FaultScore report
Owners have filed 113 complaints about the 1999 Toyota Avalon with NHTSA between 1999 and 2015. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 28 worst.
FaultScore 59/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Avalon.
How this is worked out113
Complaints
22
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
11
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
56,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
30%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 39,900 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 131,000 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 167,716 mi
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 124,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 74,000 miles
Median failure at 184,300 miles
Median failure at 156,901 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Toyota Avalon 4-DR. w/SAB | — | — | — | — |
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ENGINE SEIZURE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE ALARM WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE ALARM HARNESS TO COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT. A PERCENTAGE OF THE FEMALE TERMINALS USED IN THE ALARM CONNECTOR WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN 'OPEN CIRCUIT' CONDITION WHEN MATED TO THE MALE IGNITION SWITCH TERMINALS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR HVAC FAN SPEED CONTROLS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RUN SMOOTHLY AND COULD STALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS USED ON 1998-1998 TOYOTA RAV4, AVALON, AND SIENNA MODEL VEHICLES DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. THE ALARM WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS PLUGS INTO THE ALARM HARNESS TO COMPLETE THE CIRCUIT. A PERCENTAGE OF THE FEMALE TERMINALS USED IN THE ALARM CONNECTOR WERE FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN "OPEN CIRCUIT" CONDITION WHEN MATED TO THE MALE IGNITION SWITCH TERMINALS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR HVAC FAN SPEED CONTROLS. ALSO, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RUN SMOOTHLY AND COULD STALL.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING SOUND ON GREGORY RD AND ANOTHER CAR WAS TRAVELING NORTH SHE CAME INTO MY LANE AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND HIT ME HEAD ON MY AIRBAG NEW DEPLOYED AND MY SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD I HAVE A BRUISE ACROSS MY CHEST FROM STEERING WHEEL AND BUMPS ON MY HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10586083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC "EVENT" CAR JUST SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. CAR WAS PARKED, DRIVER AWAY FROM THE CAR, WHEN DRIVER RETURNED AND GOT INTO CAR NOTICED A SMELL, THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM OUTSIDE, PUT THE WINDOW UP AND SMELL WAS STRONGER. LOOKED DOWN AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE RADIO. FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED, FIRE EXTINGUISHED.
NHTSA complaint #10348568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1999 TOYOTA AVALON. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH WHICH WAS NEARING THE END OF THE WAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL GEAR AS REQUIRED. AT THE END OF THE WASH CYCLE, THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS HER SIGNAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EASE OFF THE BELT ONTO THE LOT. AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. ONCE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUSLY HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EAST SIDEWALK AND THREE EMPTY SOUTHBOUND LANES. IT THEN COLLIDED INTO THE THREE NORTHBOUND-LANE CARS; CROSSED THE WEST SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH A SIX FOOT COMMERCIAL CHAIN LINK FENCE; HIT A PARKED PICK UP TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE WALL WAS THE FINAL OBJECT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD MAINTAINED EXCESSIVE SPEED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10319808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1999 TOYOTA AVALON. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH WHICH WAS NEARING THE END OF THE WAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL GEAR AS REQUIRED. AT THE END OF THE WASH CYCLE, THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS HER SIGNAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EASE OFF THE BELT ONTO THE LOT. AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. ONCE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUSLY HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EAST SIDEWALK AND THREE EMPTY SOUTHBOUND LANES. IT THEN COLLIDED INTO THE THREE NORTHBOUND-LANE CARS; CROSSED THE WEST SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH A SIX FOOT COMMERCIAL CHAIN LINK FENCE; HIT A PARKED PICK UP TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE WALL WAS THE FINAL OBJECT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD MAINTAINED EXCESSIVE SPEED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10319808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
1999 TOYOTA AVALON. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH WHICH WAS NEARING THE END OF THE WAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL GEAR AS REQUIRED. AT THE END OF THE WASH CYCLE, THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS HER SIGNAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EASE OFF THE BELT ONTO THE LOT. AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. ONCE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUSLY HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EAST SIDEWALK AND THREE EMPTY SOUTHBOUND LANES. IT THEN COLLIDED INTO THE THREE NORTHBOUND-LANE CARS; CROSSED THE WEST SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH A SIX FOOT COMMERCIAL CHAIN LINK FENCE; HIT A PARKED PICK UP TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE WALL WAS THE FINAL OBJECT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD MAINTAINED EXCESSIVE SPEED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10319808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
IT HAS HAPPENED ON LEVEL SURFACES AS WELL AS INCLINES. WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE, THEY FIRST MAKE A GRINDING SOUND. THEN, IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THEY MAKE A SOUND LIKE A METAL SPRING UNCOILING (LIKE A CLICKING, OTHERWISE). AFTER THAT, YOU ARE FREE SAILING AS YOU HAVE NO BRAKES! THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE EITHER TRYING TO BRAKE OR EVEN AFTER BRAKING SUCCESSFULLY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY LET LOOSE WHILE AT A STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. I HAVE THANKFULLY BEEN ABLE TO AVOID ANY SERIOUS INJURY OR ACCIDENTS, HOWEVER HAVE HAD A MINOR ISSUE WITH HITTING A FENCE DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. WE HAVE HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKED FOR ANY REPAIRS NEEDED ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. ALSO NOTE THAT THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION LITE OFTEN COMES ON DASH EVEN ON DRY SURFACES. THIS BRAKING PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE SIENNA, BUT IN OTHER MODEL TOYOTAS AS WELL. CURRENTLY, IT IS ONLY THE PRIUS BRAKING SYSTEM THAT IS GETTING PUBLIC ATTENTION, HOWEVER.
NHTSA complaint #10314962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
STEERING
THE CAR STEERING IS HARD TO TURN UNTIL IT WARMS UP. I TOOK THE STEERING TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR FLUSHING 12/3/2015 BUT THIS HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THE STEERING CONTINUES TO BE STIFF/HARD WHEN TURNING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IT IS THE ONLY CAR MY FAMILY USES AND THIS IS INCREASING MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10808587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A REPAIR FACILITY FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE THE MECHANIC NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL. UPON EXAMINATION THE MECHANIC FOUND THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH ON THE DRIVERS MASTER WINDOW CONTROL PANEL HAD MELTED AND A HOLE FUSED THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE SWITCH CONTROL UNIT. THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE PART HOWEVER UPON REPLACEMENT OF THE PART THE REPLACEMENT PANEL BEGAN TO MELT.
NHTSA complaint #10713437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
ON OR ABOUT THE DATE BELOW, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE I-405 N FREEWAY IN LOS ANGELES WHEN MY SUNROOF GLASS PANEL FLEW OFF OF MY CAR. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME, BUT I HAD NOTICED INCREASING WIND NOISE OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS OR SO. AFTER CONDUCTING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT OTHER SUNROOFS (E.G., THE WEBASTO MODELS 600/700 AND 900) THAT ALSO USED GLASS PANELS MANUFACTURED BY VERMEULEN HOLLANDIA ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. I PURCHASED MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON USED IN 2004 WITH ABOUT 16K MILES ON IT. I AM UNSURE WHETHER WEBASTO IS THE MANUFACTURER, BUT AM LISTING THEM IN THE FOLLOWING PAGE SO THAT I AM ABLE TO FILL OUT ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO FILE THIS REPORT ELECTRONICALLY. THE GLASS PANEL INDICATES THAT VERMEULEN HOLLANDIA BV IS THE MANUFACTURER, AND THE SN IS 361607.
NHTSA complaint #10655187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
ON OR ABOUT THE DATE BELOW, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE I-405 N FREEWAY IN LOS ANGELES WHEN MY SUNROOF GLASS PANEL FLEW OFF OF MY CAR. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME, BUT I HAD NOTICED INCREASING WIND NOISE OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS OR SO. AFTER CONDUCTING SOME ONLINE RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT OTHER SUNROOFS (E.G., THE WEBASTO MODELS 600/700 AND 900) THAT ALSO USED GLASS PANELS MANUFACTURED BY VERMEULEN HOLLANDIA ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. I PURCHASED MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON USED IN 2004 WITH ABOUT 16K MILES ON IT. I AM UNSURE WHETHER WEBASTO IS THE MANUFACTURER, BUT AM LISTING THEM IN THE FOLLOWING PAGE SO THAT I AM ABLE TO FILL OUT ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO FILE THIS REPORT ELECTRONICALLY. THE GLASS PANEL INDICATES THAT VERMEULEN HOLLANDIA BV IS THE MANUFACTURER, AND THE SN IS 361607.
NHTSA complaint #10655187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING SOUND ON GREGORY RD AND ANOTHER CAR WAS TRAVELING NORTH SHE CAME INTO MY LANE AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND HIT ME HEAD ON MY AIRBAG NEW DEPLOYED AND MY SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD I HAVE A BRUISE ACROSS MY CHEST FROM STEERING WHEEL AND BUMPS ON MY HEAD.
NHTSA complaint #10586083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL ABOUT THE 17TH OF DECEMBER 2013, I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE THE CAR TO A STOP. INSTEAD THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD SUDDENLY OUT OF CONTROL AND MOUNTED THE SIDEWALK. IT TRAVELED ABOUT 20 FEET BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE IT TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS NO OBJECT OR PERSON IN THE PATH OF THE CAR AND NOBODY WAS INJURED. THIS IS THE THIRD SUCH INCIDENT. THE FIRST WAS ON JUNE 3, 2006; THE SECOND WAS ON 3 FEBRUARY 2010. ALL INVOLVED THE CAR EITHER BEING STOPPED OR COMING TO A STOP. I DOCUMENTED BOTH, WRITING TO TOYOTA FULL ACCOUNTS OF EACH INCIDENT. I HAVE COPIES OF THESE LETTERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JUNE 3, 2006 LONG BEFORE THE WIDELY PUBLICIZED DEATH OF 4 PEOPLE IN AN ACCELERATING TOYOTA VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10573687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL ABOUT THE 17TH OF DECEMBER 2013, I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE THE CAR TO A STOP. INSTEAD THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD SUDDENLY OUT OF CONTROL AND MOUNTED THE SIDEWALK. IT TRAVELED ABOUT 20 FEET BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE IT TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS NO OBJECT OR PERSON IN THE PATH OF THE CAR AND NOBODY WAS INJURED. THIS IS THE THIRD SUCH INCIDENT. THE FIRST WAS ON JUNE 3, 2006; THE SECOND WAS ON 3 FEBRUARY 2010. ALL INVOLVED THE CAR EITHER BEING STOPPED OR COMING TO A STOP. I DOCUMENTED BOTH, WRITING TO TOYOTA FULL ACCOUNTS OF EACH INCIDENT. I HAVE COPIES OF THESE LETTERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON JUNE 3, 2006 LONG BEFORE THE WIDELY PUBLICIZED DEATH OF 4 PEOPLE IN AN ACCELERATING TOYOTA VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10573687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A RECURRING FAILURE IN WHICH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE ALARM SYSTEM WOULD INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON INVOLUNTARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98E035000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10398216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC "EVENT" CAR JUST SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. CAR WAS PARKED, DRIVER AWAY FROM THE CAR, WHEN DRIVER RETURNED AND GOT INTO CAR NOTICED A SMELL, THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM OUTSIDE, PUT THE WINDOW UP AND SMELL WAS STRONGER. LOOKED DOWN AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE RADIO. FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLED, FIRE EXTINGUISHED.
NHTSA complaint #10348568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON AUGUST 9, 2009, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER AVALON WITH OUR 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IN IT, TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT IN WALNUT CREEK, CA. WHEN MY WIFE TRIED TO STOP THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING EVEN THOUGH THE KEY WAS OUT OF THE IGNITION. SINCE SHE COULD NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE, SHE DECIDED TO DRIVE BACK HOME THAT WAS ONLY MINUTES AWAY. BUT ON HER WAY HOME, THE CAR LOST POWER AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, WHITE SMOKE WAS ERUPTED OUT OF THE ENGINE. LUCKILY, THEY WERE TRAVELING ON THE RESIDENTIAL STREET AND MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO STEP ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR IN TIME BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. EVEN PEOPLE FROM NEARBY RESIDENCE SAW THIS INCIDENT AND CAME OUT TO OFFER HELP. I COULD NOT IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THEY WERE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY. NEVERTHELESS, MY WIFE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTERWARD DUE TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NOW THE CAR WAS DEAD!! I ORDERED AAA TO TOW THE CAR TO WALNUT CREEK TOYOTA DEALER THAT DAY FOR REPAIR. ON AUGUST 10, 2009, I WAS INFORMED BY TIM LUBECK, A TOYOTA ADVISOR THAT MY CAR STARTER STUCK ON THE 'ON' POSITION THE WHOLE TIME AFTER THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND RUNNING, CAUSING THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THEY HAD EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE STARTER AND THE MELTED POSITIVE & NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLES FOR TOTAL REPAIR COSTS OF $922.04, WHICH I THOUGHT IT WAS EXCESSIVE ' ESPECIALLY THE LABOR COST THAT WAS $475.87. I'VE MAILED A LETTER ALONG WITH A COPY OF REPAIR INVOICE AND IMAGE OF DEFECTIVE STARTER ON 3/4/2010 [XXX] TO REQUEST FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF MY REPAIR COSTS THAT I DO NOT THINK I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SINCE THIS WHOLE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE TOYOTA STARTER. SO FAR, TOYOTA DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A COURTESY TO RESPOND TO MY LETTER. I DO HAVE THE OLD PARTS, REPAIR INVOICE AND IMAGE OF THE DEFECTIVE STARTER AND MELTED WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10323473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1999 TOYOTA AVALON. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH WHICH WAS NEARING THE END OF THE WAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL GEAR AS REQUIRED. AT THE END OF THE WASH CYCLE, THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS HER SIGNAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EASE OFF THE BELT ONTO THE LOT. AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. ONCE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUSLY HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EAST SIDEWALK AND THREE EMPTY SOUTHBOUND LANES. IT THEN COLLIDED INTO THE THREE NORTHBOUND-LANE CARS; CROSSED THE WEST SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH A SIX FOOT COMMERCIAL CHAIN LINK FENCE; HIT A PARKED PICK UP TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE WALL WAS THE FINAL OBJECT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD MAINTAINED EXCESSIVE SPEED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10319808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1999 TOYOTA AVALON. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH WHICH WAS NEARING THE END OF THE WAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL GEAR AS REQUIRED. AT THE END OF THE WASH CYCLE, THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS HER SIGNAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EASE OFF THE BELT ONTO THE LOT. AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. ONCE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUSLY HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EAST SIDEWALK AND THREE EMPTY SOUTHBOUND LANES. IT THEN COLLIDED INTO THE THREE NORTHBOUND-LANE CARS; CROSSED THE WEST SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH A SIX FOOT COMMERCIAL CHAIN LINK FENCE; HIT A PARKED PICK UP TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE WALL WAS THE FINAL OBJECT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD MAINTAINED EXCESSIVE SPEED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10319808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
1999 TOYOTA AVALON. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS AT A CAR WASH WHICH WAS NEARING THE END OF THE WAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT WITH THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL GEAR AS REQUIRED. AT THE END OF THE WASH CYCLE, THE GREEN LIGHT CAME ON WHICH WAS HER SIGNAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND EASE OFF THE BELT ONTO THE LOT. AT THE GREEN LIGHT, THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO CHANGE THE GEAR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. ONCE IN DRIVE GEAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AT A TREMENDOUSLY HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO RESULT. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EAST SIDEWALK AND THREE EMPTY SOUTHBOUND LANES. IT THEN COLLIDED INTO THE THREE NORTHBOUND-LANE CARS; CROSSED THE WEST SIDEWALK AND CRASHED THROUGH A SIX FOOT COMMERCIAL CHAIN LINK FENCE; HIT A PARKED PICK UP TRUCK AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE WALL WAS THE FINAL OBJECT THAT STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD MAINTAINED EXCESSIVE SPEED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT A STRONG SMELL OF GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10319808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON PERIODICALLY SURGES WHEN I USE CRUISE CONTROL ON AN UPHILL INCLINE. TO STOP THE SURGE IN SPEED, I TAKE THE CAR OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10319213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
IT HAS HAPPENED ON LEVEL SURFACES AS WELL AS INCLINES. WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE, THEY FIRST MAKE A GRINDING SOUND. THEN, IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THEY MAKE A SOUND LIKE A METAL SPRING UNCOILING (LIKE A CLICKING, OTHERWISE). AFTER THAT, YOU ARE FREE SAILING AS YOU HAVE NO BRAKES! THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE EITHER TRYING TO BRAKE OR EVEN AFTER BRAKING SUCCESSFULLY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY LET LOOSE WHILE AT A STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. I HAVE THANKFULLY BEEN ABLE TO AVOID ANY SERIOUS INJURY OR ACCIDENTS, HOWEVER HAVE HAD A MINOR ISSUE WITH HITTING A FENCE DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. WE HAVE HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKED FOR ANY REPAIRS NEEDED ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. ALSO NOTE THAT THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION LITE OFTEN COMES ON DASH EVEN ON DRY SURFACES. THIS BRAKING PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE SIENNA, BUT IN OTHER MODEL TOYOTAS AS WELL. CURRENTLY, IT IS ONLY THE PRIUS BRAKING SYSTEM THAT IS GETTING PUBLIC ATTENTION, HOWEVER.
NHTSA complaint #10314962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON XLS, HAS HAD SEVERAL ACCELERATION EVENTS, THIS HAS OCCURRED WILL AT A STOP, WITH FOOT BRAKE ENGAGED, IN DRIVE GEAR, THE CAR SURGES FORWARD FOR 1 TO 2 SECONDS. THE BRAKE IS ABLE TO KEEP CAR FROM MOVING MORE THAN A FOOT.
NHTSA complaint #10313280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUSPECT SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IS DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10312444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AT ABOUT 5:00 P.M. MARCH 18, 2007, AS I WENT TO PICK UP MY 96 YEAR OLD MOTHER AT THE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, I STOPPED MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON UNDERNEATH THE DRIVE-THROUGH CANOPY TO WAIT FOR HER. AS I WAITED THERE, I NOTICED THAT A CAR HAD PULLED UP BEHIND ME AND WAS PREPARING TO DISCHARGE AN ELDERLY PASSENGER SO I PROCEEDED AROUND THE CIRCULAR DRIVE TO GET OUT OF THEIR WAY. AS I SLOWLY CIRCLED AROUND THE DRIVE BACK TOWARD THE ENTRANCE I NOTED THE OTHER CAR HAD CLEARED OUT. AS I COASTED TOWARD THE ENTRANCE I NOTED A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE ON THE SIDEWALK WALKING TOWARD THE ENTRANCE IN FRONT OF ME. AS I CONTINUED SLOWLY BACK TOWARD THE ENTRANCE, I FELT MY VEHICLE ACCELERATE VIOLENTLY TOWARD THE GROUP OF PEDESTRIANS. ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET, I GRADUALLY BROUGHT MY VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND CONTINUED TO A SAFE STOP WHERE I SHUT OFF THE IGNITION. IT WAS A TERRIFYING FEELING TO FEEL THE SURGE OF POWER THAT I WAS BARELY ABLE TO CONTROL AND TO REALIZE THAT WITH THE PEOPLE WALKING IN FRONT OF ME I COULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED SOMEONE. THE PEOPLE WERE ONLY ABOUT 30 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. I CALLED MY HUSBAND TO COME PICK UP MY MOTHER AND ME AS I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER WHO SCHEDULED AN INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AFTER CLASSIFYING THE INCIDENT AS 'UNINTENDED ACCELERATION', PROCEEDED TO CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY, CLEAN THE FUEL INJECTORS, AND DE-CARBON THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS. THE THROTTLE BODY HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SERVICED AT 45,900 MILES, (AN INTERVAL OF 43,240 MILES). A SERVICE INTERVAL OF 50,000 MILES IS RECOMMENDED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS POTENTIAL FOR GREAT HARM TO PEDESTRIANS, THIS WAS THE ONLY INCIDENT OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION THAT WE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS CAR DURING THE FOUR YEARS THAT I OWNED IT. ON FEB 13, 2008, I SOLD THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10311124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO CHANGE LANES, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. IT BEGAN SWAYING FROM ONE LANE TO THE NEXT. SHE TRIED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE. SHE HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE HAD NO CONTROL AND COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. WHEN INSPECTED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN 2007. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 27,000. UPDATED 03/10/10 *BF UPDATED 06/14/10.
NHTSA complaint #10304717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DRIVER'S EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, AND COMMENTS WERE THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME ON TOYOTAS (FROM MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON DIFFERENT DATES. BEING ABLE TO OPEN DOOR QUICKLY CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE. IF THIS IS OCCURRING AS FREQUENTLY AS TOYOTA SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES LED TO BELIEVE, WHY HASN'T TOYOTA DOES SOMETHING TO CORRECT? THE GRASPING PORTION OF HANDLE IS ALL PLASTIC. PROBLEM COULD MOST LIKELY BE SOLVED EASILY WITH A LITTLE REINFORCEMENT WITH A DURABLE MATERIAL.
NHTSA complaint #10288828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY MY CAR ACCELERATED AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER IT. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. ALL I COULD DO WAS STEER. I STAYED IN THE RIGHT LANE AND STEERED UP THE EXIT RAMP. I PUSHED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, STAYED ON THE BRAKE, AND IT COASTED TO A STOP AT THE TOP OF THE RAMP, JUST BEFORE IT ENTERED THE INTERSECTION. I PUT IT BACK INTO DRIVE, AND IT TOOK OFF AGAIN. I PUSHED IT BACK INTO NEUTRAL AND STEERED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. I PUT IT IN DRIVE AGAIN AND IT WAS FINE. I DROVE AROUND THE PARKING LOT. FINALLY, I DECIDED IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE HOME, BUT NOT ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, HE DETERMINED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. BY CHANCE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE TIP OF THE MAT HAD APPARENTLY BEEN RESTING AGAINST THE BOTTOM TIP OF THE ACCELERATOR. HE CUT OFF THE TIP OF THE MAT. I REMEMBERED THAT THIS HAD HAPPENED ABOUT TWO YEARS PRIOR, ON A BUSY STREET, AS I DROVE OUT OF A CAR WASH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. ANOTHER MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT WAS PROBABLY THE MAT THAT FIRST TIME, TOO. BOTH INCIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THE SECOND ONE, WERE EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. ALL I COULD WAS THANK GOD THAT THERE WAS NO COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #10284440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT: I HAD SHOULDER SURGERY AND HAD TO PUT THE SHOULDER STRAP ACROSS MY BACK SO THAT IT WOULDN'T CROSS MY BAD SHOULDER. SO, WE GET TO OUR DESTINATION AND I START TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND FORGET I STILL HAVE THE SEATBELT ON. MY WIFE GETS BACK IN AND RELEASES IT, AND I GO TO GET OUT AND THE DAMNED THING WON'T PULL OUT/LOOSE. SINCE THE IDIOT THING THINKS IT'S PROTECTING ME, I PUSH A LITTLE OF IT BACK INTO THE SLOT ASSUMING IT WILL THEN RELEASE. NOOOOO! IT JUST GETS TIGHTER. WE START THE CAR TO SEE IF THAT RELEASES IT. NOOOOO! EVERY TIME I MOVE IT JUST GETS TIGHTER. A FREAKING BOA CONSTRICTOR COULD TAKE LESSONS FROM THIS THING. AFTER IT'S ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT THE SEATBELT HAS WON, AND I'M BOUND UP LIKE A THANKSGIVING TURKEY, WE GET THE SCISSORS AND CUT IT LOOSE. THE TOYOTA ENGINEERS REALLY BLEW THIS DESIGN. SEVERAL FOLKS HAVE SAID THEY'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY WITH KIDS IN CAR SEATS. ACTUALLY, THIS PROBLEM COULD BE KIND OF DANGEROUS IF YOU'RE IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10249589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE MIDDLE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED FOUR FRACTURED RIBS, A FRACTURED PELVIS, AND A FRACTURED COXAE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONTUSION UNDER HIS RIGHT SIDE RIB. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,600. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB UPDATED 12/31/07
NHTSA complaint #10211384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
SIMILAR COMPLAINT TO CASE NUMBER 10192892 FILED 6/11/2007. I PURCHASED 4 TOYO SPECTRUM TIRES FOR 1999 AVALON THAT CONTINUALLY LOST AIR. THEY ERE ALL SLOW LEAKS, BUT REQUIRED FILLING UP ONCE PER MONTH. I CHECKED THEM FOR NAILS, BUT THERE WASV NOTHING EVIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10193624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES:BEAD
I PURCHASED 4 TOYO TIRES FOR MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON LAST SUMMER. ALL OF THE TIRES CONTINUE TO LOSE AIR REQUIRING I FILL THEM UP 2 OR 3 TIMES A MONTH!
NHTSA complaint #10192892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.