Problems with 2008 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while driving, a rocking noise was heard coming from the front side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. when the vehicle was started and while idling, an abnormal clicking noise was heard coming from the steering wheel. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. the vehicle was taken to toyota of melbourne (24 n. harbor city boulevard, melbourne, fl 32935, (321) 426-9420) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel and shaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 90906975. the contact was referred to the local dealer. the failure mileage was approximately 85,000. the vin was invalid.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while parking the vehicle, the steering column detached. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the welding failed on the vehicle. the local dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1801779, but no further assistance was provided. the failure mileage was 105,000. the vin was not available.

I am having a steerling noise issue when backing up or moving forward there's a loud clunk from the steering column area that i can feel in the wheel. i feel it in the wheel when driving down the freeway or uneven surfaces as well as when the vehicle is stopped and idling while turning the wheel to the locks. this vehicle was inspected my an ase certified master mechanic who found no issues with the rack and pinion system but diagnosed the issue as an intermediate steering shaft failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while driving various low speeds, the steering wheel made a loud clunking noise and there was abnormal movement in the steering column. a dealer was not notified. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 107,600.

Steering intermediate shaft worn out : making clunking noise when turning either way also when reversing car toyota technician found this defect/issue

Very bad clunking / popping sound when i back up and turn my wheels. seems to happen mostly when i first drive the suv in the morning. only has 96,000 miles on it.

I was driving my 2008 rav 4 and i made a turn & all of a sudden my steering wheel literally became free floating. i can move the steering wheel 8 to 12 inches up and down with no resistance. i can also move it 6 to 8 inches left to right with no resistance. it's not guided in any way, you can move it around in a large circular motion. i was able to still steer somewhat. the column still seems to be attached to something. when you do steer, it makes a horrible popping sound. the dealership said: a frame weld did give out for the steering column assembly. the steering column assembly is everything between the wheel and the intermediate shaft. the steering assembly is mounted to the instrument panel reinforcement bar. this is a large bar that runs the length of your dashboard. this bar has a few welded mounts on it that allow you to bolt the steering column assembly into, it is these welds which failed. the air duct on the drivers side fell onto my feet/pedals while i was driving. luckily it didnt get caught behind my pedals. i soft drive approx 8000-9000 miles a year. i've had no accidents. toyota is charging me $2200 to replace this & will not coer the costs. this is a major safety issue & i did reserch & this has happened numerous times! check it out here: http://www.rav4world.com/forums/99-4-3-mechanical/115306-steering-assembly-frame-weld-broke.html

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while pulling out of the driveway, the steering wheel started to make a clicking sound and the check engine and esc warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist motor needed replacement. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1709132080. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 39,800. updated 11/02/17*lj consumer stated the vsc light comes on and check engine. now that the intermediate shaft does not work correct the cruise control does not work. updated 7/17/18*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while the vehicle was being operated, an abnormal noise could be heard. the contact went to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a steering column failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. the failure mileage was 59,000. updated 06/23/17*lj *as

Takata recall i had a wreck march 8, 2017 and i could not control the steering wheel and landed in some heavy bushes on a off ramp. when to the hospital with neck problems and put a report into my insurance. the car was in motion when the steering problem happen. on i-5 58 south bound off ramp near intersection with nw morgan street, grants pass, oregon happen so fast could not break.

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 toyota rav4. while driving 40 mph, the steering seized and the vehicle crashed into a building. the air bags did not deploy. the vehicle was towed and deemed a total loss. the occupant sustained left and right broken arms, stitches, and a broken rotator cuff. medical attention was received at west chester medical center. a police report was filed. the local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the failure mileage was 116,000. *ln *tr

I have 106.700 miles on my car and i start hear clicking and knocking noises inside on my rack and pinion when my car is not in motion and i turn my wheel i hear this noise also when ii hit potholes i feel something loose in my steering wheel as far as im searchig many people of toyota rav4 owners having same problem, toyota should make this as a recall

When turning the steering wheel a loud banging noise comes from the steering column. it feels very unsafe and scarey to drive. was told it is the steering and that toyota is very aware of the issue with this year car, however since nobody has died yet it is not being recalled. the steering is sometimes unreliable and i never know if it will steer where i want it to or not. i am affraid to drive it, toyota tells me its safe. i am not willing to be the first one to die because of toyota greed to not recall and fix this huge safety issue. when car is in motion at low and high speeds turning any degree either way

1st issue was repeated recall over lower arm suspension bar that was permanently glued, to remedy safety concern. now intermediate steering arm is bad, and problems w car swaying, and tires feeling wobbly. being told toyota will not cover expenses to repair related suspension issue. $750.00 car has only 53,000 miles... many other rav4 owners w same problem. afraid to drive.

