2013 Toyota RAV4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 257 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Toyota RAV4, 4% of the 257 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,500 miles.
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.
“Car engine would not turn on. Indicator light for steering was on.. Once I pulled the steering hard then car started fine. Searching online I see there are reports of auto steering issues with other model. Battery was functioning fine as everything else would turn on, ie, radio, AC ..fan, lights”
NHTSA complaint #10732048, filed 2015-07, 24,000 miles“Car won't start. Panel turns on but it won't engage the starter. Can hear a buzz noise, like a magnetized coil going off. Shifter is locked. Steering wheel is locked. Brake impossible to push down. Only way I can start the car is with the emergency procedure pushing the start button for 15 seconds. But still the shifter is blocked in parking and to be able to drive the car I need to use the little switch under the button size cover next to the shifter. Toyota has no clue what is going on. Vehicle has 45k miles”
NHTSA complaint #11172318, filed 2019-01, 45,000 miles“Clunking noise coming from the steering column when make left or right turns at low and high speeds. Dealership inspected my car, even test drove with one of the mechanics, and they claim they can't find anything after several appointments and inspections. Finally, they said it's something with my steering and have yet to fully diagnose and fix the problem. A quick google search and you'll find many people with the same problem and little help from the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10786121, filed 2015-10, 57 miles“While stopped at a traffic light with the transmission in drive, the engine shut off without warning, and the steering wheel locked. The radio and headlights remained on. This the second occurrence within 6 weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #10939782, filed 2017-01, 30,000 miles“On local road, accelerating from stop. Vehicle suddenly shut-off going into neutral and unable to put back into drive. Steering went limp . Vehicle drifted right, power steering was effected, steering difficult. Vehicle coasted into parking lot to the right, fortunately no vehicles happened to be passing on the right at that precise moment, therefore no accidents. But there could have easily been one. Attempts at restarting vehicle resulted in take EV to nearest dealership message and several warning indicators on dash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10543196, filed 2013-09, 258 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 2013 Toyota RAV4
75 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEquipment
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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