Toyota Recalls 2000-2004 Avalons for Steering Lock Bar Defect
Toyota is recalling 2000-2004 Avalons because a steering lock bar may crack and break, potentially locking the steering wheel and causing a crash.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering lock bar) that can result in loss of steering control and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Toyota Motor North America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon vehicles. The recall involves approximately 372,593 vehicles.
The defect is caused by improper casting of the steering lock bar, which may develop a minute surface crack. Over time, repeated locking and unlocking operations can cause the crack to expand, potentially leading to the lock bar breaking. If the lock bar breaks, the steering wheel will lock, causing the driver to lose the ability to steer the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the steering interlock device free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- TOYOTA AVALON
- Brand
- TOYOTA
- Manufacturer
- TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 372,593
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- AVALON
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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