1996 Toyota Avalon

109 federal complaints (121 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 47 service bulletins
See all 28 model years of the Toyota Avalon →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
109
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
21
Brakes
13
Glass & wipers
12
Steering
11
Speed control
10
Lighting
8
Electrical system
7
Air bags
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 26 complaints01 years old: 9 complaints2 years old: 6 complaints3 years old: 5 complaints4 years old: 2 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 4 complaints7 years old: 10 complaints8 years old: 2 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 82 of 109 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

21 complaint records
"ENGINE GIVING OFF SMOKE AFTER OIL CHANGE. ENTIRE ENGINE HAS BEEN DISMANTLED AND IS BEING REASSEMBLED. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED AT APPROPRIATE SERVICE INTERVALS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Brakes

13 complaint records
"BRAKES HAVE FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THREE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. MJS (SB ISSUED 60218,60252)...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

12 complaint records
"WHEN THE DEFOGGER IS TURNED ON THE WINDOWS START TO FOG UP, OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP02004
opened Apr 2002
closed Jun 2002Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE SEIZURE
EA97015
opened Jul 1997
closed Sep 1998Exterior LightingTURN SIGNAL FAILURES
There is no summary currently available
PE97018
opened Apr 1997
closed Jul 1997Exterior LightingTURN SIGNAL FAILURES
CONSUMERS ALLEGE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONS FAIL WHILE DRIVING.TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE REPLACED TURN SIGNAL SWITCHES, BUT IN ONE INSTANCE THE NEW SWITCH STILL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY.DEALER MECHANICS INSTRUCTED THE OWNER TO TURN THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
TiresPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
Show 42 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
TSB018217
Jan 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 2015
Electrical SystemTSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches.
T-SB-0014-11 Rev
Oct 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement.
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage.
T-TT-0010-10 Rev
May 2014
Back Over PreventionTech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2014
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
T-SB-0185-13
Dec 2013
VisibilityThe following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 2013
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-SB-0071-11 Rev
Oct 2013
Power TrainThe purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0141-13
Sep 2013
Parking BrakeSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2013
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
01005
Aug 2005
Power TrainA541E TRANSMISSION SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION. *TT
ST00901
Dec 2001
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING RACK END NOISE. *TT
BO02601
Oct 2001
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *YD
T-PG007-01
May 2001
EquipmentReplacement vin plates.
AX00101
Mar 2001
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING RETRO-FIT INTERNAL TRUNK RELEASE KITS. *TT
BO01899
Nov 1999
SeatsCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT IN FRONT BUCKET SEATS DURING CORNERING. *TT
BR00699
Nov 1999
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT BRAKE GROAN NOISE, GRINDING NOISE, SQUEAK OR VIBRATION. *TT
EL00399
Apr 1999
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING OEM WIRELESS DOOR LOCK REMOTE TRANSMITTERS. *TT
AX00499
Mar 1999
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING TOYOTA DINGHY TOWING GUIDE. *TT
980812
Aug 1998
Service BrakesNEW FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE AVAILABLE TO REDUCE THE FRONT BRAKE GROAN NOISE. *YC
SU00398
Aug 1998
SuspensionA GROAN OR CURNCH NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROADWAY. *YC
BR00498
Aug 1998
Service BrakesNEW FRONT BRAKE PAD KITS ARE AVAILABLE TO REDUCE FRONT BRAKE GROAN NOISE, GRINDING NOISE, SQUEAK OR VIBRATION. *YC
BO01798
Jun 1998
VisibilityINFORMATION ON VANITY MIRROR IMPROVEMENT. *YC
970815BO023
Aug 1997
StructureEXHIBITING A "POPPING" NOISE EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *YC
TC00197
Apr 1997
Power TrainA541E VALVE BODY GASKET NO.2. *JD
COM04010497
Apr 1997
Unknown Or OtherA PRODUCTION CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE TO HAZARD SWITCH TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TURN SIGNAL CIRCUIT IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *JD
TC00197A
Apr 1997
Power TrainTHE SHAPE OF VALVE BODY GASKET NO.2 HAS BEEN CHANGED. *JD
EL00397
Apr 1997
Exterior LightingPRODUCTION CHANGE TO HAZARD SWITCH. *TW
BO01097
Apr 1997
StructureWIND NOISE FROM FRONT DOOR "A" PILLAR AREA. *JD
EG00197
Jan 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingINTERAL ENGINE NOISE WHEN IDLING AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. *JD
T-PG002-91
Jan 1991
EquipmentProduct general information.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Avalon →