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 2011 Toyota Avalon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving in heavy traffic on I-26 through columbia, s.c., the lever that holds the steering wheel in position after adjustment by drivers became dis-engaged causing the steering wheel quickly fall forward causing me to lose partial control and swerve slightly before I could regain full control. I reported this to the service manager at johnson city Toyota on my return home. I returned again a month later to report another incident and found the first report was not recorded. I, as well as my wife have had this dangerous situation occur at least once and sometimes twice a month for more than a year. I checked your data base and found that many other Avalon owners registered this same complaint.
While driving, the steering column telescopic lever comes loose and the column depresses. It has happened several times while pulling up on the bottom of the steering wheel, during sharp turns for example, and the lever unlocks. Then as soon as you press on the steering wheel, perhaps some time later, the steering wheel goes completely into the dash. It is almost as if the steering wheel is falling away from me, and I have partially gone through two (thankfully empty) intersections because I lost control of the car because the steering column collapsed unexpectedly.
The tilt/telescopic lever on the left side of the steering column stays in place via some type of friction tension. It regularly disengages by itself and allows the steering column/steering wheel to fall down or suddenly move inward. This can occur when the vehicle is in motion at both highway and slow speeds. It is dangerous as it can make it difficult to hang onto the steering wheel. A simple google search of this issue shows literally hundreds of complaints about this problem. It has happened to me perhaps more than 50 times since I've owned the vehicle.
I was using the lever to push the seat away from the steering wheel when one side stopped moving, causing the other side to derail. I took the car to jim hudson Toyota immediately, and the technician was able to get seat back on track. However, he wasn't able to get the side moving, and stated the entire seat rail would have to be replaced. Furthermore, I was told I have a leak in the rod and pinion system because the inner seal needs to be replaced. Although, I service my vehicle regularly with fred anderson Toyota, and nothing has ever been said about this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while making a right or left turn, the steering column was loose. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was able to readjusted the steering column however, experienced the failure within a few days. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,800.
Steering column position lock lever continues to disengage. The lever, over time, works it's way down until it releases the "set" position of the steering column. This causes the steering column to move out of it's set position while driving which could cause a dangerous situation. This has occurred many times since I have owned this vehicle. I think there was a recall on other year models of the Toyota Avalon but I do not understand why 2011 was excluded.
The locking lever on the adjustable steering wheel will with out notice release itself causing the steering telescoping feature to become loose and difficult to maintain steering control needing to adjust and reposition the locking lever to regain steering control while the vehicle is moving. I just purchased the used one owner 2011 Avalon with only 28,000 miles on it. The problem has occurred six times in a one month period.
Power steering fluid was seeping and then became a full leak that resulted in loss of all power steering fluid. Vehicle was examined, and Toyota quoted a $1800 rack and pinion replacement. Mileage of failure is approximately 126K miles.
Steering column lock lever comes loose without warning causing column to telescope to its lowest position. Happens in traffic causing unsafe reaction when trying to reengage the lock lever to stabilize steering column.
Car is less than 5 years old. It has an adjustable (in and out) steering wheel column. Upon accepting the car, this was set and had not been changed with myself being the only driver. Twice (once in 2nd yr, once in 4th yr) when turning in an intersection, the steering wheel collapsed. I was able to complete the turn, and then readjust the column and lock it. In this 5th year I took the car in for a safety recall on the audio system, and at the same time asked that a warranty enhancement be done on securing the telescopic adjustment lever - thinking this would correct the problem. However, I was told the telescopic adjustment was for the steering column going up and down (not in and out), and though my car did not need this correction, it was done. …
Steering complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Toyota Avalon, 29% of the model year's 106 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Toyota Avalon steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Toyota Avalon, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Toyota Avalon steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
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.