Steering Column problems of the 2011 Toyota Avalon

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.

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.

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.

Telescoping column feature collapses randomly. This has happened multiple times. Must reset the adjuster periodically to prevent. This is a safety hazard as it can and has happened while underway.

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. I was further told that the collapsing of the steering column (in and out) was due to the steering column being worn out; that is was not covered by the car warranty; and that I would have to pay $997. 04 to have it replaced. I declined thinking this should be covered by the warranty - I have never heard of a steering column wearing out. Since leaving the dealership, 9/24/2015, the steering column has collapsed without warning numerous times, both in turns and when driving straight head and braking. I am extremely concerned as I think this is a major safety problem. The airbag is in the steering wheel, and if it should have to be used, it may collapse the steering wheel instead of protecting the driver! this should be a warranty item. This is definitely a safety item! this is definitely much more serious than the recall for the steering wheel going up and down. Date shown below is approximately the first time of numerous times the steering wheel has collapsed since asking the dealership about the problem.

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.

Purchase the 2011 Toyota Avalon on June 13, 2010 which on my first service date I complained about the steering column and harsh feeling of the car due to the steering column. Buena park Toyota kept telling me that there was nothing wrong right up to the last service that was done the end of June 2014. On June 30th went to victorville to visit my wifes sister. On July 2 2014 we started back home when the engine light and tracking light came on, fortatley the issue happened before coming down the cajhon pass on highway 15. We where only 2 miles away from the Toyota dealership in victorville and they found that the steering column was faulty and replaced column assy, steering and boldt steering lock. Plus po500 trans speed sensor poss loose connections cleaned and tightened connections at speed sennsor. The dealership stated it showes a defect on the computer showing the steering column has a defect. Why isn't there a recall concerning the above this is very dangerous problem which could take a lot of innocent lifes. Thanks j. Jones.

The steering column adjustment lever on the left side of the steering column continually falls/comes loose. This has occurred too many times to count causing the steering wheel to drop during motorized operation of the vehicle.

This is my second Avalon the first being a 2006 which had to have a steering column replaced when it had 24407 miles and out of warranity due to time I paid labor. The 2011 Avalon has same problem 25000 miles and just under 30 days out of warranity they say it is different but is the same problem per the tech just changed part numbers. With the steering problem this is a safety problem which they say they will not repair under warranity . The service dept told me all of the Avalons are having the same problem and have a bulletin to replace the steering column when they get a complaint from the customer. When you adjust the telescopic wheel the whole steering column is loose and knocks when you turn the wheel.

Steering wheel collapsed I noticed the left side lever of the steering column had loosened causing me to swerve while driving because of the suddenness of the problem. This has happened at least 5 times between my wife and I.

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the steering wheel would exhibit an abnormal cracking sound when attempting a turn or first starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was a problem in the steering column but they did not know how to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125 and the current mileage was 10,325. Updated 11/25/11 updated 11/30/11.

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact steering column became abnormally loose and exhibited an unusual popping noise as the contact would turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who inspected the steering column. They stated the steering column was defective and it was replaced. The failure mileage was 8,000 and the current mileage was 8,500. Updated 03/07/11.