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, Jan 27, 2012
EXPERIENCED KNOCKING NOISES WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. CONDITION HAS WORSENED OVER THE LAST YEAR. I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD RESULT IN STEERING FAILURE AND AN EXPECTED INABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jan 11, 2012
EXPERIENCED KNOCKING AND POPPING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CONDITION WORSENED OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS AND EVENTUALLY BECAME CONSTANT. *TR
Steering, Dec 30, 2011
"KLUNKING" NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN. NOTICED INTERMITTENTLY INITIALLY,NOW ALL THE TIME. OCCURS AT ANY SPEEDS BUT PRIMARILY LOWER SPEEDS AND WHILE STOPPED. WORSENING OVER TIME. *KB
Steering, Dec 27, 2011
UPON STARTING THE CAR THE RED POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT (P/S) STAYED ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN 2 WEEKS. WE ARE TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. OTHERS ON THE INTERNET WITH THIS EXACT PROBLEM SAY IT COST $2500 TO FIX!! TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON RELIEVED THE PROBLEM BUT IT CAME BACK AGAIN A WEEK LATER. GM ISSUED A RECALL QUICKLY FOR ITS CARS WHEN THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE NEW ELECTRIC INSTEAD OF HYDRAULIC STEERING. THIS IS ANOTHER MAJOR DEFECT FOR TOYOTA WHICH COULD BE VERY SERIOUS IF THE STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING! LOSS OF STEERING CAN RESULT IN MAJOR ACCIDENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THIS MATTER. LIVES WILL BE SAVED IF YOU MAKE TOYOTA MEET ITS RESPONSIBILITIES AND ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2011
HEARING A CLUCKING NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN FOR LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. IT WAS GETTING WORSE AND INCREASED FREQUENCY SO WE TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. SERVICE DEPT PERSONNEL SAID THEY HAD REPLACED OTHER STEERING SHAFTS BUT NO RECALL ON OUR RAV4'S YEAR. 2001 & 02'S AND OTHER YEARS HAVE RECALLS. SEARCHED ON-LINE AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER POSTS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM ON 2006 & 07 RAV4S. WHY IS TOYOTA NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS PROBLEM. OTHERS HAVE STATED THE STEERING WILL EVIDENTLY GO OUT. DEFINITE MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. $800+ COST TO FIX. *TR
Steering, Dec 13, 2011
EXPERIENCED KNOCKING AND POPPING NOISE WITH VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CONDITION WORSENED OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW WEEKS AND EVENTUALLY BECAME CONSTANT. THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING RACK AND NOT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY PER T-SB-0308-08 "STEERING RACK NOISE". I'M CONCERNED THIS MIGHT BE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE STEERING COMPONENTS AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2011
AT 66,000 MILES HEARD & FELT CLUNKING IN THE STEERING, & THEN SPENT $2033 PLUS TAX AT THE TOYOTA DEALER TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS #1 & #2, & POWER STEERING RACK. TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THEIR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2011
MY RAV4 HAS BEGAN HAVING CLUNKING NOISES IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE DONE SOME SEARCHES ON THIS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THIS IS PREVALENT WITH RAV4'S AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO ISSUE A RECALL. IS THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN? WILL THIS EVENTUALLY BE A RECALL? *TR
Steering, Nov 29, 2011
STEERING MAKES POPPING SOUND WHEN TURNING TO LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAYS OR PARKING SPACES. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, AND IT WAS SHRUGGED OFF AS NOT A BIG DEAL, BUT THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $500 TO FIX. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE. IT WAS LUBED AND I WAS TOLD THAT MIGHT HELP AND THAT IT WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT AWAY; HOWEVER AFTER REVIEWING COMPLAINTS ON-LINE, IT APPEARS A LOT OF '07 RAV'S HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AT DIFFERENT MILEAGE POINTS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY TOYOTA. I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE ON THIS. *KB
Steering, Nov 29, 2011
ON OR ABOUT 9/01/11, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A POPPING/CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING MY CAR LEFT OR RIGHT, WHEN PARKING AND WHEN TURNING INTO OR BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY (APPROX 5MPH). THIS CLUNKING SOUND WAS OCCURRING WITHOUT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO EITHER SIDE AND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT WITH THE CAR RUNNING AT A COMPLETE STOP. ON 10/27/11, I TOOK MY CAR TO MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN WINSTON SALEM, NC AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE CAR WOULD NEED A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT AS A RESULT OF THE REPLACEMENT. ON 11/01/11, I HAD THIS SERVICE DONE AT MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (REPLACED STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, ITEM #45260-42090, AND 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT.) I PAID A TOTAL OF $479.73 FOR THIS SERVICE. NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN #ST001-08, ITEM #10024291, WAS ISSUED 2/08/08 FOR THE 2007 RAV4 STEERING COMPONENT. IN SEARCHING MYCARSTATS.COM ALONG WITH OTHER SITES ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE AND COMPLAINT. A REPAIR COST OF $479.73 IS SUBSTANTIAL, AND SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN CONSUMER COMPLAINT AND A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED, I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS STEERING SHAFT COMPONENT FOR THE 2007 RAV4. *KB
