINALLY WAS DEFECTIVE. TOYOTA SUBSEQUENTLY A REPLACEMENT PART THAT IN DUE COURSE WAS ALSO DEEMED TO BE DEFECTIVE SO THEY DEVELOPED A THIRD PART. THE PART IN QUESTION IS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. AS A RESPONSIBLE GRANDPARENT THERE IS NO WAY IN THE WORLD THAT I WAS GOING TO LET THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM CONTRIBUTE TO AN ACCIDENT POSSIBLY INJURING MY GRANDCHILD. THE QUOTE FROM THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WAS $1100 TO DO THE REPAIR AND ALIGNMENT (WHICH THE TSB SAYS IS UNNECESSARY IF THE REPAIR WAS DONE CORRECTLY). I HAD A CERTIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC COMPLETE THE REPAIR FOR UNDER $700. NOW I AM WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND IDENTIFY THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS A SAFETY RECALL SO THAT ALL OF THE THOUSANDS OF RESPONSIBLE RAV4 OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM CAN HAVE IT CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2013
I HEAR A CLUNK. POP OR KNOCK-TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN T-SB-0318-08, A NEW INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THIS CONDITION, THAT IS TO REMOVE AND REPLACE BOTH STEERING AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS (NO. 1 AND NO. 2.). THE TSB EXPRESSLY STATES THAT THE REPAIR IS COVERED ONLY UNDER THE 3 YEAR/ 36K MILESTOYOTA COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY. MANY OWNERS OF THE RAV OF THIS ERA HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM, AND IT OFTEN OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED. ALSO, MANY OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SOUND GETTING WORSE OVER TIME IF NOT FIXED. ( THIS INFORMATION IS FREQUENTLY STATED IN FORUMS AND BLOGS ABOUT THIS ERA RAV 4). I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WILL, AT SOME POINT, RESULT IN NEGATIVE STEERING EFFECTS, IF NOT LOSS OF STEERING. AS SUCH, TOYOTA SHOULD BE FORCED TO INITIATE A RECALL CAMPAIGN TO FIX THIS TSB PROBLEM UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2013
THE RACK AND PINION STEERING MAKES A LOUD CLONKING SOUND WHEN TURNING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. DEFECTIVE PART IN ALL 06-08 RAV4'S. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2013
I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER BECAUSE OF ANNOYING RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT, AND WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DEFECTIVE STEERING RACK MADE NOISE AND IT SHOULD BE REPLACED (ESTIMATED COST OF $1,984 INCLUDING PART AND LABOR COSTS), OTHERWISE THE VEHICLE COULD BREAK DOWN. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE (OCCURRING IN PARTICULAR TO THOSE RAV4 2006-2008 PRODUCED IN SHOKKI, JAPAN) AND TOYOTA OFFERED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK IF A VEHICLE IS UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. TOYOTA HAS DOCUMENTED THIS ISSUE--REFER TO T-SB-0308-08, OCTOBER 8, 2008. APPARENTLY MY RAV4 IS OVER 6 YEARS OLD (BUT ONLY RAN 31,400 MILES) AND NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I TALKED TO TOYOTA NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND TOYOTA DECLINED TO REPAIR THE PART AT THEIR COST. I DEMAND THAT NHTSA/DOT TAKE AN ACTION TO INVESTIGATE THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE SO AS TO PREVENT RAV4 DRIVERS FROM FACING FATAL ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Jul 3, 2013
THE STEERING IS LOOSE AND THERE IS A PULLING AND/OR POPPING FEELING WHEN TURNING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 29, 2013
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY WIFE AND SHE NOTICED INDICATOR LIGHTS SUDDENLY COMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE SPUTTERING AND STARTING TO STALL. PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING, SHE NOTICED THE POWER STEERING INOPERABLE AND SHE WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STEERING TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER LANE AND TO A STOP. SHE CALLED ME AND I CALLED FOR EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. AT THIS TIME, AS THE ENGINE RAN, THE POWER STEERING WAS STILL INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVABLE. IT WAS THEN TOWED HOME. MY MECHANIC CHECKED AND FOUND THE BATTERY TO BE UNDERCHARGED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR NOT PROPERLY CHARGING THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE POWER STEERING AND ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS RESUMED BACK TO NORMAL. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING AS LONG AS THE ENGINE WAS IN OPERATION. IF THE BRAKING SYSTEM CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AS THE ENGINE RAN, THE POWER STEERING UNIT SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO OPERATE SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN STAY IN COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IF MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED AND ON A BUSY INTERSTATE FREEWAY, THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. PLEASE LOOK INTO GETTING TOYOTA TO RECALL AND CORRECTING THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON MINE AND OTHER 2007 RAV4S. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. A REPLY WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Steering, Jun 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT SOMETHING HAD BECOME LOOSE INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,400.
