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
Clunking noise when turning the steering wheel.
ODI 10722453
Steering
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…
Crash reported · Fire reported
ODI 10716869
Steering
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
ODI 10700679
Steering
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 [redacted], they didn't care. Thought i file a complaint to get it recalled. *tr
ODI 10654238
Steering
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
ODI 10667773
Steering
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
ODI 10640681
Steering
I hear a " thud noise " whenever i turn the steering wheel left or right, especially when getting in and out of a parking space.
ODI 10823376
Steering
Vehicle makes noise when the steering wheel is turn. Diagnosed with rack & pinion problems by the toyota dealer at 20, 070 miles. *tr
ODI 10594349
Electric Power Assist System · Steering
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
ODI 10597096
Steering
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.
ODI 10553377
Steering
Power steering became difficult,dealer replaced steering column. Problem with sensor located at column. Cost to me $1260.00. *tr
ODI 10683529
Steering · Suspension
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…
ODI 10522573
Steering
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…
ODI 10516125
Engine · Steering
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…
ODI 10533863
Steering
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…
ODI 10492021
Steering
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
ODI 10486761
Power Train · Steering · Suspension
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…
2 injuries
ODI 10487195
Steering
There is a clunking noise when the steering wheel is turned to the left or right. *tr
ODI 10488662
Electrical System · Steering
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…
ODI 10478526
Power Train · Steering
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…
ODI 10525726
Electrical System · Exterior Lighting · Steering
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…
ODI 10470250
Power Train · Steering
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…
ODI 10487755
Steering
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.…
ODI 10467029
Steering
The steering started feeling loose and there is a pronounced clunk any time you turn the wheel either when stopped or moving. Dealer says the steering column is worn and needs to be replaced. Dealer claims it's not a safety issue, but i can not see how a steering issue can not be a safety issue. *tr
ODI 10440240
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 toyota rav4. While driving approximately 35 mph and turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a thumping noise and noticed a hesitation in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technicians stated the intermediate steering shaft had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
ODI 10437946