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2014 Toyota Avalon Problems & Owner Complaints

96 NHTSA owner complaints
7 crash 1 fire 10 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 3 of 13 Toyota Avalon years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Forward Collision Avoidance is the most-reported problem area on the 2014 Toyota Avalon, cited in 18 of 96 filed complaints (19%).

Structure is next (12 complaints, 12%), followed by Electrical System (11), Visibility/Wiper (9), Air Bags (7).

Across all complaints, 7 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 10 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 4 crash, 8 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2014 Toyota Avalon, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 96.

Unknown Or Other 21

“I was pulling into a parking spot when my car suddenly accelerated to a very high speed. I traveled over a curb, on some pavement, through some bushes, knocked down a light pole and miraculously came to a stop. My foot was pumping the brakes to no avail. My entire car was damaged but miraculously no one was hurt. Car was towed to a mechanic who confirmed that the car accelerated with him as well. Front, back, underside, roof, tires and frames were all badly damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #11607893, 2024

“Dash board is melting which causes it to get shiny which causes it to reflect onto the windshield. This reflection makes it very difficult to see other vehicles, road lines, and traffic direction sighns.”
NHTSA complaint #11510757, 2023

“The passenger side mirror failed. The mirror exploded into the passenger window with a loud sound while driving at 35 mph. No rock found impacting mirror, no bird found at impact point, no dead animal found at impact point. If passenger window had not been up then mirror remains would have entered the car cabin. The mirror has been replaced and is not available for inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center to my knowledge. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others.…”
NHTSA complaint #11458372, 2022

Forward Collision Avoidance 18

“The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH for 20 miles, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was parked and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,917.”
NHTSA complaint #11518025, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10871265, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PCS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WHERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATED FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,930. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10863363, 2016

Structure 12 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE RUBBER PEDAL COVER ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A 2004 TOYOTA. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED .THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PASSPORT TOYOTA 5001 AUTH WAY, SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, MD 20746 (301) 899-6000.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11221682, 2019 · crash

“Dash board is melting which causes it to get shiny which causes it to reflect onto the windshield. This reflection makes it very difficult to see other vehicles, road lines, and traffic direction sighns.”
NHTSA complaint #11510757, 2023

“The reflective trim on the interior of the vehicle creates pain for the eyes and is so high that it interferes with the ability of the driver to see out the front window.”
NHTSA complaint #11474248, 2022

Electrical System 11 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER CONSOLE BECAME EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DEALER TESTED THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CENTER CONSOLE, WHICH READ MORE THEN 140 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10650308, 2014 · fire

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to AAA Auto Repair facility and the contact was informed that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase the vehicle mileage was 93,326, and after AAA retrieved the Carfax Report, it was discovered that the mileage was 362,712.”
NHTSA complaint #11683520, 2025

“PRE COLLOSION SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE A COMPUTER IN THE SYSTEM AT A COST OF OVER $1000. WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY OR MY EXTENDED WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11267586, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 9 1 injury

“I HAVE A REAR SUNSHADE ON THIS 2014 AVALON LIMITED VERSION THAT WAS WORKING FINE UNTIL I DECIDED TO PARK MY CAR OUTSIDE IN THE HOT SUMMER IN HOUSTON. THE AUTOMATIC REAR SUNSHADE STOPPED WORKING AND IS NOW STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. NOW IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY IS VERY POOR AT NIGHT AS A RESULT OF THE SHADE STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE SHADE. I AM UNABLE TO REVERSE AT NIGHT. VERY INCONVENIENT. PLEASE HELP.”
NHTSA complaint #11267975, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“Installed new Rainex wipers two days ago. Driving tonight in rain and the exterior of the windshield has a film on it that makes it difficult to see when the wipers cycle when near streetlights or when cars with headlighs on are approaching. Seems really dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11626532, 2024

“Dash board is melting which causes it to get shiny which causes it to reflect onto the windshield. This reflection makes it very difficult to see other vehicles, road lines, and traffic direction sighns.”
NHTSA complaint #11510757, 2023

