292 of the
4,245 complaints filed about the Toyota Avalon
are about the braking system —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
Immediately upon making a low-speed contact of my back bumper with a pole, the engine revved loudly. I attempted to go from reverse to drive to get some clearance from the pole. I then immediately attempted to put the car in park so I could get out and observe any damage. Immediately, the car accelerated extremely suddenly and quickly. I went over a curb where I had parked prior to backing up and contacting the pole. I hit a landscaping decorative boulder and a young tree. It was clear that my car was headed into the two-way street straight ahead since it was clear my breaking efforts were useless. I believe the car went airborne for a second, landed and continued straight, thankfully not hitting any vehicle or pedestrian. I saw a parked black full-size pickup truck and figured we would hit it, we did. I thought if the truck didn't stop us then we would continue into the building just beyond it. We landed on a memorial boulder next to the truck with the front end on the boulder and the rear of the car low to the ground. It was very difficult to exit the driver's door because the truck was angled so that my door wouldn't open much. It was difficult to get the door handle to actually open the door. I kept trying the lock in case it was engaged. I squeezed out praying loudly for God to help us, over and over again as I squeezed out. I thought the engine was on fire - I thought I saw smoke but later realized it was the powder from the airbags. I was trying to get to the other side of the vehicle to help my friend out. I had a hard time walking due to scraped up legs. A lady came up to me to help. I asked if my friend was ok. I asked if anyone was hit. She said he was out of the vehicle and no one was hit. I held onto her because I was very weak and shaking. I thought my chest pain was due to a heart attack. But when she coached me on my breathing I realized the pain at my sternum was from the seatbelt. I yelled, "I tried to stop, I couldn't stop, the brakes didn't work!
NHTSA complaint #11751413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ever since, I purchase my certified 2019 Toyota Avalon in around June 2022, my car has left me stranded on highways, city areas, and broke down coming out of my garage. I even purchase extended warranty, because of the high mileage it had 77,000 miles. On [XXX] car broke down Drive Belt had to be replaced, [XXX] [XXX] warning lights, dealership service technician couldn't figured out why engine was slowing down the vehicle, engine repair evac leak for gas cap, [XXX], while driving my car the vehicle, my car immediately stopped, it was towed to dealership of Larry H Miller on Alameda in Albuquerque NM, caused of my car stopping on the road in Albuquerque, the technician stated that he found DTCS for Missfire, switched coil to different cylinder and codes went away/on [XXX], my car was towed, because engine stopped while driving, the dealership saw that it was an electrical problem, bad battery on [XXX] car dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, showing electrical malfunctioning of secondary braking system, the car must be towed to the dealership. I was lucky to get the car into a parking area of gas station. I am [XXX], I need to get home and take my [XXX]. So, while in Albuquerque New Mexico, I called for a tow truck to pickup my vehicle because I have triple AAA membership. Since, I have another car, and I needed to get that day June 30, 2026. I had to wait until today July 9, 2026 to have triple AAA to pick up my car and take it to the dealership Larry H Miller Toyota on Alameda, Albuquerque, New Mexico. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 11/27/25 around 11:30 am , I went to stop at a stop sign before approaching the main road. I went to stop at the stop sign and hit the brakes as I proceded to turn left on to the main Road there was a car coming on the main road and I hit my brakes to stop from causing me to run into him when I hit the brakes to avoid hitting the other car , the brakes locked and would not stop the car. Causing the car to swerve and hit the car, went to the other side of the street , hit a pole , and damaged my left and right back and front of my car and hit the other car as well. It was not the first time that the brakes did this to me, however the first time that that happened thankfully I did not hit anyone on the on going road , but the brakes freed up and I continued driving. This timethe brakes froze and the car went out of control. I almost lost my life me and my husband who was a passenger in the car. The person whom I hit in the other car saw that I tried to stop and the car went out of control. The car would not stop. I am concerned because for a long time I have been telling the dealer when I go for service I complained about the knocking of the brakes when I press to stop. They said nothing is wrong and they never did anything about it. Now today I went to the dealer to complain about the accident I was in and wanted them to inspect the brakes. They wanted to charge me 199.00 and I refused to have them diagnose the car because this appears to be problem with the car and nothing on my part. It may be a sensor issue or something. I felt that the car was being operated remotley in other words I had no control the car spinned out of control and the brake system did not work. I want to get rid of this car because I have had 4 accidents with this car since I purchased it in May of 2022. I am now afraid to drive the car after this incident. Please someone help me with this situation.
