232 of the
880 complaints about the 2006 Toyota RAV4 are about the
steering — 26% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
40,000 miles.
For several months the 2006 Rav4 with only 118k miles had been experiencing intermittent failure of power steering while driving at speeds between 5-20mph. These failures resulted in the steering wheel to become extremely difficult if not impossible to turn while the car is driving. In each incident, this resulted in stopping the car and putting on emergency lights until we can safely turn off the car and hopefully the issue goes away several minutes later. This issue has proven to be very dangerous when in traffic with no place to pull over and with the steering tightening up, it is not even possible to pull over in most cases. Four different mechanical shops tried to replicate the issue and none were able to determine the root cause nor replicate it consistently. This issue has been happening more frequently now and the car cannot be taken out safely. As [XXX] drivers, this is not safe by any means and Toyota should consider this a critical safety recall and cover towing costs to move this. There are no signs of instrument lights or any leaks coming from the car. This seems to be entirely a malfunction of steering components. With regard to incidents resulting from this, my mother is the primary driver, she is [XXX] old and injured her wrist trying to move the steering wheel to a safe location. Her wrist is still in pain several days later. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesFrankston, TX
STEERING:LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while making a right or left turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the popping noise was progressively louder while steering to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering linkage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11486685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornelia, GACrash
STEERING
While my son was driving me the vehicles steering wheel locked and he was unable to steer the vehicle. It caused us to go off the road down a steep hill and wreck. I’ve never had any problems with this vehicle so it was completely unexpected. If there had been anyone in our path we wouldn’t of been able to stop from hitting them. It has not been inspected but there are witnesses to the accident
NHTSA complaint #11464537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Augustine, FL
STEERING
Clunking noise when turning steering wheel right or left. Numerous complaints from 006 RAV 4 owners. Fear that my steering will fail and cause an accident or Death. The issue is a defective intermediate steering shaft. Toyota will not issue a recall and will only repair if vehicle is still under warranty. How many complaints, accidents, or deaths will it take for this manufacturer to do the right thing???
NHTSA complaint #11450265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMarlboro, NJ
STEERING
FOR SOME TIME THERE HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COMING ON AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CAR HAS BEEN CHECKED BY MECHANICS, INCLUDING ONE AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FOUND. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STATIONARY, BUT I BELIEVE MY SON SAID IT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM WHILE IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11406269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremerton, WA
STEERING
I BOUGHT A USED 2006 RAV4 3.5 L V-6, AFTER A MONTH A BOUGHT IT. I NOTICED WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT I HEARD A CLUNK SOUND. I FOUND OUT THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS THE PROBLEM. THIS COMMON TO MOST RAV4, DEALERSHIP IT'S NORMAL BUT TO ME IT DOESN'T FELL NORMAL WHEN I'M DRIVING, IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS WILL COME OUT OR BROKE OFF. KIND OF SCARY THING TO FEEL WHEN DRIVING. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE COULD HURT OR DIE.
NHTSA complaint #11383336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesDeerfield Beach, FL
STEERING
VEHICLE DID HAVE AN OFFICIAL RECALL(STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY) VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED 2X'S. VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. STEERING GETS TIGHT AND KNOCKS. SENT LETTER TO TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA CREATED CASE #[XXX] DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR *TT CONSUMER STATED THERE ARE 2 ODI NUMBERS #352270 AND #1182873. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *LN
NHTSA complaint #11182873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,600 milesAptos, CA
STEERING
STEERING FROZE UP WHILE LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY AND P/S LIGHT CAME ON. SHUT ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE. I RECALL AT LEAST ONE OTHER TIME THAT STEERING LOCKED UP TEMPORARILY WHILE AT A STOP. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC AS MANUAL RECOMMENDS. DIAGNOSTIC SHOWS DTCS U0105 AND U0121. FOUND TAB ST005-06 RELATED TO THIS ISSUE AND "UPDATED POWER STEERING ECU AVAILABLE". DIAGNOSTIC $150, PARTS AND LABOR $1600+ CLEARY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE REQUIRING A RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THERE ARE MANY MORE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.
NHTSA complaint #11173531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
STEERING
STEERING 'CLUNKS' AND CAR WON'T TURN AT LOW SPEEDS/STATIONARY, RADIO MOMENTARILY CUTS OUT AND DASH LIGHTS FLASH. CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL FURTHER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, SO FAR ONLY AT LOW SPEEDS/WHILE PARKING OR LEAVING A PARKING SPACE.
NHTSA complaint #11165437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Altos, CA
STEERING
HEAR CLUNK SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING. CHECK WITH TOYOTA SUNNYVALE DEALER, THEY SAID THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED
NHTSA complaint #11153191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,231 milesHawthorne, NY
STEERING
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TODAY THE CAR DID NOT STALL BUT ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS IN THE RIGHT LAND AND ON A STRAIGHT ROADS I GLIDED TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. I COULD NOT START THE CAR SO I JUMPED STARTED THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO GET OFF NEXT EXIT AND PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN!!!! I READ ABOUT ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ON TOYOTA VEHICLES. I AM CHECKING THE CHARGING SYSTEM AND BATTERY BUT WANT TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL. THERE WERE OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS ISSUE WHILE SEARCHING THE INTERNET. I UNDERSTAND THAT BATTERIES AND ALTERNATORS DO GO BAD BUT LOSS OF STEERING WHILE MOVING COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT HAD I BEEN IN A CURVE IN THE ROAD. I HAD PREVIOUS CARGO IN THE CAR TOO.....MY 22 MONTH OLD GRANDDAUGHTER!!! PLEASE ADVISE IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11129647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesReno, NV
STEERING
STEERING POPS WHENEVER I MAKE A TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11099076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesGrovetown, GA
STEERING
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. SHE COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY SHE DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED BY MILTON RUBEN TOYOTA AT THE COST OF $1134.00.
