2015 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 15V144000Mar 13, 2015110,085 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.

  Risk: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026TXSteering

   The steering "micro" sticking in steps for last 4 years. Talked to the Cedar Park Toyota dealership, they informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. But I found recall # 15V-144. I never received a recall notice. Always observes sticking a low speeds. Concerned about steering lock up. What should I do to fix it?

   NHTSA complaint #11768390 · source
2. Filed Sep 19, 2026TXElectrical SystemSteering

   While driving my 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE 2WD (2.5L, about 207,000 miles), the electric power steering assist failed instantly with no warning, making the steering wheel feel locked. At the same moment, the infotainment screen went black and rebooted. It has happened at freeway speeds and at low neighborhood speeds, including on 9/14 and 9/15/2026, and also more than once last year (2025). No warning light or messages appeared beforehand. An OBD2 scan at AutoZone on 9/15/2026…

   NHTSA complaint #11765496 · source
3. Filed Jun 25, 2026189,000 miAZDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an undisclosed fuse was replaced. The mechanic made the contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11746428 · source
4. Filed Nov 22, 2025TXSteering

   November 20,2025 I was driving my 2015 Toyota Rav-4….Turning into my driveway and Suddenly a light on the dashboard came on…An emblem with the Steering 🛞 Wheel and Exclamation ❗️ point came on…I was glad that I was at a safe place and called Toyota dealership service department…I was told that it was something to do with the Power Steering Electrical System…That I shouldn’t drive the vehicle but take it to the dealer…I asked if there was a recall and I was told that there…

   NHTSA complaint #11700931 · source
5. Filed Nov 10, 2025PASteering

   While driving a 2015 Toyota Rav4 (w/AWD) the vehicle's steering wheel started to shake and the vehicle lost acceleration. The check engine, AWD, and traction (trac) control lights illuminated. After pulling the vehicle over I tried calling AAA. After about 30 minutes, the warning lights went out. I decided to try to drive it home. After about 5 miles the same thing happened. However, after slowing down the problem went away. I called a Toyota dealer and requested a recall…

   NHTSA complaint #11698564 · source
6. Filed Nov 6, 2025MASteering

   There is an intermittent loss of the electric power steering assist. The car can't be steered during this loss of power, leading to an extremely high risk of a crash. Toyota issued a recall for the 2015 RAV4 for this exact problem, but they did not include my car's VIN in the recall. The problem has not been confirmed, as Toyota informed me that this could only be done at my expense. The vehicle or component has not been inspected for this problem. There have not been any…

   NHTSA complaint #11697838 · source
7. Filed Feb 18, 202580,000 miNYSteering

   The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle failed to respond to the direction that the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent…

   NHTSA complaint #11643410 · source
8. Filed Jul 29, 2024118,000 miOKSteering

   The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering became functional. The contact was able to continue driving.…

   NHTSA complaint #11605165 · source
9. Filed Dec 21, 2023MDFireElectrical SystemSteering

   My vehicle's electrical components short-circuited, steering became difficult to control and the vehicle caught on fire under the hood near the battery compartment.

   NHTSA complaint #11561334 · source
10. Filed Oct 13, 2023112,000 miMASteering

    The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power steering warning light appeared on the instrument panel as the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact called a friend for assistance but once the friend arrived, the warning light had disappeared, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. Several days later, the same…

    NHTSA complaint #11549733 · source
11. Filed Aug 14, 2023NYSteering

    The electronic power steering in my vehicle has been acting difficult for approximately 3 weeks now. I had new tires, front end alignment, inspection of the rack and pinion and tie rods done thinking this was the issue. This did not help. The steering column makes a clicking noise when I turn the wheel while stopped like 2 pieces of plastic are rubbing together. The steering feels like it is fighting me while I’m trying to turn the wheel or even while I am going straight no…

    NHTSA complaint #11538464 · source
12. Filed Apr 14, 2023115,000 miVASteering

    The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V144000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the…

    NHTSA complaint #11517120 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology