NHTSA complaint #11708110

Owner complaint summary

2024 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD, VIN [XXX]. Steering defect appeared at approximately 12,000 miles (April 2025). Vehicle pulls significantly to the right, requiring constant steering correction. Driver must continuously hold left side of steering wheel to maintain straight path. If steering wheel released, vehicle immediately drifts right. Pull is constant and especially noticeable at highway speeds. THREE REPAIR ATTEMPTS FAILED: June 2025 (14,715 miles): Two wheel alignments performed same day - both failed to correct pull. November 2025 (16,091 miles): Replaced blown passenger rear shock absorber - pull persisted. December 2025 (16,819 miles): Performed 10+ wheel alignments. Toyota Corporate Technical Assistance filed case #53530239 and instructed ABS/SAS reset - failed. Technicians documented "rear suspension binding" but did not mechanically repair. SUSPECTED CAUSE: Strut mount bearing binding/failure or suspension binding. Dealership replaced shock but not strut mounts (industry best practice is replacing both together when shock fails at low mileage). Documented binding issue was not mechanically repaired - only software reset attempted. CURRENT STATUS: Vehicle unsafe to drive. 16,819 miles in two years. New rattling noise developed in right front dashboard after December repairs. This is a manufacturing defect appearing in first year at low mileage, not wear and tear. SAFETY CONCERN: Driver must maintain constant corrective pressure on steering wheel to prevent rightward drift. Risk of vehicle drifting into adjacent lane or off road if driver momentarily distracted. Defect creates dangerous driving condition, particularly at highway speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)