Filed Jul 29, 2010372,593 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 AVALON VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF THE STEERING LOCK BAR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A MINUTE CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE LOCK BAR. SUCH A CRACK MAY EXPAND OVER A LONG PERIOD OF REPEATED LOCK AND UNLOCK OPERATIONS, AND EVENTUALLY THE LOCK BAR COULD BREAK.
Risk. SHOULD THE STEERING LOCK BAR BREAK, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE DRIVER WOULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Jun 5, 2000541 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT, THE REAR AXLE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STRENGTH IN SOME AREAS.
Risk. AFTER EXTENDED USE OF THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS COULD FAIL OR BREAK.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR AXLE HUB ASSEMBLIES.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Apr 18, 2025278,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the brake line was leaking brake fluid. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the subframe and rear axle were rusted. The contact had replaced the brakes. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 00V154000 (Suspension). The contact called the independent mechanic, who determined that a brake line replacement was needed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 278,000.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 19, 2023CA
Hi was making a left turn when this guys ran the last and hit me on my passenger and wheel and this air bags never deployed !
Steering
Filed Dec 31, 2021CA
Two times the power steering locked/hard to turn momentarily while driving and turning. Check power steering fluid full and no leak, power steering belt is good. Stop driving the car for now. First incident happened on Dec. 15 and the second last Dec. 23.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 201981,674 milesFL
AIR BAG INDICATOR FLASHING ON AND OFF WHETHER IN MOTION, TURNING OR STATIONARY.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 19, 201938,350 milesDE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPONTANEOUSLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SUBARU FORESTER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE CONTACT CALLED TEAM TOYOTA OF GLEN MILLS (1050 BALTIMORE PIKE, GLEN MILLS, PA 19342, (484) 407-0835) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,350. *JS PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 29, 2018167,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB, SPUN AROUND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND CRASHED INTO A BRIDGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
Steering
Filed Oct 5, 2018160,000 milesHI
PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SHAKES TILL I REACH 45MPH IT STOPS
Wheels
Filed Jul 17, 2018133,000 milesVA
LARGE BULGE ON TREAD SIDE OF TIRE - NO BLOWOUT. PROBABLY STEEL BELT SEPARATION. FELT LIKE UNBALANCED TIRE IN REAR. IMAGE ATTACHED. DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES. WAS THE SECOND TIRE OF ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF A SIMILAR TIRE FILED 8/6/2016.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jan 18, 2018AR
GOOD AFTERNOON ,MY NAME IS [XXX] AND SOME TIME AGO .I WAS CONTACTED BY THE OFFICE OF [XXX] CONCERNING THE FACTORY DEFECT THAT MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS AND MAY HAVE EVEN KILLED DRIVERS THROUGH THE EXPOSURE OF CARBON MONOXIDE.TOYOTA EXECUTIVE CONTINUES TO DENY THIS CLAIM HOPING I WILL GO AWAY.I AM AWAITING YOUR RESPONSE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE PROMISED INSPECTION OF MY CAR.MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEEN POISONED BY THE CARBON MONOXIDE SEEPING INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS.TROTTER FORD TOYOTA IN PINE BLUFF,ARKANSAS SAID THE CAR HAD CARBON MONOXIDE GOING ALL OVER THE CAR AND THAT THE CAR WAS DANGEROUS.I CONTACTED TOYOTA EXECUTIVE CEO [XXX] OFFICE .HE SENT A MAN DOWN TO INSPECT MY CAR .THE PERSON ASSIGNED TO THE CAR TRIED TO BASH ME AND IN THE PROCESS ADMITTED SEVERAL DANGEROUS COMPONENTS TO THIS CAR.I AM ASKING TO SPEAK BEFORE CONGRESS ON THIS MATTER .I DON'T CARE HOW OLD THIS CAR IS I DONT DESERVE TO BE POISONED TO DEATH BY CARBON MONOXIDE. *BF *JS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *PM *TR
