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, Dec 27, 2010
MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD 4X4 HAS AN AUDIBLE AND PHYSICAL CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING AT ANY SPEED IN EITHER DIRECTION. I BEGAN NOTICING THE SOUND AROUND 80,000 MILES AND THEN BEGAN FEELING IT AROUND 90,000. I HAD IT LOOKED AT MY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN AND WAS TOLD MY ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAS DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS THAT ARE A DESIGN FLAW AND THE ENTIRE DUAL STEERING SHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR $820.00. I WAS ALSO TOLD IT COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE STEERING WILL NO LONGER BE FUNCTIONAL WHEN THE BUSHING ACTUALLY GIVE OUT. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE HELL WOULD HAPPEN GOING 60 MPH DOWN THE FREEWAY ON MY DAILY COMMUTE WHEN MY STEERING FAILS. THIS IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW BY TOYOTA, HOW ON EARTH DOES THIS NOT QUALIFY AS A SAFETY RECALL!!!?!?!?!?! *TR
Steering, Dec 25, 2010
STEERING HAS HAD A "CLUNKING" NOISE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I READ ONLINE FROM NUMEROUS OTHER 2007 RAV4 OWNERS THAT TOYOTA HAS ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0318-08 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MY TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED ONE OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS HAS INSTRUCTED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN. REPAIRS COST ME $414.00. NOISE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. I OWN TWO RAV4S YEAR 2007. BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
Steering, Dec 25, 2010
I OWN TWO 2007 RAV4S. BOTH HAVE KNOCKING SOUNDS IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IN ONE OF THE CARS LAST WEEK AT A COST OF $440.00. I WILL HAVE TO DO THE SAME REPAIR ON THE SECOND RAV4 THIS WEEK. THERE ARE LESS THAN 33,000 ON EACH CAR. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HELP WITH THE COST OF REPAIR. MANY OTHER 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM ONLINE. 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.
Steering, Dec 23, 2010
STEERING DID NOT FEEL RIGHT - GRINDING AND BUMPING THROUGH STEERING COLUMN. *LN
Steering, Dec 23, 2010
I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WHICH SOME OF THE RAV4 OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING AS I BROWSE THROUGH THE INTERNET I FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. I'M NOT SURE IF EVERYBODY FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS. MY CAR IS ONLY 38 MONTHS OLD AND BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. I HAVE 37000 MI ON IT. WHAT I NOTICED IS A CLICKING SOUND WHEN I'M TURNING SLOWLY TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, MOSTLY WHEN I'M PARKING. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT IS MALFUNCTIONING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE IF NOT TAKEN CARE OF BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL MIGHT GET STUCKED. *LN
Steering, Dec 20, 2010
POPPING AND CLUNKING SOUND AND FEEL IN STEERING WHEEL NOTICEABLE MORE AT LOW SPEEDS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND ONE THAT TOYOTA IS FULLY AWARE OF TO THE POINT OF ISSUING SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2008 ADDRESSING THE CONCERN. THE SOLUTION IS A RE-DESIGN OF THE COLUMN COMPONENTS. THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT PASSED ON TO VEHICLE OWNERS AS APPARENTLY TOYOTA REALIZED MANY FAILURES WOULD OCCUR OR BE NOTICED BEYOND THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS DESERVES A RECALL. A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW IN A SAFETY COMPONENT SHOULD NOT COST THE CONSUMER $700 TO $1000 TO REPAIR. NOR SHOULD IT TAKE A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS OR LOSS OF ONE LIFE BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2010
I NOTICED A "POPPING" SOUND AND STARTED FEELING A "THUNK" IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ~ 40,000 MILES IN OUR 2007 RAV4. THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS TYPICAL AND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. UPON CHECKING INCIDENT REPORTS I DISCOVERED IT IS CERTAINLY TYPICAL, BUT WHETHER I SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT IT IS UNDETERMINED. TOYOTA KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2008, NEITHER THEY NOR THEIR DEALERS INFORMED THE OWNERS. THE PROBLEM WAS SERIOUS ENOUGH THAT IT WARRANTED A REDESIGN OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT COMPONENTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECTIFIED THROUGH A RECALL.
