2005 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 18%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Toyota Avalon, 18% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles. 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.
“The steering wheel column retracting without touching the lever on the left hand side of the steering column. This has happened twice while I was driving and once while my daughter was driving my car on monday 5/2/4/2010. We were able to stop without an accident to secure the steering wheel and fasten the lever.”
NHTSA complaint #10332302, filed 2010-05, 85,000 miles“I have a 2005 Toyota Avalon. I have always had a problem with the telescopic steering wheel lever not holding in place. 6-12 times a year when I stop my vehicle the steering wheel goes forward towards the engine. I look and the telescopic lever has moved down. I am the only one that drives my car and the lever is never adjusted and nothing could be grabbing the lever. I feel this could be a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10306018, filed 2010-02, 50,000 miles“Toyota Avalon ltd. 2005..steering wheel locking mechanism that locks the steering wheel into position up and down ..the lever does not lock into position and easily opens and the steering wheel drops down even as the car is in motion...almost lost control as I was driving as the lever opened down and the steering wheel dropped quickly as I drove the car....when I informed Toyota of the potential danger, they said it was no problem....I think it is.............”
NHTSA complaint #10380164, filed 2011-02, 43,678 miles“First contacted Toyota motor sales u.s.a., inc. In torrance, ca. And advised them of my car troubles prior to going to dealership for service. I made them aware that I do not trust dealer service departments. They assigned me a case number and documented my issues with engine/powertrain malfunction that still exist today and both the dealer and Toyota motor sales have not addressed problem. Also, I stated to dealer that there was leakage surrounding the power steering pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10401756, filed 2011-05, 48,000 miles“Maintenance required light illuminated and I took my vehicle in for service. After mentioning a concern I had, I was called and told that my steering column shaft needed to be replaced. I did not feel any difference in the steering from when I last brought it in before the warranty was up. Now, I have a $600 + bill at 43,000 miles. I've always had Toyota's and I have been having quite a few problems of late associated with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10222173, filed 2008-03, 43,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V227000May 16, 2005On 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…Covers: Toyota Avalon 2005
Related service bulletins
- 10133724Apr 18, 2014In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for the Steering Column…
- 10133775Apr 17, 2014In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where, after securing the telescopic adjustment lever, the steering column?s telescopic adjustment function may not retain its…
- 10133718Apr 17, 2014In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where, after securing the telescopic adjustment lever, the steering column?s telescopic adjustment function may not retain its…
- 10132168Sep 27, 2013Some 2005 ? 2012 model year Avalon vehicles may exhibit a looseness when securing then telescopic adjustment lever on the steering column. A new adjustment lever Detent Clip has…
- 10053759Sep 27, 2013Toyota: 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.
- 10019689Mar 20, 2006Vehicle slight pull/drift feeling improvement procedure.
- 10019669Mar 14, 2006Steering column noise.
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 2005 Toyota Avalon
72 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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