Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 102 of 125 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.
Steering
43 complaint records2 crash reports
"I HAVE SPOKEN TO 2 PEOPLE WITH 1996 TOYOTA AVALON AND THEY HAVE OR HAD THE IDENTICAL PROBLEMS. NO SAFETY DEFEC TLISTED. *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 steering parts in the directory →
Suspension
27 complaint records1 crash report
"THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS BROKEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE VEERES TO THE LEFT WHILE ON HIGHWAY AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. YH..."- 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 suspension parts in the directory →
Brakes
11 complaint records1 crash report
"BRAKES FEEL SOFT AND MUSHY, FRONT BRAKES APROX 9.5MM REMAIN AND REARS APROX 9MM REMAIN.TEST DROVE AND ADJUST PARK BRAKE. ADJUST BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT PEDAL TO LOW, CHECKED AND RESET PEDAL TO SPECS, PER CUST REP AIR MANUAL. 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR..."- 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 →
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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP02004 opened Apr 2002 | closed Jun 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE SEIZURE |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97V156000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997155 1997-09-15 | Brakes | 4,825 | UNDER EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURE OPERATING CONDITIONS AND INFREQUENT BRAKE OPERATION THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT CONDENSED MOISTURE FROM A SURGE TANK MIGHT SEEP INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE AND FREEZE. |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB003220 Aug 2023 | Vehicle Speed Control | TSB: 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 | Back Over Prevention | TT: 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 | Wheels | POL: 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. | |
| Toyota Safety Re Mar 2021 | Air Bags | Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| T-TT-0636-20 Rev Mar 2021 | Back Over Prevention | TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions. |
Show 49 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-SB-0032-20 Rev Feb 2021 | Equipment | TSB: 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 ? | |
| T-TT-0636-20 Dec 2020 | Service Brakes | TT: 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 | Equipment | TSB: 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 | Equipment | TSB: 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 | Equipment | Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| PG006-01-Obsolet Aug 2018 | Equipment | Technical 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 | Equipment | TSB: 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 | Equipment | TSB: 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 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17. | |
| T-SB-0304-17 Oct 2017 | Structure | TSB: 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 System | TSB: 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 | Equipment | Update on Technician Certification Requirements. | |
| T-SB-0101-11 Rev Apr 2015 | Electrical System | TSB: 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 Train | TSB: 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 Train | TSB: 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 Prevention | Tech 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-0132-11 Feb 2014 | Service Brakes | A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. | |
| T-TT-0213-13 Jan 2014 | Air Bags | Toyota 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 | Visibility | The 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/Wiper | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13. | |
| T-SB-0071-11 Rev Oct 2013 | Power Train | The 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 Brake | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| T-SB-0054-13 Apr 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| T-PG006-00 Obsol Apr 2013 | Equipment | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13. | |
| T-TT-0213-13 Jan 2013 | Air Bags | Toyota 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 Train | A541E TRANSMISSION SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION. *TT | |
| TC02002 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT REGARDING VEHICLES EXPERIENCING ENGINE OIL GELLING OR SLUDGE. *TT | |
| ST00901 Dec 2001 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING STEERING RACK END NOISE. *TT | |
| BO02601 Oct 2001 | Seat Belts | SUBJECT REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *YD | |
| T-PG007-01 May 2001 | Equipment | Replacement vin plates. | |
| AX00101 Mar 2001 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING RETRO-FIT INTERNAL TRUNK RELEASE KITS. *TT | |
| SU00200 May 2000 | Service Brakes | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING THE REMOVAL OF THE ABS SPEED SENSOR PRIOR TO REMOVAL OF THE REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION. *MR | |
| SU00100 Jan 2000 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT | |
| BO01899 Nov 1999 | Seats | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT IN FRONT BUCKET SEATS DURING CORNERING. *TT | |
| BR00699 Nov 1999 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT BRAKE GROAN NOISE, GRINDING NOISE, SQUEAK OR VIBRATION. *TT | |
| SU00299 Sep 1999 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT | |
| EL00399 Apr 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING OEM WIRELESS DOOR LOCK REMOTE TRANSMITTERS. *TT | |
| AX00499 Mar 1999 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING TOYOTA DINGHY TOWING GUIDE. *TT | |
| 012199 Jan 1999 | Suspension | BRIEF INFORMATION ON FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT | |
| 980827 Aug 1998 | Visibility | SUBJECT ON THE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR IMPROVEMENT. *YC | |
| BO02398 Aug 1998 | Visibility | INFORMATION ON IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR. *YC | |
| 980812 Aug 1998 | Suspension | A GROAN OR CRUNCH NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROADWAY. *YC | |
| SU00398 Aug 1998 | Suspension | A GROAN OR CURNCH NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROADWAY. *YC | |
| BO01798 Jun 1998 | Visibility | INFORMATION ON VANITY MIRROR IMPROVEMENT. *YC | |
| 97050900297 May 1997 | Electrical System | EXCESSIVE AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR ODOR IS ACCURING IN VARIOUS VEHICLES. *YC | |
| COM040122597 Feb 1997 | Service Brakes | AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) ON 1997 US PRODUCED CAMRYS AND AVALONS HAS BEEN ADOPTED FOR THE BOSCH ABS SYSTEM. *JD | |
| BR00397 Feb 1997 | Service Brakes | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CLEARANCE FOR BOSCH ABS. *JD | |
| EL00396 Dec 1996 | Equipment | TROUBLESHOOTING FOR GLASS PRINTED ANTENNA. *TW | |
| T-PG002-91 Jan 1991 | Equipment | Product general information. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- 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 →