Air Bags 7 4 crash 8 injury

“TAKATA RECALL. CAR WAS HIT ON SIDE IMPACT (T-BONED) ON DRIVER SIDE FRONT GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. CAR SUBSEQUENTLY ROLLED OVER ON IMPACT AND WAS PUSHED INTO GUARD RAIL. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER WAS TRAPPED AND HAD TO BE EXTRACTED. DRIVER SUFFERED HEAD INJURY WITH LACERATION AND MILD BRAIN TRAUMA. 2 OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.”
NHTSA complaint #11083832, 2017 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“ON AUGUST 17, 2018 I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON IL ROUTE 83 AND I ENTERED AN INTERSECTION AT IL ROUTE 83 AND TORRANCE AVENUE AT LYNWOOD, IL ON A GREEN TRAFFIC SIGNAL. A DRIVER WITHOUT A DRIVERS LICENSE WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON TORRANCE AVENUE AND ENTERED THE INTERSECTION ON A RED SIGNAL. I APPLIED THE BRAKES ON MY CAR BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND MY CAR HIT THE OTHER DRIVERS CAR IN THE SIDE. THE AIRBAGS IN MY CAR DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11301817, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASHES AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (PCS) WARNING INDICATOR HAD PREVIOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10898301, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

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Service Brakes 7 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, LIGHT PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE FOUR INCIDENTS OF UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE FOURTH INCIDENT RESULTED IN A COLLISION WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND APPLIED LIGHT PRESSURE ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE IN THE PARKING SPACE AHEAD. NO MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS REQUIRED. NO POLICE RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11406432, 2021 · crash

“I was pulling into a parking spot when my car suddenly accelerated to a very high speed. I traveled over a curb, on some pavement, through some bushes, knocked down a light pole and miraculously came to a stop. My foot was pumping the brakes to no avail. My entire car was damaged but miraculously no one was hurt. Car was towed to a mechanic who confirmed that the car accelerated with him as well. Front, back, underside, roof, tires and frames were all badly damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #11607893, 2024

“Multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dash while stopped at a traffic signal. (Photo attached) Note: the photo does not show the red "PCS" light which was flashing. I was able to get off the road safely although the brakes did not feel normal. Had the car towed to Capitol Toyota in San Jose the following morning for repair. They diagnosed the problem as a failure in the Master Cylinder Booster Unit and replaced it. Note: the attached invoice misstates the issue as "check engine light" which is incorrect.”
NHTSA complaint #11443380, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 6 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS STOPPING IN A TENNIS COURT PARKING LOT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A TREE. THE DAMAGE CAME TO ABOUT $7,000. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME WAS 4/2/2014. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN I WAS GOING APPROX. 5 MILES AN HOUR BUT I WAS ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD AND STOPPED THE CAR WITHOUT DOING ANY DAMAGE. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I FELL THAT THIS CAR HAS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10651770, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAVE 95000 MILES ON MY TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT JUST QUIT - DEAD STOP (VERY DANGEROUS) AND, HAD IT NOT BEEN A HYBRID, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET IT OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. TURNS OUT THAT THE FUEL PUMP STOPPED WORKING WITH NO WARNING. MY LAST AVALON WENT ALMOST 300,000 MILES ON THE SAME FUEL PUMP. THE PUMP, IN MY OPINION, IS FAULTY BUT OUT OF WARRANTY. TOYOTA IS CHARGING OVER $1,000 TO FIX IT. I TRIED TO GET TOYOTA MANAGEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION (DISTRICT MGR.) FROM THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY WOULD NOT SUPPLY IT IN ORDER FOR ME TO DRAW ATTENTION TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11289360, 2019

“WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 50-70 MILES PER HOUR ENGINE SUDDENLY SLOWED TO IDLE SPEED. CAR WOULD NOT TAKE GAS EVEN AFTER PULLING TO SIDE OF ROAD. ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED AND HAD NO MORE PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10778371, 2015

Steering 6

“The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH for 20 miles, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was parked and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,917.”
NHTSA complaint #11518025, 2023

“MY CAR HAS BEEN ON A MANUFACTURER RECALL SINCE NOVEMBER 3, 2015. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER FOV NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 15V728 RECALL STATUS : RECALL INCOMPLETE IN CERTAIN DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE OPTIONAL PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (PCS) COULD INTERPRET A STEEL ROAD JOINT OR STEEL PLATE IN THE ROAD SURFACE AS AN OBSTACLE OR VEHICLE IN THE PATH OF TRAVEL AND ACTIVATE. WHEN THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES, MY VEHICLE'S BRAKES ARE APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY. THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES BRAKE ASSIST MODE, AND MY FRONT SEATBELTS MAY TIGHTEN. I WILL HEAR A WARNING BUZZER, THE PCS INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND A MESSAGE WI…”
NHTSA complaint #11098719, 2018

