2019 Toyota Avalon Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/27/2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission. Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The UA80 eight-speed automatic transmission used in my Toyota is defective. There is a design flaw that causes excess heat inside the transmission to burn transmission fluid resulting in premature transmission failure as well as stalling and other dangerous situations. I also noticed significant noise from the vehicle’s transmission assembly. In addition, the engine RPM jumps high while the car struggles to accelerate or temporarily loses power. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The check engine light came on a week ago, but no symptoms were exhibited at that time.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/01/2026

While driving the vehicle and stopped at a red light or stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal. I pulled to the curb and turn off the car. After I start the car again, it will work fine. The vehicle has failed to accelerate several random times while driving and stopped at a light or stop sign causing a hazardous situation. The last time it occurred was on September 1, 2026. It has happened three times prior to this date also. No vehicle codes or warnings lamps were displayed on the dashboard at any time.

SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/14/2026

On two occasions, 8 months apart, our car started braking on its own while driving in traffic. In both instances, the on-screen alerts indicated the LDA and simultaneously the check engine light. Neither time were we trying to switch lanes. In fact, the first time we were on a one-way street. In both instances, we were able to cruise over to a parking space before the car completely stopped avoiding a rear-end collision. Once we got in the space, we turned the car off and back on but it would not go forward or backward. We sat for 30 minutes or so, started it up and was able to get it home. We took the car to the Toyota dealership the next day. We got a call from the dealership in a few days stating the mechanics drove the car but the issue did not occur so we had to go in to the dealer and sign an authorization to allow access to the car's computer. About a week went by before we received a call stating they were waiting for an engineer to come in and diagnose the problem. Two weeks later, we got another call informing us the engineer would be delayed in getting to the dealership and asked if we wanted to pick up the car. Obviously, driving a car that we no longer feel safe in was not an option so we informed them to keep it until the problem was addressed. Weeks went by and we were not contacted so we sent a letter to the Corporate Office of Toyota. A case was opened but two weeks passed before we heard anything. We reached out and spoke with a representative who said they would have the initial rep call us. We never heard back so reached out again in a week and spoke with yet another rep who said there are two case numbers and the case is in progress and also told us there was "some kind of dispute" but we needed to speak with the case manager who opened the case and they would have her call back. Here we are nearly 3 months later and there has been no resolution. We've not heard back from the dealer in over a month and the Corporation in nearly 2 weeks.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 08/21/2024

On XXX I purchase the vehicle TOYOTA AVALON XSE, with VIN #: [XXX]. I purchase the vehicle at LARRY [XXX] AMERICAN TOYOTA in [XXX], with the LIEN [XXX] KIRTLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BANK same city of [XXX]. I was told the vehicle had a 160 point check, yet when I check the THUMB DRIVE that was given to me by the business personnel. When I looked at the thumb drive, their were signed documents between myself and the business department of [XXX] American Toyota. I asked several of the salesperson if the car had a COMPREHENSIVE TUNE UP, all the replies were the vehicle had a 160 point check. So, I figured the vehicle had to have some kind of TUNE UP, the 160 point check consists of a WALKAROUND CHECKLIST. I even asked if the vehicle had any RECALLS, the salesperson, the business department, there was nothing, NO RECALLS. Even looking on this website it shows ZERO RECALLS. Well, on XXX the service advisor at [XXX] American Toyota, [XXX] who called the vehicle a " XXX CAR ". Mr. [XXX] gave me SERVICE HISTORY of all the problems the car with previous owners and myself. I took the time at home on July 9, 2026 and notice, there was an OPEN CAMPAIGN RECALL 20TA02, 12/20/2019 with MULTIPLE SAFETY ISSUES, and since car the was still under WARRANTY the RECALLS were fixed. The dealership never seemed to bothered notifying the NHTSA about the RECALLS. Even, Mr. [XXX] informed there were NO RECALLS. Since purchasing the vehicle with extended warranty, because the vehicle was sold as a CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED used car with the mileage of 76, 632. I owned this car for four years with numerous BREAKDOWNS starting from August 21, 2024. If the vehicle would have a COMPREHENSIVE TUNE, I wouldn't be filing out this form today. I have paid over $24,000 to own and fix breakdowns on this vehicle. [XXX] American Toyota should be held accountable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/30/2026

Ever since, I purchase my certified 2019 Toyota Avalon in around June 2022, my car has left me stranded on highways, city areas, and broke down coming out of my garage. I even purchase extended warranty, because of the high mileage it had 77,000 miles. On [XXX] car broke down Drive Belt had to be replaced, [XXX] [XXX] warning lights, dealership service technician couldn't figured out why engine was slowing down the vehicle, engine repair evac leak for gas cap, [XXX], while driving my car the vehicle, my car immediately stopped, it was towed to dealership of Larry H Miller on Alameda in Albuquerque NM, caused of my car stopping on the road in Albuquerque, the technician stated that he found DTCS for Missfire, switched coil to different cylinder and codes went away/on [XXX], my car was towed, because engine stopped while driving, the dealership saw that it was an electrical problem, bad battery on [XXX] car dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, showing electrical malfunctioning of secondary braking system, the car must be towed to the dealership. I was lucky to get the car into a parking area of gas station. I am [XXX], I need to get home and take my [XXX]. So, while in Albuquerque New Mexico, I called for a tow truck to pickup my vehicle because I have triple AAA membership. Since, I have another car, and I needed to get that day June 30, 2026. I had to wait until today July 9, 2026 to have triple AAA to pick up my car and take it to the dealership Larry H Miller Toyota on Alameda, Albuquerque, New Mexico. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/03/2026

UA80 transmission issues. High pitched whining Erratic and hard shifting shuttering and hesitation Issue has been diagnosed by dealership Toyota Technician and independent service center ASE Certified technicians. Car is still drivable, with no warning lamps as of yet. Issue became more noticeable after I had the transmission fluid changed by dealership.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/14/2026

The transmission needs to be replaced. My car has 75,146 miles and my check engine light came on while I was driving down the interstate. I took it to the Toyota dealership and they confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. I was told it would cost $8,600. I was looking for any recalls on my car and saw there were multiple lawsuits involving the transmission in my car and other Toyota and Lexus models. The primary lawsuits involve millions of vehicles equipped with the UA80 8-speed automatic transmissions.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/31/2025

I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety issue involving the Telematics / Data Communication Module (DCM) installed in Toyota vehicles. This issue presents a clear risk to driver and passenger safety and warrants immediate corrective action. The DCM is responsible for critical telematics and safety systems, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. Failures of this system are not merely inconveniences—they directly compromise emergency response capabilities and vehicle reliability. Documented Failures and Safety Risks: Severe Battery Drain: Defective DCM units drain the vehicle battery even when the vehicle is off, leaving drivers stranded and unable to start their vehicles—potentially in unsafe or remote locations. Loss of Emergency Services (SOS Failure): Malfunctioning DCM systems disable or impair SOS functionality, preventing drivers from accessing emergency assistance during critical situations. This represents a direct risk of injury or death. Loss of Connected Features: Remote Connect capabilities (remote start, unlock, vehicle monitoring) are rendered inoperable, indicating systemic communication failure. System Errors: Persistent errors such as “Connected Device Not Supported” demonstrate loss of communication between the DCM and the vehicle network. System-Wide Malfunctions: In severe cases, DCM failure can disrupt the infotainment system or broader vehicle functions, effectively “bricking” key systems. Demand for Immediate Action: Given the safety implications—particularly the failure of emergency SOS functionality—I am requesting that Toyota take the following actions without delay: Issue a voluntary safety recall for all affected vehicles, or Provide a cost-free repair or firmware update that fully resolves the DCM defect, and Notify all affected owners proactively of the safety risk and available remedy. If this issue is not addressed promptly, I am prepared to escalate this matter through formal

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/06/2026

Engine does not start or takes longer to start because fuel line does not hold pressure after turning off engine.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 02/01/2026

I am experiencing the same malfunction with my backup camera/parking assist software that a million other VINs were recalled for. I called Toyota and was essentially told that not enough people from my cars' "batch" have complained. The malfunction is inconsistent, sometimes the camera works fine, sometimes the screen is totally black, and sometimes it freezes or goes black in the middle of backing up. This is incredibly hazordous.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/08/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that a good Samaritan attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for thirty minutes and stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken directly to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced several failures since July 2025. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the oxygen sensor, the oil light sensor, the ignition coils, and the fuel pump extension were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had caused the contact anxiety, and the contact was fearful of driving the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated was fearful for her and her grandchildren's safety while in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that several cases were filed, and all were denied. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/08/2025

When starting the vehicle, an extremely high pitched noise is emitted from the speakers. This high pitch seems like its comes out full volume out the speakers. Ear piercing noise leaves my ears ringing every time.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/01/2025

The 12.3 in Bird's Eye system with backup camera produces a "black screen" when in reverse and when viewing the forward camera when parking. When driving in snow or rain, the collision warning system becomes unavailable due to the precipitation. I believe these are two separate, but related issues. I also believe that these issues have been observed in other Toyota models which have active recalls in place for the same issue. I took the vehicle to the dealership (Spartan Toyota Lansing, MI) and they were unable to diagnose or resolve the problem. I also reported the issue to Toyota Customer service, pending any resolution. So an ongoing safety issue persists without resolve (ie no required backup camera and also the collision avoidance systems problem during snow or heavy rain).

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/02/2025

After starting to accelerate from a stop light ,the Dashboard had a warning message that the accelerator and brake pedals were pressed simultaneously. The acceleration stopped and the car slowed automatically. After a few seconds the warning indicator went away and the car could accelerate. The cars behind my auto had to stop suddenly. At the time. I though that I might have hit both petals at the same time. When it happened again I opened an incident report with Toyota. Incident opened on 07-19-25 Case # 250719000440. The Toyota rep told me it should be take to a Toyota dealer to diagmose any error codes.The next time the same problem occured I took it to my Toyota dealer and was told there were no error codes to indicate a problem. I have also taken the car to a local repair shop after the problem happened and was shown there were no stored errror codes.The dealer wants to have my auto for an extende time to reproduce the problem. If they need error codes to solve the issue but no error codes are recorded when the problem occurs what can they determine? I am hoping that there are other Toyota Avalon owners which might have had the same issue.

LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 09/12/2025

Recurring issue with blind spot and rear cross traffic malfunction alerts. Toyota had issued a service bulletin for this concern. Dealer had to reprogram the module under part: 39151 T-SB-0034-19. CODE C1AB4 and C1AB5.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/04/2025

Jerking and grinding noise in the transmission

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/18/2024

After troubleshooting, the issue with my car cannot communicate with my mobile app through Toyota remote connect, cannot update vehicle software, and after a $130 diagnostic fee, the dealer states the DCM module is bad and needs replacing. My question is this is a safety issue, correct?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/19/2024

When starting the vehicle, an extremely high pitched noise is emitted from the speakers. The safety of my young child is at risk every time I start the car because this could cause irreparable hearing loss. This is a known issue across many Toyota models as I've found through online forums. Toyota wants $1,200 to fix the DCM Module when it is a manufacturing issue and not caused by the consumer.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/30/2023

I was pulling into a parking space when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb and hit a tree. The car has auto-braking but this system did not function to stop the car.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 09/01/2022

A year ago my 2019 Toyota Avalon started displaying a message that the RCD (rear camera detection) was unavailable. I tried working with the dealership that sold me the car, but they ignored me. I went to another Toyota dealership and they said it would cost approximately $2000, but could not guarantee it would fix the issue. I’ve seen online that 1000’s of Toyota owners with the same system have had similar problems, and Toyota frequently responds with, “It’s a rolling computer, and very advanced.” Some were fixed by recalibration, but many have a more serious problem. All the stories are only the people that have posted about it. It’s probably Toyota’s biggest problem. My car was under warranty when it began, but health issues and restrictions kept me from getting the attention of the general manager since I was ignored by others. I feel this is serious enough and has effected numerous people that it warrants an investigation. People are relying on a system that doesn’t work properly, and some have been hurt and many others will be negatively affected by it.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/20/2023

The car emitted a very loud, high pitched sound, lasting several seconds when starting the vehicle, which was very painful. At the same time, red and green lights are seen flashing a few times next to the SOS button. This has happened twice in the past month.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/07/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING INTO HER NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND THEN ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE NEIGHBORS METAL FENCE. THE CONTACT STATED AN UNKNOWN RED SIGN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES OR SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY AND HAD COSMETIC REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,240.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/23/2020

I WAS IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING ALONG A LOCAL ROAD, PROBABLY ABOUT 30MPH. I WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER CAR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR, AND THEN SPUN INTO A MEDIAN AND STRUCK A TREE. MUCH OF THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN AND DISPLACED FROM THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. I WAS RESTRAINED BY THE SEAT BELT ONLY. THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAGS IS OF GREAT CONCERN.

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/15/2019

MY HUSBAND, AN 84 YEAR OLD, WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND GOT INTO A DOUBLE ACCIDENT. FIRST, HE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND HE GOT IN THE CAR AND BACKED UP. AS HE BACKED UP HE HIT A VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND HIM CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO HIT TWO OTHER VEHICLES. (PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR FULL POLICE REPORT FOR INFORMATION AS TO EXACTLY HOW FAR HE WOULD HAVE BACKED, BUT I BELIEVE NOT MUCH MORE THAN 1 TO 2 CAR LENGTHS.) THIS CAR HAD THE TOYOTA CARE PACKAGE INSTALLED, WHICH INCLUDED THE SAFE BACKING FEATURES TO SLOW A VEHICLE WHEN BACKING AND ANOTHER OBJECT IS BLOCKING THE PATH. MY QUESTION - WHAT HAPPENED TO THESE SAFETY FEATURES. MY HUSBAND LEFT THAT ACCIDENT AND DROVE ABOUT 1 BLOCK DOWN THE STREET, RUNNING THE END OF THE YELLOW LIGHT AND INTO RED LIGHT, AND HIT THE RIGHT REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. HIS VEHICLE THEN DROVE OUT-OF-CONTROL INTO THE CORNER PLANTER AND HIT A SIGN, WHICH THEN FELL ONTO TWO VEHICLES. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT AFTER HE HIT THE TAIL OF THE VEHICLE, HIS VEHICLE SPED UP INTO THAT PLANTER AREA. AGAIN, THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE - BUT DIDN'T. MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE WRONG - AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVING. HOWEVER, HE WAS THE ONE HURT THE WORST WITH 7 BROKEN RIBS, A BROKEN FEMUR, A BROKEN NOSE, AN INJURY TO THE SPLEEN AND BLEEDING ON THE BRAIN. MY CONCERN IS THE FUNCTIONING OF THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT TOYOTA DEALERS ARE TOUTING ABOUT THE VEHICLES.