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Toyota RAV4 Maintenance and Repair

823 messages,  Last post on May 05, 2013 at 10:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota RAV4, SUV

Messages Page 63 of 83

#613 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [dtown] by ceeckar

Oct 12, 2008 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: dtown (Oct 11, 2008 1:44 pm)
I took my 2006 Rav4 into the dealership on Saturday due to the popping noise. The service writer never mentioned that there was a service bulletin out on it. He and the mechanic acted as though they had never heard of the problem. Said they could replace the shaft with a new improved version for $698. I said if it isn't going to cause the car to break down or lead to other problems, I wasn't going to get it repaired that day. While I waited for tires to be replaced, the service writer came out and told me that the service manager was willing to split the cost with me. So in 10-15 minutes the cost went from $698 to $349 but they would only honor that price if I had the work done prior to 50,000 miles (I'm at 42,200 now). 50% discount immediately made me suspiscus. I saw on the service bulletin that it was covered under the comprehensive warranty (36 mos or 36,000 miles). I think I'll still pay a visit back to Toyota of Concord (NC).

#614 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [ceeckar] by sage3

Oct 12, 2008 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: ceeckar (Oct 12, 2008 4:57 pm)
Hi Ceeckar,
So how frequently do you hear the noise? Can you trigger it? Today again I tried another barrage of maneuvers to trigger the sound to no avail.
By the way the TSB Applicable Warranty*: reads as follows:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in
effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s
in-service date.
I believe this means that once the repair is performed it is covered for 36 months or years.
Regards Tom

#615 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [sage3] by kathrynlee

Oct 12, 2008 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: sage3 (Oct 12, 2008 7:46 pm)
Sage3...I could never purposely trigger the noise. But I understand how annoying it is...it really bugged me to have that kind of noise in a brand new vehicle. I had it in the dealer last year specifically beause of that noice, but that was before the TSB came out. The dealership never mentioned it, couldn't help me...so I'll print off the TSB (thanks a TON to the person who provided that link!) and take it to my dealership next time. I have noticed that the problem did seem more frequent in colder weather...or when the vehicle was cold. Turning into a parking space was a frequent cause of the noise. I posted a request for anyone with a similar problem a while ago...but didn't get much of a response. It seems like it took Toyota two years to identify they had a problem and come up with a fix. I hope they can help you sooner than that!
-K

#616 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [kathrynlee] by sage3

Oct 13, 2008 (5:26 pm)

Replying to: kathrynlee (Oct 12, 2008 8:47 pm)
kathrynlee
I drove over 100 miles around the suburbs today with not one sound, but I am not getting my hopes up...
Let us know how the dealer responds to the TSB.

#617 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [ceeckar] by canam1960

Oct 14, 2008 (3:12 pm)

Replying to: ceeckar (Oct 12, 2008 4:57 pm)
I also have a 2006 RAV4 but with 68,000 miles on it. Starting around 50,000 miles I too developed a noisiy, popping sound that you can feel in the steering wheel / column. When I described the problem to my dealer, he knew immediately what it was. Sounds like quite a few other RAV4 owners have compalined as well. He said that there was a TSB #ST001-08 and it would cost me $631.25 to fix it. I was dumb founded. I thought Toyata stood behind their quality! In nearly 40 years of driving I have never had a problem where the steering linkage needed to be replaced even with a car that had 165,000 miles on it.
 
I think this should be a Toyota paid for recall. This is my second toyota and I was planning to purchase a third for my daughter but I think I'll shop Honda next time.
I am going to write to Toyota just to let them know how disappointed I am.

#618 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [canam1960] by sage3

Oct 14, 2008 (7:48 pm)

Replying to: canam1960 (Oct 14, 2008 3:12 pm)
dtown was kind enough to post this link of the actual TSB:
 
http://www.rav4world.com/tsb/2006/ST001-08.pdf
 
I agree canam1960, Toyota should post a recall since the flaw is in the design and even they admit it by posting the TSB. My noise started a few days after a brand new purchase. I currently own 2 toyota's, both purchased brand new, I also had a slightly used toyota highlander that I got rid of due to engine noise.
 I will be purchasing a new vehicle for my wife within the next 2 years and I too will look to honda and/or subaru for our next vehicle.

#619 of 823 Toyota by ginsvallo

Oct 15, 2008 (5:07 am)

By all means, write to Toyota and call them. Re:TSB #ST001-08. If you are persistent, I am confident they will make some adjustment. Had a similar problem with a Highlander in 02 and they came through with a few hundred dollar credit.

#620 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [sage3] by kathrynlee

Oct 16, 2008 (9:03 pm)

Replying to: sage3 (Oct 13, 2008 5:26 pm)
Okay...this is getting interesting. I emailed my service guy at the Toyota dealership. Mentioned I had purchased the vehicle there...and was a regular customer (figured that couldn't hurt). Also sent him the TSB and said I thought this should be covered under warantee. I'm thinking the warantee time is from purchase...or when ever you started complaining. Anyway, he (Bubba) called and left a message yesterday saying they were order the steering shaft(s) and they'd let me know when they got there. Today, I had a message that the parts are in and I should make an appointment to have them installed.
 
Big question will be...are they going to say it is going to cost me ~$700?
I'll let you know.
-K

#621 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [kathrynlee] by sage3

Oct 18, 2008 (5:40 am)

Replying to: kathrynlee (Oct 16, 2008 9:03 pm)
Interesting in deed K,
How many miles are on your Rav?
By the way my noise has diminished significantly over the last week. I may have heard a very small " twang" twice but if I was not looking for it I would have missed it. Go figure.
Cant wait to hear what happens with yours. When are you going in?
Tom

#622 of 823 Re: Fix of Popping Noise in 2006 Steering Column [sage3] by kathrynlee

Oct 18, 2008 (11:49 am)

Replying to: sage3 (Oct 18, 2008 5:40 am)
Tom/Sage3:
I have about 20K miles on my 2006 Rav4. I'm glad that you haven't been 'twangin' lately. Has the weather been warm? I've noticed that the sound happens much more frequently in colder weather. I have an appointment on October 27th to have the parts swapped. Wish me luck! I hope it doesn't make things worse...wouldn't that be a drag!
-K

Messages Page 63 of 83

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