“HEARD RATTLING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS. I REMOVED THE 2 PLASTIC COVERS ON EACH SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN CONTINUED TO DRIVE IN HOPES THAT WHATEVER WAS LOOSE AND RATTLING WOULD FALL OUT. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF DRIVING, A SMALL ALUMINUM FASTENER (SCREW) FELL OUT OF THE STEERING APPARATUS. APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS LATER, NOTICED THE SAME RATTLING NOISE THAT'S OCCURRING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. SUSPECT ANOTHER FASTENER IS LOOSE INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THIS FASTENER HAS YET TO FALL OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND CONTINUES TO MO…”
NHTSA complaint #10959717, 2017

Seats 5

“TL*HE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE CONTROL CASING FOR THE ELECTRONIC ADJUSTABLE SEATS LOOSENED AND DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAVANNAH TOYOTA (11101 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31419) WHO REPLACED THE CASING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11414006, 2019

“ALL LEATHER AREAS ARE STICKY AND DIFFICULT TO USE IN THE CABIN. THE DASH, ALL COVERS, SHIFT NOB, CENTER CONSOLE, AND STEERING WHEEL. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WHERE EVERYWHERE YOU TOUCH IS STICKY. IT ALSO HAS AN ODOR AND MOLD/MILDEW SMELL. TOYOTA REFUSES TO REPAIR.”
NHTSA complaint #11312183, 2018

“UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THIS ONE OWNER CARS DRIVER'S SEAT IS FALLING APART. IT BROKE WHERE THE CONTROLS ARE, AND THE LEATHER FINISH OF THE SEAT COVERINGS [BACK AND BOTTOM] PREMATURELY WORE OFF. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, THE MFG REPLACED THE LEATHER SEAT PORTIONS TWICE, BOTH TIMES WITH NEW LEATHER WHOSE FINISH ALSO WORE OFF. OUT OF WARRANTY ITS JUST "TOO BAD FOR THE OWNER." THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW.”
NHTSA complaint #10986211, 2015

Vehicle Speed Control 5 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE RUBBER PEDAL COVER ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A 2004 TOYOTA. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED .THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PASSPORT TOYOTA 5001 AUTH WAY, SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, MD 20746 (301) 899-6000.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11221682, 2019 · crash

“I was pulling into a parking spot when my car suddenly accelerated to a very high speed. I traveled over a curb, on some pavement, through some bushes, knocked down a light pole and miraculously came to a stop. My foot was pumping the brakes to no avail. My entire car was damaged but miraculously no one was hurt. Car was towed to a mechanic who confirmed that the car accelerated with him as well. Front, back, underside, roof, tires and frames were all badly damaged.”
NHTSA complaint #11607893, 2024

“POST COLLISION SYSTEM (WITH AUTO-BRAKE) ACTIVATED (INCLUDING SEAT BELT TIGHTENING) WITH A CLEAR ROAD AHEAD. THIS COULD RESULT IN A MAJOR DISASTER IF IT HAPPENED AHEAD OF A TRACTOR TRAILER AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS.... UPDATED 06-18-15 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10724000, 2015

Visibility 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE SUN ROOF. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT LOST THE KEYS FOR THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FRED HAAS TOYOTA COUNTRY, 22435 TX-249, HOUSTON, TX 77070, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO WATER DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,014.”
NHTSA complaint #11338665, 2019

“SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED/SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON FREEWAY ON NOV. 25-2015. LOUD NOISE (LIKE GUNSHOT OR EXPLOSION), FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY SOUND OF WIND ENTERING CAR AND SHATTERED GLASS ROLLING IN SPACE ABOVE INTERIOR SUNROOF CLOSURE. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY, STOPPED VEHICLE, FOUND LARGE HOLE IN MIDDLE OF SUNROOF WITH JAGGED EDGES AND NUMEROUS SHARDS OF GLASS BETWEEN REMAINS OF EXTERIOR SUNROOF AND INTERIOR COVER. FORTUNATELY, INTERIOR COVER WAS CLOSED OR WE WOULD HAVE BEEN SPRAYED WITH GLASS FRAGMENTS. TEMP OUTSIDE IN 60S, DRY. NO TRUCKS, OVERPASSES, OR ROAD DEBRIS WHEN IT OCCURR…”
NHTSA complaint #10807164, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUNROOF GLASS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,144. UPDATED 10/7/14*CN”
NHTSA complaint #10618823, 2014

Engine 2

“SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON 6-7 OCCASIONS. AT TRAFFIC LIGHT COASTING FOWARD WITH VERY LIGHT BRAKE PRESSURE CAR ACCELERATES, RPMS RUN HIGH, HAVE TO APPLY "HEAVY PRESSURE" ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. ALSO PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, COASTING, LIGHT PRESSURE ON BRAKE CAR ACCELERATES FOWARD. ANYTIME I STOP FOR LIGHT I NOW PLACE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY HEAVY BRAKE PRESSURE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES ON TWO OCCASIONS THEY HAVE OPENED A CASE NUMBER WITH TOYOTA CHECKED THE CAR AND HAVE TOLD ME EVERYTHING IS OK. THIS STARTED AND MILAGE APPROX 9700. TOYOTA WILL BE OPENING ANOTHER CASE…”
NHTSA complaint #11140480, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC STOP, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER (FINDLAY TOYOTA 7733 EAST GATE ROAD, HENDERSON, NV 89011) WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11005098, 2017

Equipment 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFORMATION CENTER BECAME BLANK WHENEVER THE SUN LIGHT REFLECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO STANDARD AND THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 300.”
NHTSA complaint #10592550, 2014

“I HAVE A NEW 2014 AVALON WITH HEATED LEATHER SEATS. I DEMAND THAT A RECALL BE ISSUED BY THE TOYOTA COMPANY. I HAVE LESS THAN 700 MILES ON MY CAR, AND TOYOTA DOESN'T WANT THIS TO BE A MANDATORY RECALL? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10562315, 2014

Seat Belts 2

“MY CAR HAS BEEN ON A MANUFACTURER RECALL SINCE NOVEMBER 3, 2015. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER FOV NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 15V728 RECALL STATUS : RECALL INCOMPLETE IN CERTAIN DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE OPTIONAL PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM (PCS) COULD INTERPRET A STEEL ROAD JOINT OR STEEL PLATE IN THE ROAD SURFACE AS AN OBSTACLE OR VEHICLE IN THE PATH OF TRAVEL AND ACTIVATE. WHEN THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES, MY VEHICLE'S BRAKES ARE APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY. THE SYSTEM ACTIVATES BRAKE ASSIST MODE, AND MY FRONT SEATBELTS MAY TIGHTEN. I WILL HEAR A WARNING BUZZER, THE PCS INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND A MESSAGE WI…”
NHTSA complaint #11098719, 2018

“THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ABRUPTLY AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON ACTIVATED ON A FREEWAY IN CHARLESTON, SC. NO CAR OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. A DISORIENTING LOUD ALARM BEGAN, THE SEAT BELTS FORCED US INTO OUR SEATS AND IMMOBILIZED US, AND THE VEHICLE DID A PANIC BRAKING MANEUVER-IT COULD NOT HAVE BRAKED MORE FORCEFULLY. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN BEHIND US WE WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NO ANOMALY. THEY GAVE US A LIST OF 13 DIFFERENT HIGHWAY SITUATIONS THAT COULD CAUSE THIS. NONE OF THEM ARE UNCOMMON. THIS SYSTEM IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED.…”
NHTSA complaint #10683158, 2015

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“DRIVING DOWN ROAD.. NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME NO OBJECTS IN ROAD. CLEAR SUNNY DAY WHEN THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ALARM SOUNDED AND THE PCS INDICATOR LIGHT LITE. THE ABS ENGAGED. AND THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN HALT. LUCKILY NOONE WAS BEHIND ME, BECAUSE IF THERE WAS, A REAR END COLLISION COULD HAVE OCCURED. THIS ISSUE DID OCCUR TO A LESSOR EXTENT ON TWO PRIOR OCCASIONS (ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO) BUT THE CAR DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE HALT AS IT DID ON 7/6. IN BOTH OF THOSE INSTANCES, THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND NO OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE ROAD. THE ROAD(S) WERE STRAIT. NO CURV…”
NHTSA complaint #10609721, 2014

