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Problems with 2008 Toyota RAV4 STEERING

On average, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 starts to “feel” problems with the STEERING and its various aspects after 62 564 miles.

Components Affected by STEERING Issues

We have classified the 64 complaints from 2008 Toyota RAV4 about STEERING into the following categories.

COLUMN 1 ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM 1

Recently reported STEERING problems on 2008 Toyota RAV4

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 ...

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.