Power Train Problems of Toyota Avalon - part 1

Toyota Avalon owners have reported 70 problems related to power train (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Avalon based on all problems reported for the Avalon.

1 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 07/17/2025

I purchased this vehicle as a preowned used certified from the Toyota dealership the car has broke down 4 times for the same exact issues all the lights will come on and it will say take to the dealer for service June 8 2024 purchased the car. November 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) December 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) no charge July 8, 2025 car had to stay overnight ( ignition coil $300 ) service told me the mechanical warranty expired in June. 8 days later July 17, 2025 broke down on the highway I was stranded for 5 hours had to pay for a partial tow out of miles. Its been 6 days no car. I dont feel safe in this vehicle and I think it has a defective system. I am locked into a contract with a vehicle that keeps breaking down. I have called the lemon law and they said my car is too old for a claim but not considered new by 1 year. I need some help, I have reached out to Toyota corporate and I am waiting to see what they plan on doing. I have been stressed out since my last breakdown with this car. By the way I have only put 4000 miles on it since I purchased it. Going on a road trip is out. I no longer trust this vehicle it just cuts off for no reason once the dashboard lights come on it just stops. I cant imagine having my grandbabies in that car its scary. Car is still in the shop its been 6 days now.

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2 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 05/04/2025

Jerking and grinding noise in the transmission.

3 Power Train problem of the 2002 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/29/2025

Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were very loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003-2005 (4?) but not for 2002. The 2002 model is affected and should be recalled for the same issue before it kills someone. Also the shifter will not not go into drive without first pushing it forward and backwards several times to engage and the green d light on the dashboard will not show up.

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4 Power Train problem of the 2008 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 11/15/2024

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!.

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5 Power Train problem of the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 08/15/2024

The contact owns 2018 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

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6 Power Train problem of the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 11/08/2023

After the alternator and battery dies the car went right back to accelerating by itself into traffic, I contacted Toyota and explained that after the battery and alternator died the problem came right back but they seem not to care.

7 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 07/11/2023

I bought the car new in 2019. Car was fine for the first 2 years then it started skipping the gear on low speeds, it does not happen all the time but it does seems to jerk while changing gears in low speeds, occusionally. I have taken the car in to Toyota in green bay, WI location and I was told they can't duplicate the issue.

8 Power Train problem of the 2014 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 07/07/2023

My 2014 Toyota Avalon transmission failed with only 98,000 miles on it. I have always maintained this car flawlessly. I got a check engine light 07/07/23 and immediately had it towed to a certified mechanic. Was told the car needs a transmission replacement.

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9 Power Train problem of the 2012 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 05/04/2023

While entering the highway on ramp, as I accelerated and turned on the left turn signal, the engine stopped. The steering became very hard. I stopped, put the transmission in park and started the engine, with no problems. This is the second time in3 months this has happened when turning to the left, and activating the turn signal. In both cases, the auto headlight dimming warning lite came on. The car is well maintained, and has never been damaged in any way. The weather was clear.

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10 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 07/30/2021

See attached pdf file.

11 Power Train problem of the 2013 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 10/10/2020

Car started having transmission problems with a delayed engagement or slippage when shifting into first gear. This usually happened once or twice a week after the car had been parked. It then began to occur more frequently. Took car back to dealer northtown Toyota amherst, NY and they changed the fluid and updated software. Car ran ok for 2 wks, then started slipping again a few times per week with a delay when shifting into first gear. This happens after the car was parked. Took car into continental transmission 909 hertle Ave, buffalo NY where they did a diagnostic and pulled the transmission out and found that the utility pump had failed and there was some damage to the gears and other parts. Options were a rebuild ($3800usd) or replacement new transmission ($6200usd). Currently having the transmission rebuilt. Car has 22,300 miles on it, is out of warranty (7 yrs old) and the transmission has to be rebuilt/replaced.

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12 Power Train problem of the 2004 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 05/01/2020

Car makes a very, very loud screeching sound when started with a/c or heating on (but more commonly with a/c). The sound will sometimes die down or stop once a/c is turned off, but not always. Puddles can trigger the sound as well. Sound can be heard mainly upon inital startup but can occur after car is in motion.

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13 Power Train problem of the 2006 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 02/06/2020

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.

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14 Power Train problem of the 2006 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 02/02/2020

Under hard acceleration while turning, you will experience loss of vehicle control. Ie, entering traffic from a cross street.

15 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/16/2020

I bought this car about 5 months ago and everything was fine until a month ago. Every time I'm driving less than 35 mph I feel a rough down shift is not that bad, but I notice it. It only happens when I'm driving slow, more specifically in the city. Toyota hasn't sent anything regarding this problem. I thought it would go away but it hasn't.

16 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 11/24/2019

These issues occur consistently while driving on a local side streets at low speeds, between 0-35 mph. (1) when executing a stop and go either at a stop light or a stop sign, my 2019 Avalon xle emits a "jerking" motion before it decides to kick into gear. The "jerking" can easily be felt inside the vehicle. There are multiple drivers experiencing this "jerking". I thought the "jerking" was occurring while the vehicle was warning up, but "jerking" occurs at all times. (2) when travelling at 30-35 mph, and after releasing pressure off the accelerator, the vehicle feels like if the brakes are slowly being applied instead of coasting down the street. I believe the transmission is downshifting in such a way that it feels like the brakes are being applied. The above issues have been occurring since purchasing the vehicle with less than 10 miles on the odometer. I was told to wait for a Toyota service bulletin to be published, but I did not receive any guarantee that such a bulletin would ever be published. I have filed several cases at Toyota headquarters and was told my case would be reviewed by the transmission engineering department. Again, no guarantee that the transmission engineering department would ever review my case. And I have not received any responses or follow ups emails from Toyota headquarters my 2019 Avalon transmission issues.

17 Power Train problem of the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 11/20/2019

Please check for all recalls on my car.

18 Power Train problem of the 2018 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 08/21/2019

I was traveling on I-294 south in the vicinity of, south highland, illinois traveling about 70 miles per hour. I was next to the median. There was a car next to me that was behind an 18 wheeler, pulling an extra trailer. The 18 wheeler swerved to miss a car and as a result of the 18 wheeler swerving, the car next to me swerved to miss the trailer; when that happened I swerved to my left because of the vehicle. As I did so my vehicle made contact with the emergency strip that makes a nose like your tires are flat, almost instantly it appeared that I was pulled into the wall median. There was no way that I could have corrected that with all the strength that I was putting into getting my vehicle back in the lane.

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19 Power Train problem of the 2007 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 09/10/2018

Transmission shifting uneven and some time it stays in one particular gear even brake is applied. Car doesn't not stop even while applied brake. I have to put my car in park p mode while it is running on the road to stop my vehicle. Since even I apply brake it does not want to stop.

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20 Power Train problem of the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 08/31/2018

When starting the car and proceeding to accelerate the car stalls. There have been several incidents where the car has done this (each time being taken to service at Toyota). One in particular almost being hit by a truck when going from a red light to green light. Another one turning out of a parking lot and having to make sure there was absolutely no cars coming my direction in fear of being hit while turning and car stalling. These issues have been too many since I have purchased the car. This matter has been taken up to customer relations and reviewing how many times I have taken this vehicle in they continue to tell me that they have not failed to repair my car. I have continued to take the car to be serviced and diagnostic comes up with no problems in the computer system. *I also have videos and all of my service invoices regarding the stalling issue that has yet to be corrected. *.

21 Power Train problem of the 2016 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 02/02/2018

Intermittently the car will not shift from low gear. When placing the gearshift in the d position it will indicate either d1 and will not automatically shift to a higher gear. Once the car comes to a complete stop the indicator will by itself change to d and will shift normally.

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22 Power Train problem of the 2008 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/17/2018

1. High beams and day running lights inoperable (discovered January 2018). 2. Transmission overheated and caused car to decelerate in April 2018.

23 Power Train problem of the 2016 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/18/2017

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Avalon. When the accelerator pedal was depressed at low speeds, the vehicle hesitated to respond and suddenly surged forward. The failure occurred without warning. In addition, the vehicle felt as though it shifted independently intermittently. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

24 Power Train problem of the 2013 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 08/25/2016

In 2016 of August I filed a complaint with Toyota (case#1611260024112616) in reference to a torque coverter issue that has plaqued 2012 camrys , at this point I took car into dealer many ocassions , but they refuse to admit it their fault, a 2300 dollar problem .

25 Power Train problem of the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 05/28/2016

On may 28, 2016, me and my 4 year old toddler were traveling on the interstate in our 2005 Toyota Avalon (approx. 142,000 miles) when it suddenly loss power. The dashboard lit up and heavy smoke began pouring from under the hood on the right side of the car. Luckily I was able to coast to right side of the road and stop the vehicle without getting slam from behind on the interstate. The vehicle had just been serviced on 05/18/2016; with no issue prior to traveling out of town for the holiday. After a dealer full diagnostic was completed; it was determined that the head gasket blew and that along with the engine had to be replaced. This was the second opinion. The previous dealer full diagnostic was performed on the car in 11/2015, when engine light came on and an "system too lean code" appeared. At that time, the following items were removed and replaced. Intake manifold gasket, throttle body gasket, plemum gaskets and spark plugs. Other than that, the car has have routine service and maintenance performed on a regular basis. How does a car with an excellent service record develop an issue of this nature without any advance warning? there was no check engine light, the car wasn't running hot. There were no strange noises, thump, rattles, etc. I purchased the vehicle based on its ratings and reliability factor. --as I started to do a little research, I am seeing that this is an issue with this vehicle along with the Toyota camry. Why isn't this reported as a know issue with this product. I just get sick knowing there was no light sensors or anything to warn of an issue. We were very fortunate not to get struck from behind travel at such a high rate of speed on the interstate.

26 Power Train problem of the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 05/10/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,500. Djr.

27 Power Train problem of the 2009 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/06/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated when turning the wheel the car accelerated on its own. The vehicle crashed into a few cars and the curb and the vehicle stopped. A police repoart was filed and the contact was transported to the hospital. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 42000. Am.

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28 Power Train problem of the 2006 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/01/2015

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 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 failure 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(21-3292). The contact sought medical attention from his doctor for 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.

29 Power Train problem of the 2007 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 07/08/2014

Idler bearing froze which took out serpentine belt. Lost power steering and cooling and electric. This is the second one I have replaced this year both being oem parts.

30 Power Train problem of the 2007 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 07/08/2014

I was stopped at a traffic light right off a highway exit on a busy mall road. When the light changed and I tried to press the gas pedal the car would not move. Engine was running, everything was working perfectly but car would not move. I tried to turn off and restart several times to no avail. Attempted to shift into neutral or any other gear and although shift moved car still would not respond. Car could not even be pushed off of road in neutral. The car was towed to a mechanic and sat for a couple of days. When the mechanic turned the car on it presented no issues, ran perfectly fine and no signs of problems on diagnostic computer. The car ran perfectly for another week or so until my father was driving on highway and all of a sudden could feel that car was just rolling, and the power was gone. He was coasting in high speed lane of interstate. Luckily he pulled to safety. When car was towed to same mechanic it was clear the transmission was gone and needed to be replaced. With no warnings this meticulously maintained car just gave out and put myself and my father in very dangerous situations where we could have been hit by other cars. I have read many similar stories online from Toyota owners with cars built within same timeframes who have had their transmission give out, or cause problems on the road as well. Toyota refuses to acknowledge there is a defect in their products and has only responded that the car is out of warranty and we were responsible for all costs.

31 Power Train problem of the 2006 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 04/16/2014

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.

32 Power Train problem of the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 10/05/2012

Front axle of the car broke in the middle of the road and the entire wheel came off with the axle connected.

33 Power Train problem of the 2007 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 09/19/2012

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the transmission shifted into neutral independently with extreme hesitation. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the transmission was being replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Js.

34 Power Train problem of the 2006 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 08/14/2012

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).

35 Power Train problem of the 2011 Toyota Avalon

Failure Date: 01/07/2012

1/7/12-12:30 am I was stopped at a red light. My foot was on the brake. Suddenly the motor began to race. I stood on the brake put the shift into park and turned off the ignition. After a short period ( about 30 seconds) I turned the ignition on and everything was normal. 1/10/12- I called the dealer and they gave me an appointment . But the earliest was at 8. 30 on 1/17/12 for which they confirmed by e-mail. On 1/12/12, (5:15 pm), my wife pulled into a parking space in a shopping area. She came to a complete stop then applied the brake and shifted into park. Suddenly,the motor raced and the car bolted forward. It jumped a 6" curb over paving stones, which were thrown about and smashed a wooden fence. A 4" steel column which backs up the fence stopped the car. Luckily no one was injured. The police were called and the auto was towed to the dealership. The damage to the vehicle is $3257. 00. Photos are available. The manufacturer claims there is nothing wrong with the car. We say after only a 5 mile road test this is not enough for a car that was driven 3,733 miles and had two incidents. My wife and I, will never drive this car again. We value our lives and that of others that could become victims of another incident.

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