2018 Toyota Avalon

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Involved in a 2 vehicle accident on October 26th. My car is totaled and so is the other car. No airbags deployed and my drivers side seat belt failed to lock in the accident. I was injured and taken by ambulance to hospital.

NHTSA ID

11701511

Incident

Oct 26, 2025

Date of safety issue: July 12, 2023 Location: Piper Glen Shopping Center, Rea Road, Charlotte NC (destination was Run For Your Life at 6416 Rea Road - within the shopping center). Time: Approximately sometime between 1:30 and 2:00 ET Police Report Complaint # - [XXX] On July 12, 2023 I entered a parking lot at a busy retail establishment. I chose a parking space that has a curb and bushes between the space and Rea Road. Due to the busyness of the parking lot it is imperative to drive slowly and cautiously. As I turned into the parking space the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb and crashed into the bushes. The brake did not stop the car until it jumped the curb. I then put the car in reverse and it again accelerated and the car spun to the left and then finally stopped. Thank God for the curb and the bushes which prevented the car from surging into traffic on Rea Road. And, thank God no one was in the path of the car when the car accelerated in reverse. That was a miracle at this shopping center since it is very busy. I went into Run For Your Life and told them what happened. The salespeople looked on line to see if there were other similar incidents associated with Toyotas, specifically the Avalon model. They printed out 10 pages of incidents over various years. The experience was horrific and clearly the car is dangerous to drive. I called Rock Hill Toyota and spoke with the service advisor I've dealt with for several years. The car was towed to the dealership. The dealership's attitude is another story - very disappointing. A report was made at the dealership with Toyota Brand Engagement. I do not want this car back. Based on my research I found that Toyota cars have a history with the acceleration issue. In some cases there were serious injuries and fatalities. This issue is not resolved. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11532109

Incident

Jul 12, 2023

Hello, My name is [XXX]. I bought my car from Longo Toyota in El Monte about 15 months ago. The car was certified preowned and had a Carfax report with no accident reported history. That is exactly why I bought the car, because this was going to be my family car. So I bought it and have been driving around my daughter, who just turned one for over a year. I also work as a Behavioral Therapist and drive around kids with autism in my car on a daily basis. It wasn’t until I decided to trade in my car that it was discovered that the Avalon car has frame damage, which was discovered by third-party. A car condition expert came to check out the car and discovered the frame damage by using a true frame meter and a paint meter. Now Longo Toyota in El Monte has gave me the go around and hasn't even checked for frame damage. Longo Toyota is asking me how much would I want for my car and asking me about my car's value. There is clear fraud going on, and the fact that this is the largest car dealership in the country makes me wonder how many more people are driving around in cars that have frame damage as well. Best regards, [XXX] “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11503063

Incident

Jan 19, 2023

Air Bag did not deploy during a major front end collision. Resulted in total loss of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11497996

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

Intermittently, unpredictably, for several seconds at a time, the engine almost quits, especially when accelerating So far, it has not happened in heavy traffic, but if it did, it would create a possibly major safety hazard. I have not taken it to a dealer yet. Just learned about the fuel pump problem that is associated with my 2018 Toyota Avalon. Plan to contact the dealer tomorrow. I have not seen any instrumental warning or notification. There is no warning that the engine is about to lose power and so far the engine has not stopped, but recovers to normal operation.. This has been occurring over the last couple of months. I fear for my wife's safety so that she will be unable to drive this 2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L sedan until it is repaired.

NHTSA ID

11495198

Incident

Nov 28, 2022

At approximately 42000 miles with no significant issues and no front end damages, the steering failed as I was driving at highway speed (70 mph) on a 2 lane road approaching a 90 degree curve. The power steering warning light and a separate triangle warning light appeared at the same time as I felt a pop and lost power and response in the steering wheel. Thankfully, I have driven heavy power equipment in the past and was able to control the vehicle to the shoulder and there was no surrounding traffic. I was able to proceed to my residence at a slow speed on the road shoulder with no power steering and an almost unresponsive steering wheel. After being towed to the local dealer, it was determined the torque sensor failed and the entire steering column required replacement. I had no warning of this impending failure. The airbag recall was done on this vehicle by the dealer several weeks prior to this with no reports of an issue. It is unknown if the airbag recall service impacted this catastrophic failure. The dealership was in possession of the faulty part on 8/27/2021, when the repair was completed. I understand there were previous recalls on Avalons pre-2005 for this issue.

NHTSA ID

11430947

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

My car check engine light lane sensor light and Lad light came on and card had rough handling i took it to Toyota of plano and they worked on charged me $650 so i was was happy they fixed the problem after one day the lights came back they said it was the rodent damage a Rat chewed the wire because what i learned toyota is using soy base wires it attracts Rats they should not use it it is a safety hazards now my safety feathers don't work i can not afford $600 every other day so please recall this problem Thanks so many accidents can be avoided,

NHTSA ID

11422114

Incident

Jan 15, 2021

THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT APPEAR TO WORK. SEVERAL TIMES WHEN CARS IN FRONT OF US HAVE SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES, THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND. WE OWN A 2016 PRIUS WITH THE SAME FEATURE AND IT ALWAYS RESPONDS ' FLASHING A WARNING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES. WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES, AND THEY SAID THE SYSTEM IN OUR CAR PERFORMS A CHECK EVERY TIME WE TURN ON THE CAR AND SINCE IT DOES NOT INDICATE A FAULT, TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THE SYSTEM IS WORKING FINE. THEY SAID THERE ARE NO OTHER TESTS FOR THEM TO PERFORM. I'VE ADJUSTED THE SYSTEM TO THE MOST SENSITIVE MODE (ACTIVE WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US IS FURTHER AWAY), BUT THIS HAS HAD NO EFFECT. ALSO, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WHICH USES THE SAME RADAR SYSTEM AS THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKING WORKS FINE. THERE DEFINITELY IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKING, AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS SAFETY FEATURE WILL NOT SAVE US FROM A COLLISION. THE ONLY WAY SOMEONE WOULD BE AWARE THAT THE SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING IS TO EXPERIENCE A NEAR COLLISION. I BELIEVE THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM COULD BE TESTED WITHOUT DAMAGING OUR CAR BY PLACING A LARGE STATIONARY INFLATABLE OBJECT IN FRONT OF OUR MOVING CAR. I WOULD BE GLAD TO PROVIDE OUR CAR FOR YOU TO PERFORM SUCH A TEST OR ANOTHER TEST THAT YOU MAY HAVE DEVELOPED. THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH MANY OTHER TOYOTA AVALONS AND OTHER CARS.

NHTSA ID

11415720

Incident

May 7, 2021

Mileage

15,770 mi

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.

Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

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.

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.

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.