2013 Toyota Avalon

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety-related incident involving the moonroof glass on my 2013 Toyota Avalon. Vehicle Information: - Make: Toyota Avalon, 2013 - VIN: [XXX] - Mileage at time of incident: Approximately 120,000 miles While driving under normal road conditions, the moonroof glass on my 2013 Toyota Avalon suddenly shattered without warning and collapsed downward into the passenger compartment. There was no known impact from road debris, rocks, or any other external object. The incident startled me and created a potential safety hazard due to the sudden failure of the glass while the vehicle was in motion. Immediately after the incident, I documented the damage by taking photographs of the shattered moonroof. The photographs do not show an obvious impact point, bullseye fracture, or other visible indication typically associated with a rock strike. I contacted Toyota's Brand Engagement Center and opened Case Number XXX. At Toyota's request, I presented the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership, Group 1 Toyota Southwest Houston, for inspection. The dealership repair order documented my concern as follows: "SUNROOF SHATTERED ON ITS OWN CHECK AND ADVISE." The dealership did not identify a specific impact point, road debris strike, customer-caused damage, or provide a technical explanation for the failure. Toyota subsequently declined goodwill assistance based on the age and mileage of the vehicle but did not provide an explanation regarding the cause of the moonroof failure. I understand that my vehicle is outside of its warranty period. However, my purpose in filing this complaint is to report what I believe to be a potential safety issue involving the sudden failure of a vehicle component while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA document this incident and review it along with any similar complaints involving the sudden failure of vehicle component. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car into a brick wall, hit on front passenger side at 15 mph no airbag deployed.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

he Occupant Detection System (ODS) in my 2013 Toyota Avalon has failed. The vehicle does not consistently detect an adult passenger in the front seat, and the “Passenger Airbag OFF” light remains illuminated, even when someone is seated properly. This means the airbag will not deploy in a crash, which is a serious safety risk for my passengers. I first noticed this issue several months ago. I took the car to a local certified repair shop, where they diagnosed a failure in the ODS sensor. I then brought it to a Toyota dealership for further inspection. The dealership confirmed the issue but required extra time and labor charges just to reach the same conclusion, even though I had already informed them of the diagnosis. Despite this being a clearly safety-critical system, I was told that no recall was active, and the repair cost would be entirely out-of-pocket, which is prohibitively expensive. As a result, the issue remains unresolved. There is a constant indicator light on the dash showing that the airbag system is deactivated when the passenger seat is occupied. To my knowledge, this issue has occurred in other Toyota models as well, and I believe this should be considered for a formal investigation and potential recall. It puts passengers at serious risk in the event of an accident and should not be a customer’s financial responsibility when it involves airbag functionality.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Feb 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

1) System Failure: Back window shade. It is available for inspection at any time. 2) Safety of me and others put at risk: When the shade is down I can not see out the back window posing a significant risk to those behind me particularly pedestrians 3) Has problem been reproduced: Yes 4) Has the component been inspected: No the motor operating the shade has not been inspected 5) Warnings prior to system failure: None Description: The window shade is meant to automatically retract out of sight when the transmission is placed in reverse. It does not retract at all. It stays fully extended covering the entire back window. This problem drastically impairs my ability to see out the back window at all. While being a problem at all times driving the vehicle it is particularly problematic when backing up at night; you simply can not see anyone behind you backing out of a parking space in a mall for example.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Straps, yes The straps do not stay tight and do not keep my child restrained Yes After checking the straps on the car seat they become loose no longer restraining my child in her seat

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

There is a very strong musty smell. 80% of the time it's when I turn on AC. 20% just at random driving times. Whenever car has sat longer then a few hours with all windows up. When open doors is has very musty smell. I have done everything to do with cleaning vehicle. This is a hybrid I'm a lil scared when it comes to electrical fire . Do to this musty smell. That means there is some type of fluid gathering somewhere. So what does Toyota plan on doing?

