The 2005 Toyota Avalon has 5 recalls, the most serious being a steering shaft defect where the yoke may not be welded to the shaft, which can cause complete loss of steering control.
The steering issue represents a critical structural failure: if the yoke separates from the shaft while driving, the steering wheel no longer connects to the front wheels, leaving the driver unable to steer or avoid obstacles. Recalls 3 and 4 describe the same underlying problem, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve it for all affected vehicles.
A separate recall covers a sticking accelerator pedal that may move roughly, return slowly, or stay pressed down, preventing the driver from reducing engine power and raising the risk of a crash.
Two recalls involve aftermarket seat heaters on certain trim levels. In one, the copper heating element in the seat can short circuit and start a fire. In the other, normal compression of the seat cushion over time can damage the heater wiring, causing the seat itself to burn and potentially injure the occupant sitting in it.
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.
