2008 TOYOTA Avalon Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
349
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
176 complaints
Because my instrument panel is alway illuminated, I was unaware that I was driving one night without my lights on. Now I know why I see more cars at night without their lights. Manufacturers need to fix this problem. Older cars would not turn on the panel lights if the headlights weren't on. You would think this would be an easy technology fix with since we have self driving cars now.
Oct 15, 2024
2008 TOYOTA AVALON. LOW BEAM ON DRIVERS SIDE GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY. HAVE TO TURN HEADLIGHTS ON/OFF QUICKLY. WAS PULLED OVER BY CHP ON HIGHWAY, TOLD HIM JUST HAD LOW BEAMS BULBS REPLACED. HE ASKED ME TO TURN THEM OFF, THEN ON AND BOTH LIGHTS WERE WORKING. THIS WAS IN SPRING 2018 APPROX 80,000 MILES. TOOK TO MECHANIC, THEY WORKED FINE. DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER THAT, NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT AS IT HAPPENS MORE FREQUENTLY AND AFRAID THAT LIGHTS WILL NOT COME BACK ON. SO MANY OF SAME COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS. I EMAILED TOYOTA AND ACTUALLY GOT A CALL BACK BUT GAL STATED THEY HAD NO RECORD OF ANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING LOW BEAM PROBLEMS. SHE GAVE ME A CASE #2008070658. ASKED IF I HAD TAKEN IT TO DEALER BUT THEY WOULD CHARGE FOR DIAGNOSIS, I TOLD HER I WOULD NOT BE DOING THAT. MY MECHANIC HAS REFERRED ME TO ANOTHER SHOP WITH A CERTIFIED A TOYOTA MASTER MECHANIC, WILL SEE WHAT HE HAS TO SAY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM TO SAY THE LEAST AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY TOYOTA REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE IT AND STEP UP TO CORRECT PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND OBVIOUSLY I AM NOT ONLY ONE WHO IS VERY CONCERNED.
Aug 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE HEADLIGHT FAILURE AND ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF UP TO 75,000 MILES. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT; THEREFORE, THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Sep 25, 2019
I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN DECEMBER 2018 AND WAS TOLD THAT MY HIGH BEAMS WERE OUT. I HAD THE BULBS REPLACED AND JUST RECENTLY HAD MY LIGHTS INSPECTED. CHANGING THE BULBS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND MY HIGH BEAMS ARE STILL NOT WORKING!
Aug 01, 2019
LOW BEAM LIGHTS RANDOMLY GO OUT AFTER BEING ON FOR A SHORT TIME. I'VE BEEN BATTLING THIS ISSUE SINCE 2013 WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE DEALER SAYS MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE BURNT OUT. I CAN TURN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OFF AND BACK ON QUICKLY AND THE AFFECTED LIGHT COMES BACK ON. I DO THIS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY WHEN IT IS DARK OUT. I EVEN HAD SMALL LED LIGHTS MOUNTED INTO MY DASH AND WIRED INTO EACH LOW BEAM BULB SO I CAN SEE IF ONE GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AT NIGHT AS IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO KNOW IF ONE WHEN OUT.
Dec 19, 2018
+ 171 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
35 complaints
NHTSA, I WOULD LIKE REPORT AN INCIDENT OF 'SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION' WHEN DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE, [XXX], ON SUNDAY, 10/23/16 TRAVELING WEST ON WALKER ROAD IN BEAVERTON, OREGON AT 11:05AM (ADDRESS: [XXX]) . I WAS STOPPED BEHIND (2) CARS WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. SUDDENLY THE CAR ENGINE QUICKLY REVVED UP. MY CAR SURGED FORWARD AS I DEPRESSED MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE FURTHER. THANKFULLY MY CAR ONLY SURGED FORWARD A FOOT OR TWO AND THEN THE ENGINE RETURNED TO IDLE. NO CONTACT WAS MADE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THIS INCIDENT WAS VERY SCARY FOR ME AND MY WIFE AND I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS 'SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION' IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND WILL CAUSE HARM TO ME, MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 24, 2016
TAKATA RECALL MARCH 9TH 2016 9:30PM I WAS ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM THE ONRAMP TO ABOUT 70MPH WHEN THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE SO I CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE BUT THERE WAS NO RELEASE OF ACCELERATION SO PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND I FOUND ROOM TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. I GAVE IT 15 SECONDS AND RE-STARTED BUT IT WAS STILL ACCELERATING, I REPEATED THIS AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I LEFT ITHE ENGINE OFF FOR A FULL MINUTE AND RE-STARTED TO FIND IT HAD RESET. I THEN CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT AND FOUND IT INTACKED AND PINNED TO THE FLOOR PINS.
Mar 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Jul 15, 2015
I WAS COASTING, BARELY MOVING WHEN I HEARD THE ENGINE REV UP AND ACCELERATE. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS. BEFORE I COULD APPLY BRAKES MY CAR HIT THE HOUSE. I WAS ABOUT 2 FEET FROM THE HOUSE SO THERE WAS NOT MUCH TIME TO REACT. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN 1-2 SECONDS. I HAD TURNED INTO A DRIVEWAY TO PARK. *TR
Jan 29, 2015
I WAS COASTING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE HARDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE BEGAN TO UNCONTROLLABLY RACE AND THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. I APPLIED THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD, FLIPPED THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, MISSING THE CAR IN FRONT BY INCHES. I WAITED APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, RESTARTED THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO UNCONTROLLABLY RACE AGAIN. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND WAITED APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES RE-STARTED THE CAR AND IT STARTED SOMEWHAT ROUGHLY BUT THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION STOPPED AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR I CHECKED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS FIRMLY ANCHORED AND NOWHERE NEAR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND IT WAS. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT I WAS BRAKING AND THE CAR WAS SLOWING APPROPRIATELY SO IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ITSELF BECAME STUCK. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY TO THE DEALER AND NOTIFIED TOYOTA. *TR
May 02, 2014
+ 30 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
28 complaints
I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO HAVING A HEADLIGHT OUT. HOWEVER IT'S NEVER BLOWN. ONCE I SHOW THE OFFICER BY TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN BACK ON THE LIGHT IS ON. FROM READING MANY TOYOTA FORUMS AND GOING TO A TOYOTA DEALER, IT IS A FAULTY WIRING SYSTEM AND TO REPAIR IT WILL COST AT LEAST $1300.00 OR MORE. IT IS A HASTLE AS WELL AS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE LIGHT DOESNT STAY ON ONCE TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF THEN ON. WITHIN A FEW MILES IT GOES OFF AGAIN AND IT IS CONSTANTLY BLOWING THE LIGHT BULBS. IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD MY CAR I HAVE REPLACED THE LIGHTS AT LEAST 7 TIMES. THE LIGHT WILL ALWAYS BE OFF WHEN I START MY CAR WITH THE REMOTE STARTER AND WHEN I START IT WITH THE IGNITION IF IT'S ON, WITHIN A FEW MILES OF DRIVING IT GOES OFF AGAIN.
Mar 08, 2020
FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED USED VEHICLE IN 2015, I'VE EXPERIENCED HEADLIGHTS THAT FLICKER AND GO OFF ONLY TO BE FULLY ILLUMINATED BY TURNING OFF THEN BACK ON. MOSTLY, IT'S THE DRIVER SIDE AND SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER SIDE; INFREQUENTLY, BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE AFFECTED. I'VE SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR A SOLUTION AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR REPORTS WITH 'SOLUTIONS' RANGING FROM SIMPLE FEW DOLLARS TO ABOVE $1000. MY LOCAL DEALER HAD THE CAR ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS...TO NO AVAIL AND WAS WILLING TO 'FIX' IT FOR $1200. BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF SIMILARLY DESCRIBED ON INTERNET FORUMS, I THINK THAT TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLES IF, FOR NO OTHER REASON, THAN THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.
