17 problems related to steering column have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Avalon. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Avalon based on all problems reported for the 2005 Avalon.
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. How and why should I be held financially responsible for a safety concern that they are unwilling to fix. I hate that it might cause a crash and maybe then after the crash they might do something about their defective vehicle. One more thing the telescoping option is almost never used so its certainly not from being used too much.
The steering column has begun making a rather noticeable "clacking" noise when turning. It can be both heard and felt in the wheel. This is a common problem with these cars, and Toyota has put out a service bulletin (#00206, NHTSA # 10019669)for repair under warranty, but wants $930 to repair it if out of warranty. They're claiming it is not a safety issue, but a steering wheel that makes noises you can hear (and feel) doesn't seem all that safe.
Steering column locking lever suddenly disengages and steering wheel collapses from set position while driving. This has occured approximately six times in last 1000 miles. Loosing steering wheel stability has caused unsafe control of vehicle.
Just adding my similar experience. The lever at the left of the steering column does not hold and drops down periodically. It has happened dozens of times. I took it to the Toyota dealer on a couple of occasions but they said "no problem" or either "you had the steering wheel extended too far for it to catch". I just reach down and flip the lever up when it happens and drive with the wheel in closer to the dash until I can stop and safely pull it out to a comfortable position. This has happened many times, particularly when I stop. The wheel just goes towards the dash. I think it is a defect but Toyota has never so acknowledged it or repaired it.
The steering wheel column retracting without touching the lever on the left hand side of the steering column. This has happened twice while I was driving and once while my daughter was driving my car on Monday 5/2/4/2010. We were able to stop without an accident to secure the steering wheel and fasten the lever.
The 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.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. Whenever the contact turned the steering wheel in any direction the contact heard a clanking sound in the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 105,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering unit. He called the manufacturer in reference to NHTSA campaign id number 05v227000 (steering:column) and was informed that his vehicle exceeded its warranty; therefore, they would not replace the steering column assembly for free under the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 38,853 and current mileage was 41,468. Updated 03/24/09.
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.
"maintenance required" light illuminated and I took my vehicle in for service. After mentioning a concern I had, I was called and told that my steering column shaft needed to be replaced. I did not feel any difference in the steering from when I last brought it in before the warranty was up. Now, I have a $600 + bill at 43,000 miles. I've always had Toyota's and I have been having quite a few problems of late associated with this vehicle.
Steering column separating as identified in recall yet Toyota refuses to repair or replace defective parts. Id 05v227000.
Steering column make noise when turning to right: service department first replaced right wheel bearing axle. When I said I have seen complaints from others, they replaced steering shaft and joint. Fixed problem.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact heard a thumping noise when parking the vehicle and turning the steering wheel. The dealer stated that the noise was caused by the steering shaft and the VIN was not included in NHTSA recall # 05v227000 (steering:column). The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 50,000 and failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 02/01/08.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. While driving 5-40 mph, the steering wheel vibrated and he heard clicking noise when turning left or right. The dealer stated that this was a normal occurrence. There is a recall for steering: column (NHTSA campaign id #05v227000) however, the dealer stated that his VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 54,000. Updated 01/29/08. Updated.
The 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.
Steering problems per recall 05v227000 for 2005 Toyota Avalon that manuf refuses to address. Steering pops when turning & sounds like it's getting worse. Refuse to pay dealer $450. 00 to replace recall so I will take it to another certified mechanic that I trust.