Steering Column Problems of Toyota Avalon - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

The telescopic steering column adjustment lever will not stay secure and comes loose frequently while driving allowing the steering column to collapse in or pull out. This is a safety concern I reported to my Toyota dealer (gilroy Toyota - gilroy, CA) in July of 2019 when taking the car in to have the ac blower motor repaired and asking for a solution. After multiple calls I finally gave up. Now I'm back talking to the dealer regarding a recall on my 2018 highlander and asking them again about a fix for my steering column. They now inform me of a known issue with the telescopic lever detent clip and a technical service bulletin TSB-0147-13 and also that Toyota had a warranty enhancement program - zty to address it which expired in September of 2019. The dealer now tells me they can not help since it has expired and gave me the number for Toyota customer care 1-800-331-4331 but they refuse to help. This is a safety issue but there has been no recall and I was never notified of the warranty enhancement program so I'm now stuck with an unsafe vehicle. I don't understand how this is not a safety recall that Toyota should continue to stand behind. Do I have any recourse at all?.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

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 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.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

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.

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.

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.

The vehicle speeds up when it want to on it own. The steering column falls all the time. The passaenger seat wont recline at all but will lean back.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

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.

Steering placement lock came loose while driving and steering column dropped to lowest level. This has happened 3 other times in city traffic. Trying to tighten the steering placement friction lock only seems to hold temporarily.

Steering placement lock came loose while driving and steering column dropped to lowest level. This has happened 3 other times in city traffic. Trying to tighten the steering placement friction lock only seems to hold temporarily.

Issues I’ve complained about for year to Toyota only to find out now Toyota was aware of them all along there were recalls & service bulletin. That should have covered my Toyota issue the information below came from sites Toyota issued this warning too. The recall for steering column was on 2005 mine is a early model 2006 with the extact same safety issue. The resolve for me is that Toyota fix the vechical and not try and hold me responsible for half the cost as the are now doing. My car has been cared for only by Toyota service since the day it was purchase from Toyota new in 2006, the distric manager for Toyota bruce pannone made the call not to honor this safety issue service bulletin no. : 00306 component(s): steering NHTSA id number: 10019689 vehicle make/model year(s)Toyota Avalon2005-2006 vehicle slight pull/drift feeling improvement procedure. Toyota: a new adjustment lever detent clip was developed to correct the looseness of securing the telescopic on steering column for some vehicles. Model 2005-2012 Avalon. Item affected: steering: column date announced: 05/18/2005 description of recall: 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.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

When the vehicle is started in the winter, the steering column is sometimes locked, making it impossible to steer the vehicle until the steering wheel is turned back and forth repeatedly, the vehicle warms up, or the vehicle is turned on and off. Internet research suggests this is part of established steering problems with the 2000 Avalon and likely related to the steering lock bar of the interlock system. No steering issues have occurred as of yet while the vehicle is in motion.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

Steering wheel column collapses unexpectedly under normal driving conditions. Culprit is the adjustment friction lever becomes disengaged and allows the steering column to collapse. This happens repeatedly no matter how much one ensures it is tightened. Dealer agreed to fix under extended warranty but took almost 6 months to get part. It appeared that Toyota kept canceling the part order although I was told plenty of parts were in inventory in kansas city. (service person said maybe Toyota was holding parts due to a recall but could not find that to be the case. ) eventually, after the part was ordered the third time, and presumably prodded by the dealership, the part was delivered and subsequently installed. I am concerned the problem will reappear over time.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the horn failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 18,000.

The steering column telescoping mechanism drops, making the steering wheel telescope all the way down while driving the car. It has almost caused multiple accidents in the past few months that we have had the 2009 Avalon. Our 2005 did the same exact thing. I am now being told that we need to pay over $1100 to have the steering column replaced and have the car aligned again. This is not a freak thing with just this car, as our other one was the same way.

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.

Letter from senator ted cruz constituent and Toyota refusing to pay for a recall repair done on his 2003 Toyota Avalon (mailed to austin, TX office attn: susanna sovran). The consumer stated the vehicle broke down twice, and it had to be towed. The repair shop replaced the ignition cylinder and switch housing assembly, at a cost of $430. 00. Two months later, the consumer received a recall notice regarding an issue with the steering column upper bracket. The consumer went to the dealer, in regards to the recall, and ask if the recall was for the ignition switch, and the dealer stated no. When the consumer requested to see the part that was replaced, he noticed it was the same part, that was replaced in his vehicle two months prior. The consumer was denied reimbursement, in which the letter stated the vehicle did not meet the criteria, for reimbursement under the special service campaign goodwill.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

2003 Toyota Avalon. Consumer states unintended acceleration the consumer stated over a year ago, he was driving into a garage, when the vehicle suddenly, and he hit a brick wall. The consumer realized he accidentally, hit the accelerator, instead of the brake. In 2003, the steering column did not telescope and tall drivers, such as him had a problem selecting the degree of tilt on the steering column. Because he could not extend the steering column, on that occasion, he tilted the steering wheel down, but further than he usually did. The result, was that the steering wheel blocked his right leg from moving to the left.

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

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.

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.

The lever to adjust the telescoping steering wheel on my 2008 Toyota Avalon does not stay in the locked position. It falls down, releases the streeing whieel and then it slides in and out while driving. In the lowered position I have torn clothing getting in/out of the car. I have permanently scared my knee as well. I've taken the car in for warranty repair three times. The first time they replaced the steering column. Not sure what they did the 2nd time. The 3rd time they said there's nothing wrong with it! yeah, right! very poor design and dangerous. And injurious.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

In December, I took my 2004 Avalon to the dealership for the steering column bracket recall. Shortly after, I returned to the dealership complaining about my odd steering. I could feel the steering stiffen, then return to normal, then back to stiffening. The dealership had the car for a day to check out the steering which they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Now, my steeringi is stiff all of the time. I am afraid to drive the car. It is not safe to be on the road. In reseaching I have not found a recall for this problem. Clearly, there is a steering problem since I have found several similar complaints. A recall should immediately be ordered by Toyota.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Avalon 🔎.

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 lever that locks the telescoping steering wheel in place loosens/disengages, resulting in the steering wheel 'lurching' forward. I have experienced this issue multiple times now. The lever is underneath the steering wheel column and engages/tightens by pushing it up toward the steering wheel. The lever engages by 'compression' only - there is not clip or spring that physically 'locks' the lever in place. Over time, for whatever reason (road bumps/vibrations/etc. And with the help of gravity) the lever loosens/disengages. This is an inherent safety design flaw in the telescoping function, and could result in a serious/tragic accident if this occurs while driving at a higher speed or while in the middle of making a turn. There were numerous similar complaints logged by other Toyota Avalon owners on various websites when I searched this issue on the internet.

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.

2003 Toyota Avalon. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall notice concerning steering column the consumer contacted the dealer on two separate occasions, only to be told the parts were not available.