Nov 16, 2019
I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH EITHER ONE OR BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF RANDOMLY. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY AND I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS ON OCCASION I DO NOT EVEN KNOW THAT THE LIGHTS ARE OFF. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE AND ISSUED A WARNING WITH THE EXCEPECTATION THAT THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIXED. THIS POSES ANOTHER GREAT CONCERN AS THE MECHANIC HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, THEREFORE, IT CANNOT BE FIXED. THE MECHANIC HAS ALSO REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER AS WELL AS OTHER MECHANICS ALONG WITH CONDUCTING HIS OWN RESEARCH ALL TO NO AVAIL. DURING MY RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLIANTS STATING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS THAT I AM EXPERIENCING, ALSO WITH NO RESOLVE OR REMEDY. I AM SHOCKED THAT TOYOTA WOULD PLACE PEOPLE IN SUCH DANGER AND NOT TAKE ANY ACTION TO RECTIFY THIS VERY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE.
Nov 04, 2019
CAR DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT GOES OUT RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY .
Oct 28, 2019
RECENTLY PURCHASED A CAR. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY GOE OFF AFTER A FEW MINUTES. UNFORTUNATELY THIS ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED WHILE MY RECENTLY LICENSED TEEN WAS DRIVING THE CAR... HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! I WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE LIGHT SYSTEM CHECKED OUT. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE LIGHTS WERE BROKEN. I ASKED IF THEY COULD HAVE EXPLODED DO TO SOME SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. I WAS ASSURED THAT WAS NOT THE CASE AS THEY INSINUATED THAT WHOEVER PUT THEM IN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE, OFFERING ME A VERY COSTLY SOLUTION. HOWEVER THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. BEFORE AGREEING TO ANY REPAIRS, I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH. THEIR UNCERTAINTY LEFT ME UNEASY AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH COMING OUT OF POCKET FOR ANYTHING AT THAT POINT AND MY CHILD'S SAFETY IS MY TOP PRIORITY. UPON RESEARCHING, I FOUND OUT THESE PROBLEMS ARE KNOWN TO TOYOTA. THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 72,000 MILES, BUT, WOULD NOT COVER MY CAR ISSUE DUE TO MILEAGE AND YEAR SURPASSING THAT WHICH IS OUTLINED IN THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. HEADLIGHTS ARE ESSENTIAL AND QUITE FRANKLY REQUIRED BY LAW. THE EXTENSION SHOULD BE APPLIED WITH NO MILEAGE RESTRAINT AS HEADLIGHTS ARE A MAJOR SAFETY COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE. EVERY WHERE YOU GO DEALERS SWEAR BY THE AVALON BEING A COST EFFECTIVE AND VERY SAFE CHOICE WITH THIS ISSUE EXISTING, THEY HAVE NON THE LESS SHOVED A FOOT RIGHT DOWN THEIR OWN THROATS! THIS SHOULD EITHER BE A RECALL OR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH UNLIMITED MILES. IF YOU CAN'T DO THIS TAKE THE CAR OFF THE MARKET/QUIT LETTING DEALERS SALE THE CAR ASSURING UNBEKNOWNST BUYERS OF THE CAR'S UNDENIABLE QUALITY FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!
May 28, 2017
+ 23 more complaints for this component
STEERING
15 complaints
The telescopic steering wheel lever comes loose which will cause the wheel to lurch forward if the brakes are pushed in hard. This could be dangerous. This has happened twice in 2 months.
Jan 01, 2023
TILT STEERING COLUMN LOCK DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE AND WILL DROP DOWN ANY TIME. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN CHANGE POSITION ANY TIME AND MY KNEE HITS THE LOCKING LEVER.
Apr 20, 2020
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT
Jun 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTER HAD TROUBLE REMAINING LOCKED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO DROP VOLUNTARILY ONTO THE DRIVER'S LAP, WHICH MADE THE STEERING WHEEL IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Oct 27, 2016
THE ADVISOR FROM TOYOTA GARAGE TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO CHANGE THE RACK BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING RACK IS LEAKING OIL AND I CAN HAVE AN EXPLOSION WHEN THE RACK IS FULL OF OIL. MY TOYOTA HAS 41.000 MILEAGE. HE IS LYING OR THE PART IS DEFECTIVE? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MY CAR HAD 2 CALLS: PEDAL AND VVT-1 (4-12-10) AND CRACKED DASHBOARD REPLACED (4-8-16).
Apr 25, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
15 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKING AND MELTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ELK GROVE TOYOTA (9640 W STOCKTON BLVD, ELK GROVE, CA 95757, (916) 405-8000) WHERE THE GENERAL MANAGER OBSERVED THE DASHBOARD, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE CENTER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1909100691. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Sep 12, 2019
THERE WAS ONE CRACK THAT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. SINCE THEN, THERE IS ONE LONG DEEP CRACK ALONG THE TOP FRONT EDGE OF THE DASHBOARD THAT EXTENDS ALMOST THE ENTIRE LENGTH. ADDITIONALLY, THERE ARE 23 MORE CRACKS BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. BECAUSE THIS DASHBOARD HAS THE AIRBAG INSIDE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WE DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH THE CRACKED DASHBOARD. ANYTHING THAT WOULD MAKE AN AIRBAG GO OFF TOO SOON OR GO OFF TOO LATE COULD BE VERY SERIOUS. IT IS OUR OPINION, THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE CAR AND ISSUE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OR POLICY THAT GIVES DEALERSHIPS DIRECTION TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Jan 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH WHEN THE ROOF BEGAN LEAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 02/24/15*LJ UPDATED 6/10/2015 *JS
Jan 09, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE ROOF. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 02/24/15*LJ UPDATED 3/4/15*CN UPDATED 03/17/15*JB 10/7/2015*JS
Jan 09, 2015
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING AND BECOMING VERY STICKY. PARTS OF IT HAVE ALSO CRACKED. WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING THROUGH THE WINDOW, IT IMPEDES VISIBILITY. *TR
Dec 28, 2014
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 complaints
HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS GO OFF WHILE TRAVELING. MAY OR MAY NOT COME BACK ON WHEN SWITCH IS RESET. THEY GO OFF UNPREDICTABLY AND MAY BE AT A VERY INOPPORTUNE TIME CAUSING COLLISION.
Jul 17, 2019
REAR SUN SHED BREAK VERY FAST MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. IT CAN'T BE DISABLED WITHOUT CAUSING OTHER PROBLEM SUCH AS ENGINE LIGHT ON AND CRUZ CONTROL DISABLED AND ALL KIND OF SENSORS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. ITS VERY DANGERS AND FRUSTRATING
Jan 14, 2019
JULY 30, 2018 WHILE IN PARKING SPACE I TURNED ON IGNITION AND HEARD A MILD POP, THE LOOKING TOWARDS PASSENGER SEAT I SAW WHITE SMOKE RISING BETWEEN CHAIR AND WINDOW AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER SEAT. IT SMELLED AS IF DOMING WAS BURNING. I TURNED IGNITION OFF. SMOKE STOPPED. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING UNDER THE CHAIR. I CHECKED MOVEMENT OF CHAIR AND IT WAS OK. I CALLED TOYOTA: NO IDEA OF CAUSE AND CLAIMED NO RECALLS. I MENTIONED WHAT I SAW ON LINE, TO NO AVAIL. I OBSERVED 6/2/2016 RECALL: 16V396000 AND 11/19/2014 # 14V743000. I WOULD LIKE THESE HEATING WIRES ON BOTH SIDES TO BE DISCONNECTED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THANK YOU
Jul 31, 2018
INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT FAILURE. HEADLIGHTS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. EITHER DRIVERS,PASSENGER OR BOTH. HID HEADLIGHTS OEM.
Nov 13, 2016
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE COUNTRY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON, I HIT A BUMP AND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS SIMULTANEOUSLYWENT OFF. FORTUNATELY, MY LOW BEAMS THEN CAME ON. I TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS INCLUDING FLICKING THE LIGHTS, STOPPING THE CAR AND TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF/ON. THE BRIGHTS NO LONGER WORK. I DID CHECK TO SEE IF THEY EXPLODED AS REPORTED BY MANY OTHERS IN THIS DATABASE, BUT THEY DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE. THEY JUST DO NOT WORK. LIVING IN A VERY RURAL AREA OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN, BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE A NECESSITY. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO SERVICES MY CAR AND THEY PLEADED IGNORANCE WITH REGARD TO KNOW PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE. THEY SUGGEST I BRING THE CAR IN TO REPLACE THE BULBS. I WILL ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BULBS MYSELF BEFORE I WILL PAY FOR THE ASSEMBLY MENTIONED IN THE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY WIFE AS CAR/DEER COLLISIONS ARE RAMPANT WHERE WE LIVE. IF THE BULBS HAVE NOT EXPLODED YET, I'M SURE THEY WILL WHEN I HAVE MY FIRST COLLISION WITH A DEER I DID NOT SEE BECAUSE I HAD NO HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IF WE WERE TO LOSE LOW BEAMS ALSO, WE WOULD BE STRANDED AND UNABLE TO DRIVE.
Oct 02, 2015
+ 8 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaints
FRONT DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND IS STILL CONTINUING. I'VE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE DO THIS. I'VE HAD A 97 BLACK TOYOTA CAMRY UP UNTIL A COUPLE OF YEARS, AND DASH WAS PERFECT. MY AVALON IS GARAGED PARKED AND GARAGED PARKED AT WORK. I'M AFRAID IS GOING TO EFFECT THE AIR BAGS, ETC. AND COME OUT UNEXPECTEDLY. I'VE ATTACHED PHOTOS. IT'S BEEN A SLOW PROCESS WHICH STARTED A COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR.
Dec 09, 2019
DASHBOARD IS CRACKING ALL OVER AND ITS NOT FROM HEAT I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID I MISSED RECALL BY 17 DAYS? NEVER GOT A NOTICE, MU CONCERN BESIDES COSMETICS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE VINYL OVER AIR BAG AREA WILL BECOME BITS OF SHARP VINYL SCHRAPNEL IF DEPLOYED. THEY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM AND TRYING TO AVOID A SAFETY RECALL BY CALLING IT EXRENDED WARRANTY RECALL.
Jun 19, 2018
20008 TOYOTA AVALON. 72, 354 MILES. LAST YEAR THE REAR SUNSCREEN STARTED DEPLOYING ON IT'S OWN AND WOULD NOT RETRACT EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE. THIS GREATLY RESTRICTS VISIBLITY DURING THE DAY AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT THE REAR WINDOW AT NIGHT. I CHECKED ON LINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE PROBLEM THAT MORE THAN ONE PERSON HAS HAD.
Oct 26, 2016
STICKY DASHBOARD WITH GLARE THAT AFFECTS DRIVING VISION IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT OR NIGHT DRIVING FACING ON COMING VEHICLES.
Oct 16, 2015
REAR WINDOW SUNSCREEN ACTIVATES SPONTANEOUSLY AND WITHOUT DRIVER ACTIVATION AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE DOWN POSITION BY USE OF DASHBOARD SWITCH. WHEN THIS OCCURS AT NIGHT VISIBILITY THROUGH REAR WINDOW IS EXTREMELY DIMINISHED AND HAZARDOUS.
Jul 07, 2014
+ 4 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
7 complaints
I have an 08 Avalon xls and was driving and out of no where it started to shudder and it happened as I was bending a curve. I almost ran off the road. No indicators came on my dash! Because I am mechanically inclined I do know a little about vehicles! So I pulled to inspect the bottom of the transmission pan was wet! And due to the seal transmission there was no way for me to check the fluid! I believe the shudder could be from the torque converter or transmission! I took the vehicle to a friend shop and was told how to add the transmission fluid! And end up putting in a whole court of transmission fluid in before it started to show coming out where it’s supposed to be checked! By not being able to check the transmission fluid and with the shudder like it did it could have caused an accident! I still don’t know what the problem is due to the lack of money to be able to take it to a dealer to find out the true cause! And now my car shudder at 30mph and 45mph if I cruise up to the speed limit but if I accelerate faster then nothing!
Nov 17, 2024
06/12/10-I STARTED MY CAR AS USUAL WITH MY BRAKE DEPRESSED AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE---IT WIGGLED BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FROM THE PARK POSITION TO THE REVERSE POSITION. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS I WAS ABLE TO DO SO AND TAKE CARE OF MY SHOPPING TRIP. UPON COMPLETING MY ERRANDS THE SAME EVENT OCCURRED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER ONCE AGAIN. SEVERAL WEEKS BACK THIS HAPPENED ONE TIME AND I DID NOT GIVE IT THE ATTENTION I SHOULD HAVE. WITH TODAY'S HAPPENING OF TWICE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR I AM REALLY CONCERNED. ON MONDAY 06/14/10 I WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (DAVE EDWARDS TOYOTA) TO SEEK A REPAIR REMEDY TO THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR
Jun 13, 2010
2008 TOYOTA AVALON _ SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE CAR UP SLIGHTLY FROM REST WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. CAR WAS GOING LESS THAN 10 MPH WHEN ENGINE REVVED VIOLENTLY & CAR ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY & CRASHED INTO BARRIERS & HEAD ON INTO A BRICK WALL. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO BODY SHOP & HAS HEAVY DAMAGE. *TR
Jun 01, 2010
CANNOT EXPRESS MY COMPLETE AND UTTER DISGUST WITH MY RECENT EXPERIENCE AND OVERALL EXPERIENCE SINCE BUYING MY 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. I EXPECTED "QUALITY FROM THE PRODUCT" AS THE TOYOTA WEBSITE STATES..HOWEVER, SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE THE 300 DOLLAR A PIECE DRIVERS SIDE HEAD LIGHT BLEW OUT ALONG WITH BOTH HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. HERE IS MY CURRENT ISSUE. MY AREA RECENTLY WENT THROUGH A TERRIBLE WINTER BLIZZARD. DURING THIS SNOW STORM, DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE TERRIBLE. WE WERE ALL TRAPPED IN THE HOUSE FOR DAYS ON END. IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I FOUND OUT MY WHEELS ARE NO LONGER SPINNING AND MY 2008 TOYOTA WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE WITH ONLY 48000 MILES ON IT. THE COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY THAT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS WILL NOT SUFFICE AS THE DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED. ACCORDING TO A COMPUTER READ OUT, OUTSIDE INFLUENCES MADE THE TRANSMISSION FAIL. COULD THAT MEAN SNOW? DOES TOYOTA PROVIDE ANYTHING THAT SAYS TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL IF DRIVEN ON SNOW....I AM UTTERLY DISGUSTED WITH THIS SITUATION AND CURRENTLY WITHOUT A VEHICLE. I PLAN ON CAMPAIGNING VERY LOUDLY AGAINST TOYOTA AND BROADCASTING THIS DEPLORABLE SITUATION IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT MEAN ME BUYING A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR A 2008 AVALON. *TR
Mar 08, 2010
WHEN CAR IS IN NEUTRAL AND MOVING FORWARD YOU CAN ACCIDENTALLY MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER TO REVERSE , WITHOUT STOPPING THE CAR FIRST OR APPLYING THE BRAKES . *TR
Sep 06, 2008
+ 2 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
Car was rear ended by semi truck, crushed trunk into vehicle rear seat. Car was the pushed forward into truck in front crushing right fender. Pelvic fracture in right rear passenger. Air Bags did NOT DEPLOY.
Apr 27, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. AFTER LEAVING THE DENTIST AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. WHEN THE CONTACT WOKE UP, HE REALIZED THE VEHICLE WAS HEADED TOWARDS THE MEDIAN. TO AVOID THE MEDIAN, THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND DROVE INTO A DITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK, ELBOW, LEG, AND HEAD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Sep 18, 2019
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY CAR WAS T-BONE ON THE PAX SIDE AND THEN MY CAR CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS GOING AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 35 MPH WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION AT LESS THAN 5 MPH. THE IMPACT OF THE CRASH CRUSHED THE PAX SIDE OF THE CAR; JAWS OF LIFE HAD TO BE USED TO EXTRACT THE PAX IN MY VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT MY VEHICLE TRAVELED IN A SIDE MANNER AND SPUN AROUND HITTING A GUARD RAIL APPROXIMATELY STRAIGHT ON. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRUSHED AND THE DRIVER DOOR WAS BENT ON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS; NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE FRONT TIRES WAS LEFT ON THE VEHICLE. IN SPITE OF THIS, NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. POLICE REPORT DONE ON SCENE AS WELL AS EMT REPORT STATE THE SAME. *TR
Oct 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN SHE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. HOWEVER THE PLASTIC FOR THE KNEE BAGS CAUSED DEEP LACERATIONS ON HER LEG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,500. UPDATED 12/09/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEVERE INJURIES SHE RECEIVED WAS FROM THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. UPDATED 12/09/09.
Nov 10, 2009
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaints
This car has a rear window shade that started going up on its on when it is hot outside. I could not locate this feature in the owners manual. I did read that a safety feature for the shade is that when car is placed in reverse the shade is automatically closed. This feature has stopped working, in fact the shade now will not even lower. I used to be able to manually assist the shade down while someone would press the switch but down it raises back up almost immediately. I checked with Google and apparently this is a common problem. I have finally pulled the fuse to keep the shade down permanently.
Sep 03, 2021
POWER REAR SUNSHADE GETS STUCK IN UP POSITION CAUSING VISIBILITY HAZARD AT NIGHT
Aug 23, 2020
THE REAR WINDOW SUNSHADE COMES UP UNCONTROLLABLY AND WILL NOT GO DOWN. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE SUNSCREEN CAME UP BLOCKING MY VIEW OF CARS BEHIND ME AND WAS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING. THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GET THE SHADE DOWN.
Jun 23, 2018
REAR SUNSHADE STUCK IN THE UP POSITION AND WILL NOT GO DOWN AUTOMATICALLY, REDUCES VISIBILITY. *TR
Aug 21, 2013
SEATS
3 complaints
SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE USED CAR, WHEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED HEATING UP. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 100 DEGREES SO HEATER WAS NOT TURNED ON. IT KEPT GETTING HOTTER AND WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT ON WHILE DRIVING TO DESTINATION. WHEN CONTACTING A DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT. IT FINALLY QUIT ON IT'S OWN AND HAVE NEVER USED IT AGAIN.JUST READ IN CONSUMER REPORTS THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON SEAT HEATERS. HAVE ONE RECALL NUMBER ON SEAT HEATER PROBLEMS THAT WERE IN THE ARTICLE (SET16B). HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM.
Sep 07, 2018
I WAS READING YOUR RECALL NOTICE 14V-743 I CALLED MY TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT AND THEY SAID THIS ONLY APPLIED TO VEHICLES THAT WENT THRU THE SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, I BELIEVE MINE WENT THROUGH GULF STATES TOYOTA IN HOUSTON. MY WIFE NOTICED A BURNING SMELL WHEN I USED MY SEAT HEATERS SO I HAVE QUIT USING THEM. WOULD THIS PROBLEM APPLY TO ALL CARS LISTED IN THE SOUTHEAST TOYOTA BULLETIN OR ONLY CARS THAT WENT THRU THEIR FACILITY? *TR
Jan 13, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACTIVE HEAD REST SAFETY SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NEVER A HEAD REST SAFETY SYSTEM INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DOCUMENTATION, ALL 2008 TOYOTAS SHOULD HAVE THE FEATURE INSTALLED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARM, NECK, AND BACK. AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007, THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT RETURNED ANY PHONE CALLS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,750.
Nov 19, 2007
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY AND MELTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMAGE OF THE DASHBOARD WAS REFLECTED ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE ONCOMING VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS DUE TO THE REFLECTION. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE DASHBOARD WAS EXCEEDED AND NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED HEADQUARTERS ADMITTED THERE WAS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. UPDATED 12/04/18*JB
Sep 28, 2018
DASHBOARD IS STICKY AND SHINY. THE SHEEN ON THE DASH ALSO CREATES A GLARE ON SUNNY DAYS, WHICH CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD. TOYOTA IS AVOIDING A RECALL FOR THE USE OF INFERIOR PARTS. *TR
Feb 02, 2015
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
OUR 2008 TOYOTA AVALON WAS RAMMED FROM THE REAR WITH FULL FORCE FROM A HONDA CRV GOING 40 MPH. THE AVALON WAS SLOWING DOWN TO ALLOW A GROUNDHOG TO CROSS ON A STRAIGHT 2 LANE ROAD AT THE TIME, BUT THE DRIVER OF THE HONDA BEHIND SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A DISTRACTED DRIVER BECAUSE SHE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING. THE DRIVER OF THE AVALON SUFFERED HEAD, NECK, BACK AND HIP INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES IS EXTENSIVE-PICTURES OF THE AVALON ATTACHED. THE HONDA AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SAVING THAT DRIVER FROM INJURY. THE AIRBAG OF THE TOYOTA DID NOT DEPLOY-CLEARLY MALFUNCTIONING AND COULD HAVE PREVENTED SOME OF THE INJURIES IF IT HAD DEPLOYED PROPERLY. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT BUT IT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO US YET. THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE WORKING ON THE CLAIM. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE YET AND IT IS NOT CLEAR WHETHER IT IS 'TOTALED'.
Aug 16, 2017
DECEMBER 2012: I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK AT RIGHT SIDE OF DASHBOARD. BY APRIL 2014 AT LEAST 10 MORE CRACKS APPEARED ON UPPER, LOWER, AND SIDE SURFACES OF DASHBOARD. SOME CRACKS EXTEND THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF THE DASHBOARD AND SOME AROUND THE AIR BAG. *TR I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THERE IS AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT; OCCUPANTS COULD BE INJURED BY DASHBOARD DEBRIS.
Sep 10, 2014
ENGINE
2 complaints
WATER PUMP WHILE DRIVING FAILED AT 62,902 MILES ON 06/23/14, WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BY TOYOTA. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CUT OUT ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER ON LIE I-495 IN NYC, HAD TO BE TOWED TO TOYOTA, TOLD AIR WASN'T BLED PROPERLY AFTER WATER PUMP REPAIR. AGAIN FAILED IN MAY, 2016 AT 86,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING AND REPAIRED AT PRIVATE SHOP. AGAIN FAILED 07/08/16 AT 87,175 WHILE DRIVING AND REPAIRED BY TOYOTA.