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have a smell of moldy old water what is going on ? Why is water filling up in my trunk? What do my head lights bulb keep going out? WHY HAVEN'T YOU GUYS DONE ANYTHING? For real I have a darn battery in my trunk come on. I already had to purchase a battery .

Reported

Jun 2024

Incident date

Jan 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rear window shade stuck in 'UP' position, cannot see out the rearview mirror, especially at night. Makes for very dangerous driving.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SIDEWALL TIRE FAILED AFTER 3 MONTHS. NO HAZARD ON ROADWAY, SIDEWALL SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH CAUSING CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL WITH NEAR ACCIDENT. AFTER INSPECTING TIRE IT APPEARS TO HAVE VERY LITTLE MATERIAL DEPTH INDICATING A DEFECT BY MANUFACTURER.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I recently took my car in for maintenance and I was offered a complimentary car wash. 1 week after the wash, I noticed there were cloth fibers stuck between the rear side body panels. When i pulled them out, there was evidence of rust and corrosion right underneath. I suspected the cloth fibers were from the dealership's car wash so i contacted them. They confirmed the fibers are from their machine but claimed the rust is caused by a pre-existing problem (there is a small gap between the side body that was noted in the pre-inspections), when asked if the rust was noted during pre-inspections as well, they refused to answer my question. There was no evidence of rust or corrosion on the car before this incident and there are other fibers stuck in the side body panels as well which i haven't taken out yet. I have previously taken my car through car washes but this incident has never happened before. Toyota's service center refuses to look into the matter further.

Reported

Feb 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have a tacky dashboard which has a glare on the dashboard hindering vision while driving. I understand is a recall however not for 2013 avalons. I’m a senior which make more difficult for to drive my care comfortably. I would like Toyota to approve the repair for my car. I’ve been a loyal customer for 25 years Sincerly

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Jan 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The Cylinder head gasket in the engine has failed and is now leaking coolant under the body of the car. This has been inspected by a certified Toyota Dealership and has been maintained by one since we bought the car. There were no warning signs or problems with the car other than feeling off (sounding slightly different than normal) so we went to get an oil change and inspection done on the vehicle. This car was just serviced three months prior for regular maintenance and the vehicle had no indicated issues at that time and was inspected again by the same Toyota Dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection. This issue seems to have started very suddenly without warning and will cause severe engine damage in my vehicle if not replaced soon.

Reported

Oct 2023

Incident date

Sep 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Water is filling up in my trunk not sure how it is getting in . Have noticed a lil water stains along back top of lining. I started smelling a stail water smell when I found a puddle of water under my spare tire . Im extremely worried with winter coming again . Not to mention there is a battery locate in truck as well. So I feel completely unsafe. I have recently had noticed hybrid battery going from high to low then all of sudden died. Had to purchase a new battery. Please is this normal?someone help before it rains again and something terrible happens

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have a electrical issue going on with the driver side headlight. I have had to change the headlight over 3 times now . Seems to go out with in a month or two. While doing my own research Toyota has also changed the light bulb for the old owner more then 3 times. It has only been the driver side headlight that is being affected. I'm a lil worried that at any time a electrical fire or something else bad will happen. So at this time i haven't had new bulb installed. I'm just to nervous. So it's hard at times to see at night fall when driving. The contact stated there is some water buildup underneath the tire in the trunk. The water is entering somehow near the back top right inside and ending in the very bottom of my truck under the tire. There is water damage on the top right corner of of the panel on the inside.

Reported

Sep 2023

Incident date

Sep 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had a smell of old water in my vehicle while trying to figure out from where it was coming from .I noticed in left and right rear ceiling quarter panels both wet and had water damage. Then I opened my trunk and it also had the same stale water smell. Under the spare tire on the very bottom of trunk there was at least 2 gallons of stale water. I have not had this looked at by the dealer or a mechanic. Do to it being a hybrid im very worried do to electrical components near the rear back seats where leak stains and water is . Also in my trunk is a hybrid battery next to were water was filling up. There's no damage to anything on the vehicle inside or out the vehicle has not been in no accidents. I'm available upon request for inspections. I have provided pictures of damage on rear ceiling panels . Thank you and I look forward to hearing from someone as soon as possible

