2005 Toyota Avalon steering problems

The 2005 Toyota Avalon has 43 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Steering complaints

14%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Avalon steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

05V227000SteeringMay 16, 2005 · 4,855 units

Defect

ON 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 THAT THE YOKE MAY COME OFF FROM THE SHAFT, AND COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence

LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING YOKE AND SHAFT WELD CONDITION, AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

What owners report

“2005 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED, TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL. THE LEVER TO LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL IN POSITION WORKS ITSELF LOOSE. THEN WHEN YOU ARE BRAKING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL TELESCOPE IN. IT'S A VERY UNNERVING FEELING. I'VE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TWICE FOR THE PROBLEM. TOYOTA SAID THERE IS NO WAY TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 13, 2009

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2005 Toyota Avalon have?

NHTSA has 43 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Avalon steering — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2005 Toyota Avalon steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 05V227000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.