Problems with 2007 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

At any time during the life of the vehicle, the steering column can make an audible clunk when turning either left or right at low speeds. it gets progressively worse over time. the worry is that the steering joint could completely dislocate disabling control of the car. it is a well known problem documented in a tsb by the manufacturer. typical repair costs can exceed $800. *tr

On 2007 and 2008 toyota rav4 vehicles, the steering intermediate shaft and steering gear assembly fail. toyota has a technical service bulletin that describes the fix: tsb 0318-08 rev1. drivers will begin to feel a "thunk" in the steering column, and my mechanic (at a toyota dealership) informed me this would become a safety problem if left unfixed. this does not appear to be caused by any kind of driver error. rather, it is a design flaw in the steering components. on my 2007 rav4, this problem began at around 55,000 miles, and was fixed per the technical service bulletin referenced above. *tr

At approx. 25000 miles,i started hearing a thumping noise while making right turns, i don't drive it that often, so i didn't think much about it, until it started happening more and more, i then had 31,000, i looked up the problem on the internet and seen it was the intermediate shaft and that it was a common problem with this make and year of the rav4, i took it to a toyota dealership and they said i needed the steering gear and lower intermediate shaft replaced , it would cost $2259.00 plus tax for parts and labor. i refused the repair at that time, the vehicle was no longer under warranty .i called toyota customer service and they agreed to pay for only the part, because of the low mileage. i took it back to the dealership, they repaired that and while there they also said my water pump needed to be replaced, it was covered under a warranty they gave when i bought the rav4, this is another part the 2007 rav4 has had numerous complaints about. i paid over $1,000.00 out of pocket for a vehicle with only 31,367, for parts that toyota knows are faulty, i am the only owner. i believe there should be a recall. *tr

This is a follow-up to complaint number 10322423 i filed on march 26, 2010. at 37,109 miles my 2007 toyota rav4 had a binding and thumping noise in the steering column. i took the vehicle into the dealership where it was purchased and was informed the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced, but it was not a safety issue. at 46,781 miles i took my vehicle in for an oil change at my local automotive repair facility (not a toyota dealer). they recommended i have toyota look at the vehicle since the power steering rack and pinion was bad. i took the rav4 to a different toyota dealer in the area. they confirmed the power steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. i asked them to replace the intermediate shaft while they were working on the vehicle's steering system. a few days prior to the rack and pinion being replaced, the car felt like it had no power steering and it was difficult to turn the steering wheel. the power steering rack and pinion was replaced at 48,555. the second toyota dealership informed me the intermediate shaft did not have to be replaced because the binding and thumping noise was being caused by the power steering rack and pinion. i do not have the binding and thumping noise in the steering since the power steering rack and pinion was replaced. toyota has issued two technical service bulletins (tsbs) for the binding and thumping noise in the steering column ' replacement of the intermediate steering shafts. the problem i had with the binding and thumping in the steering column was caused by the power steering rack and pinion, not the intermediate shafts. the power steering rack and pinion probably was bad at 37,109 miles. many 2006-2008 rav4s have reported problems with the steering columns. does toyota really know what's causing the steering column problems on the 2006-2008 rav4s? it's very disappointing toyota and the nhtsa does not consider a steering problem a serious enough problem for a recall. *tr

I own a 2007 rav4 that have knocking sounds in the steering wheel. i had to replace both of the steering intermediate shaft at a cost of $355.00. the car has 31000 miles and just passed the 36 month warranty. 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. *tr

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

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 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 did not feel right - grinding and bumping through steering column. *ln

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

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 began experiencing a slight 'clunking' feel and noise. it progressively became worse. i finally took it to a toyota garage for repair, as i was concerned the steering would fail, and was disturbingly surprised to find they had the part in stock. i use to work in automotive dealerships parts departments and we never stocked a part of this nature as it was an item that didn't normally wear out. cost to replace it was around $500. i have since discovered that this item has a poor history that toyota was aware of but didn't notify their customers. *tr

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.

Klunking noise from steering column. noticed intermittently initially,now all the time. occurs at any speeds but primarily lower speeds and while stopped. worsening over time. *kb

Clunking-grinding sound in steering column when steering wheel is turned rav4 does not track on highway as it did before...likes to wander, always correcting the steering. dealer states there is a tsb to correct this problem at my expense. *tr

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

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.

When moving at low speeds and the steering wheel is turned, clunking sounds are heard. the first time it was reported to toyota, it was dismissed as being a result of the cold weather. warmer weather and subsequent research indicates this is a problem with the steering column; a problem toyota is aware of, but has not responded to proactively. *tt

2007 toyota rav 4 developed clunking that is heard and felt in steering at slow speeds (example: pulling out of parking space.) while vehicle was being serviced routinely and for another recall (carpet/gas pedal), the problem was brought to dealer's attention. the problem was the "steering rod" and repair would be at my expense. the car is already out of warranty. i was told it "wasn't a safety issue" and that "it would get worse." given all the complaints already documented by other owners, this should be a recall item. is waiting for a complete failure of steering resulting in a serious accident required to have this recalled? since toyota is unwilling to take responsibility, can nhtsa take a proactive response, rather than wait for an accident with fatality to push the issue? *tt

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

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

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

The vehicle makes a clunking noise turning at low speeds. looking at similar complaints it would appear the problem is with the rav4's manufactured in japan. there is also a loud intermittent moaning sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, was told it could be the fuel pump. i have had it in to toyota service several times while it was still under warranty but the cause could not be found. *tr

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

Sudden clunk noise and jerking motion in steering wheel. *tr

Soon after purchasing my 2007 rav4 sport i started hearing a clicking noise when i made turns in either direction. this clicking occurs while turning and does not depend on speed or degree of turn. i've read several complaints from other rav4 owners and believe toyota should initiate a recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, she heard an abnormal sound from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the technician stated that the intermediate steering shaft would have to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 18,000. *tr

Steering gear and intermediate shaft causing problems. a loose thunk sound in steering while turning corners. also some vibrations on highway. *tr

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

Clunk in power steering and/or rack-and-pinion after making a left turn at a slow speed (can be heard and felt on steering wheel). has been reported originally on 10/03/07 (odi# 102047400), and after that glen toyota performed repair as described in tsb st001-08, but replaced the only 1 part out of 2 described in tsb - new, reinforced part has not been replaced. problem seems to be gone for a while but returned as a result of uncompleted tsb repair performed. *tr

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

2007 toyota rav 4. consumer states problem with steering mechanism causing a crunching feeling in his hands and sounds of metal grinding, almost every time the wheel is turned. *tgw

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

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.

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

I have a strong popping noise coming from the steering wheel of my car. it stared very early in the life of the car about 7,000 miles and when i took it to the dealership they said they could not feel it. it is now past the warranty period and they want to charge me for the work that now is louder than ever. it happens every time you turn when at a stop either right or left. i was told by the dealership that it is not a serious issue and have found several web pages with feeds of people who have had the same problem. so if it is not a safety issue then when it breaks how will i be able to steer? from what i have read this is an on going issue with the toyota rav4 and they wont do anything about it. *tr

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. while making a left or right turn, the contact heard a noise coming from the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the failure was located within the intermediate shaft. the manufacturer offered to assist with some of the service cost. the failure and current mileages were 25,000.

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

Toyota rav4 steering, clunking noise in the steering column. *tr

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

To whom it may concern" my toyota 2007 rav4's steering wheel makes knocking, clunking noise when turning since june 2010 even though it still have very low mileage on it. many rav4 owners have these problem and please make toyota do a recall on this steering wheel problem before it causes any serious problems. this problem requires a replacement of a intermediate steering shaft which could cost up to $900. thank you for your time to this matter. *tr

Oem battery died. vehicle was jump started. during subsequent operation power steering stopped working intermittently causing difficulty steering vehicle. *tr

Steering is beginning to feel loose. when making turns to right or left there is a clunking sound at low speeds. getting worse with time. this appears to be exactly the same situation described by many other rav4 owners who are reporting that led to their repairs/replacement of the intermediate steering shafts on which toyota has issued a service bulletin but no recall. this would seem to be a safety concern. first noticed the clunking sound at about 45,000 miles. *tt

Steering column has a catch in it when turning...toyota knows about this ..but their has not been a recall on it...

There is a steering shaft defect in toyota rav4 2007 too. *tr

2007 toyota rav4 steering column (intermediate shaft). this is a known manufacturing defect by toyota and they have issued a tsb in 2008. only have 16.5k mi. (low). dealer will not cover under warrant (bought in sept. 2006). *tr

Knocking noise in steering column of 2007 toyota rav 4. happens when truck is moving and turning either left or right. *tr

Tsb st001-08 steering gear box shaft . i have a severe clunking noise on my 2007 toyota rav4. the noise appears whenever i move the steering wheel even a little bit and continues indefinitely. i have had this noise for almost one year and it is getting worse. according to other rav4 owners, toyota knows about this problem, but they refuse to repair it without charging the owners. the vehicle was under warranty when the noise started and now it is no longer under warranty and is no longer covered (the vehicle was purchased 3 years ago and has less than 30,000 miles on it). when i took the car into the local toyota dealership on june 1, 2010 for an annual inspection, the car was still under warranty and the mileage was only 26496 (i purchased it on june 16, 2007). i mentioned to the dealership that there was a clunking noise in the steering, but there was no mention of any problems. i am unable to pay for any repairs on this vehicle, and do not feel like i should have to because it was faulty while under warranty, and toyota knows about it but refuses to repair it (it is a huge problem, one that affects 2006 and 2007 toyota rav4 vehicles). *tr

2007 rav 4sport has clunking sound when turning. noticed it around 30,000 miles, & is one of the maintenance items the dealer is supposed to check every 5000 mile service which i have done since the vehicle was new. (inspect steering linkage and boots).my vehicle now has 46,000 miles on it, & i had asked the dealer if there was a problem , & he acted like he had not ever heard of a clunking noise in the steering, but came up with a $590.00 repair price & told me it was unsafe. he would not cover the defect because it was only covered until 36,000 miles. i came home & got on the internet, & there are similar complaints everywhere. please help? *tr