2008 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- 64
- 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 64 stored complaint records:
- 5 indicate a crash
- 4 indicate injury
- 1 indicate fire
- 1 indicate a death
What owners report
- steering wheel · 32 records
- steering shaft · 16 records
- steering column · 14 records
- failure mileage · 13 records
- power steering · 13 records
- left right · 10 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 19 |
| 30–60k mi | 18 |
| 1–30k mi | 12 |
| 100–150k mi | 7 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
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.
ODI 11287431
Steering
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, [redacted]) where it…
ODI 11254520
Steering
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…
ODI 11098033
Steering
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.
ODI 11090154
Steering
Steering intermediate shaft worn out : making clunking noise when turning either way also when reversing car toyota technician found this defect/issue
ODI 11082055
Steering
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.
ODI 11074229
Steering
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…
ODI 11058315
Steering
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:…
ODI 11023598
Steering
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
ODI 10983558
Steering
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.
Crash reported · 1 injury · 1 death
ODI 10960084
Air Bags · Steering
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…
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 11019311
Steering
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
ODI 10954949
Steering
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…
ODI 10949259
Steering · Suspension
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.
ODI 10914039
Steering
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…
ODI 11002084
Steering
Clunk in steering wheel when turning to the left or right.
ODI 10892982
Steering
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.
ODI 10918566
Engine · Seat Belts · Steering
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…
ODI 10903261
Steering
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…
ODI 10818542
Steering
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…
ODI 10807775
Service Brakes · Steering · Wheels
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…
ODI 10783547
Steering
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…
ODI 10780740
Steering
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.
ODI 10779506
Steering
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…
ODI 10818805
Steering
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.
ODI 10743325