2013 Toyota Avalon Problems & Owner Complaints

Structure 27 1 crash 1 injury

“2013 AVALON TOURING ON APRIL 2013 EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR HASN'T BEEN VERY GOOD CONSIDERING THAT IT IS A NEW CAR. THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE LEATHER ON THE BACK SEAT BUCKLING AND A STAIN THAT WAS ON THE HEADLINER IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR AREA BECAUSE OF A WATER LEAK FROM THE ROOF. IT WAS TAKEN TO CLINT'S AUTO TRIM TO CORRECT THE LEATHER. HE FELT IT WAS A WATER STAIN THAT WAS THE RESULT OF WATER LEAKING FROM AN AREA ON THE ROOF THAT WASN'T SEALED CORRECTLY. BASED ON WHAT WE HEARD FROM CLINT'S AUTO TRIM, WE TESTED THE CAR BY PLACING WATER ON THE CAR OVER THE AREA WHERE THE STAIN WAS PRESENT.…”
NHTSA complaint #10511443, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE PARKING MY CAR, THE MOTOR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAVING BEEN DEPRESSED. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD AND EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS.”
NHTSA complaint #10846454, 2016 · crash

“I recently took my car in for maintenance and I was offered a complimentary car wash. 1 week after the wash, I noticed there were cloth fibers stuck between the rear side body panels. When i pulled them out, there was evidence of rust and corrosion right underneath. I suspected the cloth fibers were from the dealership's car wash so i contacted them. They confirmed the fibers are from their machine but claimed the rust is caused by a pre-existing problem (there is a small gap between the side body that was noted in the pre-inspections), when asked if the rust was noted during pre-inspections a…”
NHTSA complaint #11572140, 2024

Unknown Or Other 26

“I am submitting this complaint to report a safety-related incident involving the moonroof glass on my 2013 Toyota Avalon. Vehicle Information: - Make: Toyota Avalon, 2013 - VIN: [XXX] - Mileage at time of incident: Approximately 120,000 miles While driving under normal road conditions, the moonroof glass on my 2013 Toyota Avalon suddenly shattered without warning and collapsed downward into the passenger compartment. There was no known impact from road debris, rocks, or any other external object. The incident startled me and created a potential safety hazard due to the sudden failure of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11743934, 2026

“There is a very strong musty smell. 80% of the time it's when I turn on AC. 20% just at random driving times. Whenever car has sat longer then a few hours with all windows up. When open doors is has very musty smell. I have done everything to do with cleaning vehicle. This is a hybrid I'm a lil scared when it comes to electrical fire . Do to this musty smell. That means there is some type of fluid gathering somewhere. So what does Toyota plan on doing?”
NHTSA complaint #11599833, 2023

“I had a smell of old water in my vehicle while trying to figure out from where it was coming from .I noticed in left and right rear ceiling quarter panels both wet and had water damage. Then I opened my trunk and it also had the same stale water smell. Under the spare tire on the very bottom of trunk there was at least 2 gallons of stale water. I have not had this looked at by the dealer or a mechanic. Do to it being a hybrid im very worried do to electrical components near the rear back seats where leak stains and water is . Also in my trunk is a hybrid battery next to were water was fillin…”
NHTSA complaint #11511354, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 25 8 crash 4 injury

“2013 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED A CRASH INTO A WALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND TO PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11257036, 2019 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE WITHOUT RESULTS. THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD ABOUT 10 FEET,AND WAS STOPPED ON IMPACT BY A PICNIC TABLE AND SIDE OF A BUILDING. SHE RECEIVED A WHIPLASH INJURY, RECENTLY DIAGNOSED AS HERNIATED DISKS, AND IS CURRENTLY UNDER MEDICAL CARE.DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE GRILL AND CRUMPLE ZONE IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR.THE INSURANCE ASSESSED THE DAMAGE AT $7,000.00, AND HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10525665, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON MARCH 7, 2020 THE DRIVER ENTERED A PARKING LOT OF A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. THE DRIVER, USING THE BRAKES AND TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE. AS THE DRIVER NEGOTIATED THE TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED HEADFIRST INTO A RETAIL SIGNAGE POLE. DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONCE THE CAR SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WOULD HAVE LANDED IN A BUSY FOUR-LANE ROAD, IF IT HAD NOT CRASHED INTO THE SIGNAGE POLE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FATALITY. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11318519, 2020 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 21 1 fire 3 injury

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A CLEAR SUNNY DAY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND BEGAN TO OPERATE AT FULL SPEED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND AT ATTEMPTS TO STOP THEM. THE HORN STARTED GOING OFF WITH ALARM NOISES IN THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL ODOR AND WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO ENTER THE CABIN THROUGH THE DASH. ATTEMPTS TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WERE PREVENTED AS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND OR WORK DESPITE STEPPING ON THEM WITH BOTH FEET AND ATTEMPTING TO PUMP THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL TRAVELING ON THE ROAD AND DOWN A HILL WITH NO ELECTRIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10629931, 2014 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“THE REAR RETRACTABLE SUNSHADE WENT UP AND LOCKED IN PLACE AND WILL NOT RETRACT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. AT NIGHT IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE ANY VEHICLES BEHIND YOU. BACKING UP BECOMES A PROBLEM AS WELL FOR IT BECOMES HARD TO SEE PEDESTRIANS AS THEY PASS BEHIND YOU IN PARKING LOTS. VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING.”
NHTSA complaint #11194499, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“1) System Failure: Back window shade. It is available for inspection at any time. 2) Safety of me and others put at risk: When the shade is down I can not see out the back window posing a significant risk to those behind me particularly pedestrians 3) Has problem been reproduced: Yes 4) Has the component been inspected: No the motor operating the shade has not been inspected 5) Warnings prior to system failure: None Description: The window shade is meant to automatically retract out of sight when the transmission is placed in reverse. It does not retract at all. It stays fully extended cover…”
NHTSA complaint #11633747, 2024

Air Bags 17 7 crash 10 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSSED THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE AHEAD STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE STOP BUT THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM WAS UNABLE TO STALLED CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT OF THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT VEHICLE TO RUN IN THE REAR OF THE CAR AHEAD OF HIM. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FROM VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTATINED BACK PAIN, AND BUMP ON THE HEAD AND NECK STRAIN , THE CONTACT DAUGHTER SUSTAINED CHEST INJURY AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11385335, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN AIR BAG ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE COLLISION AND WAS THE MIDDLE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE CAME TO THE SCENE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND HIS WIFE WHO WAS THE PASSENGER SUSTAIN BRUISING. THE CONTACT STATED HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MCDANIEL TOYOTA (1111 MT VERNON AVE, MARION, OH 43302) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER…”
NHTSA complaint #11330834, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A DRUNK DRIVER, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH THE VEHICLE INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND FRONT PASSENGER WERE INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10627178, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 15 1 fire 2 injury

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A CLEAR SUNNY DAY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND BEGAN TO OPERATE AT FULL SPEED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND AT ATTEMPTS TO STOP THEM. THE HORN STARTED GOING OFF WITH ALARM NOISES IN THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL ODOR AND WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO ENTER THE CABIN THROUGH THE DASH. ATTEMPTS TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WERE PREVENTED AS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND OR WORK DESPITE STEPPING ON THEM WITH BOTH FEET AND ATTEMPTING TO PUMP THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL TRAVELING ON THE ROAD AND DOWN A HILL WITH NO ELECTRIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10629931, 2014 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“WAS DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AFTER TAKING MY DAD ABOUT 45 MINS AWAY WAS DRIVING AS USUAL AND THE CAR DIED HAD TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD PUT IN PARK AND RESTART. HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WE HAVE HAD IN AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE. SENT ME HOME WITH AN UNSAFE CAR FOR THE 4TH TIME. TRIED TAKING CAR BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT AS ISSUE HAPPENED ON FEB 6 21 AND I PURCHASED ON JAN 27 21 GOING TO CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEXT WEEK AND SEE IF THATS WHAT IT IS. PLEASE HELP I AM STUCK WITH A 23000 LOAN FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE SAFELY O…”
NHTSA complaint #11404730, 2021

“I have a electrical issue going on with the driver side headlight. I have had to change the headlight over 3 times now . Seems to go out with in a month or two. While doing my own research Toyota has also changed the light bulb for the old owner more then 3 times. It has only been the driver side headlight that is being affected. I'm a lil worried that at any time a electrical fire or something else bad will happen. So at this time i haven't had new bulb installed. I'm just to nervous. So it's hard at times to see at night fall when driving. The contact stated there is some water buildup under…”
NHTSA complaint #11545804, 2020

