Toyota Avalon power steering loss problems

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Steering · CA

TIE ROD LOOSE I heard a clunking noise while turning the steering wheel to the left at very low speeds. Took car in for service Service Mechanic found left outer tie rod end "with play, loose" Safety issue: potential loss of steering ability while driving Vehicle has been inspected and repaired - (my cost $1308.94) - images attached No warning messages / appeared about a month before I went in... it became progressively worse with time

Filed May 5, 2023 · Transmission · TX

While entering the highway on ramp, as I accelerated and turned on the left turn signal, the engine stopped. The steering became very hard. I stopped, put the transmission in park and started the engine, with no problems. This is the second time in3 months this has happened when turning to the left, and activating the turn signal. In both cases, the auto headlight dimming warning lite came on. The car is well maintained, and has never been damaged in any way. The weather was clear.

Filed Feb 4, 2023 · Electrical · NJ

Car intermittently completely shuts off, so I have to pull over with no power steering, put it in park and start it backup this occurs within 2 miles of startup and usually happens when I take my foot off the accelerator pedal to slow down for a red light or stop sign

Filed Dec 13, 2021 · Engine · FL

The engine has quit while in traffic several times and the check engine light and the skid control lights are the only lights lit on the dashboard. Once the car comes to rest and one waits 3 to 5 minutes, the car will restart. We have taken the car to the dealer twice, ( each time the had it for nearly a week) and they could not find the problem. This is a very serious problem because the engine stops without notice causing loss of power steering and total loss of control. The lights for check engine and skid control are sometimes on when this happens, but not always; and the fact that these lights are lit does not predict this event happening.I think there might be a sensor in the engine that is faulty.

Filed Aug 29, 2021 · Steering · TX

At approximately 42000 miles with no significant issues and no front end damages, the steering failed as I was driving at highway speed (70 mph) on a 2 lane road approaching a 90 degree curve. The power steering warning light and a separate triangle warning light appeared at the same time as I felt a pop and lost power and response in the steering wheel. Thankfully, I have driven heavy power equipment in the past and was able to control the vehicle to the shoulder and there was no surrounding traffic. I was able to proceed to my residence at a slow speed on the road shoulder with no power steering and an almost unresponsive steering wheel. After being towed to the local dealer, it was determined the torque sensor failed and the entire steering column required replacement. I had no warning of this impending failure. The airbag recall was done on this vehicle by the dealer several weeks prior to this with no reports of an issue. It is unknown if the airbag recall service impacted this catastrophic failure. The dealership was in possession of the faulty part on 8/27/2021, when the repair was completed. I understand there were previous recalls on Avalons pre-2005 for this issue.

Filed Jul 2, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 153,189 miles · CA

On june 7, 2019, I was driving the avalon, the engine suddenly stopped while I was driving the vehicle on city street. With the loss of power steering and brakes, I was traumatized and did my best to guide the vehicle to side of the road. I had the vehicle towed home and hooked up to a code reader, which yielded codes p0345, p0300, p0302, p0304, p0306. We did further diagnostics and discovered the 3 bolts that hold the variable-valve timing (vvt) gear to the intake camshaft came loose, these bolts are supposed to be temper-resistant and never be removed which LED me to believe the result of engine dying is caused by serious manufacturing and design defects. Please refer to attached three pictures showing 3 bolts laying next to vvt gear, vvt gear loosely held on and the vibration of bolt left cutting mark on the gear, and all intake cam rockers falling out. I did more research and concluded the root cause of engine stopped while the vehicle is being driven in our avalon is identical to toyota safety recall 13v‑395 in lexus vehicles 2006 to 2011. Please find attached two documents, rcrit-13v395-3180.pdf on recent recall for toyota safety recall 13v‑395, rcdnn-13v395-1839.pdf on defect information report from toyota to the federal safety agency on lexus intake-side variable-valve timing (vvt) system part 573. On june 27, 2019, I called stevens creek toyota and toyota hq and logged case [xxx]. I was informed by toyota there's no recall for avalon with the VIN, and the vehicle had no factory warranty (currently 153k miles), and no extended warranty with engine stall for avalon. As a result, we need to repair the vehicle in our own expense which requires engine rebuilt as engine stall has caused severe damage to the vehicle. I was appalled by toyota for lack of initiation to address the safety risk in our avalon and we appreciate your thorough investigation in this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 26, 2016 · Steering · 80,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota avalon. While driving approximately 20 MPH and making a turn, there was a temporary loss of power steering without warning. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The failure recurred numerous. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2015 · Steering · 156,901 miles · MD

The car steering is hard to turn until it warms up. I took the steering to the repair shop for flushing 12/3/2015 but this has not solved the problem. The steering continues to be stiff/hard when turning. I don't know what the problem is. It is the only car my family uses and this is increasing making the car unsafe to drive.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Steering · 72,000 miles · MO

At 7 years old, my toyota avalon is leaking from the body of the rack and pinion gear. Dealer service states that 'this happens'. Concerned that leak may cause loss of power steering while driving causing driver to over or understeer the vehicle. Could be considered for a possible safety issue.

Filed Jul 11, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 91,000 miles · FL

Idler bearing froze which took out serpentine belt. Lost power steering and cooling and electric. This is the second one I have replaced this year both being oem parts.