2011 Toyota Avalon Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 29%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Toyota Avalon, 29% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering column position lock lever continues to disengage. The lever, over time, works it's way down until it releases the set position of the steering column. This causes the steering column to move out of it's set position while driving which could cause a dangerous situation. This has occurred many times since I have owned this vehicle. I think there was a recall on other year models of the Toyota Avalon but I do not understand why 2011 was excluded.”
NHTSA complaint #11002889, filed 2017-07, 23,000 miles“Had brake and steering problems. The steering wheel was really loose. I had to apply 95% of the brake before the brakes were engaged. I took it back to claremont Toyota in ca where I bought it. They just looked at it and said it's working like designed and sent me home. No other responses or assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10416714, filed 2011-08, 1,000 miles“I have a new 2011 Toyota Avalon limited with just over 1,700 miles. The telescoping steering wheel lever located under the steering column has fallen out of the locked position five times. When this happens the steering wheel collapses in towards the dash. Toyota dealership says they have not heard of this happening. I, myself, have now found reports by other Avalon owners with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10419597, filed 2011-08, 500 miles“I was using the lever to push the seat away from the steering wheel when one side stopped moving, causing the other side to derail. I took the car to jim hudson Toyota immediately, and the technician was able to get seat back on track. However, he wasn't able to get the side moving, and stated the entire seat rail would have to be replaced. Furthermore, I was told I have a leak in the rod and pinion system because the inner seal needs to be replaced. Although, I service my vehicle regularly with fred anderson Toyota, and nothing has ever been said about this.”
NHTSA complaint #11373521, filed 2020-11, 85,000 miles“While driving in heavy traffic on I-26 through columbia, s.c., the lever that holds the steering wheel in position after adjustment by drivers became dis-engaged causing the steering wheel quickly fall forward causing me to lose partial control and swerve slightly before I could regain full control. I reported this to the service manager at johnson city Toyota on my return home. I returned again a month later to report another incident and found the first report was not recorded. …”
NHTSA complaint #10764019, filed 2015-09, 45,300 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…
- 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…
- 10060782Mar 26, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
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 2011 Toyota Avalon
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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