Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 00306 | 03/20/2006 | 10019689 | Vehicle slight pull/drift feeling improvement procedure. *tt | 04/18/2006 | |
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||||
| 00206 | 03/14/2006 | 10019669 | Steering column noise. *tt | 04/17/2006 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 11/01/2010 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Telescoping steering wheel collapses while driving creating hazardous condition. friction release doesn't stay locked, and driver must check it regularly while driving. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2010 | 100000 | ||
| Telescoping steering wheel collapses while driving creating hazardous condition. friction release doesn't stay locked, and driver must check it regularly while driving. | |||
| 07/24/2012 | 88360 | 1 | |
| On 03/22/2010 toyota replaced a vvti oil hose under recall # 90k because the rubber portion of the hose was subject to failure that would cause the engine oil to spay out. on 07/24/2012 the replacement hose ruptured causing engine oil to spray out. the engine oil soaked the serpentine belt which is attached to the power steering pump as well as other components. this caused a loss of steering control which nearly caused an accident. *tr | |||
| 07/24/2012 | 88360 | ||
| On 03/22/2010 toyota replaced a vvti oil hose under recall # 90k because the rubber portion of the hose was subject to failure that would cause the engine oil to spay out. on 07/24/2012 the replacement hose ruptured causing engine oil to spay out. the engine oil soaked the serpentine belt which is attached to the power steering pump as well as other components. this caused a loss of steering control which nearly caused an accident. | |||
| 05/13/2008 | 42000 | ||
| My 2006 toyota avalon(touring) has a loud knocking/clunking noise when turning steering wheel at low speeds.dealer said this was a problem with the 2006 avalons and can be fixed by replacing the sreering column at a cost of $700-800.car had 42k miles just out of warranty and offered no toyota help until i told him i had an extented warranty with toyota repair was made. 15k-20k later ,same problem.second steering column replaced.15k-20k later..same problem..dealer lub the linkage,15k-20k later same problem,dealer lub the linkage again.at 98000,same problem,my toyota warranty had expired at 96k and the dealer wated $800 to replace the steering column,his cost amount.area toyota repr.said it was not a safety issue ,more of a nuisance factor.should be a toyota recall to find the fix.just replied to a toyota survey .have not replaced the steering column..waiting for an update on the survey.likely will not be contacted. | |||
| 09/23/2010 | 63663 | ||
| My 2006 toyota avalon steering wheel was getting stuck when i turned the car on. i would have to have to try and turn the wheel in order for it to release. additionally the car was leaking fluid. on september 23, 2010 i brought the car into the toyota dealer who identified the problem as steering rack leaking from right side causing subframe to be wet with power steering fluid. replace the steerng rack and align. so at a cost of $1338.85 the steering rack was replaced. i agree that this is a problem that toyota should have issued a recall to fix since they knew about it since 2004 and have issued various service bulletins on subject. on january 7, 2012 i brought the car back to the toyota dealership because i am still experiencing an oil leak that has gotten worse. i have brought the car in numerous times for this issue with no resolution. now they are telling me that there is a leak at two return hosed in the power steering column and are charging $500 for replacement and repair. so now in a year and half i have spent approximately $2000 to repair the steering on a fairly new car. why has there not been a recall for this 2006 avalon steering issue. apparently toyota has never rectified the problem with the steering and continues to make money on substandard, dangerous products. this is the seventh toyota that i have owned and the only one that i have had problems with and recalls for. you would think that for the cost of this car, you would get better quality. i may have to reconcider buying toyotas in the future if this is the quality of car they are producing. this is not the only issue that i have had to date. i have also gone on-line and researched this issue and have found that there are many 2006 toyota avalon owners expereincing the same issue. | |||
| 01/05/2009 | 36561 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota avalon. the contact was driving approximately 20 mph when the rear end of the vehicle swerved unexpectedly. in addition, the vsc and check engine warning indicator began to illuminate until the engine was turned off. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and the ignition coil was replaced. one year later, the failure recurred and a different ignition coil was replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 36,561. kmj | |||
| 06/01/2010 | 58200 | ||
| In july 2010 i took my 2006 toyota avalon to waldorf toyota for the 60,000 service and reported a problem with my steering sticking when turning left. this problem occurs randomly. the problem was diagnosed as an alignment needed to correct the problem which i had them perform. however, after approximately a week and half i experienced the same problem. i returned the car again in early august 2010 but was informed that the problem could not be duplicated, consequently the car was not repaired. fast forward to august 2011, more than another year later, i am still experiencing the same problem and the same explanation from the dealership that the problem could not be duplicated so there has not been resolution. this is a serious safety concern as when the steering sticks a very quick response is needed to correct the direction that you would like the vehicle go while in the middle of the turn. i never know when i will be surprised with this unfortunate situation. i am disappointed with toyota and concerned for my safety. | |||
| 05/20/2011 | 40000 | ||
| 2006 toyota avalon, telescopic steering adjustment loosens by itself causing the steering to move unexpectedly..40k miles | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 107300 | ||
| Power steering pump leaking. told by dealer it will need to be replaced. | |||
| 11/22/2009 | 17000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2006 toyota avalon xls. while driving 5 mph, the contact noticed that the steering column made a clunking noise. the dealer had been contacted, who offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current mileage was 27,000. the failure mileage was approximately 17,000. bw | |||
| 10/04/2010 | 55400 | ||
| My 2006 toyota avalon xls exhibits loud knocking noise when turning steering wheel at low speeds. dealer said this is a problem with the 2006 avalon and can be fixed by replacing the steering column at a cost of $911. this is a problem that toyota should have issued a recall to fix since they knew about it since 2004 and have issued various service bulletins on subject. | |||
| 10/08/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2006 toyota avalon. while the contact was driving approximately 70 mph, the steering wheel column unlocked without warning in a downward movement causing the steering wheel to travel towards the instrument panel. immediately, the speed rate was reduced and force applied to the steering wheel. the contact cautiously drove to the side of the road to re-lock the steering wheel. the vehicle resumed normally. the failure occurred four different times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 120,000. the vin was unavailable. js | |||
| 01/02/2010 | 35000 | ||
| 2006 toyota avalon limited - telescopic steering column colapses under normal driving conditions. | |||
| 05/17/2010 | 80000 | ||
| I was experience what i believed to be a sticky steering wheel. i first noticed it in december of 2009. in 2010, i went to toyota numerous times about this issue but they said that they couldn't look in to it because 1. it was intermittent and 2. like looking for a needle in a haystack. i saved the paperwork of where i had came to the dealership complaining of such issue which proved to be fruitful when toyota issued a recall about the problem in july. i took my car back to the dealership the next day with my papers stating my previous inquires. still they were unable to do anything because toyota had not issued any fixes to the dealerships. there were numerous times i felt like the car would not come out of a turn. i have since sold my 2006 toyota avalon. one good thing is that though my local dealership was unable to reach coporate to get guidance on the issue, they opened up a case number to bring it to toyota's attention that this problem was occuring in a 2006 model and the owner had proof that she had been complaing about the issues months before a recall was issued. | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 45000 | 1 | |
| Unintentional and unexpected unlocking of the telescopic steering column while driving causing potential loss of control of the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 02/14/2010 | 35000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns 2006 toyota avalon. while driving 65 mph on cruise control the vehicle continued braking on its own. the contact deactivated the cruise control because the brakes continued to engage on their own. when the cruise control was turned off, the vehicle surged forward and almost hit a another vehicle. two weeks ago the contact surged forward while driving 30 mph. she took the vehicle to the dealer and suggested that it was the computer in the vehicle. the dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the computer did not have any problems. the contact stated that her steering wheel became stiff several times and the dealer stated that there was nothing wrong with her power steering. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 35000 and the current mileage was 42800. | |||
| 11/15/2009 | 94000 | 2 | |
| This event occurred twice during routine driving. my 2006 toyota avalon seemed to have some difficulty straightening the steering wheel out after a turn. *tr | |||
| 01/05/2010 | 109000 | 1 | |
| I have the same problem with my 2006 avalon xls. the steering column will suddenly collapse. *tr | |||
| 12/28/2009 | 86000 | 1 | |
| The telescoping steering column lock loosens during normal driving. usually the lock lever only drops low enough to hit your knees as you exit the car after a drive, but does not loosen enough to release the column telescope. today it dropped all the way down while i was driving and the column (which i have fully extended normally) collapsed forward (compressed). i lost some vehicle control as i reached down to secure the handle upward. this seems to be a friction device and has no positive locking detent. my wife and daughter have more trouble with it than i do as they cannot force it up as far, so it releases more often. a poor and dangerous design. the dealer wants $79 just to look at it. we have gotten into the habit of checking the lock frequently but whenever we forget it will release the telescope and collapse the wheel unexpectedly after about 2 hours of highway driving. we bought the car new. it is happening about once a week now if we forget to check it. my wife is 65 and does not have the strength to tighten it fully now. *tr | |||
