2009 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 20%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Toyota Avalon, 20% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Lever dropped holding the collapsing steering column in place. Has been doing so fairly regularly since. I consider this a design defect. The Toyota dealer states that only a new steering column will correct the problem at a cost of more than $1100.00. I note that there are other identical complaints, and since this is considered a significant safety issue, there should be a recall of affected autos.”
NHTSA complaint #10577801, filed 2014-04, 56,000 miles“My 2009 Toyota now has 85000 miles on it and I have just been told that there is a problem with a torn cv and power steering boot along with a return hose. The power steering unit is leaking and the price tag to repair these items is $1912.21. In reading my consumer reports trouble spot report I see that this has been a problem for other owners from 2007 through 2010 and I am surprised that Toyota has not resolved this problem by issuing a recall for that specific defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10852917, filed 2016-04, 85,000 miles“Telescopic steering wheel lock fails while driving and steering wheel collapses. Took to Toyota of temecula valley and they said there is no known problem and no TSB. I looked on line there is a TSB for this. This failure of this dealership puts my family's safety at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #10554635, filed 2013-12, 27,655 miles“The steering column telescoping mechanism drops, making the steering wheel telescope all the way down while driving the car. It has almost caused multiple accidents in the past few months that we have had the 2009 Avalon. Our 2005 did the same exact thing. I am now being told that we need to pay over $1100 to have the steering column replaced and have the car aligned again. This is not a freak thing with just this car, as our other one was the same way.”
NHTSA complaint #10547223, filed 2013-10, 24,000 miles“The steering wheel on my 2009 Avalon limited automobile collapses while driving with no apparent reason. My vehicle is equipped with an adjustable telescoping steering wheel which one can adjust for comfort & then lock into its set position. A lever below the steering column on the left side is made to lock such position. In many cases the locking lever dis-engages suddenly cause the steering wheel to collapse while one is driving. I have taken the vehicle to my dealer but to this date, they have not duplicated the same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10440267, filed 2011-12, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10182983Oct 12, 2020TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
- 10168537Oct 21, 2019TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ? Difficulty to pair the phone. ? Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first…
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 2009 Toyota Avalon
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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