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Feb 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The rear window spontaneously shattered into little fragments of glass and fell into the backseat section of the vehicle. This happened once while parked at work in a gated lot and security camera with motion sensors caught the incident happening on video. Temperature was in the high 80 F, and happened in August of 2022. After 5 months later the rear window shattered again while parked on driveway. Safety of anyone in the back seat is at risk due to sharp glass. Unable to convince the dealer this is a factory defect. Manufacturer said they can do a visual inspection but in realty results will be pointless since the car have not been in any accident. No warning appeared before rear window shattered.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The moonroof area has rattling noise at speeds exceeding 60 mph. A similar rattling noise is also noted from the driver side A pillar of the car at all driving speeds.

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

Feb 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a Goodyear Tire. Tire Line: Assurance Max Life, Tire Size: 225/45/VR18. The contact stated that he noticed the front driver's side tire had a big bubble on the sidewall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The tire was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire mileage was 6,000. The VIN was not available.

Reported

Apr 2022

Incident date

Apr 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Rear window sunscreen (dark black) stuck in the up position. Poor visibility during night driving with the curtain stuck in the upright position. This has always had this problem and Toyota has not solution.

Reported

Apr 2022

Incident date

Nov 2014

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The sun shade in the rear back malfunctions. When it malfunctions you are unable to visibility see when backing up due to the sun shade being in the way which put other people at risk for safety when backing up. Also when this piece malfunctions it makes a gridding nose which can cause a wreck if the person is unaware of the noise in the car while backing up. This function has been looked at by a Toyota Dealer ship which would result of owner paying over $1000.00 to get it fixed or even disabled. There are no warnings regarding the malfunction besides a loud noise while backing up when not functioning properly.

Reported

Mar 2022

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The contact stated that several instrument cluster warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was a hazard and could catch on fire. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Reported

Dec 2021

Incident date

Jun 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WAS DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AFTER TAKING MY DAD ABOUT 45 MINS AWAY WAS DRIVING AS USUAL AND THE CAR DIED HAD TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD PUT IN PARK AND RESTART. HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WE HAVE HAD IN AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE. SENT ME HOME WITH AN UNSAFE CAR FOR THE 4TH TIME. TRIED TAKING CAR BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT AS ISSUE HAPPENED ON FEB 6 21 AND I PURCHASED ON JAN 27 21 GOING TO CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEXT WEEK AND SEE IF THATS WHAT IT IS. PLEASE HELP I AM STUCK WITH A 23000 LOAN FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE SAFELY OR CONFIDENTLY!

Reported

Mar 2021

Incident date

Feb 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE REAR SUN SHADE WHICH EXTENDS AND RETRACTS TO COVER THE BACK WINDOW OF MY AVALON HAS A FAULT WHICH CAUSES IT TO GET STUCK IN THE EXTENDED POSITION, COVERING THE REAR WINDOW. THIS DRASTICALLY REDUCES THE VISIBILITY OUT THE REAR WINDOW AND THERE IS NO OBVIOUS OR SIMPLE FIX FOR THE ISSUE. I HAVE FOUND ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM. BEFORE THE SHADE GOT STUCK, IT WOULD RANDOMLY EXTEND OR RETRACT DURING HOT DAYS, WHICH SEEMS TO BE DUE TO A FAULTY RELAY. THIS IS CLEARLY A POOR DESIGN WHICH PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND ANYONE BEHIND THE VEHICLE WHILE BACKING UP.

