2011 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 2011 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
- Steering3126.3%
- Electrical2521.2%
- Visibility1411.9%
- Driver assistance119.3%
- Brakes86.8%
- Interior & seats75.9%
- Body & structure65.1%
- Engine54.2%
- Exterior lighting21.7%
- Powertrain (other)21.7%
- Fuel system21.7%
- Seat belts21.7%
- Airbags21.7%
- Suspension10.8%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO READJUSTED THE STEERING COLUMN HOWEVER, EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WITHIN A FEW DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,800.
I WAS USING THE LEVER TO PUSH THE SEAT AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ONE SIDE STOPPED MOVING, CAUSING THE OTHER SIDE TO DERAIL. I TOOK THE CAR TO JIM HUDSON TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY, AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO GET SEAT BACK ON TRACK. HOWEVER, HE WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE SIDE MOVING, AND STATED THE ENTIRE SEAT RAIL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. FURTHERMORE, I WAS TOLD I HAVE A LEAK IN THE ROD AND PINION SYSTEM BECAUSE THE INNER SEAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH, I SERVICE MY VEHICLE REGULARLY WITH FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA, AND NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN SAID ABOUT THIS.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING CONSTANTLY AND AT TIMES ONE OR BOTH WILL GO COMPLETELY OFF. WILL HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN OFF AND THEN TURN ON AGAIN. BOTH WILL SHINE STEADY FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND THEN BEGAN TO FLICKER AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PARKED OR WHEN IN MOTION. THIS ONLY APPLIES TO WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON LOW BEAM. (THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A FEW MONTHS).
THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT WORKING THIS PART IS TERRIBLY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. A PART LIKE THIS SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER THAN IT DOES AND SHOULD NOT BE CAUSING ONE TO TAKE OUT A LOAN TO GET IT FIXED!
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Failure of the Sun shade in the rear causes a problem with visability. Stays stuck in up or down position. Creates a loud distracting grinding noise when in operation and highly reduces visibility through the rear window. Particularly when it is stuck in the half way position.
THE REAR SUNSHADE DOES NOT WORK AND OBSTRUCTS YOUR VIEW OF THE REAR ROAD. IF YOU GOOGLE IT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS COMPLAINT.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. WHEN THE CONTACT PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE UNINTENDEDLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GENERATOR AND SPUN IN THE GARAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. TOYOTA TOWED THE VEHICLE TO JEFF HENDRICKS TOYOTA: 228 S COLLEGE RD, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 (910) 791-2424, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INVESTIGATOR WHO TRAVELED FROM VIRGINIA. THE TEST WAS NOT COMPLETED AND THE RESULTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH FROM PARKING SPOT TO FRONT OF RESTAURANT TO PICK UP PASSENGER, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VERY FAST WITHOUT DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL. BOTH FEET WERE APPLIED TO BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP UNTIL IT HIT CEMENT PILLAR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, TOTALING THE CAR AND CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY FRONT BRAKE ROTORS 4 TIMES ON MY 2011 AVALON.. I CURRENTLY HAVE 173,800 MILES WITH 75-80% OF THIS MILEAGE ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE INDICATED THAT THIS PREMATURE WEAR ON THE FRONT ROTORS IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL. MY ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT THIS PREMATURE ROTOR WEAR ISSUE HAVE EITHER NO RESPONSE OR A FORM LETTER STATING THEY HAVE NO ISSUES WITH THEIR BRAKES. MY VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY AND TO ME THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUE. PERHAPS YOU CAN GET THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER.
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH FROM PARKING SPOT TO FRONT OF RESTAURANT TO PICK UP PASSENGER, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VERY FAST WITHOUT DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL. BOTH FEET WERE APPLIED TO BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP UNTIL IT HIT CEMENT PILLAR CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, TOTALING THE CAR AND CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE KEY FOB AND DOOR LOCKS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR LOCKS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE KEY FOB AT TIMES WOULD ONLY UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR. ALL OTHER DOORS HAD TO BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY. MORE RECENTLY, THE KEY FOB DOES NOT WORK AT ALL AS WELL AS THE LOCK SWITCHES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ECM. *JS
I WAS USING THE LEVER TO PUSH THE SEAT AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ONE SIDE STOPPED MOVING, CAUSING THE OTHER SIDE TO DERAIL. I TOOK THE CAR TO JIM HUDSON TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY, AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO GET SEAT BACK ON TRACK. HOWEVER, HE WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE SIDE MOVING, AND STATED THE ENTIRE SEAT RAIL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. FURTHERMORE, I WAS TOLD I HAVE A LEAK IN THE ROD AND PINION SYSTEM BECAUSE THE INNER SEAL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH, I SERVICE MY VEHICLE REGULARLY WITH FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA, AND NOTHING HAS EVER BEEN SAID ABOUT THIS.