Service Brakes 13 4 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE STOPPED SHORT AT A YELLOW STOP LIGHT AT 20 MPH. THE ACCIDENT BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. THE WIFE SUFFERED A CRACKED STERNUM WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE WAS A POLICE THAT WAS FILED AMD THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER TOYOTA WALNUT CREEK (2100 N BROADWAY, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 925-357-3700) STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK OVER THE CLAI…”
NHTSA complaint #11331515, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON MARCH 7, 2020 THE DRIVER ENTERED A PARKING LOT OF A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. THE DRIVER, USING THE BRAKES AND TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE. AS THE DRIVER NEGOTIATED THE TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED HEADFIRST INTO A RETAIL SIGNAGE POLE. DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONCE THE CAR SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WOULD HAVE LANDED IN A BUSY FOUR-LANE ROAD, IF IT HAD NOT CRASHED INTO THE SIGNAGE POLE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FATALITY. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11318519, 2020 · crash

“MY VEHICLE WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE (STATIONARY) AT A STOP SIGH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT.. FOR 5 DAYS IT WORKED AND THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY IT ACCELERATED AGAIN ( IN MOTION) WHILE PARKING IN THE HANDICAP SPACE AT IDLE SPEED AND BRAKES. TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. SENT ME A LETTER THAT STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THEIR INSPECTOR CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE CAR WORKED GREAT AND THE MASTER WARNING SIGNAL WAS NOT FLASHING NOR BUZZING AND HE WOULD SEND ME A COPY OF THE COMPUTER PRINT OUT BUT IT WAS NEVER SENT. I DID GET SOM…”
NHTSA complaint #11256270, 2019 · crash

Forward Collision Avoidance 11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). THE RECALL REPAIR REMEDY WAS UNAVAILABLE BEYOND A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE CONTACT WAITED LONGER THAN SIX MONTHS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10871790, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) AND STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10870779, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PROVIDE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND PERFORMED THE TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #10865086, 2016

Visibility 10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR MIRROR HAD SHATTERED. THE MIRROR WAS NOT STRUCK BY ANY FOREIGN OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN O'NEIL JOHNSON TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 2900 MS-39, MERIDIAN, MS 39301, (888) 781-0044) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MIRROR AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000…”
NHTSA complaint #11252055, 2019

“THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR THE REQUIRED 10,000 MILE WARRANTY MAINTENANCE. AT THIS TIME, I SHOWED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WATER MARKS HAD APPEARED IN ALL FOUR UPPER CORNERS OF THE INSIDE CLOTH LINERS BESIDE THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELDS. I WAS TOLD THE SUNROOF HAD TUBES THAT OCCASIONALLY CLOGGED AND THEY WOULD CLEAR THE TUBES AND CLEAN THE INSIDE CLOTH. OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS OUR AREA EXPERIENCED A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF RAIN. WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 15,000 MILE WARRANTY MAINTENANCE, I SHOWED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WATER MARKS APPEARED TO HAVE WORSENED…”
NHTSA complaint #10700929, 2014

“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE ON FEBRUARY 6, 2014 AND EVERY TIME I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY HVAC ASSEMBLY REPAIRED THEY TELL ME THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER. I FEEL LIKE THEY ARE PUTTING ME AND MY SAFETY AT RISK BY NOT PRODUCING A FIX FOR THIS RECALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10584112, 2014

Seats 8 1 injury

“2013 AVALON TOURING ON APRIL 2013 EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR HASN'T BEEN VERY GOOD CONSIDERING THAT IT IS A NEW CAR. THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE LEATHER ON THE BACK SEAT BUCKLING AND A STAIN THAT WAS ON THE HEADLINER IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR AREA BECAUSE OF A WATER LEAK FROM THE ROOF. IT WAS TAKEN TO CLINT'S AUTO TRIM TO CORRECT THE LEATHER. HE FELT IT WAS A WATER STAIN THAT WAS THE RESULT OF WATER LEAKING FROM AN AREA ON THE ROOF THAT WASN'T SEALED CORRECTLY. BASED ON WHAT WE HEARD FROM CLINT'S AUTO TRIM, WE TESTED THE CAR BY PLACING WATER ON THE CAR OVER THE AREA WHERE THE STAIN WAS PRESENT.…”
NHTSA complaint #10511443, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

“2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID REQUESTING AIRBAGS TO BE REPLACED. *MW THE DEALER STATED THE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF AIR BAGS. SHE WAS ALSO INFORMED OF A RECALL CONCERNING AN ISSUE WITH THE SEATS, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10658485, 2014

