Two problems related to engine burning oil have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Avalon. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Avalon based on all problems reported for the 2005 Avalon.
While driving a strong "burning oil" smell began to fill the passenger compartment. Immediately took the vehicle to a nearby service station where they found oil coating all over the engine compartment with a higher concentration on the passenger side. After putting a couple quarts of oil they started the vehicle and immediately a stream of oil (about the size of a pencil lead) was found spraying out from a rubber hose located toward the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger side of the car, just above a metal bracket. The car was towed to a dealer who replace the leaking hose.
Drove to work (17 miles) 10/2/2008, as typical at 6:30am still dark. After driving about 5 miles kept getting whifs of burning engine oil but kept thinking it was another vehicle on the road. This was intermittent enough so I did not think it was my vehicle. Also the newness of the vehicle deceived me. Arrived at work and did some looking. Found the trail of oil in the parking lot and raised the hood to see oil spewed on the passenger side of engine compartment. Called for tow to mechanic. Mechanic said that there is a TSB on this. Why was there not a recall? this could be catastrophic! the oil light did not come on and the temp was normal throughout. . . . My only indication of a possible problem was smell and to my knowledge persons without this sense are more common than I suspected.