2006 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- 218
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 218 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- steering wheel · 50 records
- steering shaft · 36 records
- steering column · 30 records
- clunking noise · 29 records
- noise steering · 17 records
- turning steering · 15 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 87 |
| 1–30k mi | 52 |
| 60–100k mi | 32 |
| 100–150k mi | 11 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Steering
Steering column on toyota 2006 rav 4 showing signs of bad u-joint/thrust collar bearing. Car has 43,000 miles and makes loud clunking noise from steering column when turning. Toyota has a tsb but says it is not yet a safety issue so no refund and no price cut on $500 repair. If steering column u-joint fails what happens to steering??? *tr
ODI 10402603
Steering · Unknown Or Other
My 2006 toyota rav4 limited edition, i heard a clunking noise coming from the front steering column each time i turned the wheel right or left. The noise occurs only when you turn the steering and it is a clunking noise along with a vibration in the steering when you turn the wheel. This has been an ongoing problem and when i brought it up with the toyota dealership the attendant said that it wasn't an issue. The…
ODI 10717471
Steering
I have 2006 rav4 with steering clunking noise. I spoke with my local dealer in atlantic city nj and he told me that they are aware of this problem but there is not recall. I have to pay out of my pocket for something what is factory problem. I think toyota is aware of this problem and should also initiate a recall for the steering problems. *tr
ODI 10457739
Mechanical · Steering
Toyota rav4 makes popping and clunking noise when steering wheel is turned. This is due to looseness in the intermediate shaft splines and joints (total cost:$468; part numbers 45221-42071 [steering intermediate shaft] and 45260-42090 [steering shaft assembly]). This is a potential safety hazard and toyota refuses to issue a recall. It is a product defect in steering intermediate shaft as evident by the tsb issued…
ODI 10389950
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav 4. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact stated that she heard a loud popping noise as the vehicle became stiff and difficult to steer. The dealer informed her that there was a technical service bulletin issued for the failure but no recalls. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the steering unit needed to be…
ODI 10383007
Steering
2006 toyota rav 4. Problem began on jan. 2 2011. While slowly turning left i detected "clunking" sound in the steering column. Every time i turn left i hear this noise, and knowing toyota has had some steering wheel problems in the past i became extra nervous. I went online and found quite quickly that this is a well-known problem with rav 4s but no recall can be issued until there are enough complaints, and owners…
ODI 10373821
Steering
There is a very loud clunking noise when turning steering wheel. Noise is getting louder and feels like steering is being affected. *tr
ODI 10416405
Steering
Intermediate steering shaft has to be replaced due to normal wear. We understand that many rav 4 and other toyota models have the same problem or failures and must be replaced. Is this a possible recall issue. Updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 07/26/11 status update 08/30/11. *jb staus update 10/06/11. *jb
ODI 10378894
Engine · Steering
12/22/2010 @ 44,169 miles the steering knocked when taking tight turns. The intermediate steering shaft was replaced. 9/16/2011 @ 50,131 miles the alternator bearings gave way and the water pump was seeping fluid. The alternator and water pump were replaced. 12/16/13 @ 63,336 miles the engine failed. The check engine light, vehicle stability light and 4wd lights came on and the dealer service department indicated…
ODI 10558084
Steering
We had the toyota dealer check a noise in the steering on a 2006 toyota rav4. They diagnosed the noise as noise from the steering shaft. Since the vehicle was out of toyota warranty, tsb st001-08, they refused to fix the issue. We contacted the extended warranty service and they also refused to repair the issue. The extended warranty service indicated that the part would have to physically break before it could be…
ODI 10372204
Steering
On my 2006 toyota rav4, i can hear and feel a clunking or popping noise and sensation in the steering wheel while turning. The feel is as if the linkage(s) in the steering wheel have some interference or have become prematurely worn to the point where they are rubbing on each other and produce a popping sensation in the steering wheel while turning. The popping noise/sensation occurs every time i turn the car…
ODI 10371960
Steering
Clunking sound ( and feel) coming from steering column when turning either left or right, particularly at slower speeds. Clunking is worse in colder weather, but has been happening more often as time passes. No loss of steering ability - yet. Why is this not being addressed by toyota? A simply internet search indicates it is a well known issue and yet toyota will not take care of this. Dealership was not interested…
ODI 10450228
Steering
Heard a noise in my steering column . Took car for an oil change and asked them to check the noise. They discovered that the universal steering shaft needed to be replaced which was an item that toyota recalled in october 20, 2008 for this problem 2006 - 2008 rav 4's. I never received a recall notice. When i called toyota they told me my vin number was not in the recall and i was over the 36 months time frame.…
ODI 10368942
Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota rav4. While driving 10 mph and making a turn, the contact noticed a clunking noise from the steering column. The failure occurred every time the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
ODI 10367767
Steering
Steering column making a clicking sound when turning the wheel at a slow speed going both forward and in reverse. Clicking has gotten more frequent and stronger over the past months. *tr
ODI 10362904
Steering
Our 2006 rav4 has a knocking sound when you turn. We took it in for 90k service at the toyota dealership and they said it was a steering rod/shaft issue that would cost $2000 to replace. We asked if it was safe to drive because we can't afford that repair and wanted to shop for other pricing, and they said we could but to be careful because it could cause additional damage at any time. I've read about several other…
ODI 10360637
Steering
Toyota 2006 rav4 4 cyl automatic [redacted] has frequent clunking sound when turning the wheel at low speeds. After searching for similar problems online i found numerous complaints others have had regarding "steering intermediate shaft noise rav4". It seems to be a very common problem that is not covered once out of warranty and it seems there is a real concern that failure of the part could lead to a real safety…
ODI 10361720
Engine And Engine Cooling · Steering · Tires
2006 toyota rav4. S10 appropriate handling- letter from regarding toyota problems *tgw the consumer stated her make, model and year vehicle has a widely known defect in the steering column and the ecm computer is also defective and needs to be replaced. There is also an associated rattling sound. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer on two occasions regarding the problems. The consumer was given an estimate of…
ODI 10363311
Steering
Vehicle purchased new in june 2006 returned to dealer in march 2008; approx 32k miles. Complained to service rep. Of "clunk" sound in the steering mechanism during low speed operation. Tech standing nearby stated, in effect, "they do that alot". (he is now probably unemployed) dealer replaced (at their cost) the steering shaft, part #45260-42090. In august 2010, approx 70k miles; vehicle was returned to dealer for…
ODI 10358138
Steering
My 2006 toyota rav-4 makes a clunking noise when i turn a corner. At first, it was only when i turned to the left. Now the noise is worse and it makes the noise no matter which way i am turning. I have reported it every time i take my vehicle in to toyota for servicing, but they claim they can't find a problem. My car has 31,000+ miles on it. *tr
ODI 10355073
Steering
My 2006 toyota rav4 has a clunk noise when turning the steering wheel at slow or no speed. The repair costs are very high i was told by the local toyota dealer it was the steering column and it would cost close to $800 to repair. I've researched this issue online and have found hundreds of thousands of people with the same complaints. I work for vw and know that when there is an issue that affects this many vehicles…
ODI 10428091
Steering
The steering column 'clunks' when you turn the wheel. My vehicle has 85,000 miles, and i was recently informed by the dealership that i will need to get it repaired, but since there's no recall for this defect, i will have to pay for it myself! Meanwhile, the clunking is getting worse. Toyota should recall this vehicle! There are many others who are experiencing this problem. *tr
ODI 10353898
Steering
My rav4 began making a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel. The dealership identified as a steering column issue. Toyota has issued a tsb about it, but does not cover the repair, even though it's a design flaw (and safety issue) on their part. This problem should result in a recall. See toyota tsb st001-08. *tr
ODI 10460437
Steering
Clunking is heard and felt from the steering column when turning corners. This occurs about 80% of the time and is getting worse. Toyota has addressed that this problem is in the intermediate shaft of the steering column and needs to be replaced at a cost of $530 cdn. *tr
ODI 10358055
Pinion Shaft · Steering
Heard a clunking noise in steering wheel. Arranged service appointment with dealer. Dealer said it was necessary to replace complete steering rack and steering shaft with "an intermediate shaft". $2.563.64. I was not advised what would happen if not replaced. I contacted toyota and was told it was too bad that my warranty had expired. I understand others with 2006 & 2007 rav4s have had same issue. Safety issue? No…
ODI 10425422