Steering wheel telescoping lock fails repeatedly during normal driving.

- Euless , TX, USA

Steering wheel collapsed I noticed the left side lever of the steering column had loosened causing me to swerve while driving because of the suddenness of the problem. This has happened at least 5 times between my wife and I.

- Monroe, WA, USA

This is my second Avalon the first being a 2006 which had to have a steering column replaced when it had 24407 miles and out of warranty due to time I paid labor. The 2011 Avalon has same problem 25000 miles and just under 30 days out of warranty they say it is different but is the same problem per the tech just changed part numbers. With the steering problem this is a safety problem which they say they will not repair under warranty. The service dept told me all of the Avalons are having the same problem and have a bulletin to replace the steering column when they get a complaint from the customer. When you adjust the telescopic wheel the whole steering column is loose and knocks when you turn the wheel.

- Brentwood, TN, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel became loose. The failure recurred intermittently as the contact drove at various speeds. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

- Festus, MO, USA

2011 Toyota Avalon. Consumer states problem with parking brake and steering wheel the consumer stated the parking brake did not hold on a 6% grade with the transmission in neutral. The dealer adjusted it to specification, but the brake still did not hold. The steering wheel telescope clamp level vibrated loose, allowing the steering wheel to telescope without warning. The dealer indicated the malfunction was somewhat common, but Toyota had not issued a repair bulletin.

- Venice, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the lever that held the steering wheel in place would intermittently become loose. As a result, the steering wheel would drop downward more than usual. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. There were no recalls or warranties addressing the failure. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they had not received any complaints about this failure. They offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000....updated 07/19/12 updated 07/30/12

- Vanceboro, NC, USA

At highway speed (65+) the front end vibrates and can be felt in the steering wheel and the seats.

- Wilsonville, OR, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the steering wheel would exhibit an abnormal cracking sound when attempting a turn or first starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was a problem in the steering column but they did not know how to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125 and the current mileage was 10,325. Updated 11/25/11 updated 11/30/11

- Scott Township, PA, USA

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.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

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.

- Ca, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact steering column became abnormally loose and exhibited an unusual popping noise as the contact would turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who inspected the steering column. They stated the steering column was defective and it was replaced. The failure mileage was 8,000 and the current mileage was 8,500. Updated 03/07/11

- Belmont, NC, USA