2006 Toyota Avalon: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jan 13, 2012 · Steering · 42,000 miles · IN

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 steering 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 extended 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 wanted $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.

Filed Nov 22, 2010 · Steering · 17,000 miles · CA

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 offered no assistance when contacted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 27,000. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. Updated 01/24/11 *bf updated 02/03/11

Filed Nov 18, 2009 · Steering · 35,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 21,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Nov 9, 2007 · Steering · IL

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.