2000 Toyota Avalon

Routine

Owners filed 173 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
86,000 milesMedian miles at failure

82 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering23
702
Air Bags13
505
Visibility › Windshield12
000
Vehicle Speed Control11
805
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine8
100
Air Bags › Frontal7
606
Unknown or Other5
000
Tires5
010
Suspension5
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components4
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering10V345000
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.

Suspension › Rear00V154000
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.

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

20 of 173 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20228000Routine
202121200Routine
202010301Fatalities reported
201970400Routine
201824200Routine
2017142010Fatalities reported
201623310Routine
201541200Routine
201496410Routine
2013137410Routine
201230410Routine
2011106100Routine
201046700Routine
200991710Routine
2008349640Above average
2007243614Fatalities reported
2006360742Fatalities reported
2005228731Fatalities reported
2004205302Fatalities reported
2003293221Fatalities reported
2002116120Routine
2001134213Fatalities reported
2000 — this page173220Routine
199992211Fatalities reported
1998178210Routine
1997125101Fatalities reported
1996109001Fatalities reported
199580040Routine

Compare every Avalon year →

Reading this record

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.