Steering, Jun 26, 2013
THE STEERING SHAFT HAS A CLUNK NOISE AND A CLUNK OR SHIFT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM IN 2006 AND SUBSEQUENT RAV4 AUTOS. IT WAS ORIGINALLY FELT AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES AND INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS MAY EVEN OCCUR AT LESS MILEAGE. INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING COMMON PROBLEM IN RAV4S THAT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BY TOYOTA. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM, WHY HAS TOYOTA NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR FREE AND WHY ARE THEY PERMITTED TO CONTINUE TO SELL CARS WITH THE PROBLEM?? MY DEALER ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR 50% OF THE CHARGE. TOTAL BILL FOR MY 50% WAS $173.72 I READ ON INTERNET THAT AS MUCH AS $800 WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Jun 11, 2013
VEHICLE PARKED STARTED TURNED STEERING WHEEL EXIT FROM GARAGE LOUD NOISE AT FULL LOCK LEFT AND RIGHT. CONTACTED DEALER . INFORMED PROBLEM IN MIDDLE SECTION STEERING SHAFT INHERENT TO V6 REPAIR COST 325 DEALER SAID INABILITY STEER NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Jun 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WHEEL BEGAN TO SQUEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. *TR
Steering, Jun 7, 2013
I BROUGHT THE RAV 4 IN FOR A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE BY TURNING THE WHEEL. WE HAD NOT NOTICED THE ISSUE PREVIOUS TO THIS. THEY STATED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND THAT THE COST WAS > $500. I DECLINED THE SERVICE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF SINCE NEW. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED TO THOUSANDS OF RAV 4 DRIVERS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT TOYOTA IS NOT RECOGNIZING AND FIXING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE HELP. THANKS. *TR
Steering, May 23, 2013
AT APPROX. 25000 MILES,I STARTED HEARING A THUMPING NOISE WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS, I DON'T DRIVE IT THAT OFTEN, SO I DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT, UNTIL IT STARTED HAPPENING MORE AND MORE, I THEN HAD 31,000, I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND SEEN IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND YEAR OF THE RAV4, I TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED THE STEERING GEAR AND LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED , IT WOULD COST $2259.00 PLUS TAX FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I REFUSED THE REPAIR AT THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY .I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY AGREED TO PAY FOR ONLY THE PART, BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILEAGE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REPAIRED THAT AND WHILE THERE THEY ALSO SAID MY WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY THEY GAVE WHEN I BOUGHT THE RAV4, THIS IS ANOTHER PART THE 2007 RAV4 HAS HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT. I PAID OVER $1,000.00 OUT OF POCKET FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 31,367, FOR PARTS THAT TOYOTA KNOWS ARE FAULTY, I AM THE ONLY OWNER. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, May 16, 2013
GETTING THE CLUNK/THUNK WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. CANT BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS NOT STEPPED UP WITH A ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MFG DEFECT OF MATERIAL OR PG DESIGN AND ASSISTED CUSTOMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW VERY CONCERNED WITH MY SON DRIVING THIS CAR AND WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED EVEN WITHOUT TOYOTA'S HELP. *TR