1998 Toyota Avalon

178 federal complaints (205 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 72 service bulletins
See all 28 model years of the Toyota Avalon →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
178
Recall campaigns
1
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.

Glass & wipers
19
Suspension
19
Electrical system
19
Equipment & interior
18
Air bags
17
Speed control
16
Brakes
15
Tires
14
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: 23 complaints01 years old: 17 complaints2 years old: 15 complaints3 years old: 13 complaints4 years old: 12 complaints5 years old: 9 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 5 complaints8 years old: 2 complaints9 years old: 6 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 136 of 178 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 9 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 10 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 8 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 7 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 5 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 50 of 178 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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.

Glass & wipers

19 complaint records
"PROBLEM WITH VENTILATION SYSTEM--BURNTOUT WIRES IN THE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TOTAL FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE VENTILATION SYSTEM..."- 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 →

Suspension

19 complaint records1 crash report
"FRONT SUSPENSION CREAKED AND GROANED. THE UPPER STRUT MOUNTS WERE REPLACED BY DEALER (BOTH SIDES) AT 3000 AND AGAIN AT 32000 MILES...."- 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 →

Electrical system

19 complaint records1 crash report
"WHEEL LOCKED THEN THE CAR WILL NOT START, ALARM SYSTEM LIGHT WON'T BLINK AND I'M HEARING A WINEING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD...."- 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 electrical system 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

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
98V278000Electrical SystemVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, INC.Normally free

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
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
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 ?
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
Electrical SystemTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: 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