The 2005 Toyota Avalon has 5 recalls, the most serious being a steering column defect where the steering yoke may not be welded to the shaft, allowing it to separate and cause a complete loss of steering control.
A second serious concern involves the accelerator pedal, which can become sticky or slow to return, leaving the throttle stuck open and the vehicle accelerating without driver input. On the safety equipment side, two recalls affect the front seat heaters on vehicles equipped with certain aftermarket heated seat systems: compressed seat cushions can damage the heater wiring, and damaged wiring can short circuit, raising the risk of the seat catching fire while occupied. Both seat heater recalls apply only to vehicles with these aftermarket systems installed through Southeast Toyota Distributors.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The seat cushion may compress and damage the wiring in seat heaters with copper strand heating elements.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the affected seat heaters and refund the accessory purchase price at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal may move roughly, return slowly, or stick down. This can cause loss of throttle control and a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a steel reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal assembly to eliminate excess friction that causes sticking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering yoke may not be properly welded to the steering shaft, which could separate and cause you to lose steering control.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the steering column and replace it if the weld is defective.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering yoke is not properly welded to the steering shaft. It could separate during driving, causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the weld and replace the steering column assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