| 11/18/2009 | 35000 | 1 | |
| I have begun to notice a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, going forward or in reverse. i am now reading about this happening to other avalon 2006 owners. the car has 35,000 miles on it and this started showing up at around 30k. at first i thought it was the brake pads knocking, but i'm almost certain it is the steering shaft from what others are describing. it goes in the shop tomorrow for the vvt oil recall fix and i will discuss this unacceptable and perhaps dangerous condition with the toyota service department. *tr | |||
| 10/16/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Steering was binding on my 2006 toyota avalon under slow speed right hand turns. dealer acknowledged this as a known safety issue with multiple toyota models but refused to cover any of the cost of repairs. *tr | |||
| 06/05/2006 | 12000 | 1 | 04/30/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota avalon. while driving approximately 65-70 mph on normal road conditions, the steering wheel dropped downward unexpectedly. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the vehicle exceeded the mileage under the warranty coverage and has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 12,000 and current mileage was 44,000. the consumer stated the vehicle was equipped with tilt steering and telescoping steering. while driving, the pressure arm under the steering column which held the telescoping column in place became loose due to a vibration. updated 02/24/09. *jb | |||
| 01/01/2007 | 30000 | 1 | |
| Steering column telescoping lever drops during normal driving. fully down (although not visible through steering column) within 2-3 hours driving. leaves steering wheel with free play during operation. safety issue. *tr | |||
| 01/20/2008 | 21000 | 1 | |
| I started to notice a clunk when i turned the wheel to the left which i though t was unusual. it concerned me that it sounded like a worn linkage or ball joint and the car had only 21,000 mile on it. who informed me that there had been a bad lot of a steering linkage part put on certain avalons that they couldn't identify. therefore, no recall which disturbed me. i though toyota was known for outstanding quality! the car now has 26,300 miles and there have been no further issues. *tr | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 10/14/2009 | 30500 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota avalon. while driving at a speeds of 60 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the steering column began to move towards the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer advised repairs would be at the expense of the owner. the approximate failure mileage was 30,500 and the current was 31,000. | |||
| 10/05/2007 | 17500 | 1 | 01/29/2007 |
| Steering vibrations and clicks when turning steering wheel to the right at low speeds. *tr | |||
| 01/02/2008 | 41000 | 99 | 02/01/2006 |
| Steering column in 2006 avalon exhibits pulsing ratchet type vibration and noise. most severe when turned at lower speeds. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2007 | 1 | ||
| Steering wheel clunks during acceleration, braking, and rotating the steering wheel from side to side. vehicle was brought into the dealer for which they indicated that the steering intermediate shaft had failed and so they replaced it. while picking up the car, i had asked to examine the old shaft and noted corrosion and wear on one of the splines. the car only had 16,500 miles on it. if the splines were completely worn, the steering of the vehicle would be compromised. the dealer indicated that toyota had a fix to this already, but there is no recall. this should be a safety recall. *tr | |||
| 07/04/2007 | 19000 | 9 | 09/19/2005 |
| (1) heavy braking to avoid a collision leads up to the ongoing failures (2) failure is the friction lock for the telescoping steering wheel slowly releases during normal stop and go driving and after a period of time, a heavy application of the brakes will cause the steering wheel to collapse inward resulting in near loss of control of the automobile. (3) the car has been taken to the dealer twice. the first time the dealer could not duplicate the problem and indicated that the driver was improperly locking the steering wheel telescope lock. the second time the car was taken to the dealer, the dealer again could not duplicate the problem and after the owner of the car showed them what causes the lock to come undone they refused to repair stating that the problem is you are driving with the steering fully telescoped and even a brand new avalon would do the same thing. the dealer said this must not be the car for you since you must drive with the steering fully extended. we have approximately 24,000 miles. the problem first began appearing at about 19,000 miles. *jb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 01/24/2009 | 2 | 06/30/2006 | |
| 2006 toyota avalon. consumer states problem with power steering pumps *tgw the consumer stated the power steering pump was leaking. on feburary 7, 2009 the power steering pump was replaced under warranty. in june 2010, while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic pointed out that the power steering pump was leaking again and needed to be replaced. the consumer contacted the dealer who originally replaced the pump in 2009. they informed the consumer, the power steering pump was only under warranty for 12 months and they could not replace it without charging him for the repairs. *jb | |||