# Toyota RAV4 power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 129 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (24) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 129 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Toyota RAV4 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (24). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Toyota RAV4 power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 24 | 305 | 8% | | 2016 | 2 | 256 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 321 | 1% | | 2018 | 5 | 348 | 1% | | 2019 | 21 | 907 | 2% | | 2020 | 17 | 652 | 3% | | 2021 | 11 | 510 | 2% | | 2022 | 14 | 177 | 8% | | 2023 | 17 | 238 | 7% | | 2024 | 12 | 208 | 6% | | 2025 | 2 | 99 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota RAV4 recalls related to the power steering warning light **[20V373000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V373000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2020-06-24): 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. **[15V144000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V144000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-03-13): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota RAV4 owners report - "At the same time, Check Engine, battery warning, steering warning, and 'Not Ready to Drive' all appeared simultaneously with no prior warning. I brought it to a Toyota dealer the next morning and they found no fault. The vehicle is available for inspection." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2026 - "I believe water got into the power steering due to it raining outside. This is the first time I have had this happen with my car" -- owner of a 2024 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2025 - "I went to start my car , the engine turned off stating power steering low engine off . Then tried again and got more errors likes brake engaged power off also the lane monitor was not working." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota RAV4, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota RAV4 power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (20V373000, 15V144000) covering 2015-2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota RAV4 years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2019 and 2020 RAV4 model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 24 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota RAV4 with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Toyota RAV4 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota RAV4 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-rav4): 19 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-rav4): 41 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/toyota-rav4): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-rav4): 63 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-rav4): 123 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-rav4): 92 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/toyota-rav4): 17 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-rav4): 46 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Toyota RAV4 - [Toyota RAV4 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-rav4) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-rav4 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.