2005 Toyota Avalon

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 228 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the vehicle speed control. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
47,900 milesMedian miles at failure

180 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control52
1706
Steering28
001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
410
Unknown or Other9
000
Steering › Column9
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission9
000
Power Train9
101
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal8
204
Air Bags8
404
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine7
010

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler16V396000
Filed Jun 2, 20167,749 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder10V499000
Filed Oct 21, 2010728,544 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Risk. A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V036000
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal10V017000
Filed Jan 21, 20102,230,661 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.

Risk. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal09V388000
Filed Oct 5, 20094,445,056 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Risk. A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Air Bags06V096000
Filed Apr 3, 2006133 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

Risk. THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Steering › Column05V227000
Filed May 16, 20054,855 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STEERING YOKE WAS NOT WELDED TO THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE YOKE MAY COME OFF FROM THE SHAFT, AND COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL.

Risk. LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING YOKE AND SHAFT WELD CONDITION, AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 27, 2025AL

UNKOWN

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 7, 2024NY

I have been experiencing sponginess in the brakes. the air conditioner stopped working, the temperature gauges stopped working, and the ABS and Brake light are all on in the dash. Reviewing possible fixes according to Toyota Nation Forum online all these symptoms are a result of an ABS Control Module. This part alone costs almost $1500.00 and supposedly is a very common problem with this type of Avalon, Thank you for researching this further.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 7, 202488,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 23, 2024170,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle then returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 8, 2024165,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the vehicle was in direct sunlight, and the instrument panel cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 17, 2023KY

After the alternator and battery dies the car went right back to accelerating by itself into traffic, I contacted Toyota and explained that after the battery and alternator died the problem came right back but they seem not to care

Air Bags
Filed Jul 1, 2023SC

Please check all recalls on my car.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 1, 2023SC

Please check for all recalls on my car.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 1, 2023SC

Please check for all of the recalls on my car

Wheels
Filed Jul 1, 2023SC

Please check for all the recalls on my car

Air Bags
Filed Apr 11, 2023SC

One of my airbags or out. My heated seats on my passenger side heats up on its own . I also have lots of water on my passenger side floor when it rains. My gas pedal seem to get stuck when taking off.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 12, 2023PA

Dashboard and airbag covers including dash are badly cracked, airbag safety is potentially compromised if deployed. The car is available for inspection at my residence at any time. Toyota offered to supply and replace dash covers to fix this danger, but parts were never made available. The hazard remains.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 2, 2022CA

Leaks. My stereo system shorted out due to leaking water from windshield area. I since learned Toyota knew about at least 2 leaking problems (in TSB’s) however the coverage was only for 36,000 miles or 36 months. I didn’t detect these issues until after that time. Now it will cost Thou$ands to remedy.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 4, 2020225,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME SOFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUMPED SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX THE ISSUE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILURE. THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER BY PHONE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 6, 2020PR

LOWER FRONT DASH IS CRACKED AND BROKE

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 19, 2019156,000 milesMI

THE REAR SUNSHADE WON'T GO DOWN AND IT'S STUCK IN THE UP POSITION HENCE CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 18, 2019175,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND WHILE TRYING TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER 4 TIMES. NO INJURY OCCURRED. A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 13, 2019127,000 milesMD

ON 2005 TO 2008 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED MODELS THE 3RD BREAK LIGHT WORKS SOMETIMES AND OTHER TIME IT DOESN'T I HAVE LOOKED ON A LOT OF FORUM AND SO MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM AND I GOT A WARNING FOR IT

Structure › Body
Filed May 12, 2019FL

CRACKED AND MELTING DASHBOARD AND GLOSSY, REFLECTING SUNLIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TOYOTA AND THEY ASKED ME TO PAY $2000.00 TO REPLACE IT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 31, 2018136,000 milesNC

ON 10/25/18 I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHEN MY GAS PEDAL HUNG AND LURCHED FORWARD WHILE I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A DOCTOR'S OFFICE. I HAD SLOWED DOWN TO PARK WHEN MY CAR JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT THE BUILDING HEAD ON. IT WAS 3:50 IN THE AFTERNOON AND A CLEAR VISIBILITY DAY. THE POLICE REPORT HAS MY SPEED AT ABOUT 20 MPH. MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY, I DID HAVE MY SEATBELT ON. IT WAS STRAIGHT FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY CAR. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT I AM SUFFERING FROM WHIPLASH AND POSSIBLE (TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY), ALSO NECK AND BACK PAIN. I BELIEVE THAT THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE GAS PEDAL 'STICKING' AND AS A RESULT OF NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSING MORE MOTION ON MY HEAD, NECK, AND BACK.

20 of 228 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
2005 — this page228731Fatalities reported
2004205302Fatalities reported
2003293221Fatalities reported
2002116120Routine
2001134213Fatalities reported
2000173220Routine
199992211Fatalities reported
1998178210Routine
1997125101Fatalities reported
1996109001Fatalities reported
199580040Routine

Compare every Avalon year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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: Jun 2, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.