2021 Toyota RAV4 steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 13, 2026GAEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   2021 Toyota RAV4 gas XXX Vehicle suddenly stopped while driving Busy roadway in [XXX] Wife and young children were passengers Dashboard displayed “ENGINE STOPPED” Dashboard displayed “STEERING POWER LOW” Police responded Police determined waiting for the insurance tow was unsafe Police arranged emergency towing Vehicle subsequently inspected by Beaver Toyota Dealer drove approximately 26 miles attempting to reproduce the issue No fault code/history found Problem could not be…

   NHTSA complaint #11763945 · source
2. Filed Apr 8, 2026NCSteering

   The steering light comes on , and "engine stopped, steering power low" comes on. The car just stops, usually when I've braked and come to a compete stop, and just completely shuts down. It's done it in the middle of traffic, I don't know why it's an issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11729879 · source
3. Filed Feb 23, 202697,000 miNYCrashTowedSteering

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 23 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle sideswiped another parked vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The steering wheel remained seized. The air bags had not deployed. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was required. A Police Report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11719931 · source
4. Filed Jan 21, 2026CAElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   ‘Voltage abnormality, power steering low’ error message has appeared three separate times. All while vehicle is idle at stop light or parked, last incident car was unable to restart immediately. All dashboard lights came on, including message saying parking hold unavailable. Mechanic confirmed no issues with 12v battery health and unable to recreate issue. Loss of power is risk to safety, possible draining of battery due to unknown issue

   NHTSA complaint #11712564 · source
5. Filed Dec 8, 2025MEElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   While driving at highway speeds (approx. 65 MPH), the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic loss of motive power. The "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning illuminated, followed immediately by a "Check Engine" light. The vehicle entered a fail-safe mode, then completely shut down. The steering wheel locked, making it extremely difficult to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder in a dark, remote area with freezing temperatures. This presented an immediate life-safety risk…

   NHTSA complaint #11703844 · source
6. Filed Apr 29, 2025NMElectrical SystemSteering

   It’s been a year since I have owned my 2021Toyota Rav and it has randomly been shutting off with the notice: Power Steering Voltage Abnormality. I have taken the vehicle to get checked but nothing is coming up indicating what the issue is. The battery is fine, the alternator is fine, and there doesn’t seem to be any electrical issues with the power steering. I have seen that there has been certain recalls on the power steering voltage notice on the Toyota Ravs and owners…

   NHTSA complaint #11657489 · source
7. Filed Mar 31, 202527,000 miNYSteering

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the screen displayed the steering wheel with an exclamation mark. The warning light was blinking and then turned off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering angle sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11651811 · source
8. Filed Mar 17, 2025PRSteering

   Rack and Pinion stiff steering, noisy steering, Diagnostic from TOYOTA dealer : Rack and pinion damage , Recomended a replacement

   NHTSA complaint #11648774 · source
9. Filed Mar 15, 2025FLSteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Abs lights have been on since i bought vehicle the dealership that sold it to me CLEARED the code and did not fix vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11648480 · source
10. Filed Dec 4, 2024ALElectrical SystemSteering

    Just a little over 33k miles, regular maintenance wit dealer, after the power steering light flashes on then goes off after auto stop of motor when stopping and stop at long intervals sometime see a battery charging at same time. Fluid is great no noise. I see a recall but not on this vin. However I’m reading on line several of these are having the same issue, the car is too new..

    NHTSA complaint #11628916 · source
11. Filed Jul 17, 2024MDElectrical SystemSteering

    There is an issue that seems to be plaguing certain 2021+ Toyota models after a lot of research on this topic. My RAV4 has been operating perfectly and around 42k the Voltage Abnormality: Power Steering Low warning came on. I've had the alternator, starter, and battery tested. Alternator and starter were given a good bill of health, the battery was given a full recharge as it outputting a bit low. The battery was put back into my car and the issue still persists. The issue…

    NHTSA complaint #11602927 · source
12. Filed Mar 13, 2024MOCrashDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

    On February 14, 2024, I was driving to pick up a friend who needed a ride to an appointment. I had the lane correction feature on while I was driving on the interstate. When I exited the interstate, I traveled on a two-lane road that becomes narrow as it travels along a downhill slope. This road has a steep ravine on the right side of the road caused by rainwater runoff. There are reflector signs cemented into the road along the steep drop off. Because there was no oncoming…

    NHTSA complaint #11577218 · 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