SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
2010 Toyota Avalon
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 46 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Toyota Avalon, most frequently naming the driver assistance, steering and visibility categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 319 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2009 | 1 | 1 |
| Dec 2009 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2010 | 1 | 3 |
| Feb 2010 | 4 | 7 |
| Mar 2010 | 4 | 11 |
| Apr 2010 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 13 |
| Jun 2010 | 2 | 15 |
| Jul 2010 | 2 | 17 |
| Oct 2010 | 2 | 19 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 20 |
| Dec 2011 | 1 | 21 |
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 22 |
| Mar 2013 | 2 | 24 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 25 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 26 |
| Sep 2013 | 2 | 28 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 29 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 30 |
| Feb 2015 | 2 | 32 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 33 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 34 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 35 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 36 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 37 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 38 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 39 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 40 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 41 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 42 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 43 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 44 |
| Jul 2026 | 2 | 46 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance1328.3%
- Steering1021.7%
- Visibility36.5%
- Electrical36.5%
- Exterior lighting36.5%
- Other / unspecified36.5%
- Brakes24.3%
- Airbags24.3%
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
7 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.govSEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEATS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
2010 Toyota Avalon [XXX] purchased used. Sticker on driver’s door post states 32PSI for all tires. Low tire pressure light activated, XXX Toyota dealer ordered 5 new tire sensors and installed them XXX. Light reactivated in fall, I put 32 PSI in all tires, light stayed on. I used Costco air service to put 32PSI in all tires light stayed on. I took to dealer; they said gauges must be wrong and light odd when returned vehicle to me. I sent letter with photos to the service manager and received no response. In May 2026 light again came on, I checked the pressure with new gauge and 3 tires at 36PSI and one at 33 PSI. Took in for service and pointed to 32PSI sticker on door, again vehicle returned with incorrect pressure 36 PSI. Disabling of auto safety device INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11752086
- Incident
- Jul 5, 2025
OUR 2010 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED WITH 126537 TOTAL MILES AS OF 07/09/2026, SITS IN OUR GARAGE ALL THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN IT SOMEWHERE. THE PROBLEM IS THE DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE. I CAN UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE ALL THE TIME. BUT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. WE KEEP IT CLEAN AND EVEN THE HEADLIGHT COVERS ARE STILL CRYSTAL CLEAR WITH NO FADING. EVEN THE SEATS HAVE NO CUTS, SPLITS OR CRACKS AFTER 16 YEARS. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE DASH TO HAVE CRACKS ALL OVER.
- NHTSA ID
- 11749357
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2024
GOOD DAY! I UNDERSTAND THERE WERE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARDS REPORTED FOR CERTAIN 2010 TOYOTA AVALONS. MY 2010 TOYOTA AVALON WAS NOT ON THE TOYOTA WARRANTY LIST TO HAVE THE DASHBOARD REPLACED DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. NOW, I AM SEEING THE DASHBOARD CRACKING IN TWO SPOTS. THANK YOU, [XXX] [XXX] CHARLOTTE, NC [XXX] [XXX] 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).
- NHTSA ID
- 11414639
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2021
THE LATCH ON THE LOWER LEFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTROLS THE POSITIONING OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY COMES LOOSE. I DISCOVERED THAT AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SLID IN AND DOWN. ALMOST CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. UPON CHECKING WITH A AVALON FAN GROUP, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A ISSUE WITH ALMOST EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO OWNS THIS BODY STYLE. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 11330837
- Incident
- Apr 25, 2020
- Mileage
- 69,500 mi
LEVER THAT ADJUSTS TILT STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE AND WHEN IT FALLS IT DISENGAGES THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK AT ANY TIME.
- NHTSA ID
- 11321649
- Incident
- Apr 1, 2012
- Mileage
- 15,000 mi
DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CRACKING NON STOP AND IT KEEPS ON GETTING WORSE AND WORSE THE WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. PLUS ITS ALWAYS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11307575
- Incident
- Feb 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, A LARGE DEER COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT KNOCKED THE ENGINE BLOCK OUT OF PLACE AND PUSHED IT BACKWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD AREA. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK, A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, RIGHT KNEE, LEFT ARM AND WRIST. THE PASSENGER ALSO EXPERIENCED INJURIES TO THE BACK, RIGHT SHOULDER, WHIPLASH, AND A CONCUSSION. BOTH OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND CURRENTLY STILL UNDERGOING MEDICAL EXAMS FOR THE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. LOUISBURGE SHERRIFF'S DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT, BUT A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11287102
- Incident
- Nov 22, 2019
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE NOTICED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT UNDER THE REAR WINDOW FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1704300738. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11091530
- Incident
- Apr 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 58,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.
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
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
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
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.
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 |
| 2010Viewing | 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 |
| 2004 | 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.