Jul 13, 2016
CASE # 1509281592 COMPLAINT OF ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO LEAKING "SOFT PLUG" TYPE PART ON VALLEY OF ENGINE. INSTALLED AT THE TOYOTA ASSEMBLY PLANT. THIS PART LEAKED AND ALLOWED ANTI-FREEZE FLUID TO ENTER THE VALLEY AND MIX WITH THE OIL. OVER TIME THIS CAUSED A HARD COATING ON ALL PARTS. THE VALVE GUIDE SEALS WERE RUINED AND THE PVC AND PICK UP TUBE WERE ALMOST COMPLETELY BLOCKED. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL AND SMOKE. TOYOTA'S FIX WAS TO BUY A NEW ENGINE FOR $6,826.97. THEY DID NOT WANT TO FIX MY ENGINE. JUST SELL PARTS AND LABOR. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY FIXED MY ENGINE FOR LESS THEN HALF OF THAT. TOYOTA IS AT FAULT FOR NOT INSTALLING PARTS IN THE ENGINE CORRECTLY.
Mar 04, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
2 complaints
MY LASER CRUISE CONTROL BECAME UNRELIABLE TOWARD THE END OF 2013. I HAD USED IT ON A DAILY BASIS FOR OVER 5 YEARS AND AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE WAY IT SHOULD PERFORM. WHEN TRACKING A VEHICLE DIRECTLY AHEAD OF ME ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL ROAD, THE LASER CONTROL SHOULD MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE AND A SPEED THAT IS ESSENTIALLY IDENTICAL TO THE "LEAD" VEHICLE. THIS HAS NOT BEEN THE CASE FOR THE PAST 7 MONTHS. MY CAR WOULD OFTEN CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A SPEED THAT WAS FASTER THAN THE "LEAD" CAR,AS IT WAS SAFELY SLOWING DOWN, AND COME SO CLOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO JAM ON MY BREAKS. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER, WHO INSISTED THAT THE LASER CRUISE CONTROL HAD BEEN DAMAGED IN AN ACCIDENT (THEREFORE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT APPLY) AND I WOULD HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM ON MY CAR INSURANCE. MY INSURANCE COMPANY AS WELL AS MY REPAIR SHOP COULD SEE NO DAMAGE THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. EVENTUALLY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AGREED TO PAY FOR THE "REPAIR". AFTER THE DEALER REPAIRED THE CAR WITH A NEW LASER CONTROL SENSOR THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED, ALTHOUGH NOT AS OFTEN. I'VE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY INSIST IT MEETS ALL SPECIFICATIONS AND IS PERFORMING TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECS, AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO FOR ME. CORPORATE TOYOTA BASICALLY WASHES THEIR HANDS OF THE INCIDENT BY SAYING EVERYTHING RELATED TO THIS MATTER IS AT THE DEALERS DISCRETION. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET, THIS MALFUNCTIONING "SAFETY" FEATURE PUTS ME AT JEOPARDY. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE EVERY TIME I USE IT. IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND MAY HAVE HAD SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT. I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
Jul 09, 2014
2008 TOYOTA AVALON WAS RECALLED TO REPLACE A GAS PEDAL. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALER FOR THE SAID REPAIR. IT TOOK 4 HOURS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR WAS IN REVERSE AND WAS SLOWLY BACKING OUT OF A RESIDENTIAL CARPORT WHEN IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND THE CAR DID ABOUT 3 LOOPS AROUND THE GARAGE AREA OF THE HOME CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR, BENCHES, TREE, BUSHES, LAMP POST, ETC. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE RECALLED DEFECT WAS REPAIRED. OWNER OF VEHICLE PUT IN CLAIM TO HER OWN INSURANCE COMPANY, PUT IN A CALL TO THE 800 TOYOTA NUMBER AND HAD CAR TOWED TO WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE CAR. EVERYONE SEEMS CONCERNED, BUT ONLY WANTS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR RATHER THAN GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. WE THOUGHT TOYOTA HAD THE FIX, BUT APPARENTLY NOT SINCE ACCELERATING AND GOING OUT OF CONTROL ON AN ACCELERATED PACE. *TR
Mar 01, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
OEM high beam bulbs continuously explode. I’m not saying they just burn out, these bulbs shatter, and send shards of glass on the inside of the headlamp housing. I believe it’s a big safety risk, because for me, it happened while I was driving late at night in the dark where there are deer nearby. Brights are essential to see far and when you’re driving through hills, going up a hill you need your brights to extend higher than your normal lights do. This is a commonly complained about problem for the 2008-2010 models of this Toyota Avalon. Toyota has issued a technical service bulletin back in 2011, but it is a major defect and I believe it should be fixed regardless of whether a customer pays for a warranty or not. A mechanic told me also that they are not sure why Toyota has not warrantied vehicles with this issue. The solution is replacing the headlight housing. So there is clearly a material defect, and I believe it affects safety. Vehicles are required to have high beam headlights for a reason, and the high beams on this vehicle burn out commonly on certain vehicles, and replacing bulbs does NOT solve the problem. It is a very expensive repair as well. What kind of car manufacturer doesn’t recall or acknowledge a material defect or design flaw in such a crucial safety feature or a vehicle such as headlights? It’s an expensive, annoying, and dangerous issue that continues to happen. There are so many complaints about this high beam issue for the 2008 year. In my mind this really reduces Toyotas reputation and credibility since they did not and will not recall these headlights. We just have to deal with their faulty design. Fix your mistakes instead of making customers foot the bill for your poor craftsmanship. This is pathetic.
Apr 12, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
POWER SUNSHADE IS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION BLOCKING THE BACK WINDSHIELD AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON WHICH DISABLES TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL. THESE MAKE THE CAR DANGEROUS TO DRIVE
Dec 24, 2020
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK DRASTICALLY WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MORE THAN TWICE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, A NEW RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Apr 17, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON NOVEMBER 2018 I NOTICED THAT MY REAR DECK MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BULB BUT THE VERY NEXT DAY IT WAS BACK ON AGAIN. THIS CONTINUED FOR ABOUT A WEEK SO I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE ABOUT $400 TO TAKE OFF THE REAR DECK JUST TO SEE WHAT THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WAS. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE AVALON'S WITH THIS SAME UNSAFE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE ALSO WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTIONS WITH THIS ISSUE.I THINK AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ON THIS HIGHLY UNSAFE ISSUE.
Mar 16, 2019
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
1. HIGH BEAMS AND DAY RUNNING LIGHTS INOPERABLE (DISCOVERED JANUARY 2018). 2. TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND CAUSED CAR TO DECELERATE IN APRIL 2018.
Oct 21, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE DASHBOARD GETS STICKY ON SUNNY DAYS AND THE SURFACE BECOMES SHINEY WHICH THEN REFLECTS OFF THE WINDSHIELD. THE REFLECTION (ON THE WINDSHIELD) SIGNIFICANTLY OBSTRUCTS DRIVERS VIEW OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR PEDESTRIANS ON SUNNY DAYS. DRIVER IS BLINDED OR IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THROUGH THE REFLECTION. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE CAR OWNER AND THE PUBLIC (ACCIDENT CAN AFFECT OTHER VEHICLES, PROPERTY, OR PEDESTRIANS) THAT NEEDS ADDRESSED AS A PERMANENT SOLUTION BY TOYOTA CORPORATION FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLES ARE IN MOTION AND STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURS. ANY RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED BY TOYOTA TO ALL VEHICLES HAVING THIS CONDITION THAT ARE CURRENTLY DRIVEN AND NOT LIMITED TO ANY ARBITRARY DATE OF COVERAGE. DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT BY TOYOTA CORPORATION IS CURRENTLY KNOWN TO BE THE ONLY SOLUTION
Sep 24, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN COMING BACK FROM A SHORT TRIP I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLAMP WAS OUT. THEN ONE DAY THE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN THEN THE NEXT IT IS OUT. NOW IT RARELY COMES ON SO I.CALLED MY TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD BE AT LEAST $200 FOR NEW LOW BEAM LIGHT BULB. I THEN TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT THE BULB WAS NOT BAD BUT THE BALLAST WAS BAD. THEY SHOWED ME A LIST OF COMPLAINTS FROM ON LINE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT PROBLEM. TOYOTA SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. IF THIS IS SUCH A COMMON AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. I RESEARCHED SEVERAL WEB SITES AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS ON THE 2008 AVALON. SOME PROBLEMS EXACTLY LIKE MINE OTHERS A LITTLE DIFFERENT BUT ALL ARE ABOUT MALFUNCTIONING HEADLIGHTS.
Sep 07, 2015
TIRES
1 complaint
PREMATURE WEAR ON BRIDGESTONE TIRES NOT DUE TO MISALIGNMENT. MANUFACTURER REP REFUSES TO REPLACE BECAUSE IT IS NOT DOWN TO 2/32. SUPPOSED TO BE 80000 MILE RATED, BUT ACTUAL MILEAGE IS ONLY 40000. THE TIRES ON PASSENGER SIDE ARE EVENLY BUT MORE SIGNIFICANTLY WORN COMPARED TO THE DRIVER SIDE. SAY I NEED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE UNTIL ONE TIRE REACHES 2/32 DESPITE THE DANGER IT REPRESENTS. CLAIM IT IS MANUFACTURERS GUIDELINES. NO INJURIES YET, BUT AM I SUPPOSED TO DRIVE ON THESE TIRES UNTIL A CRASH OR SOMEONE IS KILLED?
Aug 15, 2015
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION -ZE6 REPAIRS RELATED TO CRACKED DASH BOARD. TOYOTA SENT LETTER IN DECEMBER,2014 INDICATING PARTS FOR THE REPLACEMENT WOULD BE AVAILABLE BY LATE SPRING. I'VE MADE TWO CALLS AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER LETTER BUT WAS PROVIDED NO INPUT REGARDING A POSSIBLE DATE. I HAVE A FEELING THEY HOPE THE PROBLEM WILL DISAPPEAR. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET SATISFACTION? UPDATED 10/06/15*LJ UPDATED 11/13/2017*CN
Jul 10, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE CAR ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, BRAKES WERE LOCKED !!! I MADE A LEFT TURN AFTER A STOP SIGN AND THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN - ACCELERATING UP TO 50 MILES PER HOUR. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, BUT THEY WERE LOCKED. I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, IT SLOWED THE CAR DOWN ABOUT 10-12 MILES. TO AVOID CARS IN FRONT OF ME - I THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AFTER AN UGLY NOISE AND JERKING OF THE CAR...IT DID STOP! THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. IT WAS A HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE. THE CAR WAS IN FULL THROTTLE! HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC.....IT WAS STILL AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN HE LOOKED AT IT A COUPLE DAYS LATER. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL TOYOTA. TOYOTA SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED,
Jun 18, 2015
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS HIS WIFE TURNED INTO A PERPENDICULAR PARKING SPACE, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, ONLY STOPPING WHEN IT HIT A PARKING BARRICADE. HIS WIFE DID ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE BRAKE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Aug 15, 2013
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE REAR WINDOW SUNSHADE COMES UP UNCONTROLLABLY AND WILL NOT GO DOWN. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE SUNSCREEN CAME UP BLOCKING MY VIEW OF CARS BEHIND ME AND WAS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING. THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GET THE SHADE DOWN. A DEALER SUGGESTED THAT IF I CAN CRAW IN THE BACK SEAT AND MANUALLY MANEUVER IT INTO THE DOWN POSITION, I COULD REMOVE THE FUSE AND IT WOULD BECOME INACTIVE; THEREBY, KEEPING IT IN THE DOWN POSITION. I HAVE CHECKED VARIOUS WEBSITES AND CUSTOMERS ARE REMOVING THE FUSES TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
May 30, 2013
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
REAR WINDOW VISIBILITY IS MY PROBLEM, AT DARK AND WHEN IT RAINS IT'S NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE CLEARLY ANYTHING THROUGH MY BACK WINDOW. THE REAR WINDOW SUNSHADE IS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WELL THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW IN THE RAIN AND WHEN IT'S DARK. IF IT WAS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION THAT WOULD BE OK, BUT IT'S NOT. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE CHARGED ALMOST $900. A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TO FIX ONE. FIRST OFF THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO LOWER IT EVEN IF IT'S NOT FIXED TO GO UP AND DOWN. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA. WHEN I CALLED THEM ABOUT MY DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING LAST YEAR THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT FOR FREE OR AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICE BECAUSE I WAS PAST THE THREE YEAR WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH I HAD LESS THEN 25,000 OR 26000 MILES ON IT WHEN I CALLED. IT HADN'T WORKED AT THAT TIME FOR A GOOD 6 TO 8 MONTHS. TOYOTA DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS IN MY OPINION. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
Feb 14, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
STARTED TO BACK OUT OF DRIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR IN REVERSE AND BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK WHILE ROLLING TO BRING IT TO A STOP. I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEHAVIOR IN THE CAR BEFORE. REPORTED TO TOYOTA AS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SENT A THIRD PARTY ENG. OUT TO RUN TESTS ON THE CAR. AFTER HE GOT DONE DOING SOME DISASSEMBLY TO LOOK AT THE CONTROL LINKAGE HE REASSEMBLED THE PARTS REMOVED IMPROPERLY AND THE CAR HAD TO BE TOAD TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CALLS TO TOYOTA WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO SEND ME A WRITTEN REPORT OF THEIR FINDINGS. IT NOW JULY 9TH. I WAS TOLD BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM TOYOTA THAT A REPORT WAS MAILED JULY 3RD. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF A CALL COULD BE MADE TO TOYOTA TO LET ME KNOW IF THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE WAITING WAY TO LONG FOR AN ANSWER. *TR
Jul 09, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR HAD UNEXPECTED, SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND HIT A CONCRETE WALL. DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT; AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PERSON WAS UNINJURED EXCEPT FOR CHEST BRUISES. THE CAR HAD BEEN TAKEN IN WHEN IT WAS RECALLED AND WAS " FIXED" IN RESPONSE TO 2 RECALL NOTICES BY THE DEALER ON MARCH 4, 2010. THE FRONT OF THE CAR IS BASHED IN, HOOD IS BENT UPWARD, RADIATOR DAMAGED AND THE FRONT DOORS JAMMED. MEN HAD TO FORCE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPEN TO GET THE DRIVER FROM THE CAR. TOYOTA AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BUT NEITHER HAVE HAD TIME TO EXAMINE THE CAR. *KB
Feb 03, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE IN THE THROTTLE BODY WIRES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRES, AND THE FUEL SYSTEM WIRES THAT FAILED DUE TO RODENTS WHO CHEWED THE WIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Oct 18, 2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA LIMITED AVALON. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCE EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEMS THAT WHILE DRIVING MY HEADLAMPS GO OUT. I DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM WHEN I NOTICED MY HIGHBEAMS WERE OUT. WHEN REPLACING THE LAMPS I WAS TOLD BOTH HIGHBEAMS EXPLODED. NOW MY LOW BEAMS CONTINUE TO GO OUT AND ONLY WHEN I TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON DO THEY COME BACK. WENT TO TOYOTA DIRECTLY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM BUT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO RECALL. BASED ON NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OVER THE INTERNET, THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME FAILURE. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR STARTED THIS ISSUE WITH APPROX 48K MILES. IN ADDITION, I DO NOT HAVE THE AMOUNT OF DISPOSABLE FUNDS IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE BULBS. IN ADDITION, IT APPEARS CHANGING OF THE BULBS IS NOT THE PROBLEM AND IT IS THE HOUSING BASED ON OTHER CAR OWNERS DOCUMENTATION ON THE INTERNET. WITH THAT SAID, IT IS IMPERATIVE TOYOTA TAKES RESPONSIBILITY AND ACTION. NUMEROUS CAR OWNERS OF THE 2008 AVALON ARE IN A SITUATION WHERE SAFETY IS NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY TOYOTA. ARE THEY WILLING TO LET A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE TAKES THEM TO COURT? THEY MUST HAVE GREAT LAWYERS!! *TR
Jun 01, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD A NOISE AND PULLED OVER WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND DISTRICT MANAGER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND HOLES IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V017000 (ACCELERATOR PEDAL) AND WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD ALSO PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA ITEM NUMBER (10032630) ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, OIL SUPPLY HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIR AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,836. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPADTED 01/07/11
Sep 30, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA AVALON. THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT "10308589". IT HAPPENED AGAIN. ON SUNDAY, MAY 16TH, 2010 I "FLOORED" THE ACCELERATOR AFTER TURNING INTO TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE CAR ON THE ROAD WAS GOING MUCH FASTER THAN I EXPECTED. THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK SO I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, HEARD AND SAW HIGH RPM ON THE TACK AND TURNED THE MOTOR OFF WITH THE KEY. I WRESTLED THE CAR INTO THE NEXT TURN-OFF (NO POWER STEERING). I LOOKED DOWN AND MY GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN BY THE FLOORMAT. THIS IS A FLOORMAT THAT I PUT IN FROM WALMART. IT IS MADE OF HEAVY RUBBER TO PROTECT MY NICE FLOORMATS. IT IS NOT LATCHED INTO THE FLOOR LIKE MY NICE FLOORMAT UNDERNEATH. THIS WAS MY FAULT, NOT TOYOTA. THAT FLOORMAT IS NOW IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION HAS HAPPENED IN THIS CAR. IT WAS IN FOR RECALL REPAIR AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT. DRIVER BEWARE! THIS TOOL IS REQUIRING ME TO SELECT A MODEL NUMBER ON EQUIPMENT WHICH DOES NOT MAKE SENSE SO I JUST SELECTED ONE AT RANDOM - THAT IS A FLAW IN THE REPORTING PROCESS. *TR
May 24, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FOUND THAT THE SEAT BELT INDICATOR SENSOR FAILED, THE SEAT BELT SENSOR WAS REPLACED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR & FUEL RATIO SENSOR HAD FAILED AND REPLACED IT PER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,580 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,900.
Mar 10, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA AVALON BRAKE OVERRIDE. I JUST HAD ALL MY AVALON RECALL FIXES PLACED ON MY CAR, AND THE BRAKE OVERRIDE FIX DOES NOT WORK. I CHECK MY BRAKE OVERRIDE TO SEE HOW IT OPERATED BEFORE THE FIX, AND AFTER GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE REPAIRS IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED, AND SPEED IS AROUND 45MPH STEP ON THE BRAKES WHILE CONTINUING TO PRESS ON THE GAS, AND YOU CAN HEAR THE ENGINE STILL TRYING TO ACCELERATE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME ON THE PHONE BEFORE GOING THERE THAT THE BRAKES WOULD OVERRIDE THE GAS PEDAL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. I STILL WILL NOT ALLOW MY PREGNANT WIFE, AND 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER RIDE IN THE CAR UNTIL A BETTER FIX IS PUT INTO PLACE. *TR
Mar 09, 2010
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT BUT SOME INFORMATION REGARDING THE TOYOTA RECALL. I GOT A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON IN OCTOBER OF 2007. WHEN SELECTING OPTIONS FOR MY CAR, I ASKED FOR FLOORMATS WHICH WERE CLEARLY SHOWN IN THE AVALON'S PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL. WHEN THE AVALON CAME (OCT 2007) IT DID NOT HAVE THE REQUESTED FLOOR MATS. I ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS AND HE SIMPLY SAID THEY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. I POINTED OUT THAT THEY WERE IN THE AVALON BOOKLET AND HE AGAIN SAID THEY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. I THEN DID WHAT MOST PROBABLY DID, BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO PROTECT THEIR NEW CAR, AND THAT WAS TO PURCHASE FLOORMATS AT AN AUTO SUPPLY. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE AUTOMAKER CLEARLY KNEW THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH FLOORMATS AT LEAST 2 AND A HALF YEARS AGO AND DID NOT WARN ME OF THIS NOR ANYONE ELSE. THIS RESULTED IN TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES FOR SOME. I THINK THEY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WITHHOLDING THIS INFORMATION UNTIL AFTER THERE WERE DEATHS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 19, 2010
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON THAT I HAD ONLY 4 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE CAR APPEARED TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION UNTIL MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DELTA SONIC CARWASH TO HAVE IT CLEAN. AS HE WAS COMING OUT OF THE CAR WASH, HE SHIFT FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE AND THE ACCELERATOR FAILED , STICKING IN FULL THROTTLE,CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TO AVOID COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES COMING OUT OF THE GAS STATION, WHICH IS PART OF THE BUSINESS, AND HITTING PEDESTRIANS AND THE GAS PUMPS, HE STEERED THE CAR HITTING A POLE, GOING OVER EMBANKMENT, THE SIDEWALK AND INTO ONGOING TRAFFIC IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP TWO BUSINESS DOWN FROM WHERE THE ACCIDENT ORIGINATED. DAMAGES WAS DONE TO ALL 4 TIRESWITH BENT RIMS, THE FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT BUMPER AND GRILLE, THE HOOD, THE LAMP GROUND WITH THE HEAD LIGHT KNOCKED OUT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR WAS HANGING DOWN. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM (MUFFLER, TAILPIPES) WERE DAMAGED. THE REAR FENDER AND BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE BATTERY, OIL PAN, REAR ENGINE CRADLE CUSHION PIPES WERE REPLACED. AT THE TIME, WE THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT HE DID, BUT WE NOW SINCE HAVE FOUND THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING IN FULL THROTTLE AND HAVE ASKED FOR A RECALL. THE TOTAL DAMAGE WAS TO A SUM OF $12,226.39. THE INSURANCE AND REPAIR COMPANY HAVE FIXED THE CAR AT OUR EXPENSE AND THE OLD OR REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I HAVE ONLY PHOTOS OF THE CAR IN THE DAMAGED STATE. I DID GO TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND THEY PLAN TO START REPAIRS FEB. 15. 2010. MY CONCERNS IS HOW DO I GET TOYOTA TO HONOR MY REQUEST FOR A CAR REPLACEMENT BECAUSE MY CAR HAS BEEN DEVALUED BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT AND IS NOW PART OF THE CAR FAX REPORT. I RUN THE RISK OF HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS. IF NOT REPLACE THE CAR, PROVIDE ME WITH FREE MAINTENANCE FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR AND REPAY ME FOR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES DUE TO THE FAILED ACCELERATOR. *TR
Feb 17, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MUSTY WET SMELL INSIDE CAR WHEN HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER FAN IS TURNED ON. OFF AND ON SMELL OF OVERHEATED ELECTRICAL WIRES. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA AVALON. STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, FOOT ON BRAKE. WITHOUT WARNING, CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. PUSHED HARDER ON BRAKE AND CAR NOSE-DIVED AND COLLIDED WITH PU TRUCK STOPPED AHEAD. AVALON FRONT BUMPER WENT UNDER REAR BUMPER OF PU . AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. FLOOR MAT STILL IN PLACE. $5600 DAMAGE TO AVALON, NONE TO PU. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 TOYOTA AVALON IN TRAFFIC NORTH OF HOUSTON AND FLOORED IT TO GET ON AN EXIT RAMP IN FRONT OF ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT HIGH REVS AND I HAD TO PUSH HARD ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE WHILE GOING UP A STEEP RAMP. AFTER ABOUT 3 SECONDS THE REVS DROPPED AND EVERYTHING CONTINUED AS NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 17, 2009. THEN, IN DECEMBER OF 2009 I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET WHEN A TRUCK RAN A STOP SIGN AND WAS GOING TO HIT ME. I FLOORED IT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND AGAIN THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. I REMEMBERED HEARING A REPORT ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF FLOOR MATS CAUSING THE PEDAL TO STICK SO I HIT THE BRAKES, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND REACHED DOWN AND PULLED ON THE FLOOR MAT. THE OUT OF CONTROL ACCELERATION AGAIN LASTED ABOUT 3 TO 4 SECONDS. I DON'T KNOW IF THE FLOOR MAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STICK OR NOT. I HAD A RUBBER MAT ON TOP OF THE MAT THAT I BOUGHT WITH THE CAR THAT HOOKS INTO THE FLOOR BOARD. I DON'T THINK THAT MAT EVER INTERFERED WITH THE PEDAL. I LOOKED AT IT CLOSELY AND IT DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE. BUT I TOOK IT OUT ANYWAY. I HAVE A 2007 TOYOTA TUNDRA CREW CAB AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO IT BUT I HAVE NEVER FLOORED THAT TRUCK EITHER. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 20,000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME AND ABOUT 24,000 THE SECOND TIME. *TR
Feb 10, 2010
STEERING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. THE TELESCOPIC STEERING COLUMN WILL RANDOMLY DEPRESS. THE LATCH THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE WILL RANDOMLY LOOSEN UP AND THE STEERING COLUMN WILL GO ALL THE WAY IN. I ASKED MY DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY. I ASKED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO RECALL ON THIS ITEM. JUST THOUGHT I MIGHT MENTION IT WITH ALL THE OTHER PROBLEMS TOYOTA HAS BEEN HAVING. *TR
Feb 09, 2010
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY HUSBAND GOT INTO THE CAR THE LATE AFTERNOON OF JAN. 17, 2010. TURNED THE AUTO ON AND I THOUGHT THE ENGINE WAS EXPLODING. I WAS INSIDE THE HOUSE AND RAN OUTDOORS. SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS MAKING AN EXTREME LOUD RATTLE. IF YOU TOOK AN OLD COW BELL AND SHOOK IT FOR DEAR LIFE, YOU WOULD GET AN IDEAL OF WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT REGARDING THE SOUND. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE VSC LIGHT WAS ON. MY HUSBAND CUT THE ENGINE OFF, CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND NOTHING. I WAS GOING TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY WANTED TO TOW THE CAR IN. I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP JUST TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AND IT PURRED LIKE A BABY. NO LIGHTS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT, TEST DROVE IT AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY SAID WHATEVER IT WAS MUST HAVE RESET ITSELF. NOW MY QUESTION IS WHAT CAUSED IT TO ACT LIKE THAT AND WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING. WAS IT IN THE COMPUTER OR WHAT. WILL IT HAPPEN AGAIN? THESE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN ANSWER. *CN
Feb 06, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2008 TOYOTA AVALON - COMPUTER DEFECT - CRUISE CONTROL IS ERRATIC SOMETIMES WORKING OK OTHER TIMES ENGAGED & NOT WORKING - SUDDENLY SPEEDS UP, ERROR CODE E2. AUTO DOES NOT SLOW DOWN PROPERLY. REPORTED TO DEALER W/NO PROBLEM FOUND IN 2009. 12/14/09 CAR DEAD, DASH LIGHTS INDICATE CHECK ENGINE, CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE, BRAKE, BATTERY FAILURE , TOWED TO DEALER. PARTS 10 AMP ETCS FUSE/I7.5 AMP -DOME FUSE/7.5 AMP AND AM2 FUSE. (OP CODE-190011 COMBO A T1/71 T2/99. 1 #00544-24F60-575 TRUESTART BATTERY) LABOR $92. THANK YOU! *TR
Feb 05, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
THE MASTER CYLINDER WENT OUT ON MY 2008 AVALON WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP THE CAR ONLY HAS 14,000 MILES ON IT. I OWNED A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER PREVIOUSLY AND HAD TROUBLE WITH ACCELERATION BUT MINE WAS DECELERATION IT WOULD JUST STOP GOING AND I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER RESTART CAR AND TAKE OFF AGAIN IT DID IT REPEATEDLY I TOOK IT IN AND THEY HAD A HARD TIME FIGURING OUT WHAT IT WAS I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH A HIGHLANDER OR NOT. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A USED 2008 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED FROM HORNBURG JAGUAR DEALER IN SANTA MONICA ON 10/29/2009. AT HOME AT 8 AM, ON THE CLEAR, COOL DAY OF 11/1/2009 I HAD THE CAR PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY TO INSTALL THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER. WANTING TO MOVE THE CAR TO THE STREET I STARTED THE CAR USING THE REQUIRED PROCEEDURE FOR A PUSHBUTTON IGNITION (LIKE ON MY 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID FOR 2 1/2 YEARS). THAT IS, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON SIMULTAENEOUSLY. THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE RAPIDLY DOWN MY SHORT SLOPING DRIVEWAY (7 OR 8 FEET). AS I PUSHED HARDER, THE BREAK PEDAL IN EFFECT WENT TO THE FLOOR- NO BREAKING AT ALL. I HIT THE CURB VERY HARD ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE NARROW STREET, THE REAR END OF THE CAR BOUNCING INTO THE AIR , AND ENDED UP, PERHAPS 10 FEET BEYOND, HITTING THE FRONT BEDROOM WALL OF MY NEIGHBOR'S HOME WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE AND RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WALL. I APPARENTLY DID NOT SUSTAIN PHYSICAL DAMAGE. I AM INCLINED TO BELIEVE THERE WAS AN ACCELERATOR COMPONENT PROBLEM ALSO BECAUSE I WAS MOVING SO FAST. THE CAR IS BEING REPAIRED NOW PHYSICALLY, AS IS THE HOUSE, AND I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA LOCALLY IN TORRANCE AND I UNDERSTAND SOMEONE THERE WILL FOLLOW-UP ON THIS ACCIDENT WITHIN THE NEXT 4 DAYS. I TRIED TO DUPLICATE THE BRAKE FAILURE PROBLEM WITH MY CAMRY HYBRID AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. WHEN PRESSING ON THE START BUTTON AND THE BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME I ALWAYS HAVE A FIRM BRAKE ON THE CAMRY. WHEN I DUPLICATED THE PROCEEDURE ON THE AVALON I FOUND THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT SOFT RAPIDLY, THE MORE I PUSHED IT, TO THE FLOOR. MY REPAIR SHOP WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL SOMETHING IS RESOLVED, NOR WILL I. I WILL BE GLAD TO FURNISH ANYTHING MORE YOU MAY WISH TO KNOW ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. *TR
Nov 05, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
JAMMED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IT STUCK. HAD TO KEEP HITTING THE GAS PETAL WITH MY FOOT TO GET IT TO RELEASE. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE PETAL POPPED UP. *TR
Jan 03, 2009
TOYOTA Avalon VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide
Watch our quick TOYOTA Avalon VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any TOYOTA Avalon VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 2008 TOYOTA Avalon, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 2008 TOYOTA Avalon 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 2008 TOYOTA Avalon Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2008 TOYOTA Avalon dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your TOYOTA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 TOYOTA Avalon have?
The 2008 TOYOTA Avalon currently has 349 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2008 TOYOTA Avalon?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 TOYOTA Avalon are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2008 TOYOTA Avalon problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 TOYOTA Avalon comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 2008 TOYOTA Avalon?
You can report safety problems with your 2008 TOYOTA Avalon directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 2008 TOYOTA Avalon VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 2008 TOYOTA Avalon reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2008 TOYOTA Avalon. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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