NHTSA complaint #11702020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After starting to accelerate from a stop light ,the Dashboard had a warning message that the accelerator and brake pedals were pressed simultaneously. The acceleration stopped and the car slowed automatically. After a few seconds the warning indicator went away and the car could accelerate. The cars behind my auto had to stop suddenly. At the time. I though that I might have hit both petals at the same time. When it happened again I opened an incident report with Toyota. Incident opened on 07-19-25 Case # 250719000440. The Toyota rep told me it should be take to a Toyota dealer to diagmose any error codes.The next time the same problem occured I took it to my Toyota dealer and was told there were no error codes to indicate a problem. I have also taken the car to a local repair shop after the problem happened and was shown there were no stored errror codes.The dealer wants to have my auto for an extende time to reproduce the problem. If they need error codes to solve the issue but no error codes are recorded when the problem occurs what can they determine? I am hoping that there are other Toyota Avalon owners which might have had the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11689204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated, and the brake independently activated. The vehicle was taken to a specialty brake shop, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator had failed, causing the ABS system to activate independently. The vehicle was repaired. On the drive back to the residence, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The brake booster, gasket, and brake actuator were replaced. The contact stated that two weeks later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC: C1441 and C1431 were retrieved, indicating an issue with the ABS system lateral acceleration sensor circuit or the brake booster. The dealer became aware that the front bumper bracket had paint on the part that did not allow for the vehicle to brake correctly. The brake pedal support assembly with sensor was replaced, and the paint was removed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,829.
NHTSA complaint #11680608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the brake line was leaking brake fluid. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the subframe and rear axle were rusted. The contact had replaced the brakes. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 00V154000 (Suspension). The contact called the independent mechanic, who determined that a brake line replacement was needed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 278,000.
NHTSA complaint #11655498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have been experiencing sponginess in the brakes. the air conditioner stopped working, the temperature gauges stopped working, and the ABS and Brake light are all on in the dash. Reviewing possible fixes according to Toyota Nation Forum online all these symptoms are a result of an ABS Control Module. This part alone costs almost $1500.00 and supposedly is a very common problem with this type of Avalon, Thank you for researching this further.
NHTSA complaint #11624086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "parking brake malfunction" warning flashed. The contact proceeded to his destination and shifted the vehicle into park (P) but did not engage the parking brake for fear that it might not disengage. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there had been a malfunction of the Parking Brake or Cruise Control Malfunction warning message on the MID (multi-information display) with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C13B0 (Electric Parking Brake ECU Malfunction) NHTSA ID Number: 10172860 (Parking Brake). The contact was advised that the remedy required a software update of the ECU. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,500.
