2019 Toyota Avalon Electrical Problems

On XXX I purchase the vehicle TOYOTA AVALON XSE, with VIN #: [XXX]. I purchase the vehicle at LARRY [XXX] AMERICAN TOYOTA in [XXX], with the LIEN [XXX] KIRTLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BANK same city of [XXX]. I was told the vehicle had a 160 point check, yet when I check the THUMB DRIVE that was given to me by the business personnel. When I looked at the thumb drive, their were signed documents between myself and the business department of [XXX] American Toyota. I asked several of the salesperson if the car had a COMPREHENSIVE TUNE UP, all the replies were the vehicle had a 160 point check. So, I figured the vehicle had to have some kind of TUNE UP, the 160 point check consists of a WALKAROUND CHECKLIST. I even asked if the vehicle had any RECALLS, the salesperson, the business department, there was nothing, NO RECALLS. Even looking on this website it shows ZERO RECALLS. Well, on XXX the service advisor at [XXX] American Toyota, [XXX] who called the vehicle a " XXX CAR ". Mr. [XXX] gave me SERVICE HISTORY of all the problems the car with previous owners and myself. I took the time at home on July 9, 2026 and notice, there was an OPEN CAMPAIGN RECALL 20TA02, 12/20/2019 with MULTIPLE SAFETY ISSUES, and since car the was still under WARRANTY the RECALLS were fixed. The dealership never seemed to bothered notifying the NHTSA about the RECALLS. Even, Mr. [XXX] informed there were NO RECALLS. Since purchasing the vehicle with extended warranty, because the vehicle was sold as a CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED used car with the mileage of 76, 632. I owned this car for four years with numerous BREAKDOWNS starting from August 21, 2024. If the vehicle would have a COMPREHENSIVE TUNE, I wouldn't be filing out this form today. I have paid over $24,000 to own and fix breakdowns on this vehicle. [XXX] American Toyota should be held accountable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751699

Incident

Aug 21, 2024

Ever since, I purchase my certified 2019 Toyota Avalon in around June 2022, my car has left me stranded on highways, city areas, and broke down coming out of my garage. I even purchase extended warranty, because of the high mileage it had 77,000 miles. On [XXX] car broke down Drive Belt had to be replaced, [XXX] [XXX] warning lights, dealership service technician couldn't figured out why engine was slowing down the vehicle, engine repair evac leak for gas cap, [XXX], while driving my car the vehicle, my car immediately stopped, it was towed to dealership of Larry H Miller on Alameda in Albuquerque NM, caused of my car stopping on the road in Albuquerque, the technician stated that he found DTCS for Missfire, switched coil to different cylinder and codes went away/on [XXX], my car was towed, because engine stopped while driving, the dealership saw that it was an electrical problem, bad battery on [XXX] car dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, showing electrical malfunctioning of secondary braking system, the car must be towed to the dealership. I was lucky to get the car into a parking area of gas station. I am [XXX], I need to get home and take my [XXX]. So, while in Albuquerque New Mexico, I called for a tow truck to pickup my vehicle because I have triple AAA membership. Since, I have another car, and I needed to get that day June 30, 2026. I had to wait until today July 9, 2026 to have triple AAA to pick up my car and take it to the dealership Larry H Miller Toyota on Alameda, Albuquerque, New Mexico. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749408

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety issue involving the Telematics / Data Communication Module (DCM) installed in Toyota vehicles. This issue presents a clear risk to driver and passenger safety and warrants immediate corrective action. The DCM is responsible for critical telematics and safety systems, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. Failures of this system are not merely inconveniences—they directly compromise emergency response capabilities and vehicle reliability. Documented Failures and Safety Risks: Severe Battery Drain: Defective DCM units drain the vehicle battery even when the vehicle is off, leaving drivers stranded and unable to start their vehicles—potentially in unsafe or remote locations. Loss of Emergency Services (SOS Failure): Malfunctioning DCM systems disable or impair SOS functionality, preventing drivers from accessing emergency assistance during critical situations. This represents a direct risk of injury or death. Loss of Connected Features: Remote Connect capabilities (remote start, unlock, vehicle monitoring) are rendered inoperable, indicating systemic communication failure. System Errors: Persistent errors such as “Connected Device Not Supported” demonstrate loss of communication between the DCM and the vehicle network. System-Wide Malfunctions: In severe cases, DCM failure can disrupt the infotainment system or broader vehicle functions, effectively “bricking” key systems. Demand for Immediate Action: Given the safety implications—particularly the failure of emergency SOS functionality—I am requesting that Toyota take the following actions without delay: Issue a voluntary safety recall for all affected vehicles, or Provide a cost-free repair or firmware update that fully resolves the DCM defect, and Notify all affected owners proactively of the safety risk and available remedy. If this issue is not addressed promptly, I am prepared to escalate this matter through formal

NHTSA ID

11726374

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that a good Samaritan attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for thirty minutes and stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken directly to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced several failures since July 2025. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the oxygen sensor, the oil light sensor, the ignition coils, and the fuel pump extension were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had caused the contact anxiety, and the contact was fearful of driving the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated was fearful for her and her grandchildren's safety while in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that several cases were filed, and all were denied. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11699143

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

Mileage

46,000 mi

When starting the vehicle, an extremely high pitched noise is emitted from the speakers. This high pitch seems like its comes out full volume out the speakers. Ear piercing noise leaves my ears ringing every time.

NHTSA ID

11697441

Incident

Mar 8, 2025

I purchased this Vehicle as a Preowned Used Certified from The Toyota dealership The car has broke down 4 times for the same exact ISSUES All the lights will come on and it will say take to the dealer for Service June 8 2024 purchased the Car. November 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) December 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) NO CHARGE July 8, 2025 car had to stay overnight ( ignition coil $300 ) Service told me the Mechanical Warranty Expired in June. 8 days later July 17, 2025 Broke down on the highway I was stranded for 5 hours had to pay for a partial Tow out of miles. Its been 6 days no CAR. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE and I Think it has a Defective System. I am locked into a Contract with a Vehicle that keeps Breaking down. I have called the Lemon Law and they said my car is too Old for a Claim but not considered NEW By 1 year. I need some Help, I have reached out to Toyota Corporate and I am waiting to see what they plan on doing. I have been STRESSED OUT SINCE MY LAST BREAKDOWN WITH THIS CAR. BY THE WAY I HAVE ONLY PUT 4000 MILES ON IT SINCE I PURCHASED IT. GOING ON A ROAD TRIP IS OUT. I NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE IT JUST CUTS OFF FOR NO REASON ONCE THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON IT JUST STOPS. I CANT IMAGINE HAVING MY GRANDBABIES IN THAT CAR ITS SCARY. Car is still in the SHOP ITS BEEN 6 DAYS NOW.

NHTSA ID

11675492

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

When starting the vehicle, an extremely high pitched noise is emitted from the speakers. The safety of my young child is at risk every time I start the car because this could cause irreparable hearing loss. This is a known issue across many Toyota models as I've found through online forums. Toyota wants $1,200 to fix the DCM Module when it is a manufacturing issue and not caused by the consumer.

NHTSA ID

11615414

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

After troubleshooting, the issue with my car cannot communicate with my mobile app through Toyota remote connect, cannot update vehicle software, and after a $130 diagnostic fee, the dealer states the DCM module is bad and needs replacing. My question is this is a safety issue, correct?

NHTSA ID

11615381

Incident

Sep 18, 2024

A year ago my 2019 Toyota Avalon started displaying a message that the RCD (rear camera detection) was unavailable. I tried working with the dealership that sold me the car, but they ignored me. I went to another Toyota dealership and they said it would cost approximately $2000, but could not guarantee it would fix the issue. I’ve seen online that 1000’s of Toyota owners with the same system have had similar problems, and Toyota frequently responds with, “It’s a rolling computer, and very advanced.” Some were fixed by recalibration, but many have a more serious problem. All the stories are only the people that have posted about it. It’s probably Toyota’s biggest problem. My car was under warranty when it began, but health issues and restrictions kept me from getting the attention of the general manager since I was ignored by others. I feel this is serious enough and has effected numerous people that it warrants an investigation. People are relying on a system that doesn’t work properly, and some have been hurt and many others will be negatively affected by it.

NHTSA ID

11549096

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

The car emitted a very loud, high pitched sound, lasting several seconds when starting the vehicle, which was very painful. At the same time, red and green lights are seen flashing a few times next to the SOS button. This has happened twice in the past month.

NHTSA ID

11545731

Incident

Sep 20, 2023

2019 Toyota Avalon XSE with 41,400 miles. Complete failure of the Climate Control Panel. No buttons or lights would work, resulting in lack of any fan, heat, air conditioning, window defroster, mirror defroster or seat heat. Found no fuses blown. On one occasion since then both seat heat lights came on indicating full heat but did not produce any heat. Two days later Panel began to work normally for a 1 hour drive. Later this day there was another complete failure of the same panel. Took car to dealership the next day and panel functioned normally enroute. When dealership diagnosed the problem the Climate Control Panel had failed again and the problem could not be duplicated. No trouble codes were stored in the system. They performed a master reset of the system thinking an update may have been corrupt. Panel worked when leaving the dealership later this day. The next morning the Panel initially did not work, but 20 minutes into a 1 hour drive it started working normally. That evening the Panel failed again on vehicle startup and has not worked since. Took it back to the dealership this morning and did not turn vehicle off, thinking the failure might show up in the car’s system until the service advisor could drive it to a maintenance bay. After 3 hours the problem could not be diagnosed. The lead mechanic contacted Toyota corporate to inquire if this problem has been encountered previously and for a possible solution. Overall this may not be a safety issue warranting any further action. However, if the windows or mirrors were to fog up, there would be no defroster capability for either of these. In this situation it could quickly become a dangerous situation while the vehicle is moving. This should be investigated further.