Steering, Nov 22, 2011
I NOTICED A 'CLUNKING SOUND' WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL EITHER DIRECTION ON MY TOYOTA RAV 4 2007 VEHICLE. THIS IS TOYOTA VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. IF YOU WANT PROOF CHECK BELOW LINK THAT HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AND REPLY TO MY EMAIL. HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/TOYOTA/RAV4/2007/STEERING/MAKES_NOISE_WHEN_TURNING_THE_STEERING_WHEEL.SHTML HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/TOYOTA-RAV4/TS93FJA7TI04QEESV/P3 HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/DEALER-RECOMMENDS-I-REPLACE-THE-INTERMEDIATE-STEERING-SHAFT-IN-25-YEAR-OLD-RAV4-291 HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2007/TOYOTA/RAV4/STEERING/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.DEVDAILY.COM/BLOG/POST/PAGE-1/RAV4-STEERING-NOISE-EPIDEMIC. *TR
Steering, Nov 16, 2011
RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED A 'CLUNKING SOUND' WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL EITHER DIRECTION ON MY TOYOTA RAV 4 2007 VEHICLE. I AM BRINGING IN THIS VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED OUT BY MY LOCAL DEALER. I WAS LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALL NOTICES ON THIS STEERING NOISE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Nov 14, 2011
I HAVE A TOYOTA RAV4, 2007. I HEARD STEERING COLUMN NOISE RIGHT AFTER IT CROSSED 35000 MILE ONLY. I READ IN THE INTERNET MANY RAV4 USER MENTION THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA KNOWINGLY NOT RECALLING THE VEHICLES TO FIX IT. THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH $550 COST. SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED BY MANY RAV4 BUYERS, TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE THIS FREE. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2011
PURCHASED THE ABOVE VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE ON OCTOBER 25 2011 FROM AN AUTO BROKER IN ORANGE, CA WHO HAD ADVERTISED THE CAR IN AUTOTRADER.COM AS A CLEAN AND LOW MILEAGE(UNDER 26,000 MILES) AND IN HIS EMAIL TO ME STATED THAT THE UNIT WAS COMPLETELY INSPECTED AND WARRANTY. SINCE BUYING IT 2 1/2 DAYS AGO WE HAVE ONLY TAKEN IT OUT ON 3 OCCASIONS LOCALLY AS I HAVE A RENTED CAR AND WANTED TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE RENTED CAR WHILST WE HAVE IT. I NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT JUST FELT WEIRD AND UNSAFE. HAVING GOOGLED THE PROBLEM I REALIZE THAT THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING OF RAV 4 AND SO MANY THEIR PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE BROKER AND WAITING TO HEAR FROM HIM. I AM AMAZED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT TREAT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SERIOUSLY TO DO A FREE REPAIR AND RECALL. I CALLED THEM THIS MORNING AND THEY STATED AS THE CAR IS OVER 3 YEARS THEN THERE IS NO WARRANTY!!! TOYOTA PLEASE GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND DO NOT RISK PEOPLES LIFE!! AS FAR AS THE BROKER IS CONCERNED I HAVE TO RESERVE JUDGMENT UNTIL I SEE HIM AND FIND OUT WHAT HE IS WILLING TO DO TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THE BROKER IS SOLUTIONS AUTO SALES, MISSION VIEJO, CA BUT I MET HIM AND BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HIS OFFICE IN ORANGE, CA. *TR
Steering, Oct 25, 2011
LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A "CLUNKING" NOISE AND LOOSE FEEL TO THE STEERING SYSTEM OF MY VEHICLE. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS UNWILLING TO REPAIR THIS ITEM AT THEIR EXPENSE EVEN THOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS A DEFECT ACCORDING TO THIER OWN BULLETINS. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0319-08" TO TELL THE TOYOTA MECHANICS HOW TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFTS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE MADE TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE A MANDATED RECALL BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING INJURED DUE TO STEERING FAILURE! WHEN CONTACTING TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVES, THEY ALSO REFUSE TO TELL CONSUMERS WHAT GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THEY ARE CLEARLY TRYING TO AVOID PAYING FOR THIS KNOWN DEFECT!!! *TT
Steering, Oct 24, 2011
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 IS MAKING AN UNSETTLING CLUNKING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT HANDS TURNS. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY COUNTLESS TOYOTA RAV4 AND CAMRY OWNERS, AND TOYOTA HAS EVEN ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING DEFECTIVE PARTS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. CLEARLY THIS IS NOT A PART THAT SHOULD WEAR OUT IN A 4 YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH 40K MILES, AND IS A TOYOTA DESIGN FLAW. QUOTED REPAIR COST IS ~$800, BUT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM GIVEN THE NUMBER OF OWNERS IT IS IMPACTING. ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO DEFECTIVE STEERING COMPONENTS. *TR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2011
AT AROUND 60,000 MILES, MY 2007 RAV4 BEGAN MAKING A VERY LOUD THUMPING, KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND SHAFTS EVERY TIME I TURNED THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ISSUE WAS NOTICEABLY WORSE AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE IMPACT COULD BE FELT AS A TREMOR THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. BY 70,000 MILES, I FEARED FOR MY SAFETY DRIVING AT SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 35MPH. THE PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED BY TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. ALL THREE ADVISED THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD BE REPAIRED URGENTLY AS IT IS AN IMMEDIATE DRIVER SAFETY CONCERN. FURTHER RESEARCH CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH 2006-2008 YEAR RAV4S. TOYOTA RECOGNIZES THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILURES ARE SERIOUS ENOUGH TO WARRANT THE ISSUE OF TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS. THIS FLAW IS COVERED BY WARRANTY FOR VEHICLES UNDER 3 YEARS OF 36,000 MILES, BUT COSTS OVER $1,000 TO REPAIR (AT THE OWNER''S COST) OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS ISSUE OBVIOUSLY RELATES TO A DESIGN/MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION DEFICIENCY WITH THIS MODEL. OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ALREADY LISTED ON NHTSA SITE. ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING MECHANISM CLEARLY AFFECT THE ABILITY TO SAFELY DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THUS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA IS KNOWINGLY IMPOSING RISK ON ITS DRIVERS UNTIL THIS ISSUE IS DEALT WITH, BY A MANDATORY RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Oct 13, 2011
WHENEVER I TURN THE WHEEL (DOES NOT MATTER WHAT DIRECTION) IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN IT MAKES A CLUNK NOISE, AND YOU CAN FEEL IT IN YOUR HANDS. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 2, 2011
THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. LOOKING AT SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IT WOULD APPEAR THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE RAV4'S MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. THERE IS ALSO A LOUD INTERMITTENT MOANING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE HAD IT IN TO TOYOTA SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE CAUSE COULD NOT BE FOUND. *TR
Steering, Sep 13, 2011
I BEGAN HEARING A CLUNK IN MY STEERING COLUMN APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AGO. I PURCHASED MY 2007 RAV 4 AT THE END OF JANUARY 2008. IT HAS ONLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, TOYOTA ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (2/8/08) ACKNOWLEDGING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN: HTTP://WW2.JUSTANSWER.COM/UPLOADS/SND27613/2008-10-14_215655_RAV_4_STEERING_2.PDF. NOW I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS NEEDED TO REPLACE AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY (5,000 MILES OR 9 MONTHS TOO LATE). TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR PROBLEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. MY MECHANIC URGED ME NOT TO DO ANY LONG DISTANCE DRIVING OR WAIT VERY LONG TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR 5 DAYS (APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM!!!!). PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2011
WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, VEHICLE MAKES A THUMPING NOISE. THE THUMPING NOISE SEEMS TO COME FROM THE STEERING SHAFT. I FEAR LOSING CONTROL OF THE STEERING. APPARENTLY, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OF THE VEHICLE, AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. I FEAR THIS DEFECT IN THE STEERING WILL IMPACT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I FEAR COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE STEERING. *TR
Steering, Aug 27, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 DEVELOPED CLUNKING THAT IS HEARD AND FELT IN STEERING AT SLOW SPEEDS (EXAMPLE: PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE.) WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED ROUTINELY AND FOR ANOTHER RECALL (CARPET/GAS PEDAL), THE PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER'S ATTENTION. THE PROBLEM WAS THE "STEERING ROD" AND REPAIR WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE. THE CAR IS ALREADY OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD IT "WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE" AND THAT "IT WOULD GET WORSE." GIVEN ALL THE COMPLAINTS ALREADY DOCUMENTED BY OTHER OWNERS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. IS WAITING FOR A COMPLETE FAILURE OF STEERING RESULTING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT REQUIRED TO HAVE THIS RECALLED? SINCE TOYOTA IS UNWILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, CAN NHTSA TAKE A PROACTIVE RESPONSE, RATHER THAN WAIT FOR AN ACCIDENT WITH FATALITY TO PUSH THE ISSUE? *TT
Steering, Aug 9, 2011
STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED T-SB-0318-08 BULLETIN WITH A PROCEDURE TO REPAIR AN INADEQUATELY DESIGNED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT LONG-TERM SAFETY AND LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF THIS REPAIR IS NOT DONE. TOYOTA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY OF THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 8, 2011
CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEED IN 2007 TOYOTA RAV4, WHICH STARTED AT 39,000 MILES AND REMAINS AT 51,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2011
2007 TOYOTA RAV4. STEERING COLUMN FAILURE. TOYOTA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS MULTIPLE SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ITEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. *KB