Problems with 2006 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

Steering feels loose and rattles over bumps. toyota said no credit for outside of warranty. cost to repair with redesigned parts is $1,900. vehicle has been exceptionally maintained and should not have any steering problems. i am original owner and have all service records. toyota said this is not a safety problem but the loose steering feeling does not inspire confidence. toyota said i could continue driving with the problems and that it would only be an annoyance. this is a product defect. toyota has redesigned the replacement parts for the intermediate steering shaft. this is evidence the original design was defective. *tr

After buying the car in 2006, a couple years later i started having issues with a clucking noise in the steering wheel. toyota said it was the intermediate shaft problem. they replaces the part 3 times and the noise came again after some months. i called toyota they did not help, they want me to pay for the repairs and in between one thing and the other one almost a years passed and they did not resolved the problem. i researched online and the are thousand of peoples with the same problem. i believed that this may be a hazardous defect that may cause an accident. *jb

Steering has clunking noise when turning at slow speed and can be felt in the steering wheel. the forums are full of complaints on this issue which point to "intermediate steering shaft". although there have been no fatalities connected to this-it is a safety issue and on the large scale it should be recalled by toyota. what happened to toyotas culture of honor? *tr

We just had our 2006 rav4 state inspection today and the dealership told us we needed to have the front inner tie rod replaced since it has become unstable. they said this cannot be replaced by itself since it is attached to the steering rack, so we will need entire rack replaced, resulting in $2400 in repairs. the dealership also said this should be replaced within the next couple of months for safety reasons, since it can go out of alignment at any time. we've also heard knocking when we turn the car for the past couple of years and have asked about it, but never been given an explanation as to why. the dealership now says this could be the cause. if this is a problem of integrity with the part and not a wear & tear issue then i think this should definitely be a recall since it is a fault of the dealership. *tr

2006 toyota rav4, consumer stated within 3 1/2 months after oil, total oil leakage occurred. the pistons, rings and gasket had to be replaced. on feb 2, 2012 the consumer had an oil changed. on june 1, 2012 the oil warning light illuminated and the dipstick was completely dry. the consumer believed the oil leak was over a period of time and not just suddenly within 3 1/2 months. the technicians who performed the oil changed every 3-4 months should have noticed the shortage of oil, especially on feb 2, 2012. also, the steering wheel shaft assembly was replaced. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated that when driving at 5 mph or below, or when in park, the steering wheel would exhibit loud clunking noises. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 60,000. the current mileages were approximately 95,000. the vin was unavailable. updated 11/1/12 *cn updated 11/1/2012 *js

Heard abnormal mechanical rattle from the front end going over rough streets in san francisco. took vehicle in suspecting suspension issue to capitol toyota of san jose. diagnosis was steering rack has a known part issue, internal to its design, nothing the dealer could do, as factory did not allow them to open the part up, only replace it. dealer was unable to tell me if the car was safe or not to drive. said only thing they could so was replace the entire steering rack at $2000 +, which is outrageous. they said if i had extended warranty they would swap it out, and this is done all the time for this model and year! this car is serviced regularly and not driven off-road. this is a design defect that could pose a threat if the steering were to lock up/fail while driving, yet toyota refuses to address the issue and says its wear and tear. at 70k miles? this part should last 200k. there are many reports online of issues with the steering system. one such report: http://www.aboutautomobile.com/tsb/2006/toyota/rav4/steering tsb number: 00506nhtsa number: 10020124tsb date: september 1, 2007date added to file: july 24, 2006 failing component: steering summary: electric power steering: mil on dtc u0105 & u0121. *tr

There was a rumble in the rear @ 40 mph. i had maplewood toyota check it 2-3 times, they said they couldn't hear it, car was fine; they checked the trans oil once and said it was fine. it's a closed system-you never need to change its oil. (i had asked this question several times over the years and they always told me that i never needed to change the trans oil & the manual does not list it either). they took it for a drive and checked it good-said that 1st gear was going, but it was fine to drive-come back when i couldn't stand the noise and they'd put in a new trans for $4,500. i was going out of town, they said ok, car will be fine. since the rumble was so loud, 3 days later i got a second opinion at a transmission specialist's shop recommended to me by several friends. they put it up on a rack and tested it with a stethoscope type device. they said that the bearing was very bad and that i should not take the car out of town or drive it as it was not safe to drive and could stop at any time. they replaced m,w/s, u240/24e 00-up (cork); filter; bushing, a40 series pump; tc, rav4, med stall, ink 14; center gear bearing, etc. when the toyota technician checked the trans oil, i realized that it was not "a closed system"! also, the oil was black and i now know that it should be red. i think i should have been changing the trans oil all along and my transmission probably would not have failed. i think they should order a recall on all these transmissions - and pay for the work that i had to have done before my car failed on a freeway somewhere. a transmission should last forever, especially since half of the miles have been freeway miles and i drive my car very gently. i just put in new brake pads for the first time recently and there was still 20-30% left on them. previously i had to pay toyota $400 to repair the steering column-another defect that should be a recall. *tr

There is a defect in the steering shaft that results in an audible thump that is felt through the steering wheel when turning 90 degree corners at low speeds. this does not happen on the highway, but rather pulling into parking spaces, turning at intersections, etc. my local toyota dealer lubed the steering shaft at 87,169 mi, and the problem is back again in 11k miles. i know that toyota has recalled several vehicles in the last year or two for steering-related problems, and i feel that this issue with the 2006 rav4 should be added to the list of recalls. thank you for your help. *tr updated 06/25/2012 *js

The rav4 has a well-known problem with the driver's side sun visor in which it will not stay in place. the visor frequently and without warning abruptly drops to a straight-down position. in this position it impairs forward visibility, and for tall drivers it can block the view of the road completely. there is also a widely-reported problem with the steering (there are 166 reports on this site at the time of my filing) which is noticed in the form of a knocking or clunking noise which can also be felt in the steering wheel. many owners, including me, are concerned that this could be a precursor to a steering component failure. *tr

Intermediate shaft faulty after first couple years of owning vehicle. clunking noise and clicking feel when turning vehicle. toyota did not want to cover repair. owners have to pay to get it fixed which wasn't cheap. now, after 6 yrs of owning the vehicle, i feel it starting again. they said this was dangerous if left unfixed. it could lead to steering wheel malfunction and loss of vehicle control while driving. this should be recalled by toyota since it's a manufacturer's defect. i don't think it's fair for the vehicle owners to have to deal with this when all we wanted was a safe and reliable vehicle. *js

Intermediate steering shaft problem. when on slow speed. the steering makes clunking noise when turning both direction. sometime it makes you feel it is so loose that the wheel not turning at all. what happen if i am driving on the road and the wheel won't be able to turn. many many have complaint with the same issue and not a single solution. it must be the problem of the design or defective materials!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel made a loud noise whenever the wheel was turned. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 55,000. ..updated 03/18/13 *bf

There's a weird clicking/grinding noise coming from my steering when turning. i was making a u-turn (not even 5mph) when i first heard it and has heard it almost everyday since. its terrifying while driving to think that my steering can fail. my mechanic will let me know if it can be fixed and how much it will cost. i have to say... i'm considering trading that sucker in. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated that the steering failed. the contact stated that the steering was very sluggish and the steering made a cracking sound. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the contact stated the problem was getting progressively worse. the failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 69,000.

Purchased a 2006 rav4 sport 4wd v6 back in the summer of 2006 and the car was doing great up until last year (2011) when i noticed the steering wheel starting making this strange clicking noise. i brought the car in back in october of 2011 and they told me it was the rack and pinion making the noise and that over time i could possibly lose steering. they told me it would cost over $2,000 to fix. i asked if i could just drive it until the problem worsened and they seemed to say that was probably ok that it would cost the same to fix so i let it go. fast forward about 6-8 months (april 2012) and now my car is making a knocking noise when i turn right (as described by almost everyone else on the web with this problem). i brought it back in again and they told me it was the same issue and there was a service bulletin put out for this exact problem. they told me it would still cost the same price to fix and i thought that was insane how toyota knew about this problem with so many others and refuse to fix it. it sounds like this is a faulty part on all rav4's around 2006-2007 (maybe more?). most companies will realize they used a faulty part to make a product and replace it free of charge to keep the customer happy. that is not the case here. i called toyota's national customer service phone line and spoke to a nasty person who spoke very condescendingly to me. he kept trying to avoid the issue at hand and eventually just said there was nothing he could do because my car was out of warranty. he filed the complaint with the rest of everyone else and went on his way. i am pretty saddened by this since the automotive industry just went through a painful time how can they turn around and act like this to loyal customers? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated that the intermediate steering column failed while driving 35 mph. in addition, the vehicle exhibited a noise from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the noise was coming from the intermediate steering column, but there were no recalls for the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified who advised that they were investigating the problem. the manufacturer offered no assistance. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 54,000.

Clinking and grinding coming from the steering wheel. the dealership informed us it was the steering shaft is worn and would cost between $800- $1000 to repair. this is not covered since the warranty has expired. the dealership reported it's a common problem. i feel this is a safety issue and needs to be looked at. *tr

2006 toyota rav 4 sport has chronic problems with intermediate steering shaft. low speed turning produces a clunking sound and unstable sensation in the steering column. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated that the steering wheel would exhibit an abnormal clicking sound when turned. the failure recurred whenever the steering wheel was turned. the dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 29,000.

I own a 2006 toyota rav 4 with steering shaft issues. the shaft makes grinding/knocking noises when turning the vehicle. the dealership notified me of this issue and stated that i should replace the shaft. i argued that toyota should cover the costs, but they would not concur. i started researching the issue online and discovered a technical service bulletin (tsb) for this exact issue. they have even already developed a new intermediate shaft to correct the issue. it is clear that they recognize this as a design/engineering issue. furthermore, this defect could eventually lead to the vehicle not being able to steer, which is a safety issue. this in my opinion, merits a recall. *tr

2006 toyota rav 4 - steering - i have presented my vehicle for inspection at a local toyota dealer service company last week on tuesday, july 5th, 2011 for a noticeable "clunking" sound coming from the steering column and front end. the service manager scheduled a 2nd visit for my vehicle on july 7th, in order for a service mechanic to test drive the car. he first told me that the unit would need to be "opened" and re-packed with grease to make the noise go away (without batting an eye). on the second service visit july 7th, the mechanic said the unit would require a rebuilding with at least $ 400.00 of parts. this is the case after i brought the vehicle in with 43k original miles on it. after i had a third party look at the same issue, they said that it did not present a danger, however, new tires and a front end alignment were suggested to see whether any improvement would be noticeable.. afterwards, i started my investigation of this matter, whereby, i now know that hundreds of cases have been previously reported, and, the manufacturer, toyota, has "passed the buck" on the blame and repair, charging as much as $ 1,200 for the steering on the 2006 rav 4 model to be repaired. sounds like a "scam" to me. just because no one has gotten hurt yet, doesn't mean there isn't a problem here. cars are controlled through the ability to "steer" the vehicle. in october 1976, i survived an accident in my brand new ford granada, when the "suspension arm" nut was sheered off when taking a curve on a local road with the vehicle at 20-25 mph. three people walked away from an accident that took out the whole front bumper, back to the driver's side door. as the car was repaired, ford motor corp. gathered all of the accident photos from the body shop, preventing disclosure of a potential problem (back before the "lemon laws" were put in place). do not let this problem slip away. the lives of owner / operators + passengers are at stake ! *tr

tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. the contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine servicing, a service mechanic at the dealer noticed an abnormal noise. the vehicle was diagnosed and the steering shaft needed to be replaced. the contact also stated that there was an abnormal noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was pending a diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

I took my 2006 rav4 into the leith toyota dealership in raleigh, nc for the accelerator pedal recall. service manager calls me and said that there is a banging vibration and noise coming from the steering column when the steering wheel is turned. (this did not exist before.) the manager said there is a technical service bulletin on the manufacturers defective design and that failure to correct the problem could result in an accident. this repair is nearly $400 and is not covered under any recall nor my now expired warranty. when i next drove the rav4 the banging was so strong that the front seat passenger could feel it. i call toyota customer care program, who confirmed the technical service bulletin but said that the problem is not a safety issue and that i should contact the dealership to inquire about them paying for the repair. the dealership said that the repair is not covered and that toyota customer care would contact me as to what further would be done. after waiting more than 60 days for toyota to call me, i called customer care again only to be told that nothing more would be done. i asked to speak to a supervisor, but none was available. i was told that a supervisor would call me back within 24 hours. 30 hours later toyota customer care left a phone message for me to call them back. i have also had electrical problems that have caused this rav4 to loose power and stop while traveling down the road and the battery goes dead about every two months. *tr

Toyota rav4 steering noise. *tr

Steering column on toyota 2006 rav 4 showing signs of bad u-joint/thrust collar bearing. car has 43,000 miles and makes loud clunking noise from steering column when turning. toyota has a tsb but says it is not yet a safety issue so no refund and no price cut on $500 repair. if steering column u-joint fails what happens to steering??? *tr

My 2006 toyota rav4 limited edition, i heard a clunking noise coming from the front steering column each time i turned the wheel right or left. the noise occurs only when you turn the steering and it is a clunking noise along with a vibration in the steering when you turn the wheel. this has been an ongoing problem and when i brought it up with the toyota dealership the attendant said that it wasn't an issue. the problem isn't going away and the noise and clunky feeling when turning steering has been increasing. the problem started when the car was about 40k miles (out of warranty @ 36k). few mechanics from other places looked at it and said it need to be fixed asap. i read blogs and noticed many of these vehicle have similar issues. i hope toyota won't wait until an accident happen because of the problem.

Toyota rav4 makes popping and clunking noise when steering wheel is turned. this is due to looseness in the intermediate shaft splines and joints (total cost:$468; part numbers 45221-42071 [steering intermediate shaft] and 45260-42090 [steering shaft assembly]). this is a potential safety hazard and toyota refuses to issue a recall. it is a product defect in steering intermediate shaft as evident by the tsb issued by toyota. *tr

I have 2006 rav4 with steering clunking noise. i spoke with my local dealer in atlantic city nj and he told me that they are aware of this problem but there is not recall. i have to pay out of my pocket for something what is factory problem. i think toyota is aware of this problem and should also initiate a recall for the steering problems. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav 4. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact stated that she heard a loud popping noise as the vehicle became stiff and difficult to steer. the dealer informed her that there was a technical service bulletin issued for the failure but no recalls. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the steering unit needed to be replaced. the contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. the current and failure mileage was 38,106. updated 6/8/11 *cn updated 01/05/2012 *ln *tr

2006 toyota rav 4. problem began on jan. 2 2011. while slowly turning left i detected "clunking" sound in the steering column. every time i turn left i hear this noise, and knowing toyota has had some steering wheel problems in the past i became extra nervous. i went online and found quite quickly that this is a well-known problem with rav 4s but no recall can be issued until there are enough complaints, and owners are paying up to $1000 to get this fixed. *tr

There is a very loud clunking noise when turning steering wheel. noise is getting louder and feels like steering is being affected. *tr

Intermediate steering shaft has to be replaced due to normal wear. we understand that many rav 4 and other toyota models have the same problem or failures and must be replaced. is this a possible recall issue. updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 07/26/11 status update 08/30/11. *jb staus update 10/06/11. *jb

12/22/2010 @ 44,169 miles the steering knocked when taking tight turns. the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. 9/16/2011 @ 50,131 miles the alternator bearings gave way and the water pump was seeping fluid. the alternator and water pump were replaced. 12/16/13 @ 63,336 miles the engine failed. the check engine light, vehicle stability light and 4wd lights came on and the dealer service department indicated that the head gasket had failed, the engine was leaking coolant and the suv needed a new engine. *tr

We had the toyota dealer check a noise in the steering on a 2006 toyota rav4. they diagnosed the noise as noise from the steering shaft. since the vehicle was out of toyota warranty, tsb st001-08, they refused to fix the issue. we contacted the extended warranty service and they also refused to repair the issue. the extended warranty service indicated that the part would have to physically break before it could be fixed. researching the issue indicates that there have been no accidents or injuries yet due to the defect. when an issue indicates a possible failure we like to have it repaired before damage occurs.*ln

On my 2006 toyota rav4, i can hear and feel a clunking or popping noise and sensation in the steering wheel while turning. the feel is as if the linkage(s) in the steering wheel have some interference or have become prematurely worn to the point where they are rubbing on each other and produce a popping sensation in the steering wheel while turning. the popping noise/sensation occurs every time i turn the car through turns greater than about 45 degrees, left or right. the sensation started about two years ago when the car had about 30,000 miles on it. the car currently has about 67,000 miles on it. *tr

Clunking sound ( and feel) coming from steering column when turning either left or right, particularly at slower speeds. clunking is worse in colder weather, but has been happening more often as time passes. no loss of steering ability - yet. why is this not being addressed by toyota? a simply internet search indicates it is a well known issue and yet toyota will not take care of this. dealership was not interested in speaking to me about this as the car was out of warranty, other than to fix the problem at my cost. must we experience a serious accident to get toyota's attention? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota rav4. while driving 10 mph and making a turn, the contact noticed a clunking noise from the steering column. the failure occurred every time the contact made a left or right turn. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Heard a noise in my steering column . took car for an oil change and asked them to check the noise. they discovered that the universal steering shaft needed to be replaced which was an item that toyota recalled in october 20, 2008 for this problem 2006 - 2008 rav 4's. i never received a recall notice. when i called toyota they told me my vin number was not in the recall and i was over the 36 months time frame. however i only had 30,000 miles on my car at the time and just started to experience the problem. i do not feel i should have to pay for this as the problem could have occurred in any of the vin #'s of those years. i'm having the same problem that they recalled the other vin #'s for. updated 01/20/11 *bf

Steering column making a clicking sound when turning the wheel at a slow speed going both forward and in reverse. clicking has gotten more frequent and stronger over the past months. *tr

Our 2006 rav4 has a knocking sound when you turn. we took it in for 90k service at the toyota dealership and they said it was a steering rod/shaft issue that would cost $2000 to replace. we asked if it was safe to drive because we can't afford that repair and wanted to shop for other pricing, and they said we could but to be careful because it could cause additional damage at any time. i've read about several other complaints and how this is a toyota defect and not a driver fault, so i'm concerned why this hasn't yet been recalled. i saw there were was a recall for 2005 and earlier models for the same issue, why is it now not being addressed since it could cause further damage and safety issues? *tr

Toyota 2006 rav4 4 cyl automatic 4 wheel drive has frequent clunking sound when turning the wheel at low speeds. after searching for similar problems online i found numerous complaints others have had regarding "steering intermediate shaft noise rav4". it seems to be a very common problem that is not covered once out of warranty and it seems there is a real concern that failure of the part could lead to a real safety problem. *tr

2006 toyota rav4. s10 appropriate handling- letter from regarding toyota problems *tgw the consumer stated her make, model and year vehicle has a widely known defect in the steering column and the ecm computer is also defective and needs to be replaced. there is also an associated rattling sound. the vehicle has been taken to the dealer on two occasions regarding the problems. the consumer was given an estimate of close to two thousand dollars for the repairs. in addition, the mechanic stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the steering could fail at any time. also, the tires were leaking air. *jb

vehicle purchased new in june 2006 returned to dealer in march 2008; approx 32k miles. complained to service rep. of "clunk" sound in the steering mechanism during low speed operation. tech standing nearby stated, in effect, "they do that alot". (he is now probably unemployed) dealer replaced (at their cost) the steering shaft, part #45260-42090. in august 2010, approx 70k miles; vehicle was returned to dealer for state inspection with, again, complaint of "clunk" noise in steering mechanism at low speed. the state inspection was completed; dealer found no fault with the steering mechanism. on 09/28/10; 72k miles, vehicle returned to dealer for replacement of faulty door latch and complaint saa. "clunk" dealer replaced steering shaft, part #45221-42070 *the two parts are both part of the steering column; but are not the same component the first shaft replaced was a "lower shaft" the part replaced on 09/28 is the "intermediate shaft" although toyota has issued "service bulletins"concerning steering column shaft failures; the company refuses to acknowledge that there is an existing design flaw an internet "google" search for clunking noises in the 2006 rav4 retrieves many similar complaints. (not exactly evidence i would want to walk into a courtroom with) i suggest that the only reason there have not been a rash of steering related accidents is that the consumer can identify the noise and correct the defect prior to a catastrophic failure. i am certain that a review of vehicle repair histories of this vehicle will reveal an alarmingly high incidence of failure for the steering column. *tr

My 2006 toyota rav-4 makes a clunking noise when i turn a corner. at first, it was only when i turned to the left. now the noise is worse and it makes the noise no matter which way i am turning. i have reported it every time i take my vehicle in to toyota for servicing, but they claim they can't find a problem. my car has 31,000+ miles on it. *tr

My 2006 toyota rav4 has a clunk noise when turning the steering wheel at slow or no speed. the repair costs are very high i was told by the local toyota dealer it was the steering column and it would cost close to $800 to repair. i've researched this issue online and have found hundreds of thousands of people with the same complaints. i work for vw and know that when there is an issue that affects this many vehicles and a steering concern that there is always a safety recall issued i don't understand why toyota has not addressed this issue already. is it really going to take another " gas pedal " incident to make them take care of it? *tr

The steering column 'clunks' when you turn the wheel. my vehicle has 85,000 miles, and i was recently informed by the dealership that i will need to get it repaired, but since there's no recall for this defect, i will have to pay for it myself! meanwhile, the clunking is getting worse. toyota should recall this vehicle! there are many others who are experiencing this problem. *tr

Clunking is heard and felt from the steering column when turning corners. this occurs about 80% of the time and is getting worse. toyota has addressed that this problem is in the intermediate shaft of the steering column and needs to be replaced at a cost of $530 cdn. *tr

My rav4 began making a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel. the dealership identified as a steering column issue. toyota has issued a tsb about it, but does not cover the repair, even though it's a design flaw (and safety issue) on their part. this problem should result in a recall. see toyota tsb st001-08. *tr

Heard a clunking noise in steering wheel. arranged service appointment with dealer. dealer said it was necessary to replace complete steering rack and steering shaft with "an intermediate shaft". $2.563.64. i was not advised what would happen if not replaced. i contacted toyota and was told it was too bad that my warranty had expired. i understand others with 2006 & 2007 rav4s have had same issue. safety issue? no recall! *kb