NHTSA complaint #11075016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesGentry, AR
STEERING
AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS AND SOMETIMES QUICK ACCELERATION ALL THE LIGHTS COME ON THE DASH AND YOU LOSE ALL STEERING , IT LOCKS UP THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES , TO MY SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SHE WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NOT A CORNER WHEN IT HAPPENED SHE WOULD'VE SHOT STRAIGHT OFF THE ROAD . THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS I HAVE LOOKED IT UP AND THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE ON THE RAV4S AND SEVERAL OTHER TOYOTA'S. IF I KNEW THIS ISSUE WAS A PROBLEM I WOULD NOT OF PURCHASED THIS CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER.
NHTSA complaint #11060905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesDenver, CO
STEERING
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2015 WITH THE NOISE/ISSUE ALREADY OCCURRING. IT IS A POPPING/CLICKING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT WITH STEERING WHEEL. HAD DIAGNOSIS DONE AT REPAIR SHOP. IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT THAT IS WORN/DEFECTIVE. TOYOTA HAS HAD KNOWN TSB'S ON THIS PART SINCE 2008, BUT REGARDLESS OF SAFETY CONCERNS, REFUSES TO REPLACE OR REIMBURSE.
NHTSA complaint #11051775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Park, FL
STEERING
I HEAR A RIDDLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE EACH TIME I START THE CAR. CLICK SOUND WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10990772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
STEERING
TOYOTA DEFECTS
NHTSA complaint #10957981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Park, FL
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL, NOISE FROM RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. VERY, VERY LOUD NOISE.ALSO, HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10955675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesTeaneck, NJ
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICING, A SERVICE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PENDING A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
STEERING
VEHICLE FRAME CHASSIS CORROSION UNSAFE DEFECTS.
NHTSA complaint #10935904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White Plains, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE PROGRESSING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, REVERSING, OR MAKING A TURN. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS REQUIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ALSO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT PROVIDED NO SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10925310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
STEERING
GOOD DAY ' PLEASE: APPRAISE UNSAFETY DEFECTS. THANKFUL.
NHTSA complaint #10905606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
STEERING
UNSAFE DEFECTS MALFUNCTION
NHTSA complaint #10895477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,300 milesNorwalk, CTCrash
STEERING
TOYOTA DEFECTS MALFUNCTIONING
NHTSA complaint #10884920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
WHILE SITTING IN SLOW 5-10MPH TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE AIRBAG DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME (FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS AT A TIME). A FEW MILES LATER, OTHER WARNING LIGHTS (VSC, SLIP, ABS, ENGINE, BATTERY) ALL ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT 12 HOURS LATER. THE ALTERNATOR IS A YEAR OLD AND THE BATTERY, TIRES, ALIGNMENT, AND ENGINE COILS ARE ALL BRAND NEW. AFTER HALF A DOZEN CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP, COME TO FIND OUT, THE PROBLEM IS THE COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS THE POWER STEERING... A PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED AND RECALLED FOR 2014-15 MODEL YEAR RAV4S. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY FLAW, AND IT IS INSULTING AND NEGLIGENT THAT TOYOTA IS PRETENDING THIS ISN'T A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR OTHER MODEL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10871061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesArlington, VA
STEERING
STEERING COLUMN CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. ON-GOING ISSUE SINCE DECEMBER 2015.
NHTSA complaint #10861166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMT Gilead, OH
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA RAV4 THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED A LOUD METAL NOISE WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10853255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesSilver Spring, MD
STEERING
MY WIFE'S 2006 RAV4 HAS A "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE STEERING THAT IS WORRISOME TO US. IT HAS BEEN PRESENT AND GETTING WORSE FOR SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS, NOW. I NOTICED THE NOISE AS BEING FAINT BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL MY STEPSON ASKED ME ONE DAY WHAT THE NOISE WAS. IT OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND WHEN I MENTIONED IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE WE HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED THEY BASICALLY BLEW US OFF AND IMPLIED THAT IT WAS OUR FAULTY DRIVING. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHER RAV 4 OWNERS BUT TOYOTA DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO FIX THIS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE FIX WILL COST FROM 5 TO 7 HUNDRED DOLLARS. WE WERE ASKED IF WE WNTED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND WE SAID NO, THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DOCUMENTED THAT WE HAD TURNED DOWN REPAIRS TO THE STEERING COLUMN. ANOTHER COSMETIC PROBLEM WE EXPERIENCED WAS THE FINISH ON THE WHEELS CORRODING AND FLAKING OFF SO THAT NOW THE WHEELS LOOK TERRIBLE. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. TOYOTA TOLD US THAT WE MUST HAVE USED A "SOLVENT" TO CLEAN THE WHEELS THEREFORE CREATING THE PROBLEM OURSELVES. THIS SAME PROBLEM IS ALSO ON THE INTERNET AMONG RAV 4 OWNERS. TOYOTA DOESN'T WANT TO FIX ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10850602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
STEERING
GOOD AFTERNOON, TOYOTA DEFECTS AND MALFUNCTIONS. PLEASE, IMPROVE SAFETY PERFORMANCE. THANK YOU FOR HELPING.
NHTSA complaint #10824009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
STEERING
HEAR CLUNK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURN IN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT
NHTSA complaint #10790261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.