Air Bags
Filed Mar 29, 2017180,000 milesCA
TAKATA RECALL
Tires
Filed Sep 7, 2016115,000 milesVA
TWO LARGE BULGES ON INSIDE SIDEWALL. STUCK OUT APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF AN INCH WITH THE SURFACE AREA OF A SLIVER DOLLAR. FELT INCREASINGLY LIKE UNBALANCED TIRE IN REAR. NEVER BLEW. DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES OR ROADWAY DEBRIS BEFORE OCCURRENCE. I HAVE RETAINED THE TIRE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 3, 2016165,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000. ...UPDATED 12/28/16 *BF TOYOTA FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PROPERLY SECURED AND UNDAMAGED WHEN INSPECTED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED WITH NO OBSTRUCTIONS. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALSO INSPECTED AND NO DAMAGE OR LEAKAGE WAS OBSERVED. THE BRAKE FLUID WAS PROPERLY FILLED TO THE RECOMMENDED LEVEL. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED IT FELT FIRM AND HELD PRESSURE. DURING THE TEST DRIVE, A STALL SPEED TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THE BRAKE SYSTEMS OVER POWERED THE THROTTLE SYSTEM HOLDING THE VEHICLE STATIONARY. HOWEVER, THERE WAS AN UNSECURED FLOOR MAT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE ARE. UPDATED 01/04/17.*JB
Steering
Filed Apr 27, 2016GA
SUSPENSION: MAKES STRANGE SOUNDS - LIKE PARTS ARE GRINDING AGAINST EACH OTHER ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP. STEERING - MAKES UNUSUAL SOUNDS - AS IF PARTS ARE RUBBING AGAINST EACH OTHER.
Tires
Filed Apr 26, 2016110,000 milesVA
KELLY TIRE IMMEDIATE AND UNEXPLAINED SIDEWALL TIRE FAILURE - TRAVELING 65MPH ON I-95 NEAR RICHMOND, VIRGINIA AT NIGHT (9PM). NO INJURY NOR DAMAGE. PASSENGER-SIDE REAR TIRE. NO DEBRIS-ON-ROAD IMPACTED. DAMAGE SO SEVERE TO TIRE - MODEL IS UNKNOWN, BUT CHOSE KELLY CHARGER MODEL TO CONTINUE FORM SUBMISSION. HOPEFULLY, TIRE ID# WILL IDENTIFY MODEL. NO LOSS OF CONTROL - CONTINUED TO SHOULDER AND REPLACED TIRE WITH SPARE.
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 201630,000 milesCA
AS SOON AS I START THE CAR, 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT KEEPS COMING IN SPITE OF SEVERAL YEARS OF REPAIRS AND SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS SPENT AT TWO TOYOTA DEALERS, AND AT SEVERAL OTHER GARAGES. FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN 2005. RIGHT NOW THE LIGHT IS ON. THE TOYOTA 2000 AVALON XL I HAVE HAS SERIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. IN 2004 DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL AND COST ME ALMOST $600.00 THE WATER PUMP, GASKET, DRIVE BELTS, ENGINE COVER AND LOGO, ETC HAVE BEEN CHANGED.
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Dec 17, 201588,632 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE HAD SHATTERED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR WINDOW HAD SHATTERED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,632.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2015FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTER BRAKE SENSOR, AIR BAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/10/16*LJ UPDATED 05/04/18*JB *TR
Engine
Filed Nov 14, 201530,000 milesCA
'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT KEEPS COMING WHEN DRIVING. SINCE 2005, TWO TOYOTA DEALERS AND TWO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR GOOD. LATEST REPAIR WAS IN SEPTEMBER 2015 AT TOYOTA. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 1, 2015125,000 milesPR
THIS IS AN INTERMITEND PROBLEM AND IT HAPPENS WHEN STARTING ON THE CAR. TO TURN THE CAR ON I HAVE TO TAKE THE STEERING WHEEL AND FORCEFULLY TURN IT LEFT AND RIGHT. MOVE ALSO THE SHIFTER TO NEUTRAL. I ALSO TRY TO PRESS THE BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME. MECHANICS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS ALSO CHECKED BY A TOYOTA DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT IDENTIFIED. THE BATTERY AND THE CABLES ARE WORKING PROPERLY. NOW IT IS HAPPENING VERY OFTEN AND CREATING A SECURITY AND SAFETY ISSUE. I CHECKED THE RECALLS FOR THIS CAR ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SITUATION I DID NOT FIND AN ANSWER ALTHOUGH I HAVE READ LOTS OF RELATED COMPLAINS. I AM PLANNING TO CHANGE THE IGNITION OR THE STARTER BUT PROBABLY IS A TRY AND ERROR SOLUTION.
Air Bags
Filed May 20, 201573,300 milesIN
. AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE. PANEL LIGHTS ON. AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK
Air Bags
Filed May 1, 201572,000 milesIN
AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. AIR BAG LIGHT. *TR
SteeringCrash
Filed Apr 14, 2015139,400 milesNY
THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 10, 2015 WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, I TOOK THIS RAMP AT 30 MPH WHICH IS A LEFT TUNING CURVE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE HIGHWAY. AT THE END OF THE RAMP I HAD TO GRADUALLY ACCELERATE AND MAKE A MODERATE RIGHT TURN TO JOIN THE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. AFTER FINISHING THE RIGHT TURN, I COULDN'T KEEP THE CAR RUNNING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND I WASN'T ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE KEPT ON GOING THE RIGHT TURN AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL CAUSING THE BUMPER COVER, BUMPER REINFORCEMENT, WIND SHIELD WASHER TANK, FRONT BUMPER GRILL AND LEFT AND RIGHT LIGHTS TO BE DAMAGED. THE STEERING SYSTEM AND ITS COMPONENTS ARE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED BECAUSE "STEERING INTERLOCK ASSEMBLY" RECALL OF JULY 29, 2010 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V345000) WAS NOT DONE TO MY 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. TOYOTA DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THERE ARE VEHICLES LIKE MINE THAT BEING DRIVEN ON THE STREETS WITHOUT THE STEERING INTERLOCK ASSEMBLY RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE RECALL STATES THAT: SHOULD THE STEERING LOCK BAR BREAK, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE DRIVER WOULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. TOYOTA FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE THAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT. TOYOTA PERFORMED AN INSPECTION WHICH NOT RELATED TO THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL. PLEASE HELP THE STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY BE INSPECTED. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Mar 18, 2015141,000 milesMN
MY FATHER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET IN A RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION IN MY 2000 TOYOTA AVALON WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. MY FATHER LOST CONTROL AS HE WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE. HE ENDED UP SIDE SWIPING A TREE THEN HITTING A PARKED CAR HEAD ON PUSHING IT ONTO SOMEONES FRONT LAWN. LUCKILY HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF. *TR
Structure
Filed Nov 3, 201417,000 milesCA
CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I NOTICED THAT THE EYEGLASS COMPARTMENT THAT IS LOCATED INSIDE THE CAR BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT VISORS WAS HANGING DOWN AND COVERING THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I TRIED TO CLOSE IT SHUT BY PUSHING IT UP INTO PLACE, BUT IT KEPT FALLING DOWN. I PUT ON MASKING TAPE TO KEEP IT CLOSED, SINCE I DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE USE OF MY INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THAT SAME DAY, I HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO GET NEW TIRES AT AN AUTO REPAIR PLACE. I DROVE DIRECTLY THERE AND ASKED THE AUTO MECHANIC TO REMOVE THE COMPARTMENT COVER ENTIRELY. HE REMOVED THE COVER, IT WAS HELD IN PLACE WITH TWO LITTLE SCREWS, AND HE ALSO FOUND IN THE CAR A TINY PIECE OF ALUMINUM, IN A V SHAPE, THAT MUST HAVE BEEN PART OF THE COMPARTMENT LOCKING MECHANISM. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 14 YEARS AND NEVER HAVE PUT ANYTHING IN THAT COMPARTMENT. I MAY HAVE OPENED IT ONCE TO SEE HOW IT WORKED WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR. I AM GLAD THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, AND THAT THIS COVER IS NOW COMPLETELY GONE FROM THE CAR. THIS CAR DOES HAVE VERY LOW MILEAGE. *TR
Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 21, 2014157,000 milesTX
MY SON WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD CAME AROUND A CORNER AND A LADY HIT HIM HEAD ON HE HIT HIS HEAD IN STEERING WHEEL AND SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 24, 201488,500 milesGA
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A RETAIL STORE. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH ENGINE AT HIGHEST RPM.... FRONT END HITTING CONCRETE WALL . POLICE AND EMT'S CALLED AND REPORT GIVEN. RELATIVELY MINOR HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES TO 88 YEAR OLD DRIVER. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP.WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE STEEL CABLE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHERE IT IS LOCATED JUST INSIDE THE FIRE WALL WAS STUCK IN THE FULL ACCELERATE POSITION. THE LOCATION OF THIS CABLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RESULTING CRASH. THERE WERE NO CARPET PADS OR OTHER SUCH ITEMS WHICH COULD HAVE INTERFERED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ( AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED IN PAST HIGH SPEED TOYOTA CRASHES).FURTHER, THE DRIVER'S FOOT WAS OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND MOVING TOWARDS THE BRAKE AT THE TIME OF ACCELERATION BUT THE DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ONLY ABOUT 10 FEET BEFORE THE CRASH! *TR
Air Bags
Filed Apr 12, 2014IN
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. POSSIBLE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED THREE YEARS AGO. DEALER FAILS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $750 FOR REPLACEMENT. A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG IS NOT DRIVER'S FAULT. AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE AND MAY FAIL TO FUNCTION SHOULD THERE BE AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. I AM UNABLE TO PAY $750 FOR SOMETHING THAT I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR. THAT IS THE DEALER'S RESPONSIBILITY. *JS
Steering
Filed Dec 14, 2013110,900 milesIL
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED IN THE WINTER, THE STEERING COLUMN IS SOMETIMES LOCKED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED BACK AND FORTH REPEATEDLY, THE VEHICLE WARMS UP, OR THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AND OFF. INTERNET RESEARCH SUGGESTS THIS IS PART OF ESTABLISHED STEERING PROBLEMS WITH THE 2000 AVALON AND LIKELY RELATED TO THE STEERING LOCK BAR OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM. NO STEERING ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED AS OF YET WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed May 31, 201340,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE FRONT SIDE OF HIS FOOT BECAME PARTIALLY STUCK BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE HIS FOOT. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Engine
Filed Feb 8, 201365,089 milesCA
TOYOTA AVALON 2000 "CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT COMES ON. I TAKE IT TO TOYOTA DEALER FOR REPAIR 9/1/12 . THIS LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN ON 10/9/12. TOYOTA DEALER AGAIN REPAIRS. LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN 12/14/12. TOYOTA DEALER REPAIRS AGAIN. LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN 01/18/13. TOYOTA DEALER REPAIRS AGAIN. 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' COMES ON AGAIN 1/25/13. TOYOTA DEALER WANTS TO REPAIR. I REFUSE. I INFORM TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA CORP. AND REQUEST A REFUND OF ALL MONEY ($824.47) CHARGED. NO REFUND AS OF 2/8/13. ON 8/18/12, THE DRIVER FRONT WINDOW WON'T ROLL. TOYOTA DEALER REPAIRS IT AT A COST OF $274.24. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed May 30, 201293,500 milesFL
DRIVING BETWEEN 10-15 MPH IN AN OPEN PARKING LOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED (RPMS BETWEEN 7-8). APPLIED BRAKES TO NO AVAIL. WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT TO PARK, THE CAR ACCELERATED IN REVERSE. DID MANAGE TO GET CAR IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. MOST HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE. VERY FORTUNATE AND BLESSED NO OTHER PERSONS, VEHICLE OR BUILDING WAS IN OUR PATH. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT IDLED NORMAL AND EXHIBITED NO OTHER ACCELERATIONS WHEN DRIVING. BROUGHT CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER. DIAGNOSTICS PERFORMED AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. DEALER CONTACTED TOYOTA CORP. AND NOTIFIED US NOTHING WOULD BE DONE UNLESS WE CONTACTED CORPORATE PERSONALLY TO REPORT THE INCIDENT. AS OF THIS DATE, WE NOW HAVE A CASE NUMBER ASSIGNED FROM CORPORATE AND THE CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 5, 2012100,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER TWENTY MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BEGUN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Steering
Filed Jan 26, 2012CT
2000 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA REFUSED TO HONOR THE STEERING RECALL. THEY STATED THE CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS WERE NOT ADEQUATE PROOF OF PAYMENT FOR REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR HIS DAUGHTER, THE STEERING BEGAN TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES FROM NOVEMBER 2007 TO JANUARY 2008. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 18, 2011VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Steering
Filed Mar 11, 2011LA
2000 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TOYOTA RECALL STEERING COLUMN UPPER BRACKET *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING BRACKET IN HIS VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED, PRIOR TO TOYOTA ISSUING A RECALL. THE CONSUMER WROTE TOYOTA TWO MONTHS LATER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. TOYOTA RESPONDING BY SAYING THE REPAIRS THAT WERE DONE ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE, WERE NOT RECALLED REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL AS WELL AS HIS INVOICE STATED THE STEERING BRACKET WAS THE PROBLEM. *JB
Steering
Filed Feb 3, 2011104,837 milesTX
ON JULY 3, 2008, MY 2000 TOYOTA AVALON STEERING COLUMN LOCKED WHILE ON VACATION IN SEDONA, AZ. IT WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS IN PRESCOTT, AZ. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIR RECEIPT READS: FAULTY LOCK PIN, REMOVED IGNITION LOCK BRACKET, REMOVED LOCK PIN, REINSTALLED BRACKET. NEEDS NEW LOCK BRACKET AND BREAK-OFF BOLTS. (PLEASE REFER TO THE MECHANIC NOTES THAT I NEEDED A NEW LOCK BRACKET AND BREAK-OFF BOLTS - DID TOYOTA KNOW AT THIS TIME THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PROBLEM?) RECENTLY I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN 2000 - 2004 TOYOTA AVALON STEERING COLUMN UPPER BRACKETS. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA BY MAIL AND PHONE AND THEY REFUSE TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE EXPENSES I HAVE INCURRED BECAUSE OF THEIR DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURING. THE RECALL NOTICE DESCRIBES THE RECALL CONDITION AS FOLLOWS: DUE TO THE IMPROPER CASTING OF THE STEERING LOCK BAR, WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE STEERING INTERLOCK SYSTEM, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT MINUTE CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE. SUCH A CRACK MAY EXPAND OVER A LONG PERIOD OF REPEATED LOCK AND UNLOCK OPERATIONS, AND EVENTUALLY THE BAR COULD BREAK. IT THIS OCCURS, THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK WHEN STATIONARY. ..... *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 14, 2010149,000 milesOK
HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS DANGEROUS, BECAUSE LIGHTS ACTUALLY FLICKER TO THE POINT OF BEING OFF FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND. *TR
Steering
Filed Nov 12, 2010104,000 milesFL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V345000 (STEERING). WHEN HE CALLED TWO DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 17, 2010112,889 milesNY
COULD NOT PUT CAR INTO PARK OR NEUTRAL DRIVER SHAFT CLIP TOTALLY FAILED ON MY TOYOTA 2000 AVALON XLS NEW SHAFT ASSEMBLY INSTALLED WESTBURY TOYOTA WOULD NOT REPAIR UNLESS I PAID A $300 DIAGNOSTIC FEE WILL CALL TO SEE IF PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 2010ND
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS AT NIGHT AND FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 21, 201093,000 milesWV
TL-THE DRIVER OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE INVOLUNTARILY ACCELERATED RESULTING IN A CRASH THAT DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER WAS REPORTED INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION BY AN INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. SM.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 16, 201024,000 milesCA
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE 5 MPH DURING NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF SHE ACCIDENTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR OR THE BRAKES. TWO PASSENGERS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED ONE WAS CUT FROM THE GLASS FROM THE WINDOW. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT 'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 24,000. THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VIN#.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 10, 2010NC
2000 TOYOTA AVALON DRIVEN BY MY WIFE QUOTE "SUDDENLY TOOK OFF" RESULTING IN A WRECK. CAR WAS TOTALED WITH NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. EARLY MORNING WITH HEAVY RAINS, APPROX. 35 MILES PER HOUR SPEED, BREAKING, WHEN CAR TOOK OFF. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Mar 3, 201020,000 milesNJ
2000 AVALON ACCELERATED UNINTENDED WHILE TRAVELING DOWN LAFAYETTE AVENUE IN HAWTHORNE, NJ DRIVER DID ALL SHE COULD TO CONTROL CAR AND TO AVOID PEOPLE AND PROPERTY. THE ONLY WAY SHE COULD STOP THE CAR WAS TO DRIVE INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. CAUSING SEVERE INJURY TO HERSELF. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 2, 201012,000 milesLA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. UNEXPECTEDLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER APPLIED BOTH FEET TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH GREAT FORCE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A STUMP TO AVOID ENTERING INTO A RIVER. THE SPEED RATE INCREASED TO 35 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 2, 201040,000 milesMA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP, PROCEEDING TO A YIELD TRAFFIC SIGNAL. UNEXPECTEDLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TRAVEL UNCONTROLLABLY ACROSS AN INTERSECTION. AN OPPOSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR PANEL NEAR THE TIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A SEVERE INJURY TO HIS BACK. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND REPAIRED FOR BODY DAMAGES. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 2, 2010116,513 milesMD
2000 TOYOTA AVALON CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED WHILE CAR WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. COULD NOT DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. CONDITION WAS VERIFIED BY TEACH WHEN SERVICED BY DEALER. CLEANED AND SERVICED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND RESET. CLEAN AND SERVICED IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2010125,000 milesTX
OUR 2000 TOYOTA AVALON 6 CYLINDER ENGINE SHUT DOWN DUE TO OIL SLUDGE. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER (CHAMPION TOYOTA) WHERE THEY TOLD US THE ENGINE IS DEAD DUE TO THE YEARS OF OIL SLUDGE. NO ONE TOLD US THAT THE 2000-2002 AVLON WAS IN A QUIET RECALL CALLED CSP TO "FIX" THOSE ENGINES. THE FIGURE FOR A NEW ENGINE IS $9000, WE DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A AUTO SHOP NEAR THE HOUSE WHERE THE OIL SLUDGE WAS CLEANED. WE GOT THE CAR BACK. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY INTERSECTION LATE AT NIGHT. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AS IT WAS VERY LATE. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO CHARLES MAUND TOYOTA WHO SOLD US THE CAR (CAR PREVIOUSLY OWNED BY THE OWNER CHARLES MAUND. WE BOUGHT IT WITH 7000 MILES ON IT IN 2000T. THE MECHANICS THERE CLEANED THE SLUDGE AND TRY TO TEST DRIVE, ONLY TO HAVE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AGAIN..THEY TOOK IT APART AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE HAS BEEN DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR DUE TO THE SLUDGE PROBLEM. WE DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND HAS THEM TO MAKE GOOD ON THE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CSP AND WERE NOT ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT DURING THE TIME LIMIT PLACED ON THE CSP BY TOYOTA CORP. THE PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED. WE HAVE REGULARLY CHANGED THE OIL, THOUGH NOT ALWAYS WITH TOYOTA DEALER AS WE HAVE MOVED. THE ENGINE BREAKDOWN COULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENTS HAD WE NOT BEEN ABLE TO COAST TO A NARROW SHOULDER BY THE CORNER OF 2222/360 HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE. WE WANT TOYOTA TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AND CORRECT THE
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Feb 28, 201014,254 milesMA
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, ONE TIME ONLY, RESULTING IN SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. I WAS AT ENTRANCE TO CAR WASH SPEAKING TO THE ATTENDANT WHEN THE CAR TOOK OFF AT HIGH SPEED. MY CAR WAS STOPPED BY HITTING THE REAR END OF A JEEP AT THE END OF THE CAR WASH. THE REASON WAS INEXPLICABLE. *TR
SteeringCrash
Filed Feb 24, 2010114,000 milesMD
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING LOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 114000.
Complaints 1-50 of 173, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 29, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.