2002 Toyota Avalon Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Avalon, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3524.6%
- Driver assistance2719.0%
- Steering1812.7%
- Brakes1510.6%
- Engine85.6%
- Tires & wheels74.9%
- Electrical64.2%
- Visibility53.5%
- Seat belts42.8%
- Fuel system32.1%
- Transmission32.1%
- Interior & seats32.1%
- Suspension32.1%
- Body & structure21.4%
- Other / unspecified21.4%
- Powertrain (other)10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003-2005 (4?) but not for 2002. The 2002 model is affected and should be recalled for the same issue before it kills someone. Also the shifter will not not go into drive without first pushing it forward and backwards several times to engage and the green D light on the dashboard will not show up.
THE 2003-2004 MODEL AVALON'S HAVE A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAGS WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN FREQUENCIES AND NOISES. MY 2002 AVALON HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR AS WELL. I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS OUT OF THIS CAR EVER, BUT AS SOON AS IT HIT 140,000 MILES THE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH I SEEN THAT OTHERS WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR IN THE RECALL BECAUSE THIS CAR IS VERY DEPENDABLE AND I'VE HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL NOW.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CAR PUT ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO LANES, THEN ACCELERATED TURN HALF ,I THINK, CRASHED (THE FRONT OF THE CAR)WITH A SMALL HILL SOME HOW DID NOT STOP AND ENDED UP SOMEHOW TURNING BACK AND CRASHED AGAIN THIS TIME THE BACK OF THE CAR CRASHED AGAINST THE HILL AND STOPPED. THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERAL BREAKS IN AND A TRANSMISION REPAIR. THIS IS MY THIRD TOYOTA. IT WAS PERFECT BEFORE THE INCIDENT. IT WAS VERY SCARY. JUST A FEW MIN BEFORE THE CRASH I WAS PASSING A TOLL AT ABOUT 28 MPH. AFTER PASSING THE TOOL I WAS FASTER THAN THAT BUT I DO NOT LIKE TO SPEED.
AIR BAG FLASHES VSC OFF AND ENGINE FAILURE LIT.LOW MILES. TUNED REPLACING SPARK PLUGS. NO IMPROVEMENT.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN LIKE IT GET STUCK CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.I WAS DRIVING A CITY STREET WHEN I NOTICE A FEW DAYS AGO. JUST SEEING THE RECALL NOTICE.HOW LONG DOES THE CONSUMER HAVE TO GET ASSISTANCE WITH RECALL.
1)STEERING-WHEN TRYING TO GO STRAIGHT CAR WILL TILT TO THE LEFT, HAVE TO KEEP WHEEL AT WEIRD ANGLE TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. 2)ACCELERATOR STICKS ACCELERATOR SEEMS STIFF AND STICKY AND CAUSES CAR TO LURCH WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP -WAS MAKING LEFT TURN THROUGH INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET FEBRUARY 4TH AND ACCELERATOR STUCK UNTIL IT WAS PUMPED, INCREASING MY SPEED. WAS TERRIFYING. 3)RUST RIDDEN ROTERS AND BREAK ANTI-RUST COVERS NOT WORKING AT ALL 4)VISIBILITY-WINDSHIELD'S SEAL SEEMS DEFECTIVE-VIN NUMBER NOT VISIBLE DUE TO CONDENSATION BUILDING IN LOWER CORNER, WINDSHIELD FOGS UP PROFUSELY AND STAYS THAT WAY EVEN WITH DEFROSTER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF FRONT WINDSHIELD 5)HEATER-BLOWS COOLED AIR (NOT ROOM TEMP) INSTEAD OF WARM WHEN TURNED ON, SEEMS LIKE COMPUTER ERROR IN THERMOSTATE/TEMPERATURE GAGE 6)SIDE WINDOWS SHAKE/STUDDER WHEN ROLLED UP OR DOWN
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Bosch ABS anti skid, anti lock brake moduled failed. No brakes. Toyota US has no replacements parts available. Bosch no longer produces. Called Toyota Customer Service three times. Got to the management end and Senior Advisor told me, warranty expired, norhing we can do. I said, there are a bunch of 2000 to 2004 Toyota Avalons/Lexus 300 vehicles out there (same car except nameplates) with the same problem! Same answer: Toyota, LLC has no further interest in those models and warranty has expired. So, I have limited options: 1. Junk the car (funs and drives like new), 2. Start a legal proceeding (costs prohibitive), 3. notify NHTSA. So, I (and X# of others that own this model) have a seroius safety problem. What Can the NHTSA do?
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CAR PUT ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO LANES, THEN ACCELERATED TURN HALF ,I THINK, CRASHED (THE FRONT OF THE CAR)WITH A SMALL HILL SOME HOW DID NOT STOP AND ENDED UP SOMEHOW TURNING BACK AND CRASHED AGAIN THIS TIME THE BACK OF THE CAR CRASHED AGAINST THE HILL AND STOPPED. THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERAL BREAKS IN AND A TRANSMISION REPAIR. THIS IS MY THIRD TOYOTA. IT WAS PERFECT BEFORE THE INCIDENT. IT WAS VERY SCARY. JUST A FEW MIN BEFORE THE CRASH I WAS PASSING A TOLL AT ABOUT 28 MPH. AFTER PASSING THE TOOL I WAS FASTER THAN THAT BUT I DO NOT LIKE TO SPEED.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE FUEL CAP AND FUEL LINE HOSE WERE REPLACED AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS AFTER EACH REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. MOST RECENT, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON 9/24/13 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I DROVE RIGHT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM WAS BELOW THRESHOLD ( CODE P0420). THIS REPAIR COST ME $2,541.27. I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH MY AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING. AFTER PAYING FOR THIS REPAIR MY AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO FLASH, EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE DIAGNOSTIC DID NOT SHOW A CODE. I WAS PREVIOUSLY TOLD THE CODE FOR THE AIR BAG WAS B0113. SINCE PURCHASING THIS 2002 AVALON I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE VALVE ASSY, IDLE REPLACED AT A COST OF 978.63, THIS IS IN ADDITION TO REGULAR SCHEDULED SERVICES. I HAVE OWNED OTHER CARS FOR THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME AND MILES AS THIS TOYOTA AND I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS OUTSIDE REGULAR SERVICES WITH ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES (MAZDA AND ACURA) I HAVE COMPLETELY LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE TOYOTA BRAND. I BELIEVE THERE ARE DEFECTS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE 2002 AVALON. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'VE HAD MY 2002 TOYOTA AVALON SINCE IT HAD ABOUT 25,500 MILES. IT NOW HAS ABOUT 77500. FROM THE START OF OWNING THE CAR, THE TIRES WERE WORN AS IF THE CAR WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. WE HAD IT ALIGNED AT A REPUTABLE COMPANY, PURCHASED TOP OF THE LINE MICHELIN TIRES. THEY WORE INCORRECTLY JUST AS THE FIRST ONES ON THE CAR WHEN WE BOUGHT IT IN SPITE OF PROPERTY ROTATING OF THEM, ETC. LAST NOV OR SO, WE REPLACED THE TIRES AGAIN WHICH SHOULD HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER THAN THEY DID. AGAIN, THE TIRES ARE WEARING IMPROPERLY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR ALIGNED NO LESS THAN ONCE PER YEAR. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE STEERING. IF YOU BARELY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IT "OVERCORRECTS". I'VE LEARNED TO DRIVE IT CAREFULLY WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT EVERY PERSON WHO HAS DRIVEN IS ASTOUNDED AT THEIR FIRST EXPERIENCE. I'VE SENDING THIS NOW BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND TELEPHONED THE DEALER TO ASK IF THIS IS WHY IT IS RECALLED. HE SAID IT ISN'T. THEREFORE, I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. OTHER THAN THESE ITEMS, THE CAR HAS BEEN A GREAT VEHICLE. *TR
2002 TOYOTA AVALON LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE CONSUMER STRUCK A CONCRETE BARRIER WALL CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FENDER AND MIRROR. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headlights failed to operate correctly, resulting in taking the car to fix problem , service advisor told me that this veh vin number shows this car should not havve automatly controled headlights, the car is being serviced at cedar rapids toyota , steve lemke is the servvice advisior
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE ELECTRICAL WIRE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE CRASH WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
1)STEERING-WHEN TRYING TO GO STRAIGHT CAR WILL TILT TO THE LEFT, HAVE TO KEEP WHEEL AT WEIRD ANGLE TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. 2)ACCELERATOR STICKS ACCELERATOR SEEMS STIFF AND STICKY AND CAUSES CAR TO LURCH WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP -WAS MAKING LEFT TURN THROUGH INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET FEBRUARY 4TH AND ACCELERATOR STUCK UNTIL IT WAS PUMPED, INCREASING MY SPEED. WAS TERRIFYING. 3)RUST RIDDEN ROTERS AND BREAK ANTI-RUST COVERS NOT WORKING AT ALL 4)VISIBILITY-WINDSHIELD'S SEAL SEEMS DEFECTIVE-VIN NUMBER NOT VISIBLE DUE TO CONDENSATION BUILDING IN LOWER CORNER, WINDSHIELD FOGS UP PROFUSELY AND STAYS THAT WAY EVEN WITH DEFROSTER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF FRONT WINDSHIELD 5)HEATER-BLOWS COOLED AIR (NOT ROOM TEMP) INSTEAD OF WARM WHEN TURNED ON, SEEMS LIKE COMPUTER ERROR IN THERMOSTATE/TEMPERATURE GAGE 6)SIDE WINDOWS SHAKE/STUDDER WHEN ROLLED UP OR DOWN
2002 TOYOTA AVALON WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY ON TWO OCCASIONS. *KB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE RIGHT PASSENGER WINDOW LOWERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 04/06/15*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2015 *JS
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM IRA TOYOTA AND SINCE I'VE OWNED IT 4 THINGS HAVE NEVER WORKED: 1. THE SEAT BELTS ALWAYS STICK AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL DO NOT WORK. 2. THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND BACK. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT MORE THAN TWICE AND STILL WILL NOT FIX IT. 3. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT TURN SMOOTHLY AND THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHY. 4. THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY TURNS TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER ALL NEW, SUPERIOR WHEELS AND TIRES, NEW STRUTS AND TWO FRONT END ALIGNMENTS. THE DEALER: IRA TOYOTA COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CAR PUT ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO LANES, THEN ACCELERATED TURN HALF ,I THINK, CRASHED (THE FRONT OF THE CAR)WITH A SMALL HILL SOME HOW DID NOT STOP AND ENDED UP SOMEHOW TURNING BACK AND CRASHED AGAIN THIS TIME THE BACK OF THE CAR CRASHED AGAINST THE HILL AND STOPPED. THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERAL BREAKS IN AND A TRANSMISION REPAIR. THIS IS MY THIRD TOYOTA. IT WAS PERFECT BEFORE THE INCIDENT. IT WAS VERY SCARY. JUST A FEW MIN BEFORE THE CRASH I WAS PASSING A TOLL AT ABOUT 28 MPH. AFTER PASSING THE TOOL I WAS FASTER THAN THAT BUT I DO NOT LIKE TO SPEED.
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON 9/24/13 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I DROVE RIGHT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM WAS BELOW THRESHOLD ( CODE P0420). THIS REPAIR COST ME $2,541.27. I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH MY AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING. AFTER PAYING FOR THIS REPAIR MY AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO FLASH, EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE DIAGNOSTIC DID NOT SHOW A CODE. I WAS PREVIOUSLY TOLD THE CODE FOR THE AIR BAG WAS B0113. SINCE PURCHASING THIS 2002 AVALON I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE VALVE ASSY, IDLE REPLACED AT A COST OF 978.63, THIS IS IN ADDITION TO REGULAR SCHEDULED SERVICES. I HAVE OWNED OTHER CARS FOR THE SAME LENGTH OF TIME AND MILES AS THIS TOYOTA AND I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS OUTSIDE REGULAR SERVICES WITH ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES (MAZDA AND ACURA) I HAVE COMPLETELY LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE TOYOTA BRAND. I BELIEVE THERE ARE DEFECTS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE 2002 AVALON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2002 TOYOTA AVALON WHEN PUT IN REVERSE COULD NOT BE STOPPED AND WENT INTO A PARKED CAR WITH 2 PEOPLE IN IT! THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 1998 TOYOTA AVALON TWICE!! *TR
WAS DRIVING MY 2002 AVALON TO WORK THIS MORNING AND IT STARTED HAVING THE ACCELERATION ISSUES. I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO STEP ON THE GAS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND GOT TO 40 MPH NO PROBLEM. WHEN I FINALLY GOT TO WORK AND PUT IT IN PARK THE ENGINE REVVED THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK UNDER THE FLOOR MAT. DEFINITELY SEEMS ELECTRONIC TO ME. NOW TOYOTA IS CHARGING $95 JUST TO DIAGNOSE ISSUE AS IT IS OUTSIDE OF THE YEARS RECALLED. I CAME ACROSS A REPORT THAT THEY ARE INVESTIGATING AS FAR BACK AS MY YEAR NOW THOUGH. HTTP://WWW.COMCAST.NET/VIDEO/UPROAR-OVER-CAR-PEDALS/1404058099 HOPING THEY EXPAND THIS THING AND GET IT FIXED! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM IRA TOYOTA AND SINCE I'VE OWNED IT 4 THINGS HAVE NEVER WORKED: 1. THE SEAT BELTS ALWAYS STICK AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL DO NOT WORK. 2. THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND BACK. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT MORE THAN TWICE AND STILL WILL NOT FIX IT. 3. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT TURN SMOOTHLY AND THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHY. 4. THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY TURNS TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER ALL NEW, SUPERIOR WHEELS AND TIRES, NEW STRUTS AND TWO FRONT END ALIGNMENTS. THE DEALER: IRA TOYOTA COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
THE DRIVER'S SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR OVER A MONTH. TO EXIT MY CAR, I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE CAR USING THE OUTSIDE LATCH. AFTER RECENTLY BEING HELD UP IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF ANOTHER CAR BECOMING ENGULFED IN FLAMES, I REALIZED THAT IN THE EVENT I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT MY CAR QUICKLY. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES FOR REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS MISDIAGNOSED. THE SECOND AND THRID TIMES I WAS TOLD THEY WERE SENT THE WRONG PART. I AM NOW WAITING FOR A BACK ORDERED PART.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (ROUTE 90) MY TOYOTA AVALON SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) AND STRUCK THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY AVALON AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO TURNING THE WHEEL AND TO BRAKING. *TR
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED CAR FROM IRA TOYOTA AND SINCE I'VE OWNED IT 4 THINGS HAVE NEVER WORKED: 1. THE SEAT BELTS ALWAYS STICK AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL DO NOT WORK. 2. THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT MOVE FORWARD AND BACK. THE DEALER LOOKED AT IT MORE THAN TWICE AND STILL WILL NOT FIX IT. 3. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT TURN SMOOTHLY AND THE DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHY. 4. THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY TURNS TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER ALL NEW, SUPERIOR WHEELS AND TIRES, NEW STRUTS AND TWO FRONT END ALIGNMENTS. THE DEALER: IRA TOYOTA COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I WANTED TO EXIT THE CAR FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE, THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOW AND USE THE OUTSIDE HANDLE TO EXIT THE CAR .I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED.THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN IN NOVEMBER 2014. THE INSIDE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE WOULD NOT LET ME EXIT THE CAR AND I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE AGAIN. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE CABLE SNAPPED. I HAD TO HAVE THE CABLE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN A 5 YEAR PERIOD. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (ROUTE 90) MY TOYOTA AVALON SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) AND STRUCK THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY AVALON AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO TURNING THE WHEEL AND TO BRAKING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (ROUTE 90) MY TOYOTA AVALON SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) AND STRUCK THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY AVALON AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO TURNING THE WHEEL AND TO BRAKING. *TR
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. PART OF TIRE BECAME SHREDDED WHERE RIM WAS SPLIT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO REPAIR VEHICLE DUE TO LACK OF PERSONNEL. HAD TIRE REPLACED AT COSCO, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK CONSUMER RETURNED THE TIRE TO COSTCO WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE ALLOY RIM HAD A SMALL HOLE THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO LOSE AIR PRESSURE. THE TIRE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM MAINTAINING PROPER AIR PRESSURE EVER SINCE. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR WARRANTY AND CHARGED CONSUMER $375.89 TO REPLACE ALLOY RIM. *TT *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003-2005 (4?) but not for 2002. The 2002 model is affected and should be recalled for the same issue before it kills someone. Also the shifter will not not go into drive without first pushing it forward and backwards several times to engage and the green D light on the dashboard will not show up.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .