2009 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- 23
- 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 23 stored complaint records:
- 3 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- steering wheel · 13 records
- failure mileage · 7 records
- power steering · 7 records
- steering column · 5 records
- steering shaft · 5 records
- replaced repaired · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 9 |
| 60–100k mi | 5 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 100–150k mi | 4 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Steering
Steering column creaks and sticks. At times it does not return to the neutral position. One of the people who serviced my car for tires today almost hit a retaining post due to this issue. I have also experienced the sticking of the steering in one position and had to forcibly return the steering wheel to the neutral position. I am not feeling safe in this vehicle and know that this issue is impacting the value of…
ODI 11219858
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. When the contact turned the steering wheel to the left or right, the steering wheel emitted a loud thumping noise and felt loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column shaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage…
ODI 11082151
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. While driving on a bumpy road or making a left or right turn, the steering wheel made a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack was leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,192.
ODI 10930216
Steering
At 47,500 miles, steering started making a clunking noise when wheel turned all the way to one side or the other. Usually it occurred when turning the wheel back to center but not always. Tended t happen in a parking lot or when a sharp turn was required. Dealer repaired at a cost of almost $700. Car was unsafe to drive without repair. (cost of repair covered under extended service plan which was purchased when car…
ODI 10871112
Steering
When turning the steering wheel either direction at low speeds a clunking noise was audible. Car has only 50,000 miles. Looked on internet and found hundreds of reports of the problem in multiple models and over many years. The cause is the steering column shaft. Took it to dealer and that was exactly the problem! $600 to repair ! Further research indicates that japan has recalled these cars for this reason already.…
ODI 10822958
Steering
Would hear and feel a popping sound when truing right or left. Had car serviced a 75000 mile reported the problem to beck toyota. They said this was caused by a binding og the intermediate steering shaft and cost 544.68 dollars to replace. I did not have the shaft replaced because they would have to order one. I came home and did some research on the web. I seems that over a 100000 people have had this problem. Some…
ODI 10750103
Steering
There is a noticeable thumping, like a belt slipping or a gear missing, when making sharp turns. The frequency of the issue becomes more prevalent the longer you drive. On 12/22/14, york auto group, my local toyota service department, determined there is a failure in the rack and pinion. It is my understanding from my research that some people have managed to get this repair covered by toyota since it is a potential…
ODI 10669821
Steering · Wheels
Steering: during new hampshire state inspection mechanic failed vehicle due to excessive play in wheel assembly because of defective electronic power steering rack. Note: vehicle had never been involved in an accident or excessive vibration due to road or off road driving experienced. Remedy: replace electronic power steering rack and accessories. Of the three other rav4's owned by driver, all drove over 200,000…
ODI 10563336
Steering · Vehicle Speed Control
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle engine raced as the rpms increased. The vehicle then accelerated independently. The contact was previously serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 11v113000 (vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was not alerted of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 62,215. The vehicle was not repaired.
ODI 10579719
Steering
Vehicle experiences loud "clunking" noise and noticeable shaking in steering wheel while turning at slower speeds. The problem has gotten progressively worse and i am seriously concerned of steering or related subcomponent failure while driving in the midst of traffic. After doing some research i noticed my symptoms are fairly wide-spread amongst other rav 4 owners. *tr
ODI 10510352
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, a strange noise was emitted from the steering column while making a turn. The contact stated the failure occurred when driving between 10 and 40 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the intermediate steering shaft would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
ODI 10493722
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise heard from the steering wheel when turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
ODI 10504587
Steering
I started my car and attempted to reverse out of my driveway - but it started then stopped and would not move - the power steering emergency light had turned on and the power steering wasn't working. I towed the car to my toyota dealership. They told me the computer was faulty (on a 3 year old car ?!!) and i needed a new one at a part cost of about $700 and labor cost of $300-$400. The car was just out of warranty…
Crash reported
ODI 10482811
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that while driving in reverse approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure however, the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and an inspector was…
ODI 10488822
Steering · Suspension
Vehicle starting a popping/binding feel when making a turn left or right at about 36000 miles. It became more pronounced and by 42000 miles it could be felt when sitting still. Toyota tso issued to replace the intermediate steering shaft. I feel that this is a progressively dangerous condition that will cause failure and loss of life one day. Cost the replace shaft, $517.00. Search finds many, many rav4 owners have…
ODI 10474250
Steering
I have a 2009 toyota rav4. The steering column started making a clunking noise when turning right or left at low speeds. Looks like others have had this same problem. No recall that i know of, but there should be. Noticed problem shortly after 36,000 mile warranty expired so all out of pocket expense. Had to replace steering shaft at dealer for $378. Ouch! *tr
ODI 10455244
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was safely maneuvered onto the emergency lane and shut off. Upon restarting the vehicle it began to function normally. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
ODI 10430776
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Steering
Steering started creating occasional mild noise while turning at around 49000. At 53000 during maintenance service at burlington toyota, ontario i reported this incident along with a metallic noise when the brake pedal is pressed. They mentioned not to be able to reproduce the problem and hence did not make any fix. They refused to deal to brake noise and mentioned that my brake pad will last for much longer time…
ODI 10435196
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Steering · Vehicle Speed Control
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav4. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated while trying to avoid what she thought was an animal in the road, but it turned out to be paper. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and the steering wheel locked as the brake pedal depressed to the floor. The vehicle continued to accelerate forward until crashing into a parked vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an…
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 10413368
Electronic Stability Control · Steering
I was traveling on i-94 from madison, wi to minneapolis, mn in late december. The interstate was in good driving condition -- no ice, snow, or rain. It was a nice day with little wind and temperature in the mid-20's. I was in the left lane, passing a slower car in the right lane. I was traveling at 75 mph with cruise control on. Just as i pulled ahead of the other car, my 2009 toyota rav4 pulled violently to the…
ODI 10307876
Fuel System, Gasoline · Steering
Electronic power steering (eps) and fuel gauge problems: i bought my brand new 2009 toyota rav4 sport v6 4x2 on may 09, 2009 in houston texas. It was on dec. 13, 2009 that i was traveling on interstate highway i-10 from houston to new york city. I was in the middle lane of i-10 between exit 775a and 776a. I was traveling at 65 mph. Suddenly, i heard a "click" from the dash board and the eps warning light came on and…
ODI 10319317
Steering · Suspension
2009 toyota rav4 safety issues *gr the consumer stated the steering wheel developed a vibration. The vehicle was examined. However the mechanic stated nothing was wrong. The tires were balanced, but the problem still continued. *jb
ODI 10328512
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota rav 4. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel began to pull to the right and caused the contact to crash into a pole. The vehicle was destroyed and there were no injuries. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. A police report was filed of the incident. The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected for the cause of failure. The…
Crash reported
ODI 10494969