2019 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V373000Jun 24, 202046 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Water may enter through the steering gear box cover and cause a loss of electric power steering assist.

  Risk: A loss of power steering assist could increase steering effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear box, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB11 / 20TA11.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 22, 2026AZSteering

   We were driving down the highway passing another vehicle when we lost steering and the dash said "Steering Power Loss". We pulled to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Probably 10-15 minutes later the vehicle started and we eventually made it to our destination. It was quite scary trying to get to the side of the road, in heavy traffic, and pulling over where there really was no shoulder, and not knowing whether the car would eventually…

   NHTSA complaint #11758739 · source
2. Filed Jul 22, 2026VASteering

   While driving the 2019 Toyota RAV4, I found that the steering wheel was getting hard to turn and the car kept making grinding sound when turning. Due to I was short on time, I asked an old mechanic friend to check the RAV4 out before my road trip. He was unable to get the vehicle back; therefore, I used my other vehicle. While I was out of town the Mechanic contacted me, and ask if the car had been in water and I replied no. He suggested that I might want to see if there’s a…

   NHTSA complaint #11752178 · source
3. Filed Jul 15, 2026105,857 miARSteering

   The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an orange steering symbol appeared on the instrument panel accompanied by the message: "Power Steering Malfunction, Steering Power Low, Visit Your Dealer." An initial inspection by an independent mechanic indicated that the electrical power steering and the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. Subsequently, the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where diagnostic testing…

   NHTSA complaint #11750513 · source
4. Filed Dec 19, 2025CASteering

   Steering wheel is making a buzzing noise when you turn the wheel towards the left or right while you’re driving. It will make the noise in park doing the same back and forth. I’m afraid that my power steering will go out while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11706017 · source
5. Filed Nov 19, 2025TNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   Stopped for gas on 11/6/2025 immediately after getting gas the truck shook twice, the power steering light and engine shut down light came on and the truck turned off. Waited for a few minutes to turn the engine again it wouldn’t start. Got it towed to my nearest dealership who kept it for a day. Said there was nothing wrong with the truck, there was no code showing and they couldn’t determine the cause of the problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11700238 · source
6. Filed Oct 12, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   I stopped for gas; my car would not start. The power steering fluid light came on. I went inside to purchase some but when I returned to the car, there was no place to pour it. After a few minutes the car started. About a month later, my husband stopped for gas and the car killed right after he left the gas station, about 10 minutes later, it started. Took it to a mechanic, they couldn't find anything wrong with it because the check engine light wasn't on and the car wasn't…

   NHTSA complaint #11692981 · source
7. Filed Oct 1, 202545,500 miMNBrakesSteering

   The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to maneuver the steering wheel. A yellow light was illuminated, followed by a red light. The message "Power Steering Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering unit sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11690813 · source
8. Filed Jul 17, 2025WASteering

   My car steering wheel is not responding correctly when I drive". Last week a warning light of faulty steering angle sensor keeps showing on and off. I am afraid that I may crash. I called Toyota to let them know and after verifying my VIN # they want to charge me $185.00 because according to them my car is not on their recall all the information can also be found on the website.

   NHTSA complaint #11674321 · source
9. Filed Jul 3, 2025LAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   Started normally, but had a message on the screen saying “Check Fuel Cap.” I needed gas anyways, drove about 3 minutes to the gas station, turned engine off, put gas. Turned engine back on and within 3 seconds it shut off. The screen displayed “engine stopped- Power steering low.” I tried a handful of times to start, it did not. After 20 minutes and some rest, it started. With no more messages. Battery and alternator were tested, both were good.

   NHTSA complaint #11670971 · source
10. Filed Apr 25, 202555,000 miVTSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and several unknown messages were displayed. The contact stated that the transmission and steering wheel seized during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that unknown parts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted and worsened during the cold…

    NHTSA complaint #11656886 · source
11. Filed Feb 11, 2025ORSteering

    The electronic power steering light intermittently illuminates, particularly when the start-stop system is engaged. I recently brought my vehicle to the Toyota dealership where a diagnostic test was performed. However, no fault codes or issues were identified at that time. Despite this, the warning light continues to appear.

    NHTSA complaint #11641885 · source
12. Filed May 20, 2024VASteering

    Steering wheel is blistering/ peeling in the areas that heat up. I have asked Toyota to address the issue and the refuse to do so.

    NHTSA complaint #11589708 · 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