Steering, Nov 30, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 (46K MILES) STEERING MAKES POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND DURING STOPPED AND LOW SPEED TURNS. TOYOTA ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN OCTOBER 2008 ALLOWING FREE REPLACEMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ONLY IF CUSTOMER COMPLAINED. IT APPEARS TOYOTA WAS BETTING THE PART FAILURE WOULD OCCUR AFTER THE 3 YEAR 36K MILE WARRANTY. TOYOTA REDESIGNED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. A STEERING COMPONENT DEFECT APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD WARRANT A RECALL. TOYOTA QUOTED A $480 REPAIR COST. *TR
Steering, Nov 28, 2010
I RECENTLY REPLACE BOTH INTERMEDIATE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT IN MY 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 DUE TO EXCESSIVE CLICKING NOISE AND DISTURBING FEEDBACK ON STEERING WHEEL. CAR HAS 49K MILES ON IT, NOTICE THE ISSUE AROUND 45K MILES BUT UNFORTUNATELY A LOCAL MECHANIC MISDIAGNOISED THE PROBLEM AS A TIE ROD ISSUE. AS THE NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL FEEDBACK BECAME MORE SERIOUS, I WENT TO DEALER FOR EVALUATION. GIVEN THE DANGERS AROUND LOSS OF STEERING WHEEL AND POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS CRASH, I BELIEVE THIS WEAR AND TEAM ON THE STEERING SHAFT IS WAY TO PREMATURE AT THIS AGE. I HAVE NEVER HAD STEERING WHEEL DEFECT IN OVER 8 CARS I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST 30 YEARS ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT THE CAR IS NOT EVEN 4 YEARS OLD. PART REPLACED INCLUDED BOTH STEERING WHEEL SHAFT AND ASSEMBLY AT TOYOTA DEALER WITH NEW PART. *TR
Steering, Nov 27, 2010
THERE IS A CHRONIC CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND ON THE STEERING COLUMN AS IT IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT AS THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. MIGHT BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE OVER THE SHORT OR LONG TERM. DO WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH HAPPENS BEFORE THIS ISSUE IS LOOKED AT? *TR
Steering, Nov 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF. HOURS LATER, HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE BATTERY WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. WHENEVER HE WOULD MAKE A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO MADE A "CLANKING" NOISE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,500.
Steering, Nov 15, 2010
KNOCKING AND BANGING NOISES WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. SOMETIMES WHEN GOING OVER MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD. MOST NOTICEABLE AT SLOW SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Nov 14, 2010
AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES WE NOTICED A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE POWER STEERING. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. AT 69,457 MILES WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. HE INFORMED US THE STEERING SHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT $456.00 WITH A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. AFTER ASKING ABOUT A POSSIBLE STEERING DEFECT I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL MAINTENANCE. WITHOUT A REPAIR I AM AFRAID I MIGHT LOOSE MY STEERING.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 31, 2010
LAST NIGHT, MY RAV4 BATTERY DIED DUE PRESUMABLY TO THE REAR DOOR LIGHT GETTING ACCIDENTALLY TURNED ON. UPON JUMP STARTING THE CAR, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. I DROVE IT HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THEN, THIS MORNING, THE BATTERY WAS NOT QUITE UP HIGH ENOUGH TO START THE CAR, SO I JUMP STARTED IT AGAIN. IT STARTED, BUT A FEW HUNDRED FEET AWAY, I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE ASSIST. IT REQUIRED EVERY OUNCE OF FORCE I COULD MUSTER TO TURN THE VEHICLE AROUND AND GET IT BACK TO MY HOUSE. THANKFULLY, THIS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS NEAR MY HOUSE AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY LAST NIGHT OR THE CHP WOULD HAVE BEEN SCRAPING ME OFF A BRIDGE POST. THE RAV4 CANNOT REALISTICALLY BE STEERED BY AN AVERAGE PERSON WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST BECAUSE OF THE GEARING RATIO, MAKING THIS A VERY SERIOUS DESIGN DEFECT. IF A VEHICLE CANNOT SAFELY OPERATE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT OPERATE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT, BECAUSE THE BATTERY PLAYS AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN POWER SMOOTHING, AND BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE PUMPS ARE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED, A LOW BATTERY CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKE PUMPS WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL FUNCTIONAL. THIS CAN EASILY RESULT IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE VEHICLE BARRELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 80 MPH. I BELIEVE THAT FIXING THIS PROBLEM REQUIRES A FUNDAMENTAL REDESIGN OF THE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PUMPS TO ADD ADDITIONAL CAPACITORS SO THAT THE BATTERY IS NOT PLAYING SUCH A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SMOOTHING OUT THE PULSATING DC FROM THE ALTERNATOR ALONG WITH THE ADDITION OF SENSOR HARDWARE TO DETECT A LOW BATTERY CONDITION AND ACTIVATE AN INDICATOR LIGHT UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. IDEALLY, THE STEERING GEARBOX SHOULD ALSO BE REDESIGNED WITH A LOWER GEAR RATIO SO THAT IT DOES NOT BECOME UNDRIVEABLE. WITHOUT THESE FIXES, THE 2007 RAV4 IS FUNDAMENTALLY UNSAFE. THIS DESIGN FLAW PROBABLY ALSO AFFECTS MOST OTHER LATE MODELS OF TOYOTA. *TR
Steering, Oct 29, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4. HEAR A KNOCKING NOISE WHILE TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT MORE AT SLOW SPEED. TOOK TO THE DEALER LAST OCT 15 AND REPLACED STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY CHARGE $520.00 FOR LABOR AND PARTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000. *TR
Steering, Oct 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, HE HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND; THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ UPDATED 03/02/11
Steering, Oct 11, 2010
AN OBVIOUS "CLUNKING" SOUND BECAME EVIDENT RIGHT AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY. IN ADDITION TO THE SOUND A "LOOSENESS" WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN IS ALSO EVIDENT. RESEARCH SHOWS THOUSANDS OF THESE REPORTED. DEALERS HAVE BEEN REPLACING PARTS TO NO AVAIL AND TO MUCH COST. THE PROBLEM CAN BE EASILY HEARD AT LOW SPEEDS ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING IN OR OUT OF DRIVEWAYS, INTERSECTIONS, ETC. *TR
Steering, Oct 9, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV4 WITH APPROX 65,000MILES REQUIRING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACEMENT IN STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART IN TOYOTA CARS AS IT IS DOCUMENTED FREQUENTLY ONLINE BY TOYOTA OWNERS. A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN SENT TO DEALERS RE THIS SITUATION. HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT ALL TOYOTA OWNERS ARE AT RISK. *TR
Steering, Oct 5, 2010
I HAVE A 2007 RAV 4. IN AUG 2008 IT STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND PART OF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE NOISE WENT AWAY. NOW IT IS OCT. 2010 AND THE NOISE IS BACK BUT VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. SEARCHING 07 RAV 4 CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN I REALIZE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THERE WAS A PRONOUNCED CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDING REPLACEMENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE TWO INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS IN THE VEHICLE IN WHICH BOTH WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 12/16/11*LJ UPDATED 01/20/12
Steering, Sep 19, 2010
KNOCKING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN OF 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4. HAPPENS WHEN TRUCK IS MOVING AND TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Sep 15, 2010
2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 . REPORTED A LOUD CLUNKING IN THE STEERING. THE NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL KEEPS GETTING WORSE. CAN FEEL A CLUNKING IN THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPORTS, STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY NEEDS REPLACING. MANY OTHERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS. NOT MUCH HELP FROM TOYOTA IN ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2010
STEERING GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAUSING PROBLEMS. A LOOSE THUNK SOUND IN STEERING WHILE TURNING CORNERS. ALSO SOME VIBRATIONS ON HIGHWAY. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2010
THERE IS A LOUD "KLUNK" IN STEERING IN THE TURNS. TOYOTA DEALERS DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS A RECOMMENDATION, BUT NO RECALL. I FEEL UNSAFE AND ITS SOUNDS LIKE DEFECTIVE TO ME - MY TOYOTA RAV4 07 ONLY 3 YEARS OLD WITH 40000 MILES. DOES SOMEBODY HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THEY TAKE CARE OF THIS? I JUST WANT THOSE BIG GUYS IN JAPAN KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT. I AM WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO TAKE ACTION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 5, 2010
1. WHILE DRIVING A 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 AT LOW SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE RADIO SILENCED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE SAFELY STOPPED. NORMAL STEERING RESUMED RADIO CAME BACK ON AND CLUSTER LIGHTS STOPPED FLASHING. THE CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MILES AND PARKED FOR APPRX. 1 HOUR. 2. THE CAR WOULD NOT START, AGAIN NO RADIO, BUT LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED TO FULL BRIGHTNESS. NO WARNING/FAULT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAR WAS "JUMP-STARTED". WHEN PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING STALL, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED AGAIN. A TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED. THE CAR ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING NORMALLY. 3. WHILE LOADING THE CAR, THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE REPEATEDLY 4 - 5 TIMES. THE TOYOTA OF WALNUT CREEK (CALIFORNIA) TECHNICIAN STATES THAT THE PROBLEM IS A DISCHARGED BATTERY, CAUSING THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST TO NOT OPERATE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK CANNOT ENGAGE WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK DID ENGAGE, NOT A LACK OF STEERING ASSIST. THE TECHNICIAN STATED HE "CANNOT DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM. *TR