2009 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 8%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 8% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 3 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.
“The power steering light came on then the steering wheel locked I jerked it to the right to get it to pull off the road. I was driving on a city street going up hill when the car finally disabled, the mechanic told me he found nothing wrong when he put it on the diagnostic I don't feel safe driving the car with my child I've paid 140.00 for and inspection now I'm taking it to the sf Toyota mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11315921, filed 2020-03, 78,000 miles“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 the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11219858, filed 2019-06, 140,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10510352, filed 2013-05, 55,000 miles“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!”
NHTSA complaint #10455244, filed 2012-04, 37,000 miles“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 have had the shaft replaced to have it fail again in a short length of time. This is a safety issue if the shaft was to hard bind a person could wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #10750103, filed 2015-08, 66,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182983Oct 12, 2020TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10168537Oct 21, 2019TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
Steering: 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 2009 Toyota RAV4
99 complaintsSuspension
55 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Toyota RAV4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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