2006 Toyota RAV4 problems
Owners have filed 880 complaints about the 2006 Toyota RAV4 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 26.4% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 12.4%.
Complaints880
Crashes37
Fires10
Injuries11
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Steering 26.4% · 232
Engine 12.4% · 109
Vehicle speed control 8.5% · 75
Suspension 8.2% · 72
Air bags 6.6% · 58
Power train 6.1% · 54
Engine and engine cooling 4.8% · 42
Electrical system 4.8% · 42
Severity
Of those complaints, 37 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire, 11 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Toyota RAV4 in this data, 2006 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2007 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 15 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 55,508 miles.
In owners' own words
Steering mechanism was not smooth in movement and made popping noise. It appears by searching online that several other owners have had same trouble. Fortunately, we never had an accident due to this manufacturer's defect. We had repair performed at adams Toyota lee's summit, mo. Dealership replaced defective lower steering intermediate shaft. Repair was corrective and cost $262.85 Before taxes. Thank you. Steering · reported at 64,559 miles
Intermediate steering shaft problem. When on slow speed. The steering makes clunking noise when turning both direction. Sometime it makes you feel it is so loose that the wheel not turning at all. What happen if I am driving on the road and the wheel won't be able to turn. Many many have complaint with the same issue and not a single solution. It must be the problem of the design or defective materials!! Steering · reported at 50,000 miles
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 Steering · reported at 140,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…