I bought my toyota with 47316 miles, no warranty. at 49000 miles my power steering lite started intermittently coming on, at 60000 miles it comes on all the time . took the vechile to local toyota, was told by one gentleman he has seen this recently. couldn't fix it as they have no programs for the issue. told me to call toyota, they may help me with this high price issue. talk to two different employees at main number. i was told they wouldn't do anything since, i have not had toyota do my maintenance. i explained to them, i have not had it long. but i have years of previous owners toyota maintenance. said it's not in my name, i can't control the steering wheel when the p/s light is on. can take up to 16 true to get it off. toyota reset it , code came right back. this car is not broke in .this is not right the cost we pay for this. hope someone makes them make there issues right size

Clunk in steering wheel when turning to the left or right.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while operating the vehicle and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering column made a clicking noise. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

There are have been 6 recalls to date since we purchased 2008 rav4. most recently, seatbelts were deemed unsafe in the rear, where we harness our children's carseats. this was in april 2016, and we have yet to be contacted about a remedy. please let me know if there is anything i can do to push for a fix to this situation. we are frustrated that this car is a lemon, but not according to law, since the recalls are rolled out over the course of the last 6-8 years.

2008 rav 4 has less than 60k miles. was experiencing a clunking noise when turning left or right at low speeds. took my vehicle into the dealership and was told it needs a new steering shaft at a cost to me of $688. upon researching this issue i have discovered that it has been an issue with this make, year and model for a long time. would like to see a recall generated for this as toyota owners should not have to bear the cost of faulty manufacturing.

Having just exited i-95, i was turning the steering wheel to the right to pull up to the curb at the philadelphia airport to pick up a passenger. upon doing so, the steering column made a loud pop or clunk sound, and the steering wheel immediately lurched approximately 6-8" to the left - and nearly out of my hands - almost causing me to crash into the crowd at the curb. after this sound occurred, the steering wheel (as in a previous complaint in 2013) was still operational, however was able to move approximately 6 - 9" up, down, right, or left while still remaining operable. upon taking the vehicle to the toyota dealership, i was asked if i had been in a front-end collision (answer, "never"), as a factory weld had failed that keeps the steering column attached to a safety rod in the dash. repairs are expected to run approximately $3,700. matter has been sent to toyota corporate, however no word has come back. it appears as if i will be responsible for the full repair cost, despite failure in factory weld. apparently no fail-safes are in place should this weld fail, such that a very dangerous situation arises, especially if this had happened three minutes earlier when i was in very heavy interstate traffic, instead of just having exited, and moving at 10 mph or less.

On october 5 and 6, 2015 my 2008 toyota rav4 was in for service at piercey toyota in milpitas to replace all four tires, front/back brakes and front shock absorbers, a total of $2,000. on october 8, 2015, while i was driving my car back from stanford lucile packard over dumbarton bridge, i have noticed that my brakes would not engage and i could not slow down my car. just before this event, the abs, vsc, and slip warning lights all came on. the brake pedal felt very stiff and i was not able to do any repetitive pumping of the brake. i called 911 and requested assistance. when the front traffic came to a hold i had to use my emergency brake and my entire car slipped to the left. we almost got hit by the bus behind us. some good samaritans saw what happened and helped me to get my car off the road. that day, my 9 yrs. old son and i could have been killed. i request that toyota investigates/recalls the brake light switch circuit that has malfunctioned. piercey toyota in milpitas investigated the incident on 10/09/15. they found c1249 open stop light switch circuit, c1223 abs system malfunction, my vehicle had intermittent brake light switch circuit malfunction. piercey toyota replaced brake light switch assembly.

I have a 2008 rav4. in 2010, i experienced a "clunking" or "thunking" sensation in the steering column on low speed turns. the dealer determined that a faulty intermediate steering shaft was the cause and replaced it. the same problem occurred again in 2012 and the dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft again. in 2015, i had steering problems which had a similar feel (a "thunk" or "clunk" feeling when turning). this time the dealer determined that the steering rack and related parts needed to be replaced and charged me $2,400 for the repair.

Upon starting the vehicle and attempting to go in reverse, the power steering became difficult to turn. had it towed to my mechanic and was told the electric steering control module and steering column motor assembly had to be replaced. total cost was $3,300. this is becoming a common complaint and, considering the cost involved, should be thoroughly reviewed by the nhtsa.

Vehicle developed a clunk noise that could be heard and felt throughout the vehicle, especially in the steering system and especially during slow speed operation. the problem began in 8/2015 at ~45,000 miles. vehicle also developed a loose feel in the steering and would pull to the right under hard acceleration. by 1/2016, the problem got noticeably worse. i then took the vehicle to a local auto repair shop for diagnosis/repair. after an hour or so of checking the entire suspension and steering system, the problem was diagnosed as a bad "steering intermediate shaft". the local shop owner stated he had replaced several of these same steering shafts on other rav4s around the same vintage (2006-2010). i contacted my local toyota dealership and the service agent also stated they had "several" incidents with this vintage of rav4s and steering shaft problems but there was no recall and since the vehicle was out of the warranty period, toyota would not cover the repairs. i then looked online to see if any other owners had the same problem and was shocked to see how many others have had the same issue with rav4s of the same vintage and had similar results with local toyota dealers. i believe this is a serious safety concern as eventually the steering shaft and/or shaft u-joint knuckles could fail due to this poor design and cause loss of control (steering) of the vehicle. toyota does not seem to be taking this seriously, hopefully the nhtsa will.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. while the vehicle was being serviced, it was discovered that the vehicle had a fractured steering rod. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 89,901.

Clunking noise when turning the steering wheel.

We recently took our rav4 in for recall work. the service department decided to do a complimentary inspection on my rav4. we were told that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. it had never been a problem before. now, the power steering pump is squealing on tighter than regular corner turning. i researched this issue on the internet. the disturbing, more constant compliant is that the power steering on my year, make and model will fail intermittently and then suddenly fail. this is a very serious issue since most of the drivers on the road are used to power steering and may not know what to do if the power steering should suddenly fail while driving. i want to make it clear that i am not blaming the dealership or the service department. they gave us a heads-up on what we had no idea was about to become a problem. the power steering pump problem is a serious issue, the rav4 is a family car for the most part.

Makes a clunking sound when i turn and i feel a "bump" in the steering wheel. i was charged $594.45 at the dealership for the repair replace the intermediate steering shaft. after searching online, i found that there are many complaints about this problem. please enforce a vehicle recall for this problem. *tr

Requested steering shaft replacement during inspection (need attention soon). thought that was odd. went online and appears to be a problem with toyota vehicles. called toyota 800 331-4331, they didn't care. thought i file a complaint to get it recalled. *tr

Clunking noise from steering shaft that is both audible and felt through steering wheel. occurs turning both left and right, going forward or reverse, but not when driving straight. *tr

After being told i needed a steering intermediate shaft, i started investigating on the internet and come to realize there are hundreds of complaints on this issue dating back to 2007. when steering i hear a cracking sound and feel that it is a defect. all of the rav 4's are having the same problem, and this can really cause injury. *tr

I hear a " thud noise " whenever i turn the steering wheel left or right, especially when getting in and out of a parking space.

Vehicle makes noise when the steering wheel is turn. diagnosed with rack & pinion problems by the toyota dealer at 20, 070 miles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. when the contact started the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the dealer stated that the power steering control unit needed to be replaced. the repair was made and the steering operated normally. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 65,262. updated 9/8/14*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. the contact stated that she heard a knocking noise while turning at various speeds and steering the vehicle became difficult. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 23,000.

Power steering became difficult,dealer replaced steering column. problem with sensor located at column. cost to me $1260.00. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, she noticed that the rear passenger's side tire had buckled inward. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the technician stated that one of the tie rod bolts was missing and had caused the tie rod to become bent. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 12v373000 (suspension) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. *tr

I had just dropped off my fiance at work and was attempting to turn around in the parking lot when my steering wheel dropped roughly 8 inches hitting my leg. the steering wheel can be moved 8 to 12 inches up and down with little resistance. it can also move be moved 6 to 8 inches left to right with no resistance. it's not guided in any way, you can move it around in a large circular motion. the car amazingly enough still steers. the steering assembly is still attached to the steering intermediate shaft as well as the rack and pinion. though when you do attempt to steer, it makes a horrible popping sound, which makes sense because the shaft is no longer in a fixed position. upon investigation it looks like a factory weld has failed. for a 2008 rav4, the steering column assembly is mounted to the instrument panel reinforcement bar. this is a large bar that runs the length of your dashboard. this bar has a few welded mounts on it that allow you to bolt on the steering column assembly, which holds the steering wheel in place, it is these welds which have failed. this is a major safety issue, if the steering wheel had dropped 5 minutes earlier when i was traveling at highway speeds i could have easily lost control of the vehicle. the car had 65,000 miles on it at the time of incident. *tr

My alternator went in my vehicle but was discovered was disturbing. i had just had my oil changed 4 weeks prior and the vehicle was almost empty of oil. if the alternator had not failed my engine would have blown due to the lack of oil. the lack of oil is due to the piston assembly in my 2008 toyota rav4. this is a known problem with toyota since they issued a technical service bulletin on aug. 11 known as sb002411 and sb009411. toyota said the problem was traced to the piston assembly, yet i have not received any notification from toyota regarding this issue. there isn't any recall. this repair is only covered for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. in my situation, the financial burden of this repair is on myself ($4-$5k). this is the second issue with toyota rav 4 where it should be a recall. my prior issue was the steering intermediate shaft which was making a clucking sound and if not addressed the i could lose control of the vehicle, that financial burden was $800. both should be a recall by toyota. *tr

Resistance is felt at intervals when turning the steering wheel. steering feels loose, unresponsive and dangerous. dealer recommended replacing intermediate steering shaft. online research showed this is a common problem and an upgraded part exists to remedy the problem. contacted toyota customer service. had complaint escalated to toyota corporate regional manager. was only offered 15% off repair at dealer. i believe this is a safety issue created by a defective part. thank you. *tr

Every time i make a turn (right or left), i hear this knocking sound on my steering wheel. it feels like something is about to break. i just noticed this right after i replaced the battery. *tr

Happy holidays & hanukkah! bob bridge took advantage of my age & background. they charged me $1280 out the door for tsb recall service. it's unfair & absurd 4 me paying toyota's design flaws. can you please help me get in touch with portland regional office so they can start reimbursement to me? bob bridge is milking both me & toyota district managers. they took 14 days to put in new steering shaft and offered zero in-depth report on failure & steering shaft's warranty. rushed through the job and left me dying battery & alternator. t-sb-0318-08 (steering shaft recall) steering now feels hard since they didn't refill power steering reservoir. my alternator & battery was left as is with diminishing capacity. i will only pay $150 out the door labor for this tsb service, the rest will be paid by toyota's district office. when can you send me my check? *tr

There is a clunking noise when the steering wheel is turned to the left or right. *tr

I was making a slow speed turn when, without warning, it became very difficult to steer, as if the power steering quit working. as i accelerated the steering started working again. a few days later it happened again and this time the battery warning light came on. both times this happened it almost caused a collision. i ended up taking it to the dealer and learned the alternator was going bad. an alternator on a four year old vehicle with 60k miles should last longer. i've since learned, from safety sites, that this is a common safety issue with the rav as the steering is electrically powered. there is also some indication the alternators are failing too soon. *tr

I took my 2008 toyota rav4 to the dealership for its schedule appointment, and i was told that the rack and pinion and shaft needed replacement. researching about this problem online, it was evident that many rav4 owners were experiencing the same situation. this a common problem with many rav4s. a so called dependable car should not have this problem before reaching 100,000 miles. certainly, toyota must clearly know that this is a common problem and should address it as soon as possible because this problem could potentially lead to an accident which can disrupt the safety of our communities. *tr

I have a 2008 toyota rav4 and it has had a whining sound when idling or accelerating for a week. today i was driving it and the power steering quit while i was driving it. i could barely steer it, if my wife was driving, she could not have turned the vehicle. many of the warning lights came on- brake light (checked the parking brake), abs, srs, battery, vsc, maintenance, and slip indicator lights. also the radio quit working, all at once. new battery installed last month. we have owned this vehicle since new from the dealership, had 2 recalls fixed for air bag sensor and floor mats, but no other problems until this. *tr

At around 9:30 am on july 8, i was on i-15 in s. utah when my right rear tie rod failed. very scary and i was lucky i did not end up rolled over in the ditch, hit another vehicle, or get hit by another vehicle. i had no idea why my car was so suddenly out of control. i originally thought i had blown a front wheel. there was no previous warning, such as a shimmy or vibration or any steering issues at all. i asked the tow truck to take me to the toyota dealer which was about 50 miles away. however, he convinced me that it was simple to replace the tie rod and since my rav4 was a 2008, aftermarket parts would be easy to get from napa. it was a sunday, so i ended up getting the car dropped off at goodyear in cedar city, since i would need an alignment after the new tie rod was put in. on monday morning i found out you can only get the tie rod part from the dealer and they did not have any in stock, so had to wait until wednesday to get it fixed. after it was fixed, they were not able to do an exact alignment and said it was off by a mm. fyi - there was no rust on the broken tie rod. *tr

2008 (started at 20,000 miles, 1 year out of warranty) toyota rav 4 started a clunking noise in the drive shaft when turning the wheel. we took it in for service and the dealer said they could not duplicate the problem. it's a constant sound! why they said this is unexplainable. it's been non stop since and getting worse. we read on the internet this is common problem for rav 4 owners. we will be taking it back in again and will probably be told the same thing. i also understand there is a tag issued for this problem by toyota also. the repair is averaged to be $800 and some dealers are willing to share in the repair cost. this should be toyota's 100% responsibility! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. the contact stated that the steering wheel had become stiff and hard to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced and advised the contact not to drive until the repairs were complete. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 25,500.