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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon Models:

Image for car images Toyota 1995 1997 Toyota Avalon size thumb Image for car images Toyota 1994 1999 Toyota Avalon size thumb Image for car images Toyota 2000 2002 Toyota Avalon size thumb Image for car images Toyota 2000 2004 Toyota Avalon size thumb Image for car images Toyota 2005 2007 Toyota Avalon size thumb Image for car images Toyota 2008 2010 Toyota Avalon size thumb Image for car images Toyota 2011 2012 Toyota Avalon size thumb

Toyota Avalon Problems

Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

The Check Engine Light may illuminate because a component of the oxygen sensor stops working. As a result the engine computer is unable to determine the proper ratio of air to fuel for the engine. Replacing the failed oxygen sensor should correct this concern.
 

Misfire and/or Check Engine Light Due to Failed Ignition Coil

Electrical & Lights -- Verified

On higher mileage vehicles, an engine misfire may develop and/or the Check Engine Light may illuminate due to a failed ignition coil. It is not uncommon to replace all the coils when the first one fails in order to prevent return trips to the repair shop.

Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve

Exhaust & Emissions -- Verified

Intermittent failure of a purge control valve in the evaporative emission system can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. A failed valve should be replaced to correct this problem.
 

Low Engine Idle and/or Stalling Due to Dirty Idle Air Control Valve

Engine -- Verified

Debris can get into the idle air control valve. This will restrict the air flow into the engine, causing idle speed and/or stalling when cold. The valve can be cleaned or replaced to correct this concern.

Excess Engine Oil Consumption

Engine -- Verified

Sludge can build up in the engine because Toyota did not recommend frequent enough oil changes. Lexus will sometimes offer a discount on cleaning the engine if necessary. Owners who changed their oil every 3,000 miles did not experience these problems. This sludge build up can lead to excessive oil consumption.

Toyota Avalon Recalls (Recent)

Load Carrying Modification Label Missing

Body, Interior & Misc., May 27, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

These vehicle were sold without the required load carrying captivity modification label. Dealers will mail the corrected label to vehicle owners. Owners have the option of requesting that the dealer install the label. This recall is expected to begin on May 27, 2010.

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Southeast Toyota Recalls 2005–2011 Vehicles Due to Incorrect Tire Labels

Body, Interior & Misc., May 27, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Southeast Toyota is recalling 2005–2011 models for failing to comply with federal safety standards on tire selection and rims. Affected models were sold without the proper load-carrying capacity modification labels, which may cause the driver to overload the vehicle, increasing the chance of a crash. Dealers will mail the correct labels to the customer or install the label free of charge.

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Toyota Recalls Certain 2005–2010 Models for Vehicle Speed Control Problem

Body, Interior & Misc., February 5, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Toyota is recalling 2005–2010 Avalon; 2007–2010 Camry, 2009–2010 Corolla, Corolla Matrix, and Rav4; 2010 Highlander; 2008–2010 Sequoia; and 2007–2010 Tundra models because the sliding surface of the friction lever may become smooth during operation, which can cause condensation. This may cause the accelerator pedal to become harder to depress, slower to return, or to become stuck in a partially depressed position, which can increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal so it will operate smoothly.

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Various Issues Due to Failed Crankshaft Pulley

Engine, November 9, 2011

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The amount of adhesive applied between the inner and outer parts of the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If this is the case, the outer ring may become misaligned and/or not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing an abnormal noise and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light. In some cases, the power steering belt could come off resulting in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the crankshaft pulley and replace it if necessary.

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Toyota Recalls 2000–2004 Avalons Due to Cracking Steering Lock Bar

Suspension & Steering, September 7, 2010

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Toyota is recalling 2000–2004 Avalon models due to improper casting of the steering lock bar, which may cause the bar to crack or even break. If the bar breaks, the steering wheel will lock, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering lock device free of charge.

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Toyota Avalon Questions and Answers

marklevine, 1995 Toyota Avalon, Sanford, FL

my raido will not turn on

bigtoney, 1995 Toyota Avalon, 3.0L V6, Willingboro, NJ

oil change

GROODMOEDE, 1995 Toyota Avalon, 3.0L V6, Rochester, NY

SOMETIMES WHEN I TRY TO START CAR IT CLICKS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE. I CAN GO WEEKS WITHOUT IT DOING IT.
WHAT CAN IT BE BESIDES THE STARTER. COULD IT BE A FUSE?

GROODMOEDE, 1995 Toyota Avalon, 3.0L V6, Rochester, NY

IS IT WORTH IT TO PUT MY CAR ON A DIAGNOSTIC TESTER TO FIND OUT IF MY STARTER IS SHOT

xrjac, 1995 Toyota Avalon, Saint Charles, MO

I have a Whistle that comes in at 30 mph from the lower front pas. window area that varies if you push on the glass. If you just barely crack the window, the noise goes away. Taping off the entir...

Write a Story About Your Car

Toyota Avalon Stories

I bought a 2001 Avalon new, has 110,00 miles now and still love it. Needs a wheel alignment & have had problems with the engine light, this is the 3rd time it came on and that is the emissions things. Has never been worked on other than the emissions in 11 years..

I purchased my 2001 avalon xl 2 weeks ago with 126,000 miles and it is flawless. I commute 70 miles daily and with this car I had to look at the speedometer twice and could not believe I was going 90mph...no wind noise, velvet smooth ride. This is my 2nd Avalon the first being a 1995 xl that I retired with 297,750 miles on it. Plan on keeping this one for 6 years (120,000 miles). I went to have an alarm installed and across the street was a used car dealer and I observed a family test drive and look over what appeared to be a '99 Avalon so I walked over there and asked the guy if he was buying the car, he responded that he was thinking about so I told him flat out 'Buy it". Avalon's are the best kept auto secret.

Replaced condenser at 15,000 miles for $500 as rock hit condenser and damaged it.
Toyota said road hazard no warranty coverage.

Same thing at 62000 miles. Another500$.

This is obviously a design defect.
No more Junk Toyota for me. Obviously there is improper protection for the condenser.

JUNK JUNK and more JUNK Toyota DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT

We hate our 2010 Toyota Avalon (39,800 miles). The motor makes a tapping noise, sounds like a diesel truck. We have complained to dealership about this for over one year. They said there's nothing they can do about it. Leather seat was showing wear but they did replace. The quality is not what it's built up to be. There were many recalls on this car.

I bought my 2001 Avalon new early '01 and have 291,500 miles on it. The biggest problem was a rear suspension noise issue which did not get fixed despite replacement of most of the parts. Eventually, a local mechanic discovered that the trailing arm bolts were stripped, something he had never seen before, and something two dealers and other mechanics had "missed." I replaced the computer (with a used one I had rebooted at a dealer). A recent problem with the timing was caused by critters getting into the timing belt area. Now, with all the miles, the car runs beautifully and I am looking forward to trying for 400K.