Problems with 2007 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact heard a knocking noise coming from the steering column while driving various speeds and whenever attempting a turn. the failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact stated that a knocking noise was exhibited from the steering column whenever making a left or right turn, regardless of the speed. the vehicle was never taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 35,000. the vin was not available.

2007 toyota rav4 has a binding and thumping noise in the steering column when the steering wheel is turned to the left or right.

There is a clunking/knocking noise in steering shaft. only normal use on this vehicle on city streets. a failure in the steering shaft could cause death at highway speeds for obvious reasons. toyota has acknowledged the problem by issuing t-sb-0318-08, but refuses to issue a safety recall or pay for repair after warranty expires. this is a manufacturing defect and they acknowledge this by the fact that they have changed the part used here (new pn 45221-42070). this is serious and affects all 06-08 rav4 suvs. just search for "steering clunk rav4" if you want evidence.

Clunking sound when turning steering wheel at low speed in 2007 toyota rav4, which started at 39,000 miles and remains at 51,000 miles. *tr

Hear a popping noise when turning steering wheel left or right. only hear it when turning at slower speeds. *tr

2007 rav4 steering clunking noise. *tr

2007 toyota rav4 has loud clunking noises and "catches" when turning the wheel left or right. supposed to be a steering issue caused by a manufacturers defect, but toyota not will not cover any repairs that cost upwards of $1,000. dealer says this is a common problem but will not respond to complainants about it being a safety issue. if steering fails, will toyota be responsible? *tr

Steering wheel problem with 2007 toyota rav 4. *nj the consumer stated the steering wheel would make a strange noise every time he turned the wheel. the dealer stated it was a common problem. the dealer stated a new steering shaft was needed. the seals on the intermediate shaft of the steering wheel system had dried up and was causing the joint to make a noise. *jb updated 03/08/10.*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. while driving 35 mph when turning the steering wheel in any direction at any speed he heard a noise. the manufacturer suggested that both of the intermediate shafts be replaced. a local mechanic replaced both intermediate shafts. the contact was concerned about safety. the failure mileage was approximately 37,025. the current mileage was 38,100.

Intermittent failure of steering at vehicle startup. steering wheel will not move in either direction and p/s indicator light comes on. car must be turned off then restarted for steering to function. more frequently - steering wheel will shake slightly at startup as if it is about to lock, but continues to function normally. toyota dealer said cause was low battery voltage and replaced battery. problem occurred again less than 2 months later. will return vehicle - still under warranty - for another repair of the same problem. *tr

I have a 2007 toyota rav4 4wd v6 limited that had a defectively designed steering shaft. in early 2009, i began to notice a loud "clunk" when my vehicle turned slowly (fwd or back from a stop) or when i entered or exited my driveway. quick research revealed others with this condition on 2006 and 2007 rav4s, it was likely a defective steering shaft..improperly engineered at the joint, and it was wearing/loosening. toyota had apparently issued a t-sb-0318-08 to replace the shaft when owners complained. i took my rav4 in for service to check, and it was confirmed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. however, my mileage exceeded the 36,000 mile warranty, and despite numerous diplomatic attempts on my part, toyota denied coverage on the basis of mileage, despite my argument of a safety defect. i argued that this loosening/defective steering shaft could break and cause a loss of steering control at highway speeds. i was ignored numerous times through regional and national toyota "customer service" channels. my local dealer was friendly, buy unable to convince toyota to help. i finally decided to have the steering column repaired at my expense, fearing for the safety of my steering, and toyota could not assure me that the steering was safe without the repair (they refused to comment). i told them i would be reporting this to the nhtsb, and they did not seem to care. i spent over $500 to replace a defectively designed steering shaft, and i hope others with this issue are reporting this to hold toyota accountable for potential safety defects. *tr

Hearing a clucking noise from steering column for last couple of years. it was getting worse and increased frequency so we took it to the local toyota dealer. service dept personnel said they had replaced other steering shafts but no recall on our rav4's year. 2001 & 02's and other years have recalls. searched on-line and there are numerous other posts with this same problem on 2006 & 07 rav4s. why is toyota not acknowledging this problem. others have stated the steering will evidently go out. definite major safety problem. $800+ cost to fix. *tr

