2000 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 20%of 173 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,450miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Toyota Avalon, 20% of the 173 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,450 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This incident happened on february 10, 2015 while I was driving to work, I took this ramp at 30 MPH which is a left tuning curve that takes you to the highway. At the end of the ramp I had to gradually accelerate and make a moderate right turn to join the highway traffic. After finishing the right turn, I couldn't keep the car running straight on the highway. The steering wheel was locked and I wasn't able to steer the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705515, filed 2015-04, 139,400 miles“This is an intermitend problem and it happens when starting on the car. To turn the car on I have to take the steering wheel and forcefully turn it left and right. Move also the shifter to neutral. I also try to press the brake at the same time. Mechanics have not been able to duplicate the problem. The car was also checked by a Toyota dealer and the problem was not identified. The battery and the cables are working properly. Now it is happening very often and creating a security and safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10745542, filed 2015-08, 125,000 miles“Could not put car into park or neutral driver shaft clip totally failed on my Toyota 2000 Avalon xls new shaft assembly installed westbury Toyota would not repair unless I paid a $300 diagnostic fee will call to see if part is available.”
NHTSA complaint #10356074, filed 2010-09, 112,889 miles“Dear sir or madam, I am writing to you because there was an incident with my vehicle while driving on the freeway. My car is a 2000 Toyota Avalon xs, and the problem I experienced could have been life threatening. I drive about 25 miles to work daily through the freeway and yesterday while driving on the freeway my steering wheel locked itself while the car was on, for about 2 minutes I was unable to go in any other direction other than straight because it had locked itself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10303314, filed 2010-01, 108,000 miles“My 2000 Toyota Avalon steering would randomly lockup when making turns. The pin that locks up the steering wheel for theft protection would activate while driving down the road which in turn would lock the steering up making it impossible to steer the vehicle. My son was driving the car when the steering locked up when he was making a right turn running car into the curb. A week later I was making a left turn and the steering locked causing me to veer into oncoming traffic. Luckily there was very little traffic and I avoided a collision. …”
NHTSA complaint #10308238, filed 2010-02, 49,500 milesRelated recalls
- 10V345000Jul 29, 2010Toyota is recalling certain model year 2000-2004 avalon vehicles. Due to improper casting of the steering lock bar, there is a possibility that a minute crack…Covers: Toyota Avalon 2000–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10017618Sep 14, 2005Steering - power steering gear. Repair manual correction. 00400-rm746-u2 - '00 avalon.
Steering: 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 2000 Toyota Avalon
26 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Toyota Avalon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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