Reported

Jan 2021

Incident date

Aug 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSSED THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE AHEAD STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE STOP BUT THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM WAS UNABLE TO STALLED CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT OF THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT VEHICLE TO RUN IN THE REAR OF THE CAR AHEAD OF HIM. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FROM VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTATINED BACK PAIN, AND BUMP ON THE HEAD AND NECK STRAIN , THE CONTACT DAUGHTER SUSTAINED CHEST INJURY AND HIS SON HAD TOOTH INJURY CAUSING BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER INJURIES FROM THE OTHER DRIVERS. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAS RECEIVED AT THE SCENE BUT THE CONTACT DECLINE GOING TO THE HOSPTIAL TIL THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHILCE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Reported

Dec 2020

Incident date

Dec 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 3 injuries

I JUST PURCHASED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON FROM CARMAX. DURING THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS OF DRIVING I HAD OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING. ONE. THE REAR WINDOW IS DISTORTED AND WILL NOT COME CLEAN NO MATTER WHAT I ATTEMPT TO USE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A CLEAR VISIBILITY. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT WHILE IN A STOP POSITION, WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND REAPPLY TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE A SEVEN DAY RETURN POLICY NO QUESTIONS ASKED. BUT I REALLY LOVE THIS CAR IN BEEN WAITING TO FIND THAT PARTICULAR COLOR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR WHICH IS BLACK LEATHER. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY RECALL OR OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS.

Reported

Dec 2020

Incident date

Dec 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Oct 2020

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THIS ISSUE HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. REAR SUNSHADE RANDOMLY DEPLOYED AND IS PERMANENTLY STUCK IN THE UP POSITION COMPLETELY BLOCKING REAR VISIBILITY. SUNSHADE IS SUPPOSED TO GO DOWN WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE, THIS FUNCTION NO LONGER WORKS FURTHER INHIBITING SAFE VEHICLE MANEUVERING. THE REAR FACING BACKUP CAMERA HAS A STATEMENT SAYING TO NOT RELY ON THE BACKUP CAMERA WHEN BACKING UP, THIS NO LONGER AN OPTION FOR ME AS I CAN NO LONGER CLEARLY SEE OUT OF THE REAR WINDOW. NIGHT TIME REVERSING IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITH ANY DEGREE OF SAFETY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA AS THEY REPLACED A RELAY IN THE SUNSHADE IN MODEL YEARS AFTER 2014 THAT SEEMS TO HAVE REMEDIED THIS ISSUE. THERE IS NO WAY MANUALLY LOWER THE SUNSCREEN. THERE'S NO WAY TO EASILY SWAP OUT THE DEFECTIVE RELAY. THERE'S NO WAY TO DISCONNECT THE SUNSHADE FROM THE WIRING HARNESS. THERE ISN'T AN INDEPENDENT FUSE FOR THE SUNSHADE THAT CAN BE REMOVED. THE SUNSHADE APPEARS TO BE ON A FUSE THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, BRAKING SYSTEM AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. BY REMOVING THE FUSE THIS WOULD MAKE MY VEHICLE EVEN LESS SAFE THE IT ALREADY IS.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE STOPPED SHORT AT A YELLOW STOP LIGHT AT 20 MPH. THE ACCIDENT BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. THE WIFE SUFFERED A CRACKED STERNUM WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE WAS A POLICE THAT WAS FILED AMD THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER TOYOTA WALNUT CREEK (2100 N BROADWAY, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 925-357-3700) STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK OVER THE CLAIM AND TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED THE CONTACT BY MAIL AND STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CALL . THE CONTACT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK TO THE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Reported

Jun 2020

Incident date

Feb 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN AIR BAG ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE COLLISION AND WAS THE MIDDLE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE CAME TO THE SCENE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND HIS WIFE WHO WAS THE PASSENGER SUSTAIN BRUISING. THE CONTACT STATED HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MCDANIEL TOYOTA (1111 MT VERNON AVE, MARION, OH 43302) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.*BF CONSUMER STATED HE HAD A BACK SURGERY AND AIRBAG FAILURE HAPPENED TWICE.*JB