“DRIVER SEAT WARMER STAY ON WHEN THE SWITCH IS OFF. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10662409, 2014

Engine 6 1 crash

“I WAS PARKING HEAD-IN TO PARKING SPOT. AS I REACHED THE FINAL SPOT, AND WAS SHIFTING GEAR TO P (PARKING), THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A "ROCKET" AND JUMPED THE CURB. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CAR PARKED IN THE NEXT PARKING SPOT AND MY CAR. THE OTHER CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. I WAS ABLE TO STILL DRIVE MY CAR. THIS HAPPENED AT AN OFFICE BUILDING OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. PEOPLE STANDING OUTSIDE THE BUILDING (FOR SMOKING OR OTHERWISE) WITNESSED IT ALL. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CAR WENT LIKE A ROCKET AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS.”
NHTSA complaint #10817181, 2015 · crash

“The Cylinder head gasket in the engine has failed and is now leaking coolant under the body of the car. This has been inspected by a certified Toyota Dealership and has been maintained by one since we bought the car. There were no warning signs or problems with the car other than feeling off (sounding slightly different than normal) so we went to get an oil change and inspection done on the vehicle. This car was just serviced three months prior for regular maintenance and the vehicle had no indicated issues at that time and was inspected again by the same Toyota Dealership. The vehicle is avai…”
NHTSA complaint #11548840, 2023

“WAS DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AFTER TAKING MY DAD ABOUT 45 MINS AWAY WAS DRIVING AS USUAL AND THE CAR DIED HAD TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD PUT IN PARK AND RESTART. HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WE HAVE HAD IN AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE. SENT ME HOME WITH AN UNSAFE CAR FOR THE 4TH TIME. TRIED TAKING CAR BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT AS ISSUE HAPPENED ON FEB 6 21 AND I PURCHASED ON JAN 27 21 GOING TO CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEXT WEEK AND SEE IF THATS WHAT IT IS. PLEASE HELP I AM STUCK WITH A 23000 LOAN FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE SAFELY O…”
NHTSA complaint #11404730, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 5 3 crash 1 injury

“MY WIFE WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE WITHOUT RESULTS. THE CAR CONTINUED FORWARD ABOUT 10 FEET,AND WAS STOPPED ON IMPACT BY A PICNIC TABLE AND SIDE OF A BUILDING. SHE RECEIVED A WHIPLASH INJURY, RECENTLY DIAGNOSED AS HERNIATED DISKS, AND IS CURRENTLY UNDER MEDICAL CARE.DAMAGE WAS CONFINED TO THE GRILL AND CRUMPLE ZONE IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR.THE INSURANCE ASSESSED THE DAMAGE AT $7,000.00, AND HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10525665, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE PARKING MY CAR, THE MOTOR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAVING BEEN DEPRESSED. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD AND EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS.”
NHTSA complaint #10846454, 2016 · crash

“I WAS PARKING HEAD-IN TO PARKING SPOT. AS I REACHED THE FINAL SPOT, AND WAS SHIFTING GEAR TO P (PARKING), THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A "ROCKET" AND JUMPED THE CURB. THIS CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CAR PARKED IN THE NEXT PARKING SPOT AND MY CAR. THE OTHER CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. I WAS ABLE TO STILL DRIVE MY CAR. THIS HAPPENED AT AN OFFICE BUILDING OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. PEOPLE STANDING OUTSIDE THE BUILDING (FOR SMOKING OR OTHERWISE) WITNESSED IT ALL. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CAR WENT LIKE A ROCKET AND THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS.”
NHTSA complaint #10817181, 2015 · crash

Tires 5

“SIDEWALL TIRE FAILED AFTER 3 MONTHS. NO HAZARD ON ROADWAY, SIDEWALL SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH CAUSING CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL WITH NEAR ACCIDENT. AFTER INSPECTING TIRE IT APPEARS TO HAVE VERY LITTLE MATERIAL DEPTH INDICATING A DEFECT BY MANUFACTURER.”
NHTSA complaint #11572684, 2024

“The contact owns a Goodyear Tire. Tire Line: Assurance Max Life, Tire Size: 225/45/VR18. The contact stated that he noticed the front driver's side tire had a big bubble on the sidewall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The tire was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire mileage was 6,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11461433, 2022

“SIDEWALL OF TIRE SHOWED A BUBBLE AFTER 24,000 MILES ON A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON DISCOVERED BY DEALER ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. CONTACTED MICHELIN AND THEY SENT ME TO A DEALER THAT BUMPED UP THE PRICE $25 OVER THE PRICE THE DEALER QUOTED AND ONLY OFFERED 20% CREDIT. I BELIEVE THE SIDEWALL IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE PHOTOS THAT I CAN SEND. THESE TIRES ARE A DANGER TO THE REINING PUBLIC AND NEED TO BE RECALLED BEFORE DEATH OR A SERIOUS INJURY RESULTS FROM THE SIDEWALL.”
NHTSA complaint #10816581, 2015

