Steering Column problems of the 2010 Toyota Avalon

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.

The steering comun in-and-out adjustment control lever does not lock into position causing the steering wheel column unexpected free movement when the car is movingi.

Driving on rt 81s in virginia when the telescoping steering column lock came unlocked. When I applied the brakes the steering wheel collapsed toward the dash. Since then it has happened multiple times. Seems to simply vibrate loose from traveling on bumpy roads. Took it back to dealer but they said they drove it 7 miles and it didn't fail so they couldn't do anything. Since then, it has come unlocked 2 times in 264 miles. As long as I check it every time I start the car, and anytime I drive more than 100 miles, it's safe but this is not a good situation. Doing a search on the internet shows many people are having the same safety issue over multiple years of Avalon's.

Lever that adjusts tilt steering wheel does not stay in place and when it falls it disengages the steering column lock at any time.

I have a 2010 Toyota Avalon which I like very much. Unfortunately, it has a design defect. There is a lever on the steering column that lets the driver control the height of the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the lever does not stay in the fixed position. Over time it drops down as a result of road vibration and permits the steering column to compress. This has happened to me twice. The first occasion was quite scary as I had to slow down rapidly. Fortunately, I was able to keep control of the vehicle. When it occurred a second time several months later, I was better prepared. I have reported the problem to the dealership where I purchased the car, but they said there was no problem. To avoid future incidents, I look at the lever almost everytime I get in the car. If it has started to go down, I pull it back up. I should not have to do this.