Recall 10V345 affects 372,593 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon vehicles for a steering lock bar defect. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 372,593 2000-2004 Avalon sedans because an improperly cast steering lock bar can crack after repeated locking and unlocking. If the bar breaks, the steering wheel would lock and the driver would lose steering control, which increases crash risk; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering lock bar in the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon is part of the steering lock assembly near the ignition. Its normal job is to help lock the steering wheel when the vehicle is parked and the key is removed, then release when the driver unlocks and starts the car.
On affected Avalons, Toyota says the lock bar was not cast correctly. Casting is the process that forms the metal part, and an improper casting leaves the surface vulnerable to a tiny crack. With repeated locking and unlocking, that crack grows until the lock bar breaks inside the assembly.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem develops inside the steering lock assembly, an owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel the crack before the part breaks.
Who's affected?
Spans five Avalon model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2002 Toyota Avalon | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2001 Toyota Avalon | steering system |
| 2000 Toyota Avalon | steering system |
| 2003 Toyota Avalon | steering system |
| 2004 Toyota Avalon | steering system |
| Units affected | 372,593 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering lock bar breaks, the steering wheel can lock, leaving the driver unable to steer and increasing the risk of a crash. Until your VIN is checked and repaired, drive cautiously and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask about the free steering interlock replacement that prevents the steering wheel from locking.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V345 when you call.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 if the dealer needs help locating the recall.
- Use caution until the repair is complete. Stop driving and contact the dealer if the steering wheel binds or locks.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the steering interlock device, the part that locks the steering when the Avalon is parked and the key is removed. Toyota's remedy says this repair is performed free of charge. The recall notice does not list the remedy status as available, so confirm the repair opening with a Toyota dealer before planning service. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| July 29, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 7, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V345?
Recall 10V345 covers 372,593 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon vehicles with an improperly cast steering lock bar. The lock bar can crack after repeated lock and unlock cycles, break, and let the steering wheel lock. Toyota dealers replace the steering interlock device for free.
What should I do if my 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Avalon is included in recall 10V345. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the steering interlock device replacement. Reference recall 10V345 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Toyota will replace the steering interlock device free of charge at any franchised Toyota dealer. The safety recall repair opened on September 7, 2010.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V345?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the steering lock bar breaks, the steering wheel would lock and the driver would lose the ability to steer, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Toyota dealer repair.
What if I bought my Toyota Avalon used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2000-2004 Avalon is included, then call a Toyota dealer and reference recall 10V345.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V345000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V345 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V345000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →