Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Avalon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Lever that controls telescoping steering wheel drops down while driving and could be a potential safety problem causing loss of control. According to the dealer this was never a recall but was covered under a warranty extension. According to Toyota they sent out letters beginning in April 2014 advising owners of the problem. We never received a letter. Toyota further advises us that the window for free repair of the defect closed on May 31,2015 and they will not pay to fix it. Why was this not made an official recall? I have injured my knee several times entering the vehicle.
I noticed the telescoping lever had fallen a few times while entering vehicle but paid it no mind and just pushed it up. I was driving along one day and I put the brakes on and making a turn and the wheel just collapsed to the all the way down position and it caught me off guard and I almost crashed! I try to be more conscious of the fallen lever but if neglect to push it up the telescoping steering wheel will fall at least once a day while driving usually when braking since when the vehicle is braking there is more downward force on the column. The dealer and Toyota corporate are telling me they never heard of the issue and its normal wear and tear and I need to pay for the repairs. That is obviously a lie since I have found numerous complaints online and even a TSB Toyota issued about this issue. …
I was driving at 70 MPH up I-81 in heavy traffic and lost all power. I was able to steer to the shoulder. I turned on flashers, put car in park, turned key off, and tried to restart engine. It immediately cranked right up and I proceeded up the interstate. Five minutes later, at 70 MPH, it happened again. Again I was able to steer off the road and restart the engine. I continued on home for another 2 hours with no problems. On 5/18, I went to church and it happened again. Since I was driving slowly, it was hard to steer (no power steering). At no time has a light come on showing it needed service or some problem. I assume since I was driving so fast on the interstate, I didn't notice the power steering loss when I lost all power. I am afraid that it might happen again and I might get killed from not being able to pull onto a shoulder.
My 2005 Toyota Avalon (touring model) has a defective locking mechanism for the steering column. About every half an hour it will come lose and the steering wheel will drop out of my hands and the lock will jam against my leg, cutting me. I have almost had several accidents. Toyota denies there is a design defect. They have been unable and unwilling to fix the problem. This is a very serious problem that could easily result in death. The locking mechanism is located underneath the steering wheel and easily comes lose simply due to vibration and the effect of gravity on the locking device. The last time Toyota claimed they fixed it they claimed that they bent the mechanism so that it would not come lose as easily. This obviously is not a proper method of repairing one of the most important parts of the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, she experienced an excessive pulsation in the accelerator pedal. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 10V017000 (vehicle speed control) in June of 2010. The failure recurred recently. In addition, the vehicle would accelerate independently. The failure recurred four times. There was also a default with the variable valve timing. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. ...updated 05/22/13 the consumer stated the vehicle was being rebuilt. Updated 06/14/2013
Tl contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The locking level lever, which controls the steering wheel and moves it up and down, automatically disengages at random. The failure causes the steering wheel to fall onto the driver's lap at any given moment. Through research, the contact found NHTSA campaign id number 05V227000 (steering:column). The dealer stated that the locking mechanism needed to be tightened. The steering was tightened, but it did not correct the failure. The failure occurs every 150 miles. The vehicle is still experiencing the defect and has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000 and current mileage was 38,900. Updated 09/01/09
Steering column is defective per dealer. I noticed a clunking sound and vibration as I was driving. I asked dealer to check it out. They advised me I needed a new steering column at a cost of $1835. They told me it would only get worse if it was not repaired. After several phone calls between me , the dealer and Toyota north America regarding warranty and safety issues, I approved the repair. The repair [ replace the steering column] was completed on August 28, 2008 and I have the replaced parts. I paid the bill. I believe that this is safety issue and should be covered by Toyota even if the vehicle is 5 months out of warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. While driving at 5 MPH, turning the steering wheel, it would not engage. She also noticed the steering wheel was improperly aligned. The dealer performed a diagnostic and found the retaining clip that housed the steering wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. Repairs were made at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was 52,024 and the current was 54,381. Updated 4/28/10 the consumer stated the steering wheel telescoping feature would not lock and move forward while driving. The dealer stated the entire steering column needed to be replaced. Updated 07/06/10
Transmission lags then jumps forward, transmission slips at low speeds never seems to find a gear. Steering at speeds below 40 will jerk left or right depending on the road.(scares you to death) brakes have grabbed and jerked the car from day one the dealership ground the rotors to fix this but it has not resolved the problem. The car has had the power steering hose replaced because it leaked and it still does. The cd player skip while your parked, the steering wheel needed to be replaced. We have had this car in to the dealer 5 times with none of the problems to the brakes, transmission, or steering resolved.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the telescoping steering wheel collapsed from the extended position when turning the wheel or driving 45 MPH. The dealer stated that this failure has never before been seen, and wanted to keep the vehicle for six months. They checked the computer and found no recalls. The contact felt the locking lever detached and then the steering wheel descended. Also heard a clicking noise when the lever began to descend. The current mileage is 30,200, and failure mileage was 3,000.
Related recalls
Steering › Column
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering yoke was not welded to the steering shaft. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, there is a possibility that the yoke May come off from the shaft, and could result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering yoke and shaft weld condition, and replace the steering column assembly free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2005. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Toyota Avalon, 18% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is column (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Avalon steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-227 (column, May 16, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Avalon steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.