1996 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 9%of 109 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,290miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Toyota Avalon, 9% of the 109 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,290 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1996 Toyota Avalon. While turning the steering wheel to the left or right he lost power steering. The dealer diagnosed the failure on the incident date; however, the vehicle was there for 14 days. The axle shaft assembly was repaired at the owners expense for $984.51. The failure mileage was 85,290 and the current mileage was 85,300. Updated 07/29/08 updated 07/29/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10228732, filed 2008-05, 85,290 miles“Power steering rack needs to be replaced, had been leaking while vehicle was still under warranty. But , then dealer could not find problem. Currently, there is a TSB on that problem. Vehicle out of warranty, and dealer knew what problem was. Dealer offered to pay for part, but consumer felt dealer should also pay for labor.”
NHTSA complaint #877135, filed 2000-12“Power steering rack needs to be replaced. Seems to be a common problem with this car. Toyota won't officially recognize this defect, although they will privately tell you that they see all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #742129, filed 2001-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 17% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 31 | 29% |
| 2010 | 10 | 22% |
| 2009 | 18 | 20% |
| 2008 | 17 | 5% |
| 2007 | 16 | 7% |
| 2006 | 35 | 10% |
| 2005 | 42 | 18% |
| 2004 | 28 | 14% |
| 2003 | 19 | 6% |
| 2002 | 18 | 16% |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% |
| 2000 | 34 | 20% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 40 | 32% |
| 1996 | 10 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota Avalon
19 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota Avalon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology