AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2004 Toyota Avalon
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 205 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Toyota Avalon, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 126 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2010 | 3 | 52 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 53 |
| Feb 2011 | 1 | 54 |
| Mar 2011 | 2 | 56 |
| Aug 2011 | 1 | 57 |
| Dec 2011 | 1 | 58 |
| Feb 2012 | 2 | 60 |
| Mar 2012 | 2 | 62 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 63 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 64 |
| Jan 2013 | 2 | 66 |
| May 2013 | 2 | 68 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 69 |
| Oct 2013 | 1 | 70 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 71 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 72 |
| Apr 2014 | 2 | 74 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 75 |
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 77 |
| Jul 2014 | 2 | 79 |
| Aug 2014 | 2 | 81 |
| Sep 2014 | 11 | 92 |
| Oct 2014 | 6 | 98 |
| Nov 2014 | 4 | 102 |
| Dec 2014 | 2 | 104 |
| Jan 2015 | 2 | 106 |
| Feb 2015 | 3 | 109 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 110 |
| Apr 2015 | 8 | 118 |
| May 2015 | 5 | 123 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 125 |
| Jul 2015 | 3 | 128 |
| Aug 2015 | 4 | 132 |
| Sep 2015 | 10 | 142 |
| Oct 2015 | 4 | 146 |
| Nov 2015 | 4 | 150 |
| Dec 2015 | 5 | 155 |
| Jan 2016 | 5 | 160 |
| Feb 2016 | 9 | 169 |
| Mar 2016 | 2 | 171 |
| Apr 2016 | 6 | 177 |
| May 2016 | 4 | 181 |
| Jun 2016 | 5 | 186 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 187 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 189 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 190 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 191 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 192 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 193 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 195 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 196 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 197 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 198 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 199 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 200 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 201 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 202 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 203 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 204 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 205 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags12752.0%
- Driver assistance2911.9%
- Steering2811.5%
- Electrical114.5%
- Engine83.3%
- Brakes72.9%
- Seat belts72.9%
- Fuel system52.0%
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
3 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.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STEERING
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Ella tuvo realmente la culpa
- NHTSA ID
- 11606428
- Incident
- Jul 4, 2024
CAR MAKES A VERY, VERY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN STARTED WITH A/C OR HEATING ON (BUT MORE COMMONLY WITH A/C). THE SOUND WILL SOMETIMES DIE DOWN OR STOP ONCE A/C IS TURNED OFF, BUT NOT ALWAYS. PUDDLES CAN TRIGGER THE SOUND AS WELL. SOUND CAN BE HEARD MAINLY UPON INITAL STARTUP BUT CAN OCCUR AFTER CAR IS IN MOTION.
- NHTSA ID
- 11402624
- Incident
- May 1, 2020
I'VE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, ELECTRICAL, COOLANT OR SOMETHING. MY MECHANICS FINDS NO LEAKS, BUT I CHECKED ONCE AND THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, FIND NO LEAKS. SOMEHOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR MUD FLAP CAME OFF AND THE TRUNK LID DOESN'T LINE UP. IT ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE IT'S PARTIALLY OPENED. WHEN DRIVING I HEAR AND FEEL RATTLING SOUNDS THAT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION OR BODY PANELS. MORE LIKE THE SUSPENSION. THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAD TIMING CHAIN, O2 SENSOR, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES CHECKED AND FIXED OR REPLACED. THEY ALSO HAD IT COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT AND ANYTHING WRONG WAS FIXED. IT ALSO GETS VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE STEERING ALSO DOESN'T FEEL QUITE RIGHT, CAN'T REALLY EXPLAIN THAT VERY WELL, OTHER THAN IT'S NO QUITE RIGHT. ALSO, FOR SOME REASON THE BATTERY WOULDN'T START THE CAR ONE DAY AND WE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE CELLS WERE DRY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11396567
- Incident
- Nov 19, 2020
- Mileage
- 106,500 mi
THE ECU ITSELF IS NOT WORKING, WHICH THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO NEVER STOP WORKING. WELL OURS STOPPED WORKING AND THE LICENSED MECHANIC WILL NOT WORK ON IT IF IT IS RECALLED. WE ARE LITERALLY WAITING ON TOYOTA TO FIX OUR CAR. THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO. THE HOLE ECU NOT JUST PART OF IT.
- NHTSA ID
- 11233048
- Incident
- Aug 2, 2018
- Mileage
- 208,000 mi
AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FLICKERS AND BEGINS TO GLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS. SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WET WEATHER. MY STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. REVERSED BACKWARDS A LITTLE BIT AND WIGGLED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WOULDN'T BUDGE THEN I WENT FORWARD AND WIGGLED AND IT FINALLY LOOSENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AND USUALLY IN WET WEATHER. MY CAR IS LISTED IN THE AIR BAG RECALL OF 2015; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF WHAT TO DO NEXT AND IT HAS NOW BEEN MORE THAN 3 YEARS SINCE FIRST NOTIFICATION.
- NHTSA ID
- 11187211
- Incident
- Feb 6, 2019
- Mileage
- 284,000 mi
(1) AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FLICKERS AND BEGINS TO GLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WET WEATHER.. (2) WHEN MOVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE DOOR LOCKS CLICK OPEN AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT GOES ON FOR A FEW SECONDS, THIS HAPPENS DAILY.
- NHTSA ID
- 11163851
- Incident
- Nov 21, 2018
- Mileage
- 110,000 mi
MY STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING ..THIS MORNING I WAS JUST STARTING MY CAR AND WAS TURNING LEFT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I WENT UP THE SIDEWALK AND ALMOST HIT THE FENCE AND I COULDN'T MOVE IT I REVERSED BACKWARDS A LITTLE BIT AND WIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT WOULDN'T BUDGE THEN I WENT FORWARD AND WIGGLED AND IT FINALLY LOOSENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES NOW USUALLY IN THE MORNING. AND MY MILEAGE IS 140,822
- NHTSA ID
- 11124569
- Incident
- Sep 5, 2018
- Mileage
- 140,822 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA STRENGTH WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11118539
- Incident
- Aug 7, 2014
- Mileage
- 122,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 47.5 |
| 2020 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 53.4 |
| 2019 | 68 | 4 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2018 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 61.1 |
| 2017 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 62.7 |
| 2016 | 23 | 3 | 1 | 58.2 |
| 2015 | 41 | 2 | 1 | 59.1 |
| 2014 | 96 | 4 | 1 | 55.5 |
| 2013 | 137 | 4 | 1 | 58.8 |
| 2012 | 30 | 4 | 1 | 63.1 |
| 2011 | 106 | 1 | 0 | 43.2 |
| 2010 | 46 | 7 | 0 | 59.1 |
| 2009 | 91 | 7 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 2008 | 349 | 6 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 2007 | 243 | 6 | 0 | 57.9 |
| 2006 | 359 | 7 | 0 | 56.2 |
| 2005 | 228 | 7 | 0 | 56.1 |
| 2004Viewing | 205 | 3 | 0 | 54.1 |
| 2003 | 293 | 2 | 0 | 55.2 |
| 2002 | 116 | 1 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2001 | 134 | 2 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2000 | 173 | 2 | 1 | 60.7 |
| 1999 | 92 | 2 | 1 | 57.2 |
| 1998 | 178 | 2 | 1 | 57.1 |
| 1997 | 125 | 1 | 1 | 48.3 |
| 1996 | 109 | 0 | 3 | 46.1 |
| 1995 | 80 | 0 | 1 | 44.6 |
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.