Reported

Jun 2020

Incident date

Jun 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 2 injuries

THE REAR SUNSHADE IS STUCK IN THE 'UP' (EXTENDED) POSITION, GREATLY HINDERING VIEW TO THE REAR, BOTH WITH REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND WHEN DRIVER TURNS HEAD TO THE REAR. THIS DEVICE IS DESIGNED TO AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT FROM 'UP' POSITION EVERY TIME THE CAR IS SHIFTED TO "REVERSE" GEAR, SO AS TO NOT HINDER REAR VIEWS. IT WORKED FINE FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT LAST MONTH IT BECAME STUCK IN THE EXTENDED POSITION, AND CANNOT BE RETRACTED. THIS IS A PROBLEM AT ALL TIMES; BUT IS ESPECIALLY A DANGEROUS SITUATION AT NIGHT, WHEN DARKNESS HINDERS VIEWS. FROM ONLINE SEARCHING, IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY, AND MOST COMMENTERS SAY IT'S NOT WORTH FIXING, BECAUSE REPLACEMENT UNITS DEVELOP THE SAME PROBLEM. REMOVING THE UNIT IS MY PREFERRED APPROACH. BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT SEVERAL HOURS OF LABOR ARE REQUIRED, AS THE REAR SEAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. THIS IS NOT THE RESULT OF A MOVING CRASH; IT HAPPENED SPONTANEOUSLY, AND IS NOW AN ISSUE 100% OF THE TIME. *TR

Reported

Jun 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported

May 2020

Incident date

May 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY INTO THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AL HENDRICKSON TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5201 W, FL-834, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

Reported

May 2020

Incident date

Feb 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FROM A SPECIFIC SUPPLIER DESIGNED TO RECEIVE SIGNALS FROM CRASH SENSORS AND DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. THE ECU MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN ELECTRICAL NOISE THAT CAN OCCUR IN CERTAIN CRASHES, SUCH AS SEVERE UNDERRIDE CRASHES. THIS CAN LEAD TO INCOMPLETE OR NONDEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS AND/OR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS.

Reported

Mar 2020

Incident date

Mar 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER SUNRISE TOYOTA LOCATED AT (3984 SUNRISE HWY, OAKDALE, NY 11769 (631) 589-9000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported

Mar 2020

Incident date

Jan 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

ON MARCH 7, 2020 THE DRIVER ENTERED A PARKING LOT OF A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. THE DRIVER, USING THE BRAKES AND TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE. AS THE DRIVER NEGOTIATED THE TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED HEADFIRST INTO A RETAIL SIGNAGE POLE. DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONCE THE CAR SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WOULD HAVE LANDED IN A BUSY FOUR-LANE ROAD, IF IT HAD NOT CRASHED INTO THE SIGNAGE POLE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FATALITY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THERE WAS SOME PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. IT WAS TRULY A HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE FOR THE DRIVER.

Reported

Mar 2020

Incident date

Mar 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

02/06/2020 NHTSA COMPLAINT: 2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID LIMITED, REAR WINDOW SUNSHADE ASSEMBLY FAILURE, COMPLETE AND TOTAL, IN THE 'UP' POSITION AND/OR IN THE 'DOWN' POSITION. WHEN STUCK UP, THE FAILURE OBSTRUCTS REAR VIEW AT NIGHTTIME. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE SUNSHADE IS DESIGNED TO AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT INTO THE 'DOWN' POSITION WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN REVERSE, BUT IF THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED, THE SUNSHADE WILL MAKE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND FOR ABOUT 15-20 SECONDS WHILE THE SUNSHADE ATTEMPTS (AND FAILS) TO RETRACT INTO THE 'DOWN' POSITION. IT WILL ALSO MAKE THE SOUND EVEN IF THE SUNSHADE IS ALREADY RETRACTED. IF THE SHADE IS ALREADY DOWN/RETRACTED AND I SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GRINDING NOISE STARTS IMMEDIATELY, AND THE SHADE DOES NOT MOVE (GO UP). BUT IF I PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON, THE SHADE WILL START TO EXTEND, AND IF I CAN PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON AGAIN BEFORE THE SHADE IS FULLY EXTENDED, IT WILL RETRACT (AND BEGIN ANOTHER 20 SECOND CYCLE OF GRINDING) AND STAY DOWN. WHILE STOPPED OR IN MOTION, PRESSING THE ACTIVATE BUTTON RAISES THE SHADE (IF IT WAS DOWN OR RETRACTED), BUT NOT WITHOUT THE 20 SECONDS OF LOUD GRINDING NOISE. IF THE SHADE IS UP/EXTENDED AND YOU PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON, THE SHADE WILL NOT RETRACT/GO DOWN, BUT THE GRINDING NOISE WILL BEGIN. IF THE SHADE IS UP/EXTENDED THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT GO DOWN IS TO PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON AND, WHILE THE GRINDING NOISE IS PRESENT, SIMULTANEOUSLY GO TO THE BACK SEAT SO YOU CAN REACH THE SHADE AND MANUALLY PUSH ONE OF THE VERTICAL BARS TOWARD THE CENTER; THEN THE SHADE RETRACTS FULLY AND CONTINUES GRINDING FOR ANOTHER 20 SECOND CYCLE. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT IS CONTINUOUS AND THE GRINDING NOISE IS INCREDIBLY ANNOYING.