NHTSA ID

11530193

Incident

Jun 26, 2023

The sunroof of my 2019 Toyota Avalon is defective. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety, as well as the safety of my passengers, has been put at risk. My problem has been confirmed by Sheehy Toyota of Fredericksburg. No warning lamps or messages to indicate sunroof problem. The driver side of my sunroof keeps clogging. I first took my vehicle to Toyota Sheehy of Fredericksburg on 1/3/2023. Sunroof tray was found to have a buildup of organic detritus, causing drains of sunroof tray to be clogged and allowing rainwater to spill over into interior. Sheehy technician cleared the sunroof tray and drains of organic material. Drains were now flowing properly. Technician claimed that sunroof would not have to be drained for at least two years. There was standing water and a heavy mildew smell in the car. Sheehy refused to clean/drain carpet of water. I took it to a detailer and had the detailer vacuum and clean the carpet. Less than a month later, I started experiencing the same issues -- wet carpeting on the floorboard. I took my vehicle to Sheehy Toyota of Fredericksburg on 2/7/2023. Technician told me that the driver side of the sunroof was clogged. Technician claimed that he fixed the clogged drain of the sunroof. Technician suggested that my sunroof got clogged because I have only driven my car 140 miles this month. Not a rational explanation. He recommended that I replace the carpet due to mold concerns. Why would I replace the carpet if there is a strong possibility of having wet carpet every few weeks? Technician insists that wet floor is not coming from any source other than the sunroof. I suspect that my sunroof is defective. I should not have to worry about wet carpet in my car everyday that we experience rainshowers. Sheehy Toyota insists that nothing is wrong with the structural integrity of the sunroof and that external factors are to blame.

NHTSA ID

11505992

Incident

Jan 3, 2023

After starting car, from being parked in parking garage from 8am-5pm, the Pre Collision warning system light turned on. Vehicle currently has 20k miles on the odometer. There are numerous records in the car's onboard history of this device failing during car startup. Drove home, started next day with no incident. System is unreliable. According to the Infotainment system, the car seems to report the failure every few months.

NHTSA ID

11485006

Incident

Sep 15, 2022

THIS VEHICLES BLIND SPOT MONITOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT OPERATIONAL AND DOES NOT SHOW VEHICLES IN THE BLIND SPOT ON THE MIRROR OVER 70% OF THE TIME GIVING THE DRIVER A FALSE SENSE THE LANE IS CLEAR. IT APPEARS THE SYSTEM GETS WORSE THE LONGER YOU DRIVE AND ALMOST NO USABLE WHEN DRIVING OVER 40 MILES. THE DRIVER SIDE BLIND SPOT MONITOR SYSTEM WORKS AS IT SHOULD. UPON SOME RESEARCH ON LINE, IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND TOYOTA INDICATES IT WORKS TO SPECS, BUT BASED OFF THE FACTORY MANUAL DOES NOT.

NHTSA ID

11331907

Incident

Jun 26, 2020

Mileage

3,620 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF CEDAR PARK (5600 183A, LEANDER, TX 78641, (512) 379-7575) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED, BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1904010349. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.

NHTSA ID

11195557

Incident

Jan 10, 2019

Mileage

3,500 mi

REPORTED THIS TO DEALER. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AT THE TIME. KEEPS HAPPENING : BLIND SPOT MONITORING AND CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT MALFUNCTION ALERTS

NHTSA ID

11183716

Incident

Mar 2, 2019

BOTH BLIND SPOT MONITORING AND CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT - MALFUNCTION ALERTS, KEEPS POPPING UP REGULARLY. MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALER, WITH NO RESOLUTION. TOYOTA INDICATES THAT THIS IS A PROB AND ARE WORKING ON AN SOLUTION. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHAT THAT IS. SEEMS LIKE ISSUE POPS UP MORE WHEN IT IS VERY COLD OR VERY WET. TOYOTA SAYS THEY ARE LOOKING INTO IT, BUT NOT SURE WHAT THEIR PLAN IS. TOYOTA CASE #1901292206 FOR TODAY.

NHTSA ID

11172808

Incident

Jan 29, 2019