NHTSA complaint #11544037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the pre-collision system (PCS) turns on unexpectedly, without any warning lights or sounds, and applies the brakes. This happens when I am driving in traffic with plenty of space between the car in front of me. I typically drive between 3-6 seconds behind the car in front of me to allow for at least 300 feet in space when driving at highway speeds. Despite leaving plenty of room for cars in front of me, on multiple occasions the car has started braking abruptly while going anywhere between 50, 40, 30, or 20 miles per hour. This can be verified for inspection upon request. Despite there being a recall for my specific year, make, and model car (2015 Toyota Avalon) for this exact issue my VIN number is not covered. Toyota is requiring me to pay out of pocket for them to 1) determine if its malfunctioning and 2) replace the system, which is a huge conflict of interest. Even though the Driver's Manual says that I can disable the PCS by clicking on the PCS on/off button within the driver's glovebox, there is no such button, only a blank button cover. Not having the ability to disable the PCS system, or worse, allowing it to continue braking while I'm driving is a serious hazard. The car can start braking while I am accelerating to merge onto expressway on-ramps, or while changing lanes at the same speed of traffic. The car can also unexpectedly brake while cars are traveling too close behind me. I want to know why my VIN was not included in the initial recall and why I now have to pay to have it looked at or repaired when its clearly malfunctioning and can't be turned off as the Driver's Manual says it can. I should not have to pay $175 an hour for several hours for a Toyota dealership to diagnosis it and then another $175 an hour for 2.5 hours for them to install the fix and whatever the new component costs. I recently bought this car at 35,500 miles and the issue immediately started occurring just as the warranty expired at 36,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11518883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bosch ABS anti skid, anti lock brake moduled failed. No brakes. Toyota US has no replacements parts available. Bosch no longer produces. Called Toyota Customer Service three times. Got to the management end and Senior Advisor told me, warranty expired, norhing we can do. I said, there are a bunch of 2000 to 2004 Toyota Avalons/Lexus 300 vehicles out there (same car except nameplates) with the same problem! Same answer: Toyota, LLC has no further interest in those models and warranty has expired. So, I have limited options: 1. Junk the car (funs and drives like new), 2. Start a legal proceeding (costs prohibitive), 3. notify NHTSA. So, I (and X# of others that own this model) have a seroius safety problem. What Can the NHTSA do?
NHTSA complaint #11517521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Master cylinder leaking from seal may be leaking into brake booster causing brake light to illuminate and no resistance w brake pedal have to press the break pedal all the way to slow down.
NHTSA complaint #11516304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #11510448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the center console was extremely hot, and the driver's side seat electric panel cover had detached. The contact inspected the driver's side seat and noticed there was rust on the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the brake pads were cleaned; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure for the center console. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11506672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while diving approximately 50 MPH, the engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the windshield had detached from the frame. The contact stated that the rear doors were failing to close correctly. The contact stated the vehicle would roll with the brake pedal depressed before coming to a stop. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the steering wheel fractured and the air bags inadvertently deployed. Additionally, the headlamps and turn signals also failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who stated that front door master switch, the pillar and racket, the brakes, the headlamps, and turn signals needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,500.
NHTSA complaint #11479951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Avalon is trying to kill me. I promise I have done nothing wrong! When going down the highway at 85mph I have had people cut in front of me. When pushing on the brakes to avoid collision, the brakes lock up and do not release for about 5 seconds. Naturally, this is quite unnerving for myself, passengers as cars that scatter around me when the Avalon takes control --- slamming on the brakes --- and wont hand control back until it has caused quite a mess. This has happened three times now and no one can tell me what is wrong. I am told to get a brake job at the Toyota dealership even though the pads still have plenty of life.
NHTSA complaint #11434535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I represent the family of a fatally injured rollaway victim. It is on their behalf I am reporting the circumstances of this incident and to strongly urge that NHTSA update the rollaway requirements specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114. On August 22, 2020, It is believed that while attempting to retrieve the key fob, the driver inadvertently bumped the gear selector forward into Neutral, releasing the torque to the wheels that had kept it stationary on their sloped driveway. (Unlike shifting out of the Park position, which requires application of the brake pedal and depressing the lock button on the shift selector, the shift selector can be moved from Drive forward into the Neutral position, without a secondary interlocking action.) The drivers wife, who was behind the vehicle. was pinned by the car and dragged under to her death. The position of the transmission gear selector was not documented by any witnesses or first responders when the vehicle eventually came to rest on the opposite side of the road, not is it documented in the extensive data stored within the vehicle. However, the data retrieved from the subject vehicle during a subsequent inspection revealed that the Vehicle Control History (VCH) included a field for “Driver Exited Vehicle When Shift Position Wasn’t P” which showed that at the time of the incident that is exactly what happened. Finally, there is ample evidence to support the need for an upgrade of the rollaway provisions within FMVSS 114 – as the facts above show. It’s not enough for a safety agency to simply allow manufacturers to do so voluntarily. . Instead, the Toyota was content to collect the data and blame the driver for an event that it clearly knows occurs and has extensive information about, but fails to prevent. The public needs to rely on NHTSA to promulgate updated regulations that meet the safety needs presented to drivers of modern vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11426884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.