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
MY PAINT IS PEELING OFF MY CAR ALREADY HAD ONE AREA FIXED ON IT & NOW MORE IS PEELING ON THE ROOF. THIS IS RIDICULOUS I'M STILL PAYING ON THIS CAR & THIS LOOKS HIDEOUS 🤬 TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO SOME RECALLS SOONER THEN LATER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS WERE LOCKED, THE CONTACT COULD ONLY UNLOCK THEM FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR ACTIVATORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The engine has quit while in traffic several times and the check engine light and the skid control lights are the only lights lit on the dashboard. Once the car comes to rest and one waits 3 to 5 minutes, the car will restart. We have taken the car to the dealer twice, ( each time the had it for nearly a week) and they could not find the problem. This is a very serious problem because the engine stops without notice causing loss of power steering and total loss of control. The lights for check engine and skid control are sometimes on when this happens, but not always; and the fact that these lights are lit does not predict this event happening.I think there might be a sensor in the engine that is faulty.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. AFTER BRIEFLY TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND EXPERIENCED A BRIEF PERIOD OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STRUCK A PALM TREE AT 5 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM THE SCENE OF THE CRASH AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS BLINKED FOR A YEAR PLUS. HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. LUCKY WE WERE NOT ON A LONG TRIP BUT WAS DRIVING IN SNOW. ALSO LUCKY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. RETURNED TO TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN DID NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM AS OTHER VIV'S OF THE SAME YEAR DID. THEY REPLACED THE BALLASTS (NOTED AS DEFECTIVE ON THE REPAIR INVIOCE) AND STATED THE DEFECTIVE BALLASTS CAUSED THE BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO BURN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION. THE COST TO REPLACE THE BALLASTS AND HEADLIGHTS WAS $967.70. WOW. TOYOTA WILL NOT WARRANTY THE PARTS OR LABOR. THEIR CLAIM IS THAT MY VIN DIDN'T HAVE THE DEFECTIVE BALLASTS WHICH AFTER READING THIS THAT ANALYSIS IS WRONG. I EXPECTED TO BE NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL. I EXPECT MORE QUALITY FROM AN AVALON. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TOYOTAS (2 AT PRESENT) AND THESE WILL BE THE LAST. I WILL NOT DO BUSINESS WITH A COMPANY THAT WEASELS FROM THERE RESPONSIBILITIES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NEWLY DESIGNED HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGED HEADLIGHTS ONLY ALLOWED PARTIALLY ILLUMINATION OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND FILED A REPORT OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 750.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LOST POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
1/7/12-12:30 AM I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY THE MOTOR BEGAN TO RACE. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE PUT THE SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD ( ABOUT 30 SECONDS) I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. 1/10/12- I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT . BUT THE EARLIEST WAS AT 8.30 ON 1/17/12 FOR WHICH THEY CONFIRMED BY E-MAIL. ON 1/12/12, (5:15 PM), MY WIFE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING AREA. SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. SUDDENLY,THE MOTOR RACED AND THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD. IT JUMPED A 6" CURB OVER PAVING STONES, WHICH WERE THROWN ABOUT AND SMASHED A WOODEN FENCE. A 4" STEEL COLUMN WHICH BACKS UP THE FENCE STOPPED THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND THE AUTO WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IS $3257.00. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WE SAY AFTER ONLY A 5 MILE ROAD TEST THIS IS NOT ENOUGH FOR A CAR THAT WAS DRIVEN 3,733 MILES AND HAD TWO INCIDENTS. MY WIFE AND I, WILL NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN. WE VALUE OUR LIVES AND THAT OF OTHERS THAT COULD BECOME VICTIMS OF ANOTHER INCIDENT. *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
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE GEAR AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT EVEN SLOW THE CAR. IT WAS ONLY STOPPED BY HITTING A LOW RETAINING WAS, KNOCKING IT DOWN, AND THEN FALLING OVER THE EDGE OF THE DRIVEWAY AND BEING SUSPENDED LIKE A "SEE-SAW" OVER THE EDGE OF THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A 10+ FOOT DROP OFF INTO A WOODED RAVINE.
FEBRUARY 25, 2014, I ARRIVED FOR MY 2 P.M. DOCTOR'S APPT AND DROVE VERY SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE. I WAS CONSTANTLY BRAKING BECAUSE THE TOYOTA AVALON SPORT 2011 HAS LOTS OF LOW TRIM IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND I DID NOT WANT TO SCRATCH THE CAR. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, THEN OPENED THE DOOR TO CHECK THE WHITE LINE TO SEE IF I WAS IN MY PARKING SPACE. THEN, THE MOTOR BEGAN ACCELERATING VERY RAPIDLY. BEFORE I COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND I FELT LIKE I WAS AIRBORNE. WITHIN SECONDS, THE CAR HIT THE VERY TALL HEAVY METAL AND GLASS DOORS OF THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE AND STOPPED. THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH GLASS. THE METAL DOORS OF THE OFFICE WERE DAMAGED. PLEASE NOTE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR: GRILL, HEADLIGHTS, FENDERS AND HOOD WERE DAMAGED. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. *TR
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
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side seat belt failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt latch failed to unlock. The contact stated that his wife was stuck in the seat for five minutes doe to the failure. The contact attempted several times before the seat belt unlatched. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,578.
2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER STATES SEAT BELT REMINDER ALARM DINGS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN GOES INTO A RAPID EXTENDED REMINDER. *TGW
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ANOTHER VEHICLE, STOPPED ABRUPTLY. *JB
WAS HIT FROM THE REAR BY F250 FORD TRUCK ,AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK,MY WIFE HIT HER HEAD ON GLASS AND MY KNEE HIT FRONT PASSAGER SIDE DASH. *JS
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
AT HIGHWAY SPEED (65+) THE FRONT END VIBRATES AND CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SEATS. *TR
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 .