Problems with 2007 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

My rav4 was making popping noises in the steering, i took it to the dealership to have it looked at. the dealership said that the steering shaft had to be replaced and there was not a recall on that. i have never heard of a car having a serious problem with steering, especially one with only 70,000 miles on it. anyway, i had to pay $380 to have that fixed and they also did an alignment. they said that i needed the alignment because of the repair. i picked up the car and on the way home, it started making a horrible popping and clunking sound in the rear-end. i called the dealership back to tell them to come get it because i did not feel safe driving it back to them. after the tow truck came, my husband found that there is a recall on the car because of rear suspension after an alignment. i am writing this to let you know about my problems with 1) the steering problem and 2) the rear suspension problem. again, this alignment was done at a toyota dealership! *tr

About 18 months before the dates above, i noticed a knocking in the steering wheel when i turned it. i didn't think too much about it until it started getting worse and i mentioned it to a friend at work. he mentioned researching it online to see if there were any recalls or problems and suggested having someone look at it. i took his advice and saw that rav4s did have some steering issues. i took my car to the local toyota dealership diagnosis and repair. the steering column was replaced at the charge of $45.00 for diagnosis and $428.77 parts and labor for the repair. *tr

When turning right at low speed, passenger side rear tie rod assembly failed and wheel turned at 45 degree angle, disabling the automobile. if this had happened on the highway, it would have caused a catastrophic accident. dealership had previously checked a knocking noise in rear, but was unable to find a problem. i was told that this problem was a design fault and that there were not enough threads on the tie rod assembly to hold the tie rod sufficiently. i have found other reports of this tie rod failure. should be a safety recall. *tr

Hi good day, i am writing this complain about my vehicle problem toyota rav4 2007 "steering knocking" which affects my driving ability cause it bothers me while driving due to noise everytime i turn my steering wheel left and right. i already write the company about this matter but there is no proper answer about the defect. i search the vehicle defect online and there are a lot of rav4 owners with the same problem. i hope it's not to late to notify this problem and not waiting for the time that it will cause accidents to the owners of the vehicle in the near future. i am just anticipating that there will be no future accidents arise related to this vehicle problem. *tr

On march 29, 2012, i pulled out of my driveway & heard a clunk. checked rear underside & saw nothing amiss. arrived in downtown chicago and heard 3 more clunks (when making right turns). then the final extra loud clunk as the steering went out of control. i was on michigan ave. in front of the hilton hotel during rush hour traffic (5 pm) doing 25 to 30 mph. cars all around me. gently applied brakes & emergency flashers to warn others, as i kept turning the steering wheel from way left to way right. eased my way from center lane over to the curb. can't believe i didn't hit anything! right rear wheel was tilted at about a 45 degree angle--top outward, bottom inward. in another 15 min. i would have been on the expressway doing 50 --60 mph. vehicle had to be towed back to indiana. toyota service advisor said: "bolt rusted through. if keeping car, suggest getting left rear suspension replaced too because it is getting ready to go. a company rep is going to come out to look at it because we have had another exact failure just recently." the rep decided he did not need to see it. (i'm sure he was already aware of the bigger problem toyota would be facing.) vehicle facts: 2007 rav-4, mileage: 43,185, one owner, garage kept (except for vacations). last 27-point inspection: (1-21-2012) 2 months before failure. no items in the section titled "under vehicle" were even checked off as completed (good or bad). this included "suspension & steering linkage". i paid $778. to have both left & right suspension assemblies replaced & an alignment. when i asked about reimbursement from toyota, the service advisor said "no. they consider it normal "wear & tear". note: cases like mine are not going to show up as "traffic accidents" because i didn't hit anything or anyone. and those that are accidents could possibly be mistaken as: "over-corrective steering!" *tr

Knock and sudden shift of steering wheel. noise appeared to come from front of vehicle and along the steering column or suspension system. has grown worse with use, but vehicle only has 30,250 miles. we would like to know if it's safe to drive; danger of loss of steering. we do not feel safe, especially at highway speeds. *js

Steering has play and clunk at times causing car to swerve do mechanical defect and/or over correction of the driver do to sensation of loss of steering control. after reading user forms on this vehicle it is common to the vehicle and should be recalled by toyota to prevent fatal accidents. recall items should include middle shaft and rack and pinion. websites below tell people to complain to toyota but this should be mandated by the nhtsa http://www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2007/toyota/rav4/steering http://www.rav4world.com/forums/99-4-3-mechanical/82616-steering-intermediate-shaft-clunk-solution.html. *tr

I was just in a serious car accident where i lost steering and control of my vehicle. after reading online about the knocking in the steering from other owners, i believe i had the same problem. although noone was seriously injured i am worried about other drivers safety. my car and two others were totaled. i have my car serviced for regular maintenance at the same toyota dealer and i think that they should have noticed something with the steering and checked it . i just had a 50000 mile checkup. i really feel something is wrong here that alot of people are having the same problem and it can be fatal. i am lucky that i was not on the highway. my car did go into oncoming traffic though. i hope someone knows how to get ahold of me and help me with this problem. but just to say everyone else, please be careful. *tr

Steering intermediate shaft started failing causing knocking noises when turning the wheel. toyota will only replace within standard warranty period as they don't think this is a safety issue. *kb

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

began experiencing a distinctive clunking noise, at low speeds, while turning the steering wheel. the clunk could be felt in the steering wheel and felt as though a bushing was defective, or their is excessive play in the steering assembly. no noise from the front end, or undercarriage, just at the steering wheel, when turning, at low speeds. toyota states that this is a common problem and that they have developed a part replacement, however, i feel that it is definitely a safety issue, which could become fatal, at highway speeds. should be elevated to a recall status, as it involves the steering assembly. *tr

Tl* the contact owned a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle erroneously veered off the road. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was determined that the threads on the tie rod had failed. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was not available.

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. while driving various speeds making a right or left turn, the steering wheel made a metal to metal grinding noise. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column middle shaft failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Experience knocking and popping noises in the steering wheel column. my vehicle had 31,247 miles on it when i brought in for airbag recall. they asked me about the knocking and i said yes it's knocking. asked if it was dangerous to drive they said they would get back to me if it was....i never heard back from them. they told me it would cost about $500 to repair. i did research on line and found 117 complaints. why hasn't toyota recalled this? i don't feel i should have to pay for this. toyota knew this was a defective part. *tr

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

There is a known issue with the steering shaft causing complete failure in steering. toyota is well aware of the issue but has not recalled the defective parts... http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2007/toyota/rav4/steering/problem.aspx. i would like to see this very serious issue addressed by toyota. *tr

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

Took my rav4 in for service of five thousand miles oil change. at that time when i picked up car was told i needed to get my steering lower shaft replaced. i have been having strange noises since about 30000 and was told it was not the steering. all of a sudden it is the steering and i need to get it fix right away. i feel this is a much bigger problem than toyota wants to acknowledge. this needs to be recalled. is this being looked into? reading online there are thousands of people having the same problem i am having with my 2007. *tr

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

My steering mechanism has been making a clunking noise when turning in either direction, and gradually, over a period of 2 years, it has gotten louder. at last service, i inquired about the noise and was told, it was nothing to be concerned about... normal wear-n-tear. could it be investigated to see if it should be an issue to be dealt with thru a recall. i have read a large number of complaints. *tr

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

On august 29, 2011, 19 year-old subject was traveling straight across an intersection when subject was struck on driver side by a 2010 hyundai elantra. subject was struck by a motorist that according to police officer report, ran a red light. subject was proceeding straight with green light while driving a white 2007 toyota rav4 with approximately 104,299 miles. subject purchased rav4 vehicle from toyota in april of 2011. subject purchased 2007 rav4 on account of the airbag safety features (head, side, front, passenger side airbags) to protect subject from injury. on august 29, 2011, subject 2007 rav4 sustained damage from rocker panel to roof and from front left bumper to doors. structural, suspension, wheel, and steering components were also damaged as per the appraiser's damage estimate following the august 29, 2011 accident. no airbags deployed. a letter was sent to toyota. calls were made to toyota to assess the damage and toyota denied claims of any wrongdoing or defect. subject was injured in accident. toyota declined to inspect vehicle. recent notices of recalls received along with toyota sending emails to subject to try to purchase subject rav4 lends credibility to subject assertion that airbags should have deployed and protected subject from injury during the august 29, 2011 incident. the airbag features failed subject and failed to protect subject from injury on august 29, 2011. 2007 rav4 was declared a total loss by geico and liberty mutual. this accident totaled a rav4 and no airbags deployed. given inadequate attention was given to subject and investigation of this matter by toyota, subject seeks investigation and remedy for injuries sustained. *tr

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

This toyota rav4 began having clunking with steering the vehicle right and left directly after the power train warranty was expired. the clunking worsened so it was inspected by the dealer's service department. i was told that it needed a replacement part that was not in the original manufacturing of the vehicle. there is a technical service bulletin on this rav4 with the steering component. the service department described this as a safety issue. why is this not a recall if it is a safety issue and a factory defect? the service department quoted me a $3500 charge for repair. this is ridiculous that i need to pay an enormous cost for a factory defect that is also a safety concern. *tr

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

No accident has happened yet, but concerned about popping noise in steering column may become an issue at some point. toyota says vehicle is safe but continuous popping sound in steering column has us concerned. the problem first occurred in 2009 and toyota replaced parts in steering column to fix it. a technical service bulletin was out addressing this problem, in 2011 problem has returned, well the warranty is out and to fix problem is a large out of pocket cost.

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

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

I have a 2007 toyota rav4. there is a major problem with these in the steering column and toyota has a technical service bulletin dealing with it; steering intermediate shaft and is covered under two numbers; st001-08 and later t-sb-0318-08. the shaft is coming apart and makes noise particularly at low speed. according to reports it affects thousands of these vehicles. i first became aware of my problem when the vehicle was under warranty but was told the noise was nothing; this incident was not reported in their system. later i found out what this issue was and that they knew. since then i have made multiple attempts to get it fixed but they want $800 to fix what appears to be a manufacturing/design defect. they recently offered to fix it for $600; not much of an offer since my local mechanic will do it for the same price. since there are thousands of these with issues and i would assume poses a safety issue i would expect them to do a general recall. i hope you can force them to do such. *kb

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

Toyota technical service bulletin sb0318-08 describes a steering intermediate shaft failure that is widespread (based on internet search) for the 2007 toyota rav-4. the tsb also indicates that a newly designed part is required to fix the problem. it appears that toyota has waited the 3 year - 36 months warranty to expire in order to charge its customers to fix the manufacturer's defect - at a cost of over $1,000. given the extent of this problem and the recognition by toyota that failures occur frequently and require replacement via a newly designed part - a recall should be issued so owner's can have this part replaced. *tr

2007 toyota rav4 has distinctive clunking, clacking and banging sounds while turning the steering wheel. noticed it at 37,204 miles, right after warranty expired. has tsb on this problem which reveals intermediate steering shaft defect and new version available for fix. web check also reveals epidemic exists for this problem. took vehicle to dealer to confirm problems which they did. called toyota but they will do or pay nothing since vehicle is past warranty. what does warranty have to do with this? this is a defective part which needs to be recalled and replaced. i am very angry at toyota and it's stance concerning this problem. a mandatory recall needs to be enacted. *tr

The vehicle has problems with the steering column and it is causing issues with wheels when turning. i have read a bunch of others complaints. please have toyota recall this part and replace there is a clunking in my steering when i turn the car left or right at any speed. the steering feel as their is looseness causing non accurate turning and wobblesness. jan 14, 2013 - wesley chapel , fl - steering tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making a right or left turn, there was a loud strange noise coming from the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 46,000. the vin was not available. bulletin out on this intermediate steering shaft. a new shaft is going to run $400.00 plus at least an hour of labor. this mean that it is going to cost each owner of this rav4 model at least $500.00. toyota has put a service bulletin out on this very problem. the bulletin # is tsb-0318-08 rev1. i am afraid that this will become a safety issue and i believe that there is some manufacturing defect or design problem at the basis of this problem. view details nov 14, 2010 - howell, nj - steering 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. *tr

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

2007 toyota rav 4. consumer writes in regards to expected recall concerning rear tie rods *tgw the consumer stated sometime around june 2011, she began to hear a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle; sometimes from the left and sometimes from the right. finally, in december 2011, the consumer took the vehicle to a repair shop and after test driving the vehicle, it was confirmed there was a noise, but the technician stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. in may 2012, the noise was still there, only periodically. on may 3, 2012, as the consumer was driving approximately 60 mph the noise became even louder. however, the next day while driving 40 mph, suddenly the vehicle went out of control, going back and forth across the road and doing a complete 360 degree turn. she finally managed to get the vehicle under control and was able to stop in a safety zone. the left rear tire was bent in at a 90 degree angle and almost off the vehicle. on monday may 7, 2012, the dealer informed the consumer the left rear tie rod snapped and the right one was in a weakened condition and both would need to be replaced. *jb

2007 toyota rav4 steering. *tr

Clunking noise coming from steering. toyota will not assist in repairing costs being car is out of warranty. *tr

Replaced lower and middle steering shaft. replaced stabilizer bar control end links, front and rear and struts.

Clunking noise coming from steering mechanism. replaced lower and middle steering shaft and front and rear end links. *tr

Driver owns a 2007 toyota rav 4. while driving approximately 35 mph, car began to skid and intermittent warning beep came on. driver pulled over, and upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, driver saw that the rear drivers side tire was slanted inward approximately 45 degrees. car was towed to dealership and driver was informed that the tie rod had rusted through and broken. all other tie rods appeared normal. tie rod was replaced by dealership. failure occurred at 43,500 mileage. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav 4. the contact was driving 30 mph when an abnormal clunking noise was exhibited from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the steering shaft would need to be replaced. the dealer informed the contact that if the steering shaft was not replaced, the vehicle could become difficult to control and could result in a crash. the failure mileage was 50,000.

Just like many other owners of 2007 rav4 i began experiencing a distinctive klunking noise around 35,000 miles. took it to the dealer and they said it was normal noise when you turn the wheel all the way to the side..... my problem was that it was making cracking noise all the time, when turning or especially parking the car.... also a problem with my driver visor flap not staying in upward position it was hanging down halfway and faces forward. i had to pay 75 dollars to replace it, warranty would not cover it. since so many 2007 toyota rav4 owner are having the same problems it should be elevated to a recall status!!! *tr

The car makes a clunking, popping noise when turning at low speed. dealer says it is a intermediate shaft, and although there is a service bulletin for it, it is not covered out of warranty. the dealer quoted a price of $350, for the intermediate shaft and $ 700. if both shafts would need to be replaced, if this is a safety issue, it should be covered by the manufacturer. *tr