Steering issue with 2007 toyota rav4 sport. big noise and sudden slip feeling in steering when turning left or right at slow speeds especially while taking out of garage or getting in or while taking turns on bumpy road. *tr

Popping noise in steering at low speeds, indicating possible eventual failure of steering function. toyota has been nonresponsive to customer complaints, though this is clearly a design failure that frequently shows just as vehicle exceeds warranty. government pressure is required for toyota to issue a recall before this nuisance issue becomes a safety issue. *tr

Thumping/clunking sound heard/felt in steering when turning left. diagnosed as bad intermediate steering shaft. vehicle only 9,000 miles out of warranty and failure of this part at such low mileage is absurd. had it replaced as potential safety threat. selling dealer initially advised that repair would cost $839.00 but after further discussion of toyota tsb's and internet info that this part has also been defective in camrys and avalons toyota agreed to provide parts under warranty-saving $517. i paid labor of $321.00. *tr

When pulling out from stop signs heard clicking noise when turning right or left. car was repaired under warranty. now in march 2015 noise is there again. there is a little over 80000 miles on vehicle. bad enough it went bad once.no idea what cost will be to repair should be recalled. *tr

Knocking noise in steering. *tr

I have an 07 toyota rav and recently had to take it to the dealer because of a clunking sound in the steering. was told by the service rep that the intermediate steering rod is failing. the splines are hitting the bottom assembly. was also told that this is not a safety issue and is safe to drive. cost was $415.70 for parts and 178.00 for labor. the issue is not the cost but concern that something (intermediate steering rod) in my steering is failing (when will it fail completely) and according to service rep...this is not a safety issue. perhaps he should be turning the wheel, listening to the "clunking sound of the failing spines" and then thinking, "this is not a safety issue!" *tr

I 'd like to file a complaint about my 2007 toyota rav4. toyota has already issued a technical service bulletin to repair the steering intermediate shaft noise problem, (please see t-sb-0318-08 october 20, 2008). if the vehicle were under warranty, toyota would make the necessary changes at no cost. however, the cost is not covered if the vehicle has more than 36,000 miles. unfortunately, this problem did not show up on my car until after 36,000 miles. i spoke to the dealer about this problem and was informed that the cost to fix this toyota part defect will be out of my pocket, and it's very substantial ($890) . i'm afraid that this problem may create potential steering problem that would cause serious accident while operating the vehicle in the future. *tr

Clunking in front when turning; dealer says the linkage in steering shaft (connecting the two pieces that it is comprised of) is loose and creating the noise - but not a safety issue. $833 estimate to repair. purchase at 41,587 miles - at 45,442 whenit was checked by dealer. did not repair (do not have funds) and not covered under warranty. do not believe this is not a serious safety concern!!! same complaint from numerous others at http://www.carcomplaints.com/toyota/rav4/2007/steering/index.shtml. *tr

I have been very disappointed with problems arise with the steering column this problem has been noticeable concerns for many customer who have owned rav 4 and toyota has done nothing to resolve or even letting the customers be aware of this problem. it starts off as a clunk sound when you turn right or left or when you are backing up, it started for around 32,000 but dealer could not find the problem until i pushed the issue. by that time it was just pasted the warranty (37000 miles). *tr

The battery on my wife's 2007 toyota rav4 went out without warning, & so on the advice of the folsom lake toyota garage, i jump started her car to get her home. the next morning i did the same, so that she could drive it to the garage to get fixed. when she started to drive the car however, the steering lock would not allow her to turn the wheel & she ended up driving towards the middle of the road. she immediately stopped, & told me, & so as i thought she meant that the power steering simply wasn't working, i said that i would drive it to the garage for her. when i started off however, the car steering lock stopped me turning the wheel, although only for a second or two, before the steering began to work correctly, & so i very slowly & carefully drove the car to the garage. the garage checked the car & said that it was just a faulty battery, but when i pointed out that if a faulty battery could cause the steering lock to engage while driving, this was a safety hazard, they said that when they asked toyota, they simply said that it was working as designed, & so there was nothing they could do. consequently, i called toyota, & they told me that as the car has an electronic power steering module, the steering lock could engage with a bad battery. when i suggested to the customer services rep that they needed to address this issue as a safety hazard, she wasn't interested in helping, & point blank refused to give me contact details for her boss, or anyone at toyota north america or japan, only the customer services dept., i.e., people like herself. i find it insulting that toyota not only appears not to care about the safety of their customers, but also doesn't appear to want to hear from their customers, e.g., when i took a survey after my call, & entered some very low numbers for service care, the call was deliberately cut off by toyota. so much for japanese service! *tr

