Should I buy a 2005 Toyota Avalon with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2005 Toyota Avalon steering problems

moderate 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 05V227000 16/05/2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING YOKE WAS NOT WELDED TO THE STEERING SHAFT

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

Fix: 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 are reporting 5 most recent

steering · filed 12/28/2007

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATING AS IDENTIFIED IN RECALL YET TOYOTA REFUSES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS. ID 05V227000. *TR

steering · filed 12/27/2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 5-40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND HE HEARD CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR STEERING: COLUMN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #05V227000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. …

steering · filed 12/15/2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE TELESCOPIC STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LEVER THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL UP RELEASED ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING AND IT HAPPENED A FEW DIFFER…

steering · filed 12/03/2012

THE STEERING WHEEL FRICTION LEVER SUDDENLY DROPPED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLLAPSED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION (NORMAL SPEED). PLUS, THERE IS A POPPING, CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL THAT YOU CAN HEAR AND FEEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

steering · filed 11/19/2018

TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL COLASPSES WHEN DRIVING.

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Toyota Avalon?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.