Power Train 4

“CAR STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH A DELAYED ENGAGEMENT OR SLIPPAGE WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR. THIS USUALLY HAPPENED ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED. IT THEN BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY. TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER NORTHTOWN TOYOTA AMHERST, NY AND THEY CHANGED THE FLUID AND UPDATED SOFTWARE. CAR RAN OK FOR 2 WKS, THEN STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN A FEW TIMES PER WEEK WITH A DELAY WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED. TOOK CAR INTO CONTINENTAL TRANSMISSION 909 HERTLE AVE, BUFFALO NY WHERE THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND PULLED THE TRANSMISS…”
NHTSA complaint #11363708, 2020

“IN 2016 OF AUGUST I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA (CASE#1611260024112616) IN REFERENCE TO A TORQUE COVERTER ISSUE THAT HAS PLAQUED 2012 CAMRYS , AT THIS POINT I TOOK CAR INTO DEALER MANY OCASSIONS , BUT THEY REFUSE TO ADMIT IT THEIR FAULT, A 2300 DOLLAR PROBLEM .”
NHTSA complaint #10986026, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A TECHNICIAN UPGRADED THE FUEL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10806215, 2014

Seat Belts 4 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT DURING THE IMPACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT HAND, MULTIPLE LACERATIONS ON HIS FOREHEAD THAT REQUIRED 29 STITCHES, NECK PAIN, WHIPLASH, AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11267296, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY INTO THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AL HENDRICKSON TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5201 W, FL-834, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11323645, 2020

“THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FROM A SPECIFIC SUPPLIER DESIGNED TO RECEIVE SIGNALS FROM CRASH SENSORS AND DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. THE ECU MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN ELECTRICAL NOISE THAT CAN OCCUR IN CERTAIN CRASHES, SUCH AS SEVERE UNDERRIDE CRASHES. THIS CAN LEAD TO INCOMPLETE OR NONDEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS AND/OR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS.”
NHTSA complaint #11319632, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“AVALON RECALL NO 15V728. HAD THE RECALL "REMEDY" PERFORMED ON MY CAR 09/07/16 (WAS HAVING NO ISSUE WITH MY CAR BEFORE THE RECALL) AND NOW THE PCS WARNING BUZZES AND LIGHTS UP, AND THE RED BRAKE! MESSAGE LIGHTS UP EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE! CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE OFC (CASE #1609142106 & #1611100472) TO REPORT THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, AND EXPRESS MY FEAR THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOW NOT WORK WHEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO, BUT THE "CASE MGR" (CORY CARTER) STATED "THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO FOR ME", AND ADVISED ME TO "SEEK OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL HELP'. I ASKED IF THIS M…”
NHTSA complaint #10926001, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING WESTBOUND ON THE MUSKOGEE TURNPIKE (HWY 351), AT MILE MARKER 20, THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF, VEHICLE STABILITY ICON CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THE CAR ALSO LOST POWER AND RAN ROUGH. PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF VEHICLE. AFTER RESTARTING, THE CAR RAN FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, OCTOBER 3RD AND OCTOBER 17TH IN 2016. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS REMOTE. ADDITIONALLY, THIS HAPPENED NEXT TO A CELL PHONE TOWER ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. IT DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE TRAVELING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10917703, 2016

“MY 2013 TOYOTA AVALON WIRING HARNESS WAS CHEWED ON BY A RODENT . IT CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE RUNNING OF THE VEHICLE , THE TRACTION CONTROL , THE CRUISE CONTROL AND WAS OPERATING ON 5 CYLINDERS . THE DEALERS REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT A RODENT EAT THROUGH THE WIRES AND TOYOTA WOULD NOT WARRANTY THIS PROBLEM . THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY NEXT TO ANOTHER TOYOTA PRODUCT THAT IS A 2006 AND HAS NEVER BEEN CHEWED . I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTA'S SINCE 1988 AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS TO HAPPEN . I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE IF THEY ARE PUTTING ANY TYPE EDIBLE PRODUCT IN THE VEHICLES THEY…”
NHTSA complaint #10781166, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“2013 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SMELL OF COMBUSTION GAS THAT COMES INTO CABIN OF VEHICLE UPON ACCELERATION. *SMD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT PROBLEM WAS NOT RECOGNIZED IN THE TECHNICAL MANUAL; THEREFORE, THERE IS NO REPAIR AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES CARBON MONOXIDE WAS BEING RELEASED INTO THE VEHICLE. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10816140, 2014

“PER THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE DRAIN HOSE FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER IN MY 2013 TOYOTA AVALON MAY BECOME CLOGGED CAUSING WATER TO ACCUMULATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER UNIT HOUSING. THE ACCUMULATED WATER MAY THEN LEAK THROUGH A SEAM IN THE HOUSING ONTO THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE MODULE. THEY SAY TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10631705, 2014

“I PURCHASED A TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED CERTIFIED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO BE SAFE WITH NO RECALLS OR APPLICABLE SSCS. ON MAY 16 2014. I WAS NOT INFORMED OF A OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT HOUSING MAY LEAK ONTO THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. I DID NOT FIND THIS OUT UNTIL MAY 21 2014 5 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR THE DEALERSHIP KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE OCT 2013, AND STILL SOLD THE CAR, HAD I NOT CHECK THE VIN # WITH THE SAFETY BOARD I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN, THEY SAY THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED ON MAY 21 2014. NEVER THE LESS THE DEALERSHIP FALSIFIED THE CERTIFICA…”
NHTSA complaint #10596328, 2014

Exterior Lighting 3

“HEADLIGHTS BLOW OUT FREQUENTLY AND NEED REPLACING.”
NHTSA complaint #11099094, 2018

“LED REAR TAILLIGHT DIODES ARE NOT WORKING COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN”
NHTSA complaint #10971090, 2017

“DESIGN FLAW CHROME STRIP ON DASH CAUSES GLARE FROM SUN WHICH IS BLINDING WHEN DRIVING IN SUN AND POSSIBLY CAUSING DAMAGE TO RETINA. ESP BAD FOR SENIOR DRIVERS WHO HAS CATARACTS --[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10519566, 2013

Steering 2 1 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A CLEAR SUNNY DAY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND BEGAN TO OPERATE AT FULL SPEED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND AT ATTEMPTS TO STOP THEM. THE HORN STARTED GOING OFF WITH ALARM NOISES IN THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL ODOR AND WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO ENTER THE CABIN THROUGH THE DASH. ATTEMPTS TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER WERE PREVENTED AS THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND OR WORK DESPITE STEPPING ON THEM WITH BOTH FEET AND ATTEMPTING TO PUMP THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL TRAVELING ON THE ROAD AND DOWN A HILL WITH NO ELECTRIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10629931, 2014 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“2013 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. AS HE MADE A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND AND INSTEAD OF SNAPPING BACK INTO A 12 O'CLOCK POSITION, IT STAYED LOCKED INTO THE TURN. HE COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLE. AS HE LOOKED UP, HE SAW HE WAS ABOUT TO CRASH INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. WITH NO TIME TO REACT, HE HIT THE ONCOMING VEHICLE, IN A FRONT END COLLISION. AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH, HE WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15 MPH. THE O…”
NHTSA complaint #10567171, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Chest Clip 1

“Straps, yes The straps do not stay tight and do not keep my child restrained Yes After checking the straps on the car seat they become loose no longer restraining my child in her seat”
NHTSA complaint #11632229, 2024

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WAS DISTORTED, CAUSING HIS VISIBILITY TO BE MINIMIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLIANT WITH STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000. UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10557310, 2013

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1 1 crash

“BRAKES WERE APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY ALTHOUGH DRIVER WAS ACCELERATING. SUSPECT MALFUNCTION IN PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (NO COLLISION WAS IMMINENT). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10567699, 2014 · crash

Fuel System 1

“WHILE PULLING INTO A HEAD ON PARKING PLACE; SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AND THE FRONT WHEELS WENT A FOOT OR SO INTO THE GRASS. APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR STOPPED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10547120, 2013

Lane Departure 1

“I have a tacky dashboard which has a glare on the dashboard hindering vision while driving. I understand is a recall however not for 2013 avalons. I’m a senior which make more difficult for to drive my care comfortably. I would like Toyota to approve the repair for my car. I’ve been a loyal customer for 25 years Sincerly”
NHTSA complaint #11558920, 2022

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS TIMES AND SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF DES MOINES (1650 SE 37TH ST, GRIMES, IA 50111, (515) 276-4911) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE INJUNCTION WITH THE LEFT TURN SINGLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11244471, 2019