2003 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 6%of 293 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Toyota Avalon, 6% of the 293 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“Car's steering stops turning while driving in the initial 5 minutes of drive, it occurs mostly when weather is humid ( raining). The episode occurs when I try to turn the steering and recovers after I forcibly turn the stiff steering.”
NHTSA complaint #11194433, filed 2019-04, 4 miles“I had to replace 6 month old tires because they were worn on the edges. I thought it was a bad alignment, so I bought new tires, had them balanced and re-aligned. 1 month later my car is still pulling to the left. It is difficult to keep it straight. Is there a recall on this issue?”
NHTSA complaint #10349775, filed 2010-08, 83,000 miles“The steering started to bind when it started getting cold. It got to the point where it felt like no power steering existed intermittently. While making turns it would also bind, making it hard to straighten the wheel back as I am coming out of the turn, which was the most dangerous situation. Initial repair shop suggested changing the serpentine belts. That did not make a difference. Next I took it to the dealer, who replaced upper steering shaft. This seemed to improve but not solve the issue. I just went back, and now they replaced the steering rack and lower shaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #10494822, filed 2013-01, 75,000 miles“Hello im writing to complain about a couple of things. 1. Ive received an recall notice for my 2003 Toyota Avalon for steering problem upper bracket . And have, tried to remedy this, only to find out Toyota, offers no courtesy vehicle?. Or a definite time your vehicle will be repaired?. 2nd there is also another defect on this car, when going over rough roads and braking, the car feels like its not braking at all. Or like the brakes are slipping?. Is there a recall for this on the 2003 Avalon? There have been no incidents to date, but I am very concerned.”
NHTSA complaint #10416796, filed 2011-08, 149,866 miles“75 n traveling 65 MPH there was a loud snap under car. Car tried to veer to left several times pulled back thought it was under control when speed increased car darted right head on into retaining wall bounced off did 2 1/2 360 degree spins hit wall again broadside and finally came to stand still. When speed increased and car shot to right all control was lost.”
NHTSA complaint #10491519, filed 2013-01, 130,000 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 2003 Toyota Avalon
184 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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