2002 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 16%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Avalon, 16% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 3 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.
“When turning steering wheel hard to turn like it get stuck can turn the steering wheel.I was driving a city street when I notice a few days ago. Just seeing the recall notice.how long does the consumer have to get assistance with recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11016379, filed 2017-08, 92,000 miles“While driving on the massachusetts turnpike (route 90) my Toyota Avalon suddenly turned to the left (driver's side) and struck the highway median. I had no control of my Avalon and the vehicle was unresponsive to turning the wheel and to braking.”
NHTSA complaint #10312681, filed 2010-02, 122,000 miles“On 14 june 2010, while driving in fairly heavy traffic, there was a loud noise in the front end of my 2002 Toyota Avalon. The wheels immediately jerked to the left. I regained control and moved thru the intersection when the action repeated itself. I immediately pulled over and had the car towed to findlay Toyota in henderson nv. After extensive testing, they found nothing wrong nor did an independent repair shop. Following the 29 july news release from Toyota, I e-mailed Toyota for information regarding Avalon's problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10346797, filed 2010-08, 34,915 miles“I've had my 2002 Toyota Avalon since it had about 25,500 miles. It now has about 77500. From the start of owning the car, the tires were worn as if the car was not aligned properly. We had it aligned at a reputable company, purchased top of the line michelin tires. They wore incorrectly just as the first ones on the car when we bought it in spite of property rotating of them, etc. Last nov or so, we replaced the tires again which should have lasted much longer than they did. Again, the tires are wearing improperly. We have had the car aligned no less than once per year. …”
NHTSA complaint #10359243, filed 2010-10, 25,000 miles“2002 Toyota Avalon was repaired due to recall on steering column. After repair, I was able to turn off ignition while car was in drive mode. Which safety defect is worse?”
NHTSA complaint #10356884, filed 2010-09, 71,000 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
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 2002 Toyota Avalon
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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