2003 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 315 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Toyota RAV4, 1% of the 315 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was at a stop sign no gas, turned down hill in snow car accelerated going straight into downed tree. My vehicle is not on the recall list and has had sticking accelerator, rear end clunking noise and power steering has made it where I am afraid to drive vehicle. My service animal hit the windshield that shattered when vehicle accelerated and had to slam on brakes at another time. I've had other near misses and two left of center tickets with power steering issues. I have taken into Toyota for steering and check engine light and they will not even write service ticket. …”
NHTSA complaint #10522946, filed 2013-07, 80,048 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota RAV4. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to drift uncontrollably toward the right. As an attempt to gain control of the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and turned the steering column. As a result, he crashed into a traffic dividing wall. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the tie rod failed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an authorized repair shop and the technician concluded that the tie rod fractured and caused the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10269909, filed 2009-05, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota RAV4. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to drift uncontrollably toward the right. As an attempt to gain control of the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and turned the steering column. As a result, he crashed into a traffic dividing wall. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the tie rod failed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an authorized repair shop and the technician concluded that the tie rod fractured and caused the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10269934, filed 2009-05, 40,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2024 | 27 | 15% |
| 2023 | 27 | 16% |
| 2022 | 20 | 13% |
| 2021 | 21 | 5% |
| 2020 | 28 | 4% |
| 2019 | 33 | 4% |
| 2018 | 12 | 4% |
| 2017 | 12 | 4% |
| 2016 | 10 | 4% |
| 2015 | 47 | 15% |
| 2014 | 21 | 11% |
| 2013 | 11 | 4% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 15 | 5% |
| 2010 | 18 | 5% |
| 2009 | 26 | 8% |
| 2008 | 73 | 13% |
| 2007 | 271 | 27% |
| 2006 | 230 | 33% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota RAV4
209 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology