Q: rav4 electric power steering system

asked by on October 28, 2016

when i turn the wheel it get hard

Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

What is the year and sub-model of your vehicle? Toyota had a recall of around 2,500 Rav4 EV models years 2012-2014 due to failing electric power steering systems. If your vehicle is within these years and is the correct model, you need to speak with your Toyota dealership. Do any dashboard warning lights illuminate when this occurs? Regardless, you should have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. If the system is working outside of manufacturer specifications, the computer may have detected it, making diagnosis a lot simpler. If that turns up negative, you will want to do a visual inspection of all steering and suspension components.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I adjust the rearview mirror?
The rearview mirror is an important safety feature that provides you with visibility out your rear window. Before driving, you should always adjust your rearview mirror so that you have maximum visibility. To adjust the mirror, manually move it up,...
A/C blows warm air
Hello. It sounds like you may have a weak compressor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ac-compressor). The compressor is a pump for the A/C system and when it gets weak, it does not pump as well as it should. When this happens the air won’t...
Overheating issue
The problem may not be a leak, but a malfunctioning water pump assembly (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) or faulty thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement). Make sure the drive belt is properly routed and has good tension. If the coolant isn't flowing properly, the coolant in the...
My car will not go into gear after being shifted from park to drive.
Hi there. Check the transmission and see if the cable is moving when the shifter is moved from the park position to the drive position. If the cable is not moving, then either the cable is broken or the shifter...
my headlights are not working again.
Hi there. If the headlights are burning out a few days after replacing them, there could be an electrical short in the wiring for the lights causing them to overheat or the ballast resistor is not working causing the headlights...
Tappet noise oud, rough idle 2009 Ford Focus
Hi there - the valve mechanism on your Zetec engine uses solid lifters (or cam followers to be more precise), and need to be adjusted periodically. As you mention, the delayed maintenance may not be helping here as well. I...
Steer wheel audio control
Hello, and thank you for writing in. Without knowing the make and model of the vehicle, it is impossible to know what kind of programming may be behind the issue. There may also be an electrical issue, but again we...
my 2005 cadillac escalade wont shift out of first gear what can be the problem
Hi there. Thanks for your email to YourMechanic.com's Ask a Mechanic. In most cases, when a transmission will not shift out of first gear, it is due to one of two things. First, and most common; is due to dirty...
Car won't start after fuel pump installation 2004 Subaru WRX/STi Hybrid
If the hard starting issue began immediately after the pump install, a possibility is the fuel delivery (pressure and volume) characteristics of the new pump are far enough off stock (or your just prior pump), that the engine either floods,...

Related articles

10 Biggest Car-Related Headaches and What to Do About Them
You You don’t want to, but if you're a car owner it's inevitable that at some point you will experience car troubles. It's also fairly certain that the machine you rely on will cause you grief when you least expect...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Belt
If you hear strange noises coming from the front of your vehicle or the power steering belt looks worn, have your power steering belt replaced.
How to Replace a Flex Coupling Steering Damper
A flex coupling steering dampener helps suppress steering vibrations. Signs of failure include excessive vibration and play in the steering wheel.