I have 2007 toyota rav 4. the steering start making knocking / popping sound whenever i turn right or left. i found tsb from the website which is t-sb-0318-08. this tsb is to replace steering shaft. 2006,2007,2008 rav 4 is fall into this tsb. the problem is toyota will do this tsb repair only the car is below 36k mile/36 month which is under manufacture warranty. if the car is out of warranty, consumer has to pay about $700. i don't understand why consumer has to pay for defective part replacement. if i don't replace the steering shaft, i don't know if it will be safe for keep driving or not. toyota must recall the rav 4 to replace the steering shaft instead of tsb repair under the warranty. steering is directly related with driver's safety. *tr

I have a 2007 toyota rav 4. i noticed a clanking noise when i turned the wheel all the way to the right or left. so i took my car to the dealer. i was told "intermediate steering shaft needs replacement." my car was just 1000 miles over of the 36000 miles warranty. dealer said it will cost me 600 plus tax to fix it. but they also mentioned this is not something i have to fix right away. i found out later that many toyota rav4 owners have the same issue. toyota has a bulletin stating this is caused by a lack of grease at one of the joints. it looks like it is a design flaw that toyota should fix at their cost. i think it is time for the dealer to take some action regarding this. *tr

Felt a looseness in the steering, a popping noise when making turns. under warrenty, at approximately 33,000 miles, the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. at approximately 56,000 miles, the same problem recurred. was advised by the local toyota dealer the intermediate steering shaft had failed once again. cost of replacement estimated at $628.00. called toyota customer experience center and received a case manager. case manager informed me the final offer toyota would make is to pay the cost of the part, i would be responsible for the approximate $300.00 labor costs. they would not guarantee future replacements should the part fail again. clearly a safety issue that toyota refuses to properly address. *tr

I recently had to replace the steering shaft on my 2007 toyota rav4. my car was making popping noises when steering left and right. come to find out it was the steering shaft. my car was above the mileage and out of the manufactures warranty. since there was a tsb they said they would temporarily fix it by lubing it. the actual replacement of the steering shaft on my car cost me over $755.08 out of pocket. i had absolutely no choice but to pay this since i am not sure if it would have been safe to even continue driving my car. i know of one complaint on this exact same issue and i think it is ridiculous that we consumers should have to pay this out of our own pockets. toyota should be issuing a recall for this. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact stated that every time the vehicle made a turn in any direction it made a clanking sound in the steering column. the vehicle was not inspected at the time of the complaint since the manufacturer stated that it was not under warranty. there was a technical service bulletin for the steering gear shaft, number st001-08. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 36000 and the current mileage was 55000.

Steering intermediate shaft clunks and it is getting worse. toyota has not recalled the common problem. *tr

2007 toyota rav 4 - clunking and popping noise when i turn the steering wheel. i was advised by my service manager to replace steering shaft but was not covered under warranty since there is not a recall. the problem has been occurring for approx a year now with no resolution. the noise is getting worse and happening more often. i hope we do not have a major problem with the steering before a recall is done. *tr

Whenever i turn the wheel (does not matter what direction) in the middle of the turn it makes a clunk noise, and you can feel it in your hands. *tr

Clunking sound while turning steering wheel at low speeds. toyota issued tsb 0318-08 regarding issue and has per the tsb "a new intermediate shaft has been developed to address the condition." despite widespread failure of steering linkage mechanism toyota will not replace part at no cost to consumer. *tr

Within approximately 2 years of the purchase of our new 2007 toyota rav4 we noticed a "clunking" sound and feel in the steering at slow speed. the problem was reported to the dealer, gettle toyota of bradenton, florida, and was repaired under warranty. they referred to the parts replaced as intermediate steering shaft/ steering shaft assy. (the service writer seemed to know exactly what the problem was). the same apparent problem appeared again in approximately june of 2013 and is worse now in january 2014. it has become quite annoying and now both my wife and i wonder if this will become a safety concern, i.e. leading to a steering failure. our original decision to buy the rav4 was primarily based on a very high safety rating after we were involved in a serious injury crash which destroyed our previous vehicle. we are becoming more and more disappointed with toyota quality in general as our rav4 approaches only 75,000 miles. i would request the recall of this vehicle for manufacturer-sponsored repairs to follow the already historical tsb of 2008 for this same problem in '06 and '07 rav4s. thank you for your attention. *tr

To whom it may concern" my toyota 2007 rav4's steering wheel makes knocking, clunking noise when turning since summer 2009 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

Steering column in 2007 toyota rav4. problem is s manufacturing defect that will not be corrected if the car is out of warranty. makes a very loud noise whenever steering wheel is turned and has a tendency to "wander" to side of road. *tr

Several years ago i noticed a popping noise when the steering wheel was turned. i thought it was in the steering wheel because i frequently used the tilt and telescope features to let me use my work laptop while in the car. (i am a retired hospice nurse.) i just figured it was aging from overuse. however, last week i took the 2007 rav4 in to my tire dealer and asked them to check the alignment while they did some other work. the mechanic was sharp and told me that he had first thought the same thing about the steering wheel being the source of the noise, but investigated further and found it was the "intermediate shaft" of the steering system. he told me there was a technical service bulletin about it. i've looked up the tsb's and they are 0318-08 and st001-08, and they describe my car exactly. i have an appointment tomorrow-2-3-12-to have a local dealer look at it. the car has 69659 miles on it now, but only 49882 when i retired in may of '10 and it was maybe a year before that (at 33842 miles) that the noise started. this has certainly not been the car our '96 rav was. i call it my bad luck car for various reasons and it appears it still is. the tire mechanic said the repair was about $400. *kb

Purchased a new 2007 toyota rav4 from mcgeorge toyota in richmond, virginia. in mid 2009 the steering started to make a noise. had to take the car thrice to the dealer but finally they said there is a bulletin for the issue and replaced the intermediate shaft under warranty. did not solve the problem. i have complained and taken the car back many times since but they have not taken any action. the sound is getting louder and an article in the richmond times 05-11-10 indicated that this was a safety issue with many of toyota model suv's. the dealer now claims that all rav4's and toyota minivans make the noise and it is nothing to worry about. i am concerned since my wife drives this car and it is very disconcerting. *tr

There is a popping noise in the steering while making turns. the toyota service dealer identified it as the "intermediate steering shaft, a recurring problem with the 07-08 rav." he said the cost to replace it would be $650.72. i asked him it was covered by toyota, and he said no. i asked if it was a safety hazard, and he said, "the steering could potentially fail while you're driving." i have five children and don't want my steering to fail while i'm driving. since this is a known problem on 07-08 rav's, i am requesting that it be turned into a national safety recall for toyota to fix. thank you for your time and consideration! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I have 2 toyota rav4s - both have the same problem, the steering column is making a "clunking" noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. it appears that this is a problem that many, many other toyota rav4 owners have experienced and toyota has issued t-sb-0318-08 bulletin with at 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 compelled to issue a safety recall and owners should be notified immediately.

Steering popping when turning left or right at low speed. *tr

I have had numerous sensor problems, replaced free of charge at this point. had to replace wheel bearing and wiring due to corrosion, free of charge now other side has same wheel bearing, corrosion problem and they want $1000.00. have also had a clunking in steering column (bad knuckle joint) that tech's have not found. hear that would cost at least $800.00. they also say water pump leaking and need replacement to prevent engine damage another approx. $1000.00. i've been online and these are all problems discussed by other rav4 owners. the tech told me there are not enough problems to incite a recall. mean while i've had nothing but problems since i bought this vehicle and it doesn't even have 60k. now they want 3k to fix current problems. *tr

I purchased a new 2007 rav4 from toyota of braintree in 2007. 1. in 2009 i could hear wind in the driver's window; i took the vehicle to be checked, toyota service department said i was hearing things. 2.the driver's door caught fire (i had the keys with me) i had to spend $606.01 to fix it, toyota said there was water intrusion (i thought, it probably was, because of the air leak previously reported in 2009) 3. the steering wheel felt strange when i drove, i took it back for service, the diagnosis was steering shaft internal failure which needed to be replaced; i fought to get that fixed out of warranty. 5. on november 25, 2011 i was driving, the window fell in on me and on november 26, 2011, i had to have the driver's side window regulator replaced for $338.30 7. now, oil is leaking into the muffler. (i purchase oil frequently) this vehicle is only 4.5 years old and should not have any of these major problems, when i purchased this rav4, it was going to be my last vehicle purchase because toyota advertises longevity of their products. i also know people who drive 1990 and 1995 toyota products who have never had any of these problems. i was also treated very poorly during some of my repair visits. after the door caught on fire, i had a meeting with the owner of toyota of braintree, [xxx] but his resolution was giving me $13,000.00 for my vehicle (which i own) and me purchasing a brand new vehicle, which meant i would have a monthly payment. i did contact toyota headquarters in california and filed a complaint and never received any resolution. since then i received a letter from the national center for dispute settlement stating they can't help me. thank you for any assistance, sincerely, toyota rav4 owner. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).*tr

Steering system makes knocking noises when car is turning either right of left. usually at slow speed. *tr

Toyota rav4 2007. i've been hearing unusual sound when i turn steering wheel specially from parking position. toyota elk grove ca said this is normal. i don't think this is normal. any noise while turning steering wheel is not normal because turning steering wheel doesn't suppose to produce noise. *tr

At around 20,000 miles, my 2007 toyota rav4 started making a clunking sound when i made right hand turns. i brought it in to the dealer but they said they could not reproduce the sound. over time, the clunking grew louder and could be felt traveling up the steering shaft. i brought it in again just shy of the 36 month warranty limit and was told that once again the service technicians could not detect any sound/defect. however, when i brought my vehicle in for a safety recall on an oil hose, i mentioned the steering problem yet again and lo and behold, they could now detect it! however, my car was now past the 36 month comprehensive warranty coverage, so the repair would be out of pocket. the service technician pulled up the service bulletin t-sb-0318-08, dated 10-20-2008. it clearly describes the problem just as i had described it to the technician, and was posted almost a year before my second trip to the service department. i have not had the problem repaired yet, and now the clunk is heard and felt when turning left or right. i do not know what the ultimate outcome will be if i ignore the problem indefinitely. i do know that i am one of many 2006-2008 rav owners who have complained of this defect on the internet. based on this number, toyota should be made to recall the defect. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would exhibit a loud abnormal noise when attempting a hard turn. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the intermediate drive shaft was replaced. the failure recurred three years later. the vehicle was taken to a dealer but the failure could not be replicated. the failure continued for two years. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 19,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. kmj

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 toyota rav4. the contact noticed that the steering wheel was very loose. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the steering shaft was replaced. however, he noticed the same failure even after the failure. the vehicle was taken back to the dealership where the contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. the dealer called the manufacturer who refused to repair it. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the current mileage was approximately 71,000. the failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Part worn out in steering column they call it the shaft. *tr

I noticed a 'clunking sound' when i turn my steering wheel either direction on my toyota rav 4 2007 vehicle. this is toyota very well known issue and they have done nothing about it. if you want proof check below link that how many people have same problem. please do something about this and reply to my email. http://www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2007/toyota/rav4/steering http://www.carcomplaints.com/toyota/rav4/2007/steering/makes_noise_when_turning_the_steering_wheel.shtml http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/toyota-rav4/ts93fja7ti04qeesv/p3 http://repairpal.com/dealer-recommends-i-replace-the-intermediate-steering-shaft-in-25-year-old-rav4-291 http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2007/toyota/rav4/steering/problem.aspx http://www.devdaily.com/blog/post/page-1/rav4-steering-noise-epidemic. *tr

I have a 2007 rav 4. in aug 2008 it started making a clunking noise at low speeds. i took it to the dealer and part of the steering column was replaced under warranty. the noise went away. now it is oct. 2010 and the noise is back but vehicle is no longer under warranty. searching 07 rav 4 clunking noise in steering column i realize that this is a very common problem and a safety issue. *tr