Exterior Lighting 1

“FROM THE TIME FRAME OF 2017 TIL THE PRESENT, THE HEADLAMPS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD BURN OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. EACH TIME I REPLACE THEM, THEY WOULD LAST FOR ABOUT 4 TO 6 MONTHS AND THEN THEY WOULD BURN OUT AGAIN. SOMETIMES EITHER ONE WOULD BURN, LEFT OR RIGHT, AND TWICE I'VE HAD BOTH GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS CAUSING THE HEAD LAMPS TO BURN OUT. I'VE REPLACED THEM EACH TIME, AND IN COUNTING I HAVE REPLACED THEM AT LEAST 10 TIMES SINCE 2017. THIS IS TOTALLY UNUSUAL COMPARED TO MY OTHER TWO CARS WHERE I'VE NEVER ONCE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS ON THESE. IT HAPPENS WH…”
NHTSA complaint #11398613, 2021

Fuel System 1

“THE COVER TO THE GAS TANK LOCKS WHEN THE CAR IS LOCKED, AND CAN BE OPENED WHEN THE CAR IS UNLOCKED. IF, FOR SOME REASON, THIS MECHANISM IS INOPERATIVE, AND ONE CANNOT OPEN THE GAS TANK COVER, ONE IS INSTRUCTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK, REMOVE THE TRUNK LINING, REACH IN BLINDLY PAST ALL THE WIRES AND CONNECTERS, AND FIND A LITTLE WHITE PLASTIC LEVER. THE LEVER EMERGES FROM BEHIND THE TRUNK THROUGH A HOLE IN THE TRUNK THAT IS COMPOSED OF SHARP METAL. THE LEVER IS ATTACHED BY A FLIMSY LITTLE PLASTIC WIRE. ONE MUST PULL THE LEVER PERFECTLY HORIZONTALLY. IF ONE EXERTS THE SLIGHTEST UPWARDS PRESSURE WHEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10672156, 2015

Lane Departure 1

“The reflective trim on the interior of the vehicle creates pain for the eyes and is so high that it interferes with the ability of the driver to see out the front window.”
NHTSA complaint #11474248, 2022

Power Train 1

“My 2014 Toyota Avalon transmission failed with only 98,000 miles on it. I have always maintained this car flawlessly. I got a check engine light 07/07/23 and immediately had it towed to a certified mechanic. Was told the car needs a transmission replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11531081, 2023

Tires 1

“AS I WAS ENTERING THE RAMP TO GET INTO I-95, I HEARD A LOUD BAND AND HEARD DEBRIS HITTING THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR. CAR INSTANTLY STARTED STEERING ROUGH. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND NOTICED MY TIRE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT ON. UPON INSPECTION , NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. UPON LOOKING UNDER THE CAR AT THE WHEEL I SAW A 5 INCH DIAMETER SECTION OF THE METAL ALLOY WHEEL MISSING. CALLED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR HELP AND THEY DISPATCHED MAINTENANCE TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE. TOOK PICTURES OF DAMAGED WHEEL AND AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. HAVE NEVER NOTICED A WHEEL EXPLODING DURING NORMAL DRIVING…”
NHTSA complaint #10670781, 2015

Wheels 1

“AS I WAS ENTERING THE RAMP TO GET INTO I-95, I HEARD A LOUD BAND AND HEARD DEBRIS HITTING THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR. CAR INSTANTLY STARTED STEERING ROUGH. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND NOTICED MY TIRE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT ON. UPON INSPECTION , NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS FLAT. UPON LOOKING UNDER THE CAR AT THE WHEEL I SAW A 5 INCH DIAMETER SECTION OF THE METAL ALLOY WHEEL MISSING. CALLED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR HELP AND THEY DISPATCHED MAINTENANCE TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE. TOOK PICTURES OF DAMAGED WHEEL AND AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. HAVE NEVER NOTICED A WHEEL EXPLODING DURING NORMAL DRIVING…”
NHTSA complaint #10670781, 2015

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2014 Toyota Avalon draws about 7.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 3 of 13 among the Toyota Avalon model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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