2006 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 230about this part
- Share
- 33%of 705 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 230 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Toyota RAV4, 33% of the 705 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“For some time there has been an intermittent problem with the dashboard lights coming on and loss of power steering. The car has been checked by mechanics, including one at a Toyota dealership, but the problem was not found. I have experienced the problem with the car stationary, but I believe my son said it has happened to him while in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11406269, filed 2021-04, 180,000 miles“I have always believed in Toyota's reliable vehicles till I bought my RAV4. Lately I have had the unfortunate experience of having to replace all six coils with new ones, because Toyota maid a bad design for the 2006 RAV4. And now I need to replace the steering shafts because they are bad too. Toyota please help with covering the cost of parts and labor.”
NHTSA complaint #10506042, filed 2013-04, 84,000 miles“There's a weird clicking/grinding noise coming from my steering when turning. I was making a u-turn (not even 5mph) when I first heard it and has heard it almost everyday since. Its terrifying while driving to think that my steering can fail. My mechanic will let me know if it can be fixed and how much it will cost. I have to say... I'm considering trading that sucker in.”
NHTSA complaint #10444060, filed 2012-01, 28,000 miles“My 2006 Toyota rav-4 makes a clunking noise when I turn a corner. At first, it was only when I turned to the left. Now the noise is worse and it makes the noise no matter which way I am turning. I have reported it every time I take my vehicle in to Toyota for servicing, but they claim they can't find a problem. My car has 31,000+ miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10355073, filed 2010-09, 31,566 miles“There is a knocking in the steering I took it to a garage they said it was a shaft in the steering column that Toyota had a bullentin out about it. I called Toyota and they said they have not heard of this problem but according to myself doing research there is a problem and I feel this is a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10481235, filed 2012-10, 6,500 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 2006 Toyota RAV4
109 complaintsVehicle speed control
74 complaintsSuspension
73 complaintsAir bags
57 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsEngine cooling
40 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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