53 of the
449 complaints about the 2006 Toyota Avalon are about the
transmission — 12% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
12,090 miles.
C
53
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Transmission
3566.0%
Power Train
1528.3%
Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
23.8%
Driveline
11.9%
Transmission & Drivetrain across every Toyota Avalon year
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact heard an abnormal noise as he pressed on the brake pedal; the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving operation. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that a mechanical fault was found with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also informed of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact continued to experience multiple failures after the vehicle was inspected. On the latest incident, the contact stated that he had entered a car wash on the left lane and attempted to enter the right lane by reversing the vehicle. Once the vehicle was placed into drive, the vehicle made an abnormal, squealing noise and independently accelerated without warning into a concrete wall. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed with Apex City, NC police department. The contact sought medical attention from his doctor for the soreness to his right hand and right knee. The contact had the vehicle initial towed to a dealer where it was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was then towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 155,835
NHTSA complaint #11441720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWinter Haven, FL
POWER TRAIN
UNDER HARD ACCELERATION WHILE TURNING, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. IE, ENTERING TRAFFIC FROM A CROSS STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11308816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesTemple, TX
POWER TRAIN
TWO PREVIOUS AVALONS (97&98) AND THE ONE IDENTIFIED HERE, DID AND DOES ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WITH THE CAR BEING IN PARK. THE DANGER IS THAT THE CAR WILL ROLL AND COULD RUN OVER SOMEONE OR INTO TRAFFIC AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. MY HUSBAND AND I ALWAYS REMINDED EACH OTHER TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, BUT HE IS NO LONGER WITH ME AND RECENTLY I STARTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND IT STARTED ROLLING WHILE I WAS GETTING OUT. I HAVE COMPLAINED IN THE PAST TO TOYOTA, BUT THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE ME. A RECENT COMPLAINT BROUGHT THE ANSWER THAT THE 36000 MILE WARRANTY DOESN'T APPLY TO THE REPAIR. I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT THIS IS EVIDENTLY A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH AVALONS THAT TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS, OR MY 2006 WOULDN'T HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WE HAVE ALMOST ALWAYS BOUGHT USED CARS AND TRUCKS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THAT WOULD ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN PARK. YOU ASK FOR A SPECIFIC DATE AT THE END OF THIS "STEP". IT IS ONGOING SO I HAVE JUST PUT YESTERDAYS DATE. THE CAR WAS A GIFT IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014.
NHTSA complaint #11307657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,482 milesNash, TX
POWER TRAIN
HESITATION FROM TAKE OFF INTERMITTENT, TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS ON INCLINES. I WOULD BE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND THE CAR WOULD BARLEY MOVE EVEN WITH PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR! THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL JUST TAKE OFF! I'LL BE DRIVING THROUGH THEY CITY AND BETWEEN 40 AND 50 MILES PER HOUR THE CAR SHIFTS ERRATICALLY
NHTSA complaint #11256831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,800 milesColumubus,, TX
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AT ABOUT 25 MPH, THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE BY ITSELF TO 30MPH, EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR HAS NO EFFECT. THE ACCELERATION IS BRIEF AND STOPS BY ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS. CRUISE CONTROL NOT ENGAGED. THE CAR COMPUTER WAS RE-FLASHED AT THE DEALER YEAR TO ADDRESS TO ADDRESS SENSITIVE ACCELERATOR ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10593405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
POWER TRAIN
DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS VEHICLES TRANSMISSIONS HESITATES SHIFTING UP OR DOWN BETWEEN GEARS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN POINTED OUT TO TOYOTA DEALER IN BOWIE, MD, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM TWO TOYOTA CASE # [XXX] AND [XXX]. ALSO SEE SITE: FOURWHEELDRIFT.WORDPRESS.COM/2007/01/16/TOYOTA-AVALON-TRANSMISSION. ECM ISSUE COULD CAUSE VEHICLE TO FAIL DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION WHEN MAKING TURNS OR ACCELERATING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10470585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBaltimore, MD
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN MAKING TURNS AND CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. SHE PULL THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AN HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION COIL WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27000.
