Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Toyota RAV4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We were informed of safety recalls for our Toyota Rav 4 2009 . We called the local Toyaota dealership for the recalls and was told on the phone after we dropped it off that they did the inspection to make sure the recalls could be completed and informed us that they could ,but they needed to keep overnight because they had to order the parts. Prior to dropping the vehicle off the car was able to be driven and no known issues were visible. Received call following told to come pick it up and that they officially refused to perform the recalls repairs. They stated that excessive structural damage and unsafe to drive to this degradation. Because the structural rust is directly in the exact suspension components targeted by this safety recalls. The vehicle cannot be remedied under standard recall procedures. …
I started my car and attempted to reverse out of my driveway - but it started then stopped and would not move - the power steering emergency light had turned on and the power steering wasn't working. I towed the car to my Toyota dealership. They told me the computer was faulty (on a 3 year old car ?!!) and I needed a new one at a part cost of about $700 and labor cost of $300-$400. The car was just out of warranty but they agreed to pay for the part if I paid for the labor. I was suspicious of why they agreed to do this, but I agreed. The following week I drove my car down my driveway and onto the road and as I was turning the power steering failed again, the light came on again, and I could not steer so I crashed into a hedge. (but I could have crashed at high speed and been killed) . …
There is a noticeable thumping, like a belt slipping or a gear missing, when making sharp turns. The frequency of the issue becomes more prevalent the longer you drive. On 12/22/14, york auto group, my local Toyota service department, determined there is a failure in the rack and pinion. It is my understanding from my research that some people have managed to get this repair covered by Toyota since it is a potential safety issue and becoming more frequent in this model. I did contact Toyota and opened case # [redacted] Toyota was less responsive in my case. If this is becoming a known issue, I would like them to cover the repair and possibly alert other RAV4 owners.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated while trying to avoid what she thought was an animal in the road, but it turned out to be paper. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and the steering wheel locked as the brake pedal depressed to the floor. The vehicle continued to accelerate forward until crashing into a parked vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where it was awaiting repairs. The manufacturer examined the vehicle, and stated that there was no failure. The failure and current mileages were 22,900. Updated 08/22/11 the consumer suffered a shoulder injury trying to exit the vehicle. Updated 06/22/12
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.
At 47,500 miles, steering started making a clunking noise when wheel turned all the way to one side or the other. Usually it occurred when turning the wheel back to center but not always. Tended t happen in a parking lot or when a sharp turn was required. Dealer repaired at a cost of almost $700. Car was unsafe to drive without repair. (cost of repair covered under extended service plan which was purchased when car was purchased.) this type of serious safety issue should not happen at under 50,000 miles or even ever.
When turning the steering wheel either direction at low speeds a clunking noise was audible. Car has only 50,000 miles. Looked on internet and found hundreds of reports of the problem in multiple models and over many years. The cause is the steering column shaft. Took it to dealer and that was exactly the problem! $600 to repair ! Further research indicates that Japan has recalled these cars for this reason already. Recall these cars now!! Steering failure can eventually happen!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota rav 4. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel began to pull to the right and caused the contact to crash into a pole. The vehicle was destroyed and there were no injuries. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified. A police report was filed of the incident. The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected for the cause of failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota RAV4. When the contact turned the steering wheel to the left or right, the steering wheel emitted a loud thumping noise and felt loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column shaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 98,000.
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.
Steering complaints in other RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Toyota RAV4?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Toyota RAV4, 8% of the model year's 327 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota RAV4 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Toyota RAV4, though it has 15 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota RAV4 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.