Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2018 | 4 | 17% | 35,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% | 97,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2011 | 31 | 29% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 22% | 50,000 miles |
| 2009 | 18 | 20% | 38,000 miles |
| 2008 | 17 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2007 | 16 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 35 | 10% | 42,000 miles |
| 2005 | 42 | 18% | 50,000 miles |
| 2004 | 28 | 14% | 61,000 miles |
| 2003 | 19 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 2002 | 18 | 16% | 92,000 miles |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% | 133,000 miles |
| 2000 | 34 | 20% | 111,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% | 157,000 miles |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% | 170,000 miles |
| 1997 | 40 | 32% | 84,000 miles |
| 1996 | 10 | 9% | 85,000 miles |
| 1995 | 8 | 10% | 133,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
At approximately 42000 miles with no significant issues and no front end damages, the steering failed as I was driving at highway speed (70 mph) on a 2 lane road approaching a 90 degree curve. The power steering warning light and a separate triangle warning light appeared at the same time as I felt a pop and lost power and response in the steering wheel. Thankfully, I have driven heavy power equipment in the past and was able to control the vehicle to the shoulder and there was no surrounding traffic. I was able to proceed to my residence at a slow speed on the road shoulder with no power steering and an almost unresponsive steering wheel. After being towed to the local dealer, it was determined the torque sensor failed and the entire steering column required replacement. I had no warning of this impending failure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V024000 (air bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH when another cut in front of them and in order to avoid hitting the other vehicle the contact veered to the left, the contact ended up crashing into a side barrier on the side of the road. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact received injuries to his left arm, leg and chest/torso area medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed. The contact contacted the unknown dealership who diagnosed that the left side of the vehicle, steering, and braking needed to be repaired. …
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH for 20 miles, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was parked and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,917.
Heard rattling noise in steering wheel when making left or right turns. I removed the 2 plastic covers on each side of the steering wheel and then continued to drive in hopes that whatever was loose and rattling would fall out. After about a week of driving, a small aluminum fastener (screw) fell out of the steering apparatus. Approximately 3 weeks later, noticed the same rattling noise that's occurring when turning the steering wheel. Suspect another fastener is loose inside the steering wheel assembly. This fastener has yet to fall out of the steering wheel assembly and continues to move freely inside the steering wheel when making turns. I'm concerned that this metal fastener could cause a short within the steering wheel causing the airbag to deploy or make the steering wheel malfunction. Is this a problem?
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.
When vehicle was new steering would be difficult to turn at low speeds. It wouldn't happen all the time but it was not right. Called Toyota 1800 number is was quickly dismissed by help line. Four years later needed rack and pinion failed with 110 k on odometer. Warranty ran out at 100K. I got my use out and I fixed the steering. My issue is when I was looking for replacement parts on the internet I was shocked to see how many others who had issues and a lot less miles. I feel they are using subpar parts and looking to cut cost at the expense of safety. We know mr. Toyoda is a liar and paid a fine for lying to congress. I'm OK with cutting cost except on safety.
The latch on the lower left of the steering column that controls the positioning of the steering wheel constantly comes loose. I discovered that as I was driving on the highway, going straight, and the steering wheel suddenly slid in and down. Almost causing me to loose control with my children in the car. Upon checking with a Avalon fan group, I discovered that this is a issue with almost every single person who owns this body style.
Related recalls (2)
Steering
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2000-2004 avalon vehicles. Due to improper casting of the steering lock bar, there is a possibility that a minute crack May develop on the surface of the lock bar. Such a crack May expand over a long period of repeated lock and unlock operations, and eventually the lock bar could break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering interlock device free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2010. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Avalon years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (42), 1997 (40), 2006 (35), 2000 (34) and 2011 (31) model years. Steering complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Toyota Avalon steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 10V-345 (steering, Jul 29, 2010); 05V-227 (column, May 16, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Avalon steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (38 mentions), followed by the column (22).
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.