Problems with 2006 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

When slowly turning and applying the brakes, there is a clunking in the wheel as you turn. many others have complained about this being the intermediate steering shaft. if this many people are complaining, i don't know why a recall hasn't been issued. i have contacted toyota to question this; however i have yet to hear back from them. *tr

The steering column clunks when you turn the wheel. my vehicle has 85,000 miles. the clunking is getting worse. toyota should recall this vehicle! there are many others who are experiencing this problem. *tr

2006 toyota rav4 clunking/popping noise when turning steering wheel. dealer says i need interm. steering shaft, clamps and hose for a total of $597.49. this seems to be a widespread problem, why no recall? gear shifter and gear shifter slide became problematic at 49,000 miles but was covered by warranty. *tr

Steering wheel "clunks" at relatively low speeds - clunking increases over time. concern is if steering fails as a result. toyota's fix is to replace intermediate driveshaft and an alignment. apparently this is a pervasive problem on a number of rav4 model years (based on hundreds of postings on internet discussion sites, at least one of which claims failed steering resulting in multicar crash). per these online discussions, some toyota dealers have stated it is a serious safety issue, some have not. given this problem has existed for a number of years (toyota has two service memos issued on the problem and even developed new replacement parts), if the nhtsa has investigated this issue and determined there is no consumer safety issues, is that conclusion available to the public? would appear this would be proper to disclose, as consumers get very concerned with a potential loss of steering and its potential crash ramifications. *tr

2006 toyota rav 4 has developed a very distinct clunking sound and feel when turning the steering wheel. i never drive the car, and noticed it immediately when i had to drive it a week ago. i questioned my husband, who said it had felt like that "forever"!! when i searched online i was shocked to see that it actually is quite a problem! car now has 90-k miles. last summer (at a hair over 60-k) the water pump went - out of warranty. very poor design, as the engine must be pulled to replace the pump to the tune of $1,600!!!! my husband is not looking forward to questioning the dealer about the steering. *tr

On july 20th of 2010 i took my 2006 rav 4 to a toyota dealership in st. augustine fl concerning a noise in the steering when i made a turn. concerns i have this with experience include toyota states they have a smart team to quickly react to customers. i took my rav into the dealership at 1pm on the 20th and at 5 pm they let me know they would need to keep my rav overnight because they were unable to find the problem. the next day they were able to find intermediate shaft internal failure. i was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty however these 2 days of faulty product cost me $262.52 when i had only a$50.00 deductible. i was told i would split the cost of the rental car as the coverage only covered a rental if the repair took over 6 hours. it took over 6 hours to even find the problem even with the smart team. i also had to pay to have the 4 wheel alignment as i was told it needed to be done and was not covered under the steering repair. in my experience if something needs to be done as part of the repair it should be included in the cost. a doctor is not allowed to charge extra to stitch you back up after opening you for a surgery. is this steering shaft internal failure the same issue i came home to wy and saw on the news? if so should this not be covered as part of the recall ~ ~ (tuesday, july 20, 2010--a federal grand jury in new york asked toyota motor corp. to submit documents related to problems with the steering relay rods in toyota 4runners (1990-1995), pickups (1989-1995) and t100 trucks (1993-1998). the subpoenas, mailed to toyota's u.s. subsidiaries on june 29, come shortly after a national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) investigation into whether toyota notified the agency of a steering rod defect in a timely fashion, as required by law.) *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated while driving at low speed and turning the steering wheel, he would hear an abnormal knocking sound. the failure would only occur when driving at low speeds. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the steering shaft bushing had dried out. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 48,000.

My rav4 makes an annoying knocking/popping sound when i turn the steering wheel at low speeds. *js

My 2006 toyota rav-4 with 27,000 miles developed a clunking, grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. it was so severe that i even checked the wheels to make sure that they were not loose. i took the car to my dealer, tansky toyota, 6300 sawmill rd., dublin, oh 43017, on july 13, 2010 for servicing. they discovered a broken intermediate shaft [part #45221-42071] on the steering column which they replaced at a cost of $439.50. while my car had only 27,334 miles, i took delivery on 8/25/06 so it was out of warranty. together with wheel alignment, the total cost to me was $523.00. the service staff acted as if they had not heard of such a failure, but after checking the nhtsa website, i found a number of reports of similar problems for 2006 rav-4's. i also discovered that toyota issued a service bulletin to its dealers in 2008 to make them aware of the problem and how to repair it. to date, toyota has not issued a recall for this safety problem. since the failure was due to either a manufacturing defect or poor engineering, i asked for my dealer to cover my expenses for the repair, but after a month with multiple meetings with their service manager, the dealer has not reimbursed me. while i did not have an accident, i considered steering column failure to be a serious safety issue; one requiring a recall to protect owners of this vehicle. *tr

My 2006 toyota rav 4 developed a noise in the steering column that was getting worse. at 59,000 miles i took it to the dealer and got the news that it needed to have the intermediate steering shaft replaced. this was a known defect by toyota and they never notified me, while i had the car under warranty. the tsb went out a year before i bought the car and it has been at the same dealers for repair before. i'm told it's not a safety issue (which i don't believe) and that it will cost me $650 to replace. toyota should fix this for owners before someone gets hurt! *tr

I have a 2006 toyota rav4 with 33,167 miles. the ignition key is about to fall apart. all the covers for the push buttons on the key are falling apart. this just started about a month ago. i went to the dealer and i was informed the key was not covered under warranty and would cost $250.00 to replace. *tr

There is a clunking noise in the steering column at lower speeds, and in park when just turning the wheel. also can feel the clicks by touching the steering shaft. if possibility of steering wheel separating it is a safety defect. toyota know about the problem (tsbst001-08). toyota refusing to admit defect. *tr

Turned on the car, power steering light turned on with complete failure of power steering function. car was pulled to side of road, restarted, and complete return of power steering function. *tr

When making slow turns to the left or right, i hear a clunking sound coming from behind the steering wheel. a mechanic i took the vehicle to recently found that the steering shaft is failing. this is the second steering shaft that has gone bad; i had the first one replaced 4 years ago with a supposedly improved version. evidently, whatever changes were made to the design did not prevent the same problem from occurring. i started to hear the same noise approximately 2 years after having the replacement installed. *tr

There is a clunking-type noise coming from the steering shaft on my 2006 toyota rav 4 when turning the steering wheel. *tr

2006 toyota rav 4 steering clunking noise. car was purchased new and currently has 24,557 miles. the intermediate steering shaft is going out. *tr

I have a 2006 toyota rav4 with 87000 miles on it. the steering started making clunking noise about 2 months ago. based on my research many other owners have this problem as well. here's one of many links regarding people's complain on this problem. please start investigate on this issue and thanks! *tr

Clunking noise coming from steering wheel when turning the when left and right under low speeds. this has been an intermittent problem which is becoming more pronounced, a tsb has been issued for this problem, but a recall should be in place due to the number of owners of rav 4's (2006) blogging and reporting this same issue . *tr

Steering intermediate shaft noise (steering gear/linkage) on 2006 toyota rav 4. when turning the steering wheel, you will hear a clunk or knocking-type noise. *tr

2006 toyota rav 4 with 23,500 miles. steering knocking noise and clunking. started at 20,000 miles approx. i went on line and found this to be a common complaint with rav owners yet there has been no recall. why? i can't get a straight answer as to whether this is a noise problem or will be a steering problem. *tr

Steering makes a "bumping" sound when it is turned in any direction. my son commented that he noticed it in 2010. last week my mechanic mentioned it and said that it should be fixed. another mechanic at the same shop also mentioned it to me after he drove the vehicle. *tr

2006 rav4 steering clunk. *tr

Noticeable clunk heard and felt in steering 2006 rav4 during left and right turns at low speeds. numerous similar reports--no recall--despite safety issue. toyota has issued a technical service report. in an earlier recall, 2006 prius steering assembly may become loose causing vehicle to lose control . *tr

My steering has developed a serious knocking. initially it was light but is now rapidly increasing specifically when making short turns like exiting my garage and/or backing up. the car has 47000 miles and i don't think a defect like this should happen. it certainly is not part of regular maintenance. checking the web i notice that many complaints have been filed about this problem and i wonder why toyota has not recalled the model to fix this obvious- and possibly dangerous - defect.

i was driving by 88 st and 94 ave in miami, florida went through the train tracks, and heard a loud noise, like an explosion, and the car started to shake and move to the left lane, thank god there was no cars coming, so i finally control the vehicle, i look for a reason of the explosion, and then drag...literally to a shopping plaza, where i noticed the tire behind on the driver side was almost separating from the vehicle. i called my son, and he send a tow truck, later a mechanic would tell me that the inner tie rod broke. i noticed months before that the car made funny noises from the suspension. i called the dealer sent an e-mail to toyota usa warning them, they told me to go to the dealer. they didn't care what i said to them, i went three times to them, toyota usa insisted to go to the dealer. three years later toyota usa sent me a warning brochure about the inner-tie rod problem and how to do the alignment on the rav 4 but when i bought the car they never said anything about doing this procedure. i did the alignment for the rav 4 in a place that has all the certifications, in my opinion the rav-4 has a defect involving the suspension ( after shocks) and the inner-tie rods, i hope this helps find the reason of this problem. and how to get reimbursed for all the expenses that i went through this.. *tr

This is an update of complaint 10243141. in august 2006, i purchased a new toyota rav 4/l4 at 4x2. in august 2007 (mileage: 9,540), i took the vehicle to the car dealer because of a strange noise coming from the steering shaft assembly which had to be ordered (part # 45260-42090) and installed. in november 2007 (mileage: 11,989), i took the vehicle to the dealer due to the same noise. i was told there was nothing wrong. in december 2007 i took the car to the dealer again (mileage: 12,717) with still the same problem and noise. dealer personnel determined a damaged steering shaft assembly which was ordered (part # 45260-42090) and installed for the second time. on october 13, 2008, (mileage: 21,152) the car was again making the same noise and taken to the dealer, where the steering shaft was again replaced. i was told that a different part had to be replaced (part # 45221-42070). on july 2, 2009, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance. i again reported the same noise coming from the steering wheel. the technician drove the vehicle and said everything was fine. on november 6, 2009, i took the vehicle to a different auto shop. the mechanic disassembled the steering wheel and identified the noise. he personally took the car to a different toyota dealership and spoke to a technician. at that dealership, he was told that the noise is a 'normal condition' and that toyota personnel are aware of the noise but the company has not been able to identify the source or how to fix it. also, he was told other toyota vehicles have a similar problem. we are now in february 2010. my rav 4 (mileage: 35,983) has maintained the noise and has a funny feeling when turning the steering wheel. it feels like if the wheel will come out. since this is a recurring problem, accepted by the toyota dealer and confirmed by an independent mechanic, i feel i should update this complaint with the nhtsb. i would appreciate receiving some feedback from nhtsb in this regard. *tr

Toyota tsb st001-08 - - owners may hear a clunk, pop, or knock type noise when turning right or left. the tsb replaces 2 intermediate steering shafts with "redesigned" shafts. the replacement of these shafts will only be covered by standard 36 month/36,000 mile warranty. my 2006 toyota rav 4 has this noise, and there is also a pulse in the wheel when it occurs (several times a week). will this ever become a possible recall? is there a history of complaints? *tr

My vehicle is making clunking noise in the steering column whenever i make turns. i am afraid it will get worse sooner or later. mileage: 27,699. *tr

2006 toyota rav 4 with only 20,000 miles regardless of months in service, (incidentally garaged throughout the winters) developed a steering column noise that was heard by a friend. i took it to a dealer who told me outright that this was a problem that "has been around". the repairs will cost me several hundred dollars and from what i'm reading online there are a lot of these out there. so if there is a problem with the steering column why isn't there a recall, or isn't the steering of a vehicle a danger to myself or others. after all the other problems toyota has had why has this issue not been addressed by nhtsa. *tr

I have a 2006 toyota rav4 that i would like to file a complaint about. toyota has already issued a technical service bulletin to repair the steering intermediate shaft noise problem that plagues this vehicle. (please see t-sb-0318-08 october 20, 2008). if the vehicle were under warranty, toyota would make the necessary changes at no cost. this is my wife's car and her car started to develop this problem after 3 year warranty had expired. i am afraid that this problem may progress to a complete loss of steering and result in a serious accident and loss of life. this concern is not only for my wife, but also for all american's who have this similar problem. in lift of the recent toyota recalls, i would hope the nhtsa would recall the effected vehicles and force toyota to fix this potentially dangerous problem. *tr

My 2006 toyota rav4 had the intermediate steering shaft fail around 33k miles. toyota replaced it under a tech service bulletin while in warranty. it is now at 67k miles and the shaft is bad again. toyota will not replace the part because it has been more than 12 months since they replaced it the first time and it is out of warranty. the service tech could not tell me that it is safe to drive in this condition without the chance of loss of steering control. *tr

2006 toyota rev 4 with 27,000 miles with a steering shaft wearing off. this could create a safety issue if it breaks down on the road. a recall should be considered. *tr

2006 toyota rav4 steering shaft clunking noise. it was noticed by the dealer and fixed under warranty last year. but less than 1 year later the noise is back and the dealer indicated it could be a defective parts; replacing it will cost 800, now out of warranty the owner need to pay for it. it's clearly a design issue with the original parts that should be recalled. now i'm living with this noise and it appears it's getting worse. *tr

In 2010, i complained to the toyota dealer about knocking noise while driving and turning the steering wheel. after two years the noise became more noticeable and the toyota mechanic informed me that the lower intermittent steering shaft has excessive play due to worn-out splines. correction: replace lower steering shaft ($359.--). i declined repair since i found that this is a common defect in the 2006 and 2007 toyota rav4 model and a recall would warranted. i feel this is a safety issue with the possibility of loss of steering. the mechanic did not think so. *tr

Hear clunk sound when turning the steering. check with toyota sunnyvale dealer, they said the steering intermediate shaft needs to be replaced

Clunking noise in the steering column when making turns. *tr

I have a clunking sound coming from my steering column. my toyota dealership says it is the intermediate steering shafts. they have a bulletin on this, but says it is not a safety issue. when researching the internet, i discovered other drivers with the same problem. i have less than 30,000 miles on my car, problems like this shouldn't be showing up this soon. i am concerned that the steering column could fail and i would loose control of my car. why would a problem like this not be covered by some kind of safety recall. since there is a bulletin out on this problem, then toyota is aware that there is a problem. *tr

Steering mechanism was not smooth in movement and made popping noise. it appears by searching online that several other owners have had same trouble. fortunately, we never had an accident due to this manufacturer's defect. we had repair performed at adams toyota lee's summit, mo. dealership replaced defective lower steering intermediate shaft. repair was corrective and cost $262.85 before taxes. thank you. *tr

Clunking noise from steering shaft in low speed turning and backing. i was under the 36000 miles (32,000) but the 3 years on warranty had expired.9 months ago. toyota authorized the replacement of the "intermediate steering shaft" and all labor. i am very pleased with the service and i hope this permanently solves the problem. *tr

"2006 toyota rav-4" reference---t-sb-0318-08---clunk/ pop/knock when turning steering wheel. "toyota" recommended solution---replace steering wheel "intermediate shaft linkage" with improved parts. ---"warning"--- defective "mechanical linkage" between the steering wheel and front wheel mechanism is a "serious danger" and could, or has been the cause of accidental deaths! should this problem be included as another "toyota recall"? *tr

I own a 2006 toyota rav 4 v6. i have under 21,000 miles on the vehicle and my manufacturers warranty expired in august. for about a week now i've been hearing a loud, clunking noise whenever i make a left or right turn. took the car to the toyota dealership today and was told i had a steering shaft problem, which would cost over $400 to fix. i happen to check this out on the web and realized that many others are having the same problem. what's going on? did toyota issue a recall? *tr

When i turn, i can feel and hear the steering column "knock." it has been gradually getting worse. i had the exact same problem about 1.5 years ago and the walnut creek, ca service center had to replace some intermediate link in steering column. for this recent occurrence, the service center was going to charge $500 to fix the same problem they should have fixed on a permanent basis (at least more than 2 years). i am concerned based on other complaints that this might be a design flaw that could eventually result in a safety problem. thank you. *tr

2006 rav4 unsafe to drive!!! le brun toyota, canadaigua, ny, made me pay to exchange lemon with only 150-200 miles 2 days after purchase, they made me pay an additional 7k to trade for the v-6 i have now, because of the transmission accelerated downhill, on both 4cyl and v-6, it still does it though not as severe, still scary at times. recently,my steering went out on the exit ramp luckily and locked a few times, it now makes a thump and caused a minor accident, next time i won't be so lucky. really loud noise from rear also. antifreeze smell inside car too.h.e.l.p. *tr

i have a 2006 toyota rav4 that toyota has already issued a technical service bulletin to repair the steering intermediate shaft noise problem that plagues this vehicle. (t-sb-0318-08 october 20, 2008). if the vehicle were under warranty, toyota would make the necessary changes at no cost. our car started to show the symptoms of this problem after 3 year warranty had expired. i am afraid that this problem may progress to a complete loss of steering and result in a serious accident and loss of life. this concern is not only for my car's occupants, but also for other people on the road who i may run into due to this steering problem. in lift of the recent toyota recalls, i would hope the nhtsa would recall the effected vehicles and force toyota to fix this potentially dangerous problem. *tr

2006 rav4 has a faulty intermediate steering shaft that toyota has put out a tech bulletin on but has not issued a recall or fix the problem if the car is past its 3year 36,000 mile warranty. i think it is irresponsible of toyota to be aware of a safety issue and not want to rectify the situation! *tr

Clunking noise while turning - started at 30,000 miles with slight sound continued to worsen over time now "clunk" is felt when turning. sounds and feels like something is about to break. *tr

About 1 month after the 3 year warranty ran out, i noticed a thump or knock when i turned the wheel of my 2006 rav4. it is getting progressively worse and i am concerned for my safety. i searched on line and have found numerous complaints of the same problem. please issue a recall on this to prevent accidents. *tr

I've had the knock/pop when turn on low speed dealer said needs replace steering shaft. *tr

Sept. 2009 my wife complained to me that there was a knocking noise that she could feel through the steering wheel when she turned the steering wheel left or right at slow speeds. it got louder and more pronounced over the last 30 days. i researched this online and found that there were many similar complaints. i then located toyota's tsb st001-08 dated 2/8/08 "steering intermediate shaft noise" which perfectly describes the steering noise i have been experiencing. while i have only 21k miles on the rav4, my 36 months ran out 3 months ago. the nearby toyota dealership told me that they were quite aware of the situation but basically, yet politely said, "too bad, out of warranty." considering this complaint seems to be a quite widespread issue, and one that involves the steering and control of the vehicle, i would argue that this rises to the level of a serious public safety concern and should merit a safety recall. toyota can not guarantee that this steering noise will not deteriorate into a "loss of control" issue. *tr

My 06 rav experienced a cracking/grinding noise when turning to the far left or right at low speed. i was terrified!!! i contacted toyota and at the time my car had just came out of warranty 15days earlier but i didn't let that stop me. after some back and forth with the dealer and the regional manager my steering was fixed. there was a tsa report put out about this problem but no actual recall which i think there should be but i sent out blast emails and text to my friends etc to let people know. i've noticed that they're more women driving ravs than men and the thought of a mother and child in an accident over something that cost $600 per vehicle to fix is upsetting. people turn down the music and listen to your cars!!! *tr