NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
52 reportsClear category filter155,835 miles · Nov 26, 2021
Air BagsPower TrainCrashInjury
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 opera…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #11441720
70,000 miles · Feb 12, 2020
Power Train
UNDER HARD ACCELERATION WHILE TURNING, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. IE, ENTERING TRAFFIC FROM A CROSS STREET.
NHTSA ODI #11308816
140,000 miles · Feb 7, 2020
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 N…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #11307657
185,482 miles · Sep 20, 2019
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 ODI #11256831
89,800 miles · May 22, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower 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-FLASHE…
Read full complaint
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593405
91,000 miles · Aug 14, 2012
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-TRAN…
Read full complaint
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). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470585
27,000 miles · May 14, 2012
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 ACCELE…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #10458326
23,300 miles · Mar 20, 2010
Air BagsPower TrainCrash
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 TH…
Read full complaint
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10321212
58,900 miles · Mar 14, 2010
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
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 VE…
Read full complaint
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319542
500 miles · Mar 12, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train
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 UNU…
Read full complaint
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 ODI #10319129
Official recalls
7Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Oct 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Jan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Oct 5, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Apr 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