NHTSA complaint #10458326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,300 milesNEW Port Richey, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I THINK I EXPERIENCED A SURGE IN MY 2006 TOYOTA AVALON. I WAS NOT SURE BUT PEOPLE OBSERVING THAT DID NOT STAY AND WAIT FOR POLICE SAID MY CAR RACED FORWARD AFTER STOPPED AT A LIGHT. I ENDED UP STEERING TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A TREE RATHER THAN THE CAR AHEAD OR PEDESTRIANS. WHEN THE POLICE AND TOW TRUCK ARRIVED THEY INDICATED THAT MY AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF, BUT IT DID NOT.
NHTSA complaint #10321212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,900 milesKenmore, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON. I TOOK IT IN A FEW WEEKS AGO TO HAVE THE ACCELERATOR RECALL PROBLEM "FIXED". TODAY (3/14), I WAS TRAVELING THRU A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AT 10 TO 12 MPH. AS I TOUCHED THE BRAKE, THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, GRINDING THRU THE BRAKES. I PUSHED IT INTO NEUTRAL AND JAMMED THE BRAKE. THERE WAS A VERY LOUD "THUNK" AND THE CAR STOPPED AND CEASED TRYING TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA complaint #10319542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesLittle ELM, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 5 MPH, ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN HE HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING IN THE ENGINE AREA. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN HESITATING AND WITHIN SECONDS, RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN THE RPMS. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED WITH A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. UPDATED 06/04/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE HAD A HIGH IDLE, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HESITATE INTO GEAR AT 10-15 MPH AND THEN CATCH WOULD CATCH UP AND DISENGAGE AND THE DRIVERS DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN. UPDATED 10/14/10
NHTSA complaint #10319129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
POWER TRAIN
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE TOYOTA VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM, OWNER OF A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION PROBLEM. *TGW IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED A PROBLEM IN ACCELERATING, DECELERATING AND SHIFTING GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER A FEW WEEKS LATER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAT A MINOR ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE TO THE SHIFTING POINTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED FINE FOR A WHILE, BUT THEN THE SAME PROBLEMS QUICKLY RESURFACED. A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT A DEFECT; RATHER IT WAS THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS INTENDED TO HANDLE DUE TO ITS DRIVE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM. THE REPRESENTATIVE WENT ON TO SAY THE DRIVE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM DID NOT HAVE A TRADITIONAL ROD THAT CONNECTED THE PEDAL TO THE ENGINE; RATHER, THE PEDAL WENT TO AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM THAT SENSED THE INTENDED ACCELERATION AND CAUSES THE ENGINE TO ACCELERATE AS DIRECTED BY THE DRIVER. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE HESITATION HE COMPLAINED OF WAS NORMAL AS THE SYSTEM WAS DETERMINING HOW MUCH TO ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER DID NOT BELIEVE THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS DUE TO A STICKING PEDAL; RATHER A PROBLEM WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, THROTTLE OR ONBOARD COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #10315389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesPierre Part, LA
POWER TRAIN
2006 AVALON ENGINE SURGED. SENT E-MAIL TO TOYOTA AT THAT TIME. AS I RECALL TOYOTA RESPONSE BY E-MAIL WAS "WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY SIMILAR INCIDENTS" I STILL HAVE A COPY OF THE E-MAIL I SENT.
NHTSA complaint #10314543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
THE PROBLEM SEEMS RELATED TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM NEVER OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD OR FROM A STOPPED POSITION. PROBLEM IS NOT CONSISTENT ON AVERAGE OCCURRING ONCE A DAY DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM: IN PARKING LOT OR AFTER LOT OF LOW SPEED DRIVING FORM TRAFFIC PROBLEM OCCURS?.. ACCELERATE THE RPMS RACE ON THE TACH AND THE SPEEDOMETER IS OUT OF SINK THERE IS A DELAYED RESPONSE A SHUDDER, SHIFT TIMING FEELS OFF KILTER, ERRATIC HUNTING, THEN A HARSH FORWARD THIS MAY BE A ONE TIME EVENT OR SEVERAL IN SUCCESSION AND THEN RETURNS TO NORMAL SHIFTING PATTERN 2- CRUISING 30 MPH PROBLEM OCCURRED GAVE IT SOME GAS... TACH SHOT TO 4K DELAYED FORWARD ENGAGING THEN THE CAR DROVE ITSELF FOR 1/4 MILE WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR 2006 TOYOTA AVALON.
NHTSA complaint #10314159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesTacoma, WA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I'M AN OWNER OF A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON AND I'M CURIOUS IF THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED AS A CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATOR ISSUE? I PURCHASED THIS CAR AS A NEW CAR AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS I RETURNED O THE DEALER TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CHECKED. AT THIS POINT IT LAGGED WHEN DOWNSHIFTING OR SEEMED TO BE CONTINUOUSLY SEARCHING FOR THE APPROPRIATE GEAR. I WAS TOLD THAT HE COMPUTER HAD TO LEARN OUR DRIVING STYLE AND THE ISSUE WOULD GO AWAY. IT HAS NEVER GONE AWAY, AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME. I HAVE 60,000 MILES ON THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10313347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesOmaha, NE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE FIRST WEEK I OWNED THE CAR I NOTICED A HESITATION IN THE ACCELERATOR FOLLOWED BY A LURCHING FORWARD. TOOK IT TO DEALER WHO SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY THE DRIVE BY WIRE SYSTEM AND WOULD ADJUST TO MY DRIVING IN TIME. NO ADJUSTMENT OCCURRED. I CONTINUED TO MAKE COMPLAINTS TO NO AVAIL UNTIL I THREATENED WRITE TO NHTSA. THEY THEN SAID "WAIT, DON'T DO THAT. WE'LL TALK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER TO SEE IF HE HAS A FIX. WITHIN 30 MINUTES THEY HAD RECALIBRATED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE/ECM (SAE TERM: POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE/PCM). WARRANTY INFORMATION WAS: OP CODE EG7023; DESCRIPTION RECALIBRATE EMC (PCM); TIME 0.9; OFP 89661-#####; T1 26; T2 99. THE RESULTS WERE GOOD ALTHOUGH I SOMETIMES STILL FEEL ALMOST UNDETECTABLE SMALL SURGES WHEN I AM DRIVING AS IF I AM NOT REALLY CONTROLLING THE SPEED WITH THE ACCELERATOR. BY THE WAY, I HAD REPORTED THIS TWICE BEFORE AND WHEN I READ THROUGH ALL OF THE 2006 AVALON REPORTS MINE WAS NOT THERE. ARE THE REPORTS DELETED AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME?
NHTSA complaint #10308489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,122 milesFountain Valley, CA
POWER TRAIN
2006 TOYOTA AVALON GAS PEDAL DOES NOT PROVIDE POWER UNTIL DEPRESSED OVER 50 PERCENT TRAVEL THEN IT SUDDENLY PROVIDES POWER REPRESENTATIVE OF HALF THROTTLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WHEN IT DOES DELIVER POWER UNDER THIS CONDITION. ON RARE OCCASIONS WHEN MOVING FROM STOPPED POSITION THE CAR ACCELERATOR IS OVERLY SENSITIVE AND ACTS LIKE I JUST STOMPED ONTHE GAS PEDAL AND NOT THE SLOW MOVEMENT I GAVE TE GAS PEDAL TO MAKE A SLOW MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. I HAVE GOTTEN USED TO THE WAY IT DRIVES AND IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY FOR THE PAST 10 MONTHS. TODAY THE GAS PEDAL HAS VERY LITTLE RESPONSE TO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I CANNOT DRIVE IT THIS WAY AND HAVING CAR TOWED TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. SOME DAYS AFTER DRIVING OVER 30 MINUTES THE CAR ACTS NORMALLY WITH EXCEPTION OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA complaint #10306879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesAtlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN SLOWING MY 2006 AVALON FOR TURN, SPEED BUMP, ETC. AND THEN ACCELERATING THERE IS OFTEN A LAG IN THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGING AND WHEN IT DOES THE CAR LURCHES. I HAVE COMPLAINED MANY TIMES TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS ABOUT THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. AFTER A YEAR OR SO 1 DEALER SAID THAT TOYOTA HAD ISSUED AN ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE WHICH THEY PERFORMED. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A WHILE BUT HAS RETURNED. IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT RECALLS AND STORIES ABOUT POSSIBLE ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS I WANTED TO ADD MY STORY TO THE LIST. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE LAG IN TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, ESPECIALLY IF IT WORSENS. FURTHER, THE ONLY WAY I KNOW ABOUT THIS LATEST RECALL IS THROUGH THE NEWS - TOYOTA HAS NOT NOTIFIED ME DIRECTLY. THIS MAKES THE THIRD RECALL ON THIS CAR - FLOOR MATS, VVT-I OIL HOSE AND NOW ACCELERATOR! NEEDLES TO SAY - I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE AND WILL SERIOUSLY TRY TO CONVINCE MY WIFE TO TAKE OUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE IN THE FUTURE! *CN
NHTSA complaint #10306926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesRedlands, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS IS JUST TO PASS ALONG TO YOU THAT I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT ODD SENSATION OF MOMENTARY ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING, BUT WHILE LETTING OFF THE ACCEL PEDAL. ON THE HANDFUL OF OCCASSIONS WHEN IT HAS TAKEN PLACE, I BELIEVE I WAS ALWAYS DRIVING IN HEAVY STOP-AND-GO FREEWAY TRAFFIC. ALMOST FROM THE FIRST DAY I LEASED THE CAR, I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FRIENDS THAT I THOUGHT MY ELECTONICALLY-CONTROLLED TRANSMISSION WAS "TOO SMART"--THAT IT THOUGHT IT KNEW BETTER HOW TO DRIVE THE CAR THAN I DID. I HAVE A FEATHER TOUCH IN MY DRIVING STYLE, AND I HAVE NOT LIKED HOW THE TRANSMISSION IS CONSTANTLY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF IT WANTS TO BE SHIFTING UP OR DOWN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. NOW, WITH THE RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE, I AM WONDERING IF THE ISSUE IS BROADER AND COULD BE PART OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUE?
NHTSA complaint #10306922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION POSES SAFETY PROBLEMS BECAUSE IT IS VERY UNEVEN AND UNPREDICTABLE, SHIFTING WHEN YOU DON'T EXPECT SHIFTING, AT LOWER AND HIGHER SPEEDS AND IN CRUISE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10304882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, VA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON XLS AND I HAD PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT LIGHTLY ON THE BREAK PEDAL, THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, AND THE CAR IS IN GEAR (DRIVE). ALL AT ONCE, THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE FORWARD REALLY FAST BUT STOP WHEN I PUSH HARD ON THE BREAK PEDAL. I WAS THINKING THAT MAYBE MY FOOT WAS SLIPPING FROM THE BREAK AND ONTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITHOUT ME NOTICING IT, HOWEVER, IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT PUBLICITY ABOUT THE GAS PEDAL PROBLEMS WITH TOYOTAS, I AM THINKING THAT MAYBE MY FOOT WAS NOT SLIPPING AND THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION MAY HELP IN THE FAULT ISOLATION PROCESS. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, I WOULD SAY ABOUT ONCE EVERY FEW MONTHS. MY REACTION ON THE BREAK PEDAL IS FAST AND IT DOES STOP THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10302914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSandy Springs, GACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I TOOK MY 2006 AVALON IN TO NALLEY TOYOTA FOR AN OIL LINE RECALL. I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD ALSO LOOK INTO THE FLOOR MAT RECALL FOR ME. THEY TOLD ME NO DECISION HAD YET BEEN MADE ON THE FLOOR MAT ISSUE BUT WENT AHEAD WITH THE OIL LINE RECALL. I PICKED MY CAR UP THAT AFTERNOON, DROVE 15 MINUTES TO MY MOTHER'S APARTMENT. WHILE SLOWLY GUIDING MY WAY INTO A PARKING PLACE, MY CAR ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY PROPELLING ITSELF UP OVER A CURB AND THROUGH A WOODEN FENCE, LANDING WITH MY BACK TIRES ON THE FRONT CURB OF THE PARKING PLACE. MY BRAKING HAD NO EFFECT AND UPON LANDING ON THE DOWNSIDE OF THE SLOPE, MY ENGINE DIED. I CALLED TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY ASKING WHAT THEY COULD HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN SINCE MY CAR HAD NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE IN THE 4 YEARS I HAD IT, AND YET HAPPENED 15 MINUTES AFTER THEY HAD WORKED ON IT. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS DONE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. WE COMPLAINED TO THE AREA TOYOTA REP AND AN INSPECTOR CAME AND LOOK AT THE CAR AT THE NALLEY REPAIR SHOP WE HAD IT TOWED TO. TOYOTA SAYS MY CAR CHECKS OUT FINE AND ANY PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE FLOOR MATS /DRIVER. THE SERVICEMAN DID NOT ADVISE ME TO REMOVE THE FLOOR MATS THAT WERE IN PLACE WHEN THEY WERE WORKING ON THE CAR. THEY RELEASED IT TO ME WITH THE FLOOR MATS IN PLACE. FURTHERMORE, I CONTEND THAT THE FIRST THING I CHECK AFTER THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS THE LOCATION OF THE FLOOR MAT,WHICH WAS FLAT AGAINST THE FLOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10300085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25 milesEvergreen Park, IL
POWER TRAIN
SINCE OWNING A 2006 TOYOTA AVALON I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS CAR SURGING & TAKING OFF. FLOOR MATTS ARE NOT A ISSUE SINCE THE WERE REMOVED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE LAST YEAR.. TOYOTA TELLS ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, NOT JUST ONE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10290925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES, JUMPS, AND BUCKS AND ACCELERATION IS VERY UNEVEN. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM 0 MPH (I.E. AT A RED LIGHT), THE CAR HESITATES, AND THEN AT APPROX. 20 MPH, WHILE KEEPING THE GAS PEDAL STEADY, THE RPM'S REV UP, AND THE CAR ACCELERATES WILDLY. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AT AROUND 20 MPH, IT FEELS LIKE IT SHIFTS INTO A GEAR ABOVE WHAT IT SHOULD BE. THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IT IS IN THE WRONG GEAR. THIS CAUSES PROBLEMS WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING AND HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS "CLOSE CALLS." *TR THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY MADE A MINOR ADJUSTMENT TO THE SHIFTING POINTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. UPDATED 02/17/10.
NHTSA complaint #10290520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,444 milesMonroe, NY
POWER TRAIN
I WAS TRAVELING ON THE NY I-87 IN MY 2006 TOYOTA AVALON FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES WHEN THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WITHIN A MINUTE OR SO, THE "CHECK OIL" LIGHT STARTED BLINKING SLOWLY AT FIRST, THEN AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS IT WAS ON CONTINUOUSLY. BY THIS TIME I HAD PULLED OFF INTO A GAS STATION. AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE STATION THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. AFTER IT WAS PARKED, I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS NO OIL REMAINING IN THE ENGINE. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, INCLUDING INSIDE OF WHEELS AND BRAKES WAS COMPLETELY COATED WITH OIL AS WELL AS THE BACK OF THE TRUNK. PRESUMABLY FROM THE SPRAY UNDERNEATH WHILE TRAVELING @ 65-70MPH. I THEN PURCHASED 3 QUARTS OF OIL, PUT IT IN THE ENGINE AND IT DRAINED ONTO THE GROUND. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE IS A PIN HOLE IN THE RUBBER SECTION OF THE OIL LINE. THE USE OF A RUBBER HOSE FOR A PRESSURIZED FLAMMABLE LIQUID SYSTEM IN THIS LOCATION IS ABSOLUTELY RECKLESS. AT A MINIMUM, IT SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF ARMORED OR SHIELDED HOSE. I'M AMAZED THE CAR DIDN'T START ON FIRE FROM BEING DOUSED WITH FIVE QUARTS OF OIL LEAKING FROM THE RUPTURED HOSE. THE SERVICE PERSON AT THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006 AVALONS AND HE COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ISSUED. THE ENGINE REPAIRS CAUSED BY THIS DEFECT WILL COST ME UP TO $5000. TODAY I FOUND AT LEAST A 1000 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM. I WOULD HATE TO SEE A DEATH RESULT IN THIS ISSUE CAUSED BY FIRE DUE TO HOT OIL.
NHTSA complaint #10288570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesDelmar, NY
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR A/C STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND I SOON LOST MOST OF MY OIL. I WAS LEFT ON A SUNDAY WITHOUT MUCH OIL AND HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE REPLACED THE OIL LINE AT NO CHARGE AND LUCKILY I HAD AAA TOWING INSURANCE. I WAS OUT ON THE ROAD WITHOUT OIL IN THE CAR!!!