Reported

Feb 2020

Incident date

Sep 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SINCE 2016 THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN VERY SOFT AND SOMETIMES WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE IT GOES FAR ENOUGH THAT MY FOOT HITS THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY CHECK THE BRAKES AND THEY ARE OK BUT TO THIS DAY THEY ARE STILL SOFT AND THIS COULD CAUSE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM.

Reported

Jan 2020

Incident date

Aug 2016

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT DURING THE IMPACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT HAND, MULTIPLE LACERATIONS ON HIS FOREHEAD THAT REQUIRED 29 STITCHES, NECK PAIN, WHIPLASH, AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Reported

Oct 2019

Incident date

Oct 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

THE REAR WINDOW SHADE AUTOMATICALLY RAISED ITSELF AND IS STUCK IN THE EXTENDED POSITION. IT MAKES A LOUD SOUND FOR ~20 SECONDS WHENEVER THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE OR WHENEVER YOU ATTEMPT TO RETRACT THE SHADE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT TO OBSERVE TRAFFIC THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT.

Reported

Oct 2019

Incident date

Oct 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

HEADLINER AT THE TOP OF THE REAR WINDOW IS FALLING DOWN MAKING IT A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE LOOKING IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR.

Reported

Oct 2019

Incident date

Sep 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2013 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED A CRASH INTO A WALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND TO PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JS

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Aug 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 3 injuries

MY VEHICLE WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE (STATIONARY) AT A STOP SIGH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT.. FOR 5 DAYS IT WORKED AND THE FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY IT ACCELERATED AGAIN ( IN MOTION) WHILE PARKING IN THE HANDICAP SPACE AT IDLE SPEED AND BRAKES. TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. SENT ME A LETTER THAT STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THEIR INSPECTOR CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE CAR WORKED GREAT AND THE MASTER WARNING SIGNAL WAS NOT FLASHING NOR BUZZING AND HE WOULD SEND ME A COPY OF THE COMPUTER PRINT OUT BUT IT WAS NEVER SENT. I DID GET SOME KIND OF A RECORD BUT IT COULD NOT BE COPIED, I TOOK A PICTURE OF IT BUT IT IS IN SOME TYPE CODE( A COMPUTER FILE) THE TEST CONSISTED OF A ACCELERATION AND STOPPING TEST 22 DAYS AFTER THE 1ST INCIDENT, THE CAR WORKED WELL FOR THE DAYS BETWEEN THE INCIDENTS. THE MASTER WARNING SIGNAL WAS FLASHING AND BUZZING, INSTRUCTIONS WAS TO STOP THE CAR AND HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER THEY DESCRIBED ONE INCIDENT , I DON'T KNOW WHICH INCIDENT THEY CHECKED FOR THERE WERE TWO INCIDENTS 5 DAYS APART. THE REPORT IS A SHAM I CAN SEND YOU A COPY OF THEIR LETTER. TEXT A COPY OF THIS COMPUTER INFO OR FORWARD THE E-MAIL WITH THE COMPUTER INFO THAT I COULD NOT COPY WITH MY COPIER. I DON'T UNDERSTAND ANY OF THE COMPUTER INFO.. *JS

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Jul 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR MIRROR HAD SHATTERED. THE MIRROR WAS NOT STRUCK BY ANY FOREIGN OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN O'NEIL JOHNSON TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 2900 MS-39, MERIDIAN, MS 39301, (888) 781-0044) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MIRROR AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

Reported

Aug 2019

Incident date

Aug 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

HEADLINER NEAR THE REAR WINDOW IS FALLING DOWN BLOCKING PART OF THE REAR VIEW FROM THE REAR VIEW MIRROR.

Reported

Aug 2019

Incident date

Apr 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE REAR WINDOW SHADE (WHICH SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY GO DOWN WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE) WAS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE CLEARLY WHEN BACKING UP ALSO AT NIGHT. TOYOTA SAID IT WAS NOT WARRANTIED AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COAST $1400 TO REPLACE A BAD MOTOR EVEN THOUGH I SAID IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. IN THE END I PAID $395.58 TO HAVE THE MOTOR DISCONNECTED SO I COULD SEE CLEARLY OUT THE BACK WINDOW.

Reported

Aug 2019

Incident date

Jul 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS TIMES AND SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF DES MOINES (1650 SE 37TH ST, GRIMES, IA 50111, (515) 276-4911) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE INJUNCTION WITH THE LEFT TURN SINGLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,500.

Reported

Aug 2019

Incident date

Aug 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW PRIVACY SCREEN WAS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION; THEREFORE, BLOCKING HIS VISIBILITY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Reported

Jul 2019

Incident date

Jul 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN IT RAINS HEAVILY (WITHIN THE TWO MONTHS I HAVE OWNED IT), THE ROOF AND/OR SUNROOF LEAKS CAUSING WATER DAMAGE IN MULTIPLE AREAS OF THE ROOF. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND A CAUSE AFTER THE INITIAL SUNROOF DRAIN WAS CLEARED.

Reported

Jun 2019

Incident date

May 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THERE IS A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE AS THE RETRACTABLE REAR WINDOW SCREEN TRIES TO GO UP. WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN GEAR THERE IS A DIFFERENT GRINDING NOISE. THE SCREEN HAS FROZEN IN VARIOUS STAGES OF UP OR DOWN, BUT NOW IS STUCK DOWN, OBVIOUSLY TRYING TO RAISE. ACCORDING TO MANY POSTS ONLINE, INCLUDING SOME FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR OVER 10 YEARS. IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AT NIGHT WHEN THE SCREEN HAS BEEN STUCK IN THE UP POSITION AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE THE NOISE IS VERY LOUD AND DISTRACTING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS WHO SAY IT WILL COST $1,600 TO REPLACE, BUT IT WOULD ONLY BE GUARANTEED FOR 1 YEAR. THE FUSE CAN'T BE REMOVED TO DISABLE IT AND STOP THE NOISE BECAUSE IT WILL AFFECT THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE BLINKERS. I WANT THE NOISE SILENCED. TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS ISSUE THROUGH A WARRANTY EXTENSION OR RECALL.

Reported

Jun 2019

Incident date

May 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE REAR RETRACTABLE SUNSHADE WENT UP AND LOCKED IN PLACE AND WILL NOT RETRACT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. AT NIGHT IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE ANY VEHICLES BEHIND YOU. BACKING UP BECOMES A PROBLEM AS WELL FOR IT BECOMES HARD TO SEE PEDESTRIANS AS THEY PASS BEHIND YOU IN PARKING LOTS. VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING.

Reported

Apr 2019

Incident date

Apr 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

1 injuries

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.

Risk: A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accumulated water may then leak through a seam in the housing onto the air bag control module potentially resulting in a short circuit of the module.

Risk: A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, model year 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV and model year 2014 Corolla vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Risk: A short circuit could cause inoperative windshield wipers, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.