FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Toyota Avalon problems

Owners have filed 252 complaints about the 2004 Toyota Avalon with NHTSA between 2004 and 2024. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 28 worst.

D

FaultScore 79/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Avalon.

How this is worked out

The numbers

252

Complaints

36

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

17

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

70,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

23%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 83 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 39 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 83
Against the median year of the Toyota Avalon. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.8% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Toyota Avalon

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Toyota Avalon

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 128 50.8%

8 crashes, 0 fires · median 81,481 mi

Steering 29 11.5%

Median failure at 55,199 miles

16 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,541 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 120,000 mi

Brakes 8 3.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 37,700 mi

Engine & Cooling 8 3.2%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 81,505 mi

Seat Belts 7 2.8%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 5 2.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 7,800 mi

Other & Unspecified 4 1.6%

Median failure at 61,700 miles

Suspension 4 1.6%

Median failure at 106,500 miles

Body & Structure 4 1.6%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 1.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 47,500 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 3 1.2%

Median failure at 79,982 miles

Stability & Traction Control 3 1.2%

Median failure at 7,361 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 0.8%

Median failure at 34,405 miles

Wheels 2 0.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,520 mi

Tires 2 0.8%

Median failure at 32,700 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 0.4%
Seats 1 0.4%

Median failure at 15,000 miles

Lights 1 0.4%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 3.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 11 7.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 9 6.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 22 15.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 29 20.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 18 12.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 37 26.2%
150,000+ miles 10 7.1%

NHTSA crash tests

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.

Frontal crash test of a 2004 Toyota Avalon 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2004 Toyota Avalon 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2004 Toyota Avalon 4-DR. w/SAB

When owners complained

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.

May 2004 peak 13 Aug 2024

Recalls on the 2004 Toyota Avalon

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2014560 141,214 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s). Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag control module and may install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2013032 and 2014097. Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign and did not receive a new airbag control module will also need to be repaired under this campaign.

Recall 2014097 681 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s). Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue.

Recall 2011397 23,003 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles equipped with a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine, the crankshaft pulley may fail. The outer ring may become misaligned, or it may not properly rotate, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. In addition, the power steering belt may become detached from the crankshaft pulley, which could result in a sudden increase in steering effort. A loss of steering power assist could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the crankshaft pulley.

Recall 2010253 4,169 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, a minute crack may develop on the surface of the steering lock bar, which is a component of the steering interlock system. Such a crack may expand over a period of repeated lock and unlock operations, and eventually the lock bar could break. If this occurs, the interlock system may become difficult to unlock when stationary. If the vehicle is steered to the right while in motion with sufficient lateral acceleration, a broken and loose lock bar may move toward the steering shaft. If the engagement hole in the shaft happens to line up at the specific time the broken lock bar has moved, this could cause the steering wheel lock bar to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering interlock device.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 72,000 miles Philadelphia, PA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND BEING SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT HEARD THE ENGINE REV AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH SLOANE TOYOTA OF GLENSIDE (503 N EASTON RD, GLENSIDE, PA 19038) WHO DOCUMENTED THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA complaint #11012254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,444 miles Roswell, GA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN MY 2004 AVALON XLS WHEN A DRIVER STATED SHE DID NOT SEE ME/MY CAR AND TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME LEAVING ME 2 SECONDS TO BRAKE.THIS WAS ON A CITYN STREET AND SHE WAS TURNING FROM STOPPED POSITION INTO PRIVATE COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT. I WAS DRIVING IN LANE CLOSEST TO HER CAR TO REACH LIGHT ANOTHER 500 FEET AHEAD SO I COULD TURN SOUTH WHEN I GOT TO IT. MY CAR WAS TRAVELING 30-35MPH(5-10MPH UNDER POSTED SPEED LIMIT).I HAD JUST ENTERED THE ROADWAY 400 FT BEFORE HER TURN FROM 0MPH TO MAYBE 3MPH? IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR HIT HERS ON BAR BETWEEN THE FRONT AND BACK PASSENGER DOORS. IT CAUSED HER CAR TO RISE UP-I SAW THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF HER CAR; IT THEN ROLLED COMPLETELY OVER ONTO ITS ROOF OUT OF MY SIGHT. ALL WITNESS DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INCIDENT AND MY OWN DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED WERE EXACTLY THE SAME. SHE WAS FOUND AT FAULT AND WE BOTH WERE TRANSPORTED ON BACKBOARDS WITH C COLLARS TO CLOSEST HOSPITAL. I HAVE INJURED SPINE(CERVICAL, THORACIC, LUMBAR), BILATERAL INJURIES TO SHOULDERS, ELBOWS, WRISTS, HANDS, FINGERS, KNEES, FEMORAL BALL AND SOCKET JOINTS, MIGRAINES, INABILITY TO GET FULL NIGHT'S REST, MEMORY LOSS-SEARCH FOR WORDS & JUST PLAIN DON;T REMEMBER THINGS I MAY HAVE DONE-WHAT I HAD FOR BREAKFAST OR IF I EVEN ATE BREAKFAST; WHAT SOMEONE HAS TOLD ME; WHAT HAPPENED ON A TV SHOW OR MOVIE; EXPERIENCING FRUSTRATION, ANXIETY, FEAR OF DYING IN A CAR WRECK-PARAMEDIC TOLD ME IF I HAD NOT BEEN IN THE SIZE CAR I WAS IN THAT I WOULD HAVE BEEN A PILE OF BROKEN BONES OR DEAD; THE AT-FAULT DRIVER WAS ALSO TAKEN TO HOSPITAL THE SAME WAY I WAS; HER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPOLY EITHER; IMPACTED HER CAR, A 1998 TOYOTA AVALON. ANY PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION OF WHY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN EITHER OF OUR CARS?

NHTSA complaint #10899035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Cincinnati, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DISTRACTED AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SRS WARNING LIGHT PREVIOUSLY ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND MOUTH INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V147000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA complaint #10678897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Melbourne, FL Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN DEC 2013 INVOLVING OUR 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WE SUSPECT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE AS IT SHOULD HAVE. SHE HAD BEEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND TAPPED THE BRAKE TO RELEASE IT AS SHE EXITED A HIGHWAY SHE THEN STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AS SHE EXITED THE EASTBOUND HIGHWAY TO MANEUVERE THE EXIT CURVE TO MERGE ONTO A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. ON THE CURVE SHE NOTICED THE CAR WASN'T SLOWING DOWN AS IT SHOULD, AND WHEN SHE BRAKED HARDER, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP SENDING HER INTO A SWERVE. THE CAR TRACED A PATH SIMILAR TO AN UPSIDE DOWN QUESTION MARK. SHE CROSSED TWO LANES, AND THE REAR OF THE CAR HIT A WALL LANDING HER FACING TRAFFIC RIGHT NEXT TO THE ROADWAY. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, BOTH THE GAS PEDAL AND THE BRAKE WERE COMPLETELY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR, AND THE ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF. HER FOOT HAD NOT BEEN ON THE GAS PEDAL FOR SOME TIME SINCE SHE WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED OUT THE CAR. THANKFULLY, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS INVOLVED, BUT MY DAUGHTER WAS PRETTY SHAKEN UP AND HAD TO BE TREATED FOR HEADACHES/NECK SORENESS DUE TO WHIPLASH. WHEN SHE RESTARTED THE CAR (SHE HAD TO TURN THE KEY OFF FIRST, THEN ON), THE PEDALS RETURNED TO NORMAL AND SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR ACROSS TO A SAFER LOCATION ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO AWAIT HELP. TOYOTA'S GAS PEDAL RECALL STARTED WITH THE 2005 TOYOTA AVALON, SO WE HAD NO RECOURSE FOR ACTION AND THE CAR IS NOW GONE, SO THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO INSPECT. WE ARE CONVINCED THE GAS PEDAL STICKING / CRUISE CONTROL REFUSING TO RELEASE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT AND WANT TO PASS ON THE INFORMATION SO THAT OTHERS CAN BE PROTECTED FROM INJURY

NHTSA complaint #10630302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Melbourne, FL Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN DEC 2013 INVOLVING OUR 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WE SUSPECT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT RELEASE AS IT SHOULD HAVE. SHE HAD BEEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND TAPPED THE BRAKE TO RELEASE IT AS SHE EXITED A HIGHWAY SHE THEN STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN AS SHE EXITED THE EASTBOUND HIGHWAY TO MANEUVERE THE EXIT CURVE TO MERGE ONTO A SOUTHBOUND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. ON THE CURVE SHE NOTICED THE CAR WASN'T SLOWING DOWN AS IT SHOULD, AND WHEN SHE BRAKED HARDER, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP SENDING HER INTO A SWERVE. THE CAR TRACED A PATH SIMILAR TO AN UPSIDE DOWN QUESTION MARK. SHE CROSSED TWO LANES, AND THE REAR OF THE CAR HIT A WALL LANDING HER FACING TRAFFIC RIGHT NEXT TO THE ROADWAY. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, BOTH THE GAS PEDAL AND THE BRAKE WERE COMPLETELY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR, AND THE ENGINE HAD SHUT OFF. HER FOOT HAD NOT BEEN ON THE GAS PEDAL FOR SOME TIME SINCE SHE WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED OUT THE CAR. THANKFULLY, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS INVOLVED, BUT MY DAUGHTER WAS PRETTY SHAKEN UP AND HAD TO BE TREATED FOR HEADACHES/NECK SORENESS DUE TO WHIPLASH. WHEN SHE RESTARTED THE CAR (SHE HAD TO TURN THE KEY OFF FIRST, THEN ON), THE PEDALS RETURNED TO NORMAL AND SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR ACROSS TO A SAFER LOCATION ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO AWAIT HELP. TOYOTA'S GAS PEDAL RECALL STARTED WITH THE 2005 TOYOTA AVALON, SO WE HAD NO RECOURSE FOR ACTION AND THE CAR IS NOW GONE, SO THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO INSPECT. WE ARE CONVINCED THE GAS PEDAL STICKING / CRUISE CONTROL REFUSING TO RELEASE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT AND WANT TO PASS ON THE INFORMATION SO THAT OTHERS CAN BE PROTECTED FROM INJURY

NHTSA complaint #10630302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,011 miles Blue Bell, PA Crash

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND HAD DRIVEN INTO MY DRIVEWAY (AFTER OPENING THE GARAGE DOOR) TO ENTER THE GARAGE. THE CAR SUDDENLY TOOK OFF AND BEFORE I KNEW, I HAD CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE GARAGE AND WENT THROUGH IT. THE CAR SMASHED INTO GARDENING TOOLS, SNOW SHOVELS, LAWN MOWER, LEAF BLOWER, TRASH CANS, AND FLOWERING POTS. IT CAME TO A STOP PARTLY BY THE COAT CLOSET WALL THAT PROTRUDES INTO THE GARAGE AND PARTLY BY ALL THE STUFF THAT GOT CAUGHT UNDER THE CAR. THE GARAGE DOOR RAILING WAS DAMAGED AND THE DOOR WAS HANGING A FEW INCHES ABOVE MY CAR. I HEARD THINGS FALLING ABOVE ME. I THOUGHT THAT THE ROOF WOULD COLLAPSE. I REALIZED THAT THE CAR WAS STILL REVVING AND I SHUT IT. I SAT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN I OPENED THE DOOR AND RAN OUT INTO THE HOUSE. THE CAR, THE GARAGE, AND GARAGE CONTENTS WERE DAMAGED. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I THINK IT WAS CAUSED BY UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 5 MPH IN THE DRIVEWAY AND I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS. IT APPEARED THAT THE CAR JUST FLEW AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER IT.

NHTSA complaint #10577514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Anaheim, CA

SUSPENSION

Ella tuvo realmente la culpa

NHTSA complaint #11606428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anaheim, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Ella tuvo realmente la culpa

NHTSA complaint #11606428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

POWER TRAIN

CAR MAKES A VERY, VERY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN STARTED WITH A/C OR HEATING ON (BUT MORE COMMONLY WITH A/C). THE SOUND WILL SOMETIMES DIE DOWN OR STOP ONCE A/C IS TURNED OFF, BUT NOT ALWAYS. PUDDLES CAN TRIGGER THE SOUND AS WELL. SOUND CAN BE HEARD MAINLY UPON INITAL STARTUP BUT CAN OCCUR AFTER CAR IS IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #11402624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

ENGINE

CAR MAKES A VERY, VERY LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN STARTED WITH A/C OR HEATING ON (BUT MORE COMMONLY WITH A/C). THE SOUND WILL SOMETIMES DIE DOWN OR STOP ONCE A/C IS TURNED OFF, BUT NOT ALWAYS. PUDDLES CAN TRIGGER THE SOUND AS WELL. SOUND CAN BE HEARD MAINLY UPON INITAL STARTUP BUT CAN OCCUR AFTER CAR IS IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #11402624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,500 miles Princeton, IN

SUSPENSION

I'VE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, ELECTRICAL, COOLANT OR SOMETHING. MY MECHANICS FINDS NO LEAKS, BUT I CHECKED ONCE AND THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, FIND NO LEAKS. SOMEHOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR MUD FLAP CAME OFF AND THE TRUNK LID DOESN'T LINE UP. IT ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE IT'S PARTIALLY OPENED. WHEN DRIVING I HEAR AND FEEL RATTLING SOUNDS THAT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION OR BODY PANELS. MORE LIKE THE SUSPENSION. THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAD TIMING CHAIN, O2 SENSOR, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES CHECKED AND FIXED OR REPLACED. THEY ALSO HAD IT COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT AND ANYTHING WRONG WAS FIXED. IT ALSO GETS VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE STEERING ALSO DOESN'T FEEL QUITE RIGHT, CAN'T REALLY EXPLAIN THAT VERY WELL, OTHER THAN IT'S NO QUITE RIGHT. ALSO, FOR SOME REASON THE BATTERY WOULDN'T START THE CAR ONE DAY AND WE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE CELLS WERE DRY.

NHTSA complaint #11396567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,500 miles Princeton, IN

STRUCTURE:BODY

I'VE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, ELECTRICAL, COOLANT OR SOMETHING. MY MECHANICS FINDS NO LEAKS, BUT I CHECKED ONCE AND THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, FIND NO LEAKS. SOMEHOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR MUD FLAP CAME OFF AND THE TRUNK LID DOESN'T LINE UP. IT ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE IT'S PARTIALLY OPENED. WHEN DRIVING I HEAR AND FEEL RATTLING SOUNDS THAT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION OR BODY PANELS. MORE LIKE THE SUSPENSION. THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAD TIMING CHAIN, O2 SENSOR, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES CHECKED AND FIXED OR REPLACED. THEY ALSO HAD IT COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT AND ANYTHING WRONG WAS FIXED. IT ALSO GETS VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE STEERING ALSO DOESN'T FEEL QUITE RIGHT, CAN'T REALLY EXPLAIN THAT VERY WELL, OTHER THAN IT'S NO QUITE RIGHT. ALSO, FOR SOME REASON THE BATTERY WOULDN'T START THE CAR ONE DAY AND WE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE CELLS WERE DRY.

NHTSA complaint #11396567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,500 miles Princeton, IN

ENGINE

I'VE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, ELECTRICAL, COOLANT OR SOMETHING. MY MECHANICS FINDS NO LEAKS, BUT I CHECKED ONCE AND THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, FIND NO LEAKS. SOMEHOW, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR MUD FLAP CAME OFF AND THE TRUNK LID DOESN'T LINE UP. IT ALWAYS LOOKS LIKE IT'S PARTIALLY OPENED. WHEN DRIVING I HEAR AND FEEL RATTLING SOUNDS THAT SOUNDS AND FEELS LIKE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION OR BODY PANELS. MORE LIKE THE SUSPENSION. THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAD TIMING CHAIN, O2 SENSOR, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES CHECKED AND FIXED OR REPLACED. THEY ALSO HAD IT COMPLETELY CHECKED OUT AND ANYTHING WRONG WAS FIXED. IT ALSO GETS VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. THE STEERING ALSO DOESN'T FEEL QUITE RIGHT, CAN'T REALLY EXPLAIN THAT VERY WELL, OTHER THAN IT'S NO QUITE RIGHT. ALSO, FOR SOME REASON THE BATTERY WOULDN'T START THE CAR ONE DAY AND WE CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THE CELLS WERE DRY.

NHTSA complaint #11396567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 208,000 miles Salesville, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE ECU ITSELF IS NOT WORKING, WHICH THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO NEVER STOP WORKING. WELL OURS STOPPED WORKING AND THE LICENSED MECHANIC WILL NOT WORK ON IT IF IT IS RECALLED. WE ARE LITERALLY WAITING ON TOYOTA TO FIX OUR CAR. THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO. THE HOLE ECU NOT JUST PART OF IT.

NHTSA complaint #11233048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 284,000 miles Moreno Valley, CA

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FLICKERS AND BEGINS TO GLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS. SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WET WEATHER. MY STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. REVERSED BACKWARDS A LITTLE BIT AND WIGGLED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WOULDN'T BUDGE THEN I WENT FORWARD AND WIGGLED AND IT FINALLY LOOSENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AND USUALLY IN WET WEATHER. MY CAR IS LISTED IN THE AIR BAG RECALL OF 2015; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF WHAT TO DO NEXT AND IT HAS NOW BEEN MORE THAN 3 YEARS SINCE FIRST NOTIFICATION.

NHTSA complaint #11187211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 284,000 miles Moreno Valley, CA

STEERING

AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FLICKERS AND BEGINS TO GLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS. SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WET WEATHER. MY STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. REVERSED BACKWARDS A LITTLE BIT AND WIGGLED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WOULDN'T BUDGE THEN I WENT FORWARD AND WIGGLED AND IT FINALLY LOOSENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES AND USUALLY IN WET WEATHER. MY CAR IS LISTED IN THE AIR BAG RECALL OF 2015; HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF WHAT TO DO NEXT AND IT HAS NOW BEEN MORE THAN 3 YEARS SINCE FIRST NOTIFICATION.

NHTSA complaint #11187211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Palm Coast, FL

AIR BAGS

(1) AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FLICKERS AND BEGINS TO GLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WET WEATHER.. (2) WHEN MOVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE DOOR LOCKS CLICK OPEN AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT GOES ON FOR A FEW SECONDS, THIS HAPPENS DAILY.

NHTSA complaint #11163851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 110,000 miles Palm Coast, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(1) AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT OCCASIONALLY FLICKERS AND BEGINS TO GLOW FOR A FEW SECONDS THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WET WEATHER.. (2) WHEN MOVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE DOOR LOCKS CLICK OPEN AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT GOES ON FOR A FEW SECONDS, THIS HAPPENS DAILY.

NHTSA complaint #11163851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,822 miles Kennewick, WA

STEERING

MY STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING ..THIS MORNING I WAS JUST STARTING MY CAR AND WAS TURNING LEFT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I WENT UP THE SIDEWALK AND ALMOST HIT THE FENCE AND I COULDN'T MOVE IT I REVERSED BACKWARDS A LITTLE BIT AND WIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT WOULDN'T BUDGE THEN I WENT FORWARD AND WIGGLED AND IT FINALLY LOOSENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES NOW USUALLY IN THE MORNING. AND MY MILEAGE IS 140,822

NHTSA complaint #11124569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,000 miles Orange, MA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA STRENGTH WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

NHTSA complaint #11118539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,000 miles Orange, MA

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA STRENGTH WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

NHTSA complaint #11118539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA complaint #11076166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Harrisburg, PA

AIR BAGS

#15V043 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT BLINKING, NEVER STOPS, WHETHER DRIVING OR PARKED. I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED, IN MARYLAND, WHERE IT PASSED THEIR INSPECTION AND WILL PASS MY INSPECTION IN PENNSYLVANIA, BUT DOES CONCERN ME. I SOLD MY 1999 TOYOTA AVALON XL TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO THE CAR FAX THIS VEHICLE NEVER GOT A RECALL, BUT GOT THE RECALL # FROM THE INTERNET. SEEMS THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE TOYOTA AVALON HAS, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #11051007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,000 miles Eugene, OR

AIR BAGS

I RECEIVED NOTICE FOR THIS RECALL IN 2015. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 15V043 RECALL DATE: JANUARY 27, 2015 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: ESG NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE IN 2.5 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #11012539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Philadelphia, PA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND BEING SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT HEARD THE ENGINE REV AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH SLOANE TOYOTA OF GLENSIDE (503 N EASTON RD, GLENSIDE, PA 19038) WHO DOCUMENTED THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA complaint #11012254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,700 miles Apple Valley, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY CAR KEYS CAN BE REMOVED WITHOUT PUTTING THE CAR IN P.THE CAR WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING SPACE AND ROLLED BACK.

NHTSA complaint #11010817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beloit, WI

AIR BAGS

HAVE BEEN CALLING DEALERSHIP SINCE MARCH 31ST, 2015. THEY TOLD ME ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS, I WAS ON A LIST. GAVE UP ON CONTACTING THEM.THEIR DEALERSHIP IS LOCATED IN JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT? THEIR PHONE NUMBER IS 608-754-7754. THE NOTICE SAID IT WAS URGENT, HOW URGENT CAN IT BE IF IT STILL IS NOT FIXED???

NHTSA complaint #10969944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beloit, WI

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

HAVE BEEN CALLING DEALERSHIP SINCE MARCH 31ST, 2015. THEY TOLD ME ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS, I WAS ON A LIST. GAVE UP ON CONTACTING THEM.THEIR DEALERSHIP IS LOCATED IN JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT? THEIR PHONE NUMBER IS 608-754-7754. THE NOTICE SAID IT WAS URGENT, HOW URGENT CAN IT BE IF IT STILL IS NOT FIXED???

NHTSA complaint #10969944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 118,721 miles Marriottsville, MD

AIR BAGS

NHTSA RECALL 15V-043 (1-27-15). ON 7/16 I RECEIVED AN URGENT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE VIA MAIL. RUSSEL TOYOTA 410-788-8400 SAID THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE PART COMES IN. ON 12/6/16 I CALL MR. ALLEN, SERVICE MANAGER WHO SAID THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND THEY WOULD CALL ME IN 2-3 MONTHS. ONE QUESTION: WHY IS TOYOTA ALLOWED TO MAKE ME DRIVE MY CAR WITH THIS UNSAFE CONDITION FOR MORE THAN 2 YEARS BEFORE THEY THINK ABOUT OBTAINING THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS?

NHTSA complaint #10930129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Houston, TX

AIR BAGS

TOOK CAR TO DON MCGILL 3TIMES ,TOOK IT TO JOE MYERS TODAY AND THE SRS LIGHT IS STILL ON ,THEY SAY THEY COMPLETED THE RECALL ,BUT I NEED A DR SIDE AIR BAG IT HAS A DTC B0116 I'M GOING TO CHECK CONNECTIONS . IT'S MY MOMS CAR AND I WANT TO BE SURE IT'S WORKING.AND SAFE NO SHRAPMETAL.

NHTSA complaint #10904483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,444 miles Roswell, GA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN MY 2004 AVALON XLS WHEN A DRIVER STATED SHE DID NOT SEE ME/MY CAR AND TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF ME LEAVING ME 2 SECONDS TO BRAKE.THIS WAS ON A CITYN STREET AND SHE WAS TURNING FROM STOPPED POSITION INTO PRIVATE COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT. I WAS DRIVING IN LANE CLOSEST TO HER CAR TO REACH LIGHT ANOTHER 500 FEET AHEAD SO I COULD TURN SOUTH WHEN I GOT TO IT. MY CAR WAS TRAVELING 30-35MPH(5-10MPH UNDER POSTED SPEED LIMIT).I HAD JUST ENTERED THE ROADWAY 400 FT BEFORE HER TURN FROM 0MPH TO MAYBE 3MPH? IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR HIT HERS ON BAR BETWEEN THE FRONT AND BACK PASSENGER DOORS. IT CAUSED HER CAR TO RISE UP-I SAW THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF HER CAR; IT THEN ROLLED COMPLETELY OVER ONTO ITS ROOF OUT OF MY SIGHT. ALL WITNESS DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INCIDENT AND MY OWN DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED WERE EXACTLY THE SAME. SHE WAS FOUND AT FAULT AND WE BOTH WERE TRANSPORTED ON BACKBOARDS WITH C COLLARS TO CLOSEST HOSPITAL. I HAVE INJURED SPINE(CERVICAL, THORACIC, LUMBAR), BILATERAL INJURIES TO SHOULDERS, ELBOWS, WRISTS, HANDS, FINGERS, KNEES, FEMORAL BALL AND SOCKET JOINTS, MIGRAINES, INABILITY TO GET FULL NIGHT'S REST, MEMORY LOSS-SEARCH FOR WORDS & JUST PLAIN DON;T REMEMBER THINGS I MAY HAVE DONE-WHAT I HAD FOR BREAKFAST OR IF I EVEN ATE BREAKFAST; WHAT SOMEONE HAS TOLD ME; WHAT HAPPENED ON A TV SHOW OR MOVIE; EXPERIENCING FRUSTRATION, ANXIETY, FEAR OF DYING IN A CAR WRECK-PARAMEDIC TOLD ME IF I HAD NOT BEEN IN THE SIZE CAR I WAS IN THAT I WOULD HAVE BEEN A PILE OF BROKEN BONES OR DEAD; THE AT-FAULT DRIVER WAS ALSO TAKEN TO HOSPITAL THE SAME WAY I WAS; HER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPOLY EITHER; IMPACTED HER CAR, A 1998 TOYOTA AVALON. ANY PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION OF WHY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN EITHER OF OUR CARS?

NHTSA complaint #10899035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.