NHTSA complaint #10284630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,900 milesCaledonia, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AVALON LIMITED 3.2L V6 * AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION * 72,900 MILES WELL, THIS IS MY 3RD TOYOTA, THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE UP UNTIL THURSDAY NIGHT WHEN I STARTED THE CAR I HEARD A CRANKY FAN LIKE NOISE, I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS AFTER I DROVE SHOPPING AND CAME BACK AFTER 2-3 MILES AND PARKED THE CAR ON MY DRIVEWAY IN THE DARK. NEXT MORNING WHEN I PULLED MY CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE NOISE CONTINUED AND I SAW A POOL OF ENGINE OIL ALL OVER, I CALLED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND SURPRISINGLY THEY OFFERED TO REPAIR THE CAR THE SAME DAY (SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS-NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE EVEN FOR JUST OIL CHANGES) AFTER TAKING A LOOK THEY SAID THE OIL LINE NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND COST WOULD BE $450 FOR A HALF DAYS WORK. I CALLED BACK THE EVENING AND WAS TOLD NOW THEY CALLED TOYOTA AS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG BUT HAVE NOT HEARD FROM TOYOTA SO I WONT GET MY CAR UP UNTIL AFTER LABOR DAY WEEKEND- (HAD TO GET A RENTAL FOR A WEEK) NEXT WEEK, THEY TOLD BE THE GEAR SHAFT CRACKED AND GASKETS NEED REPLACEMENT AND A 16 HRS JOB AND WOULD COST APPROX $6000 TO REPAIR "BUT TOYOTA WILL COVER 50%" EVEN THOUGH I AM OUT OF 60,000 MILES WARRANTY. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I WALKED IN TO DEALER TO SEE MY CAR AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE BROKEN PART AND TOLD ME TOYOTA HAS SINCE REDESIGNED THIS PART SO IT DOES NOT BREAK AND CAUSE SUDDEN OIL LEAKS- ONCE THE NEW PART IS REPLACED I SHOULD NOT EXPECT MORE SIMILAR PROBLEMS- I AM KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY MADE A NOTE OF MY PROBLEM BUT SAID I HAVE TO GET THE NUMBER OF THE TOYOTA REGIONAL MANAGER FROM THE DEALER WHO SAID HE CANNOT LET ME TALK DIRECTLY DUE TO" BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM". I TOLD THEM ITS NOT FAIR FOR THE CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR THE MANUFACTURING FAULTS OF TOYOTA. FINALLY THE "HIDDEN" TOYOTA REGIONAL MANAGER OFFERED TO SETTLE FOR PAYING 2/3 RD FOR MY CAR'S REPAIR. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS DRIVING THE AVALON AND A BIG COVER-UP BY TOYOTA.
NHTSA complaint #10284372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17 milesMadison, CT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION HESITATES EXCESSIVELY WHEN AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTING AT SPEEDS BELOW 10 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY DAY AND EVERY DOWNSHIFT FROM THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. TERRIBLE CONDITION THAT NO ONE AT TOYOTA IS WILLING TO ADMIT OR FIX. WTF?
NHTSA complaint #10277222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesCanyon Lake, TX
POWER TRAIN
2006 TOYOTA AVALON LXS DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION NOTICED NOISE WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTED. GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AS WE APPROACHED HOME. CHECKED OIL NEXT DAY. ENGINE EMPTY OF OIL. PUT OIL IN AND LEAKED IMMEDIATELY OUT. OIL LINE BROKEN. NO WARNING OF ENGINE TROUBLE, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO WARNING AT ALL. HAD CAR TOLLED TO REPAIR SHOP. ENGINE MAY BE GONER.
NHTSA complaint #10273247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,500 milesSavannah, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2006 TOYOTA AVALON TRANSMISSION HESITATES AT 0-35 MPH, ESPECIALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS. I NEED HELP BECAUSE TOYOTA IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10261873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Heights, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHENEVER I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE ,SUCH AS ENTERING A HIGHWAY FROM AN ON RAMP THE TRANSMISSION WILL HESITATE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE SPEEDING UP. I UNDERSTAND OTHER OWNERS HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED AND TOYOTA MADE CORRECTIONS COULD NOT FIND IT IN YOUR DATABASE.
NHTSA complaint #10231422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.