RoadVitals

2001 Toyota Avalon

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
134
Latest Sep 15, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 29, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
35
25 injuries, 3 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 134 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Toyota Avalon, most frequently naming the driver assistance, airbags and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 125 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STEERING

Jul 29, 2010
372,593 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Manufacturer number AOHView on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Mar 5, 2001
545 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUB FRAME, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Sep 15, 2023
Crash reported

this car involve accident AIR BAG none deploy , right side , rear side, left side were damage serious but AIR BAG none deploy , and now the light AIRBAG to be open on the screen I petition into OFFICE to request for our car to be recall AIRBAG , this is car run was 92K Mile this Air Bag none open any chair or It can open any time itself

NHTSA ID
11544855
Incident
Aug 21, 2023
Airbags
Filed Sep 14, 2023
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while her son was driving at low speeds in a parking area, he was involved in a collision with the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID
11544612
Incident
Aug 21, 2023
Mileage
92,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 14, 2023
Crash reported

The contact stated that the son owns a 2001 Toyota Avalon. While the son was driving approximately 5 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy. The contact indicated that after the crash the air bag light activated and remained illuminated. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11544555
Incident
Aug 21, 2023
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Sep 11, 2023
Crash reported

I petition into USA to request COMPANY TOYOTA AVALON to should be recall AIRBAG , because in the time our car was involve accident Airbag to did not open , after some day the light AIRBAG appear , it is mean AIRBAG none good , All picture our car were damage I submitted into DMV Our car TOYOTA AVALON 2001 Vin [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I contact COMPANY TOYOTA in USA For complaint , and to request recall AIRBAG , But I am not company TOYOTA to solve AIRBAG for me after accident I report into POLICE PLEASANT HILL , , This accident at Parking lot and TRUNK car was damage and the right light was damage too , But AIRBAG none open , after some day the light AIRBAG open on the screen INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11543748
Incident
Aug 21, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 3, 2020

I HAVE REPLACED O2 SENSORS TWICE TO GET RID OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR CODES THAT HAVE POPPED YOU P1135 & P1155. TOOK CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. ALL SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH DENSO PARTS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A RECALL IF NOT EVEN THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH TOYOTA'S. I NEED MY CAR TO PASS A SMOG AND IT COULD NOT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. CAR ONLY HAS 62,000 MILES AND RUNS GREAT.

NHTSA ID
11343042
Incident
Jun 20, 2020
Mileage
62,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 23, 2020
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER BROTHER WAS STOPPED AT A SIGN, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CRACKED RIBS, NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND THE DRIVER IN ONE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11330320
Incident
Aug 10, 2018
Mileage
99,000 mi
Filed Aug 16, 2018

WE WENT TO GET OUR TRUCK INSPECTED AT AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE AND HE SAID HE COULDN'T INSPECT IT BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS TO RUSTED. WE CONTACTED OUR TOYOTA DEALER OVER THE TELEPHONE AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND SAID IT WAS UNDER RECALL WHICH WE HAD JUST FOUND OUT. THEY THEN TOLD US THEIR IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. WE TOLD THEM WE WOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS SITUATION EARLIER IF WE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN NOTIFICATION THAT THEY WERE BEING RECALLED NOW OUR TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RUSTED FRAME AND A TOYOTA DEALER NEVER EVEN LOOKED AT OUR VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
11120236
Incident
Aug 7, 2018
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 18, 2017

ON 4/21/14, I PURCHASED 2 CROSSWIND TIRES(20560R16) THE SELLER GAVE ME, IN WRITING, TREAD WEAR WARRANTY OF 50,000 MILES. HOWEVER, I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN APPROX. 19,000 MILES AND 90% OF TREADS ARE GONE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE SELLER, HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. I EVEN CONTACTED MY CREDIT CARD CO. TO HELP, BUT THEY REFUSED IT TOO. I PAID $129.00 PLUS $40.00 FOR INSTALLATION. PLEASE HELP ME GET MY MONEY BACK.

NHTSA ID
11006177
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Mileage
190,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

T-SB-0039-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

T-SB-0061-23 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

T-SB-0062-23 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Avalon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2022800
2021212047.5
2020103053.4
2019684055.9
2018242161.1
2017142162.7
2016233158.2
2015412159.1
2014964155.5
20131374158.8
2012304163.1
20111061043.2
2010467059.1
2009917055.6
20083496052.6
20072436057.9
20063597056.2
20052287056.1
20042053054.1
20032932055.2
20021161049.8
2001Viewing1342055.9
20001732160.7
1999922157.2
19981782157.1
19971251148.3
19961090346.1
1995800144.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.