Problems with 2001 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

I was traveling on a highway to work and it had been raining when i pressed my brakes to stop ( i barely pressed them) and my brakes locked and i couldn't stop. i tried to press a couple of times and even pumped them. i tried to get onto the shoulder and my steering locked. i was traveling 55 mph before i tried stopping, and was never able to stop, and when i hit the car in front of me my airbags never deployed. my front end was smashed end and my vehicle was totaled. the lady i hit had just a dent in her bumper. i didn't have major injuries but i had some bruising and a knot on my knee. i never went get checked out but i still have pain sometimes in my neck and back. the police did file a report and even though the lady i hit told the officer that i wasn't close to her and had plenty enough time to stop he gave me a ticket for following too close. it took me way longer than 4 seconds to hit her. *tr

First my 2001 rav4 started shifting really hard (the lower gears) and i could see the rpm going up high. after a day of having this problem my check engine light came on. the transmission fluid is at a good level and it's nice and pink. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota rav4. while driving at 25 mph and making a left turn the passenger's side tie rod failed. in an attempt to straighten the wheels the passenger side wheel collapsed outward. the vehicle was towed to a repair mechanic who advised that the passenger side tie rod threading was stripped and caused the failure.the weather was not a factor at the time of the incident. *ak updated 03/01/07. *jb

Steering problems; while travling 45 mph steering jerked to right side, and she could not get back in place. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak

I have had my vehicle to the dealership on these dates for the sa me repair feb.9.2001,march 12,march 26,april19 and sept 14 and instead of fixing it the noise is worse . it is so bad that i take nerve pills to drive this vehicle . i have taken my family doctor for a ride in the vehicle and he had worte in my file that he has heard itand it very anoying if i should take so many nerve pills that i should have a wreck i would hope that toyota is ready for a law suit my attorney has also heard this . i filled out the lemon law forms and was denied at the arbitration as it was a wendy day and the arbitrator even said that his hearing was not good from working in factories . so he said that he could not hear this . i have also had a body shop ride in this car and they have also heard the noise. i sure hope that you can do something about this as i have 2 grandchildren and my 3 year old was with me the other day and said mimi what is that noise ? you need a new car . that is pretty bad when a 3 year old says something like that. 4. *ak

The transmission shifts slowly, pops into reverse while in the car wash and the rpm gauge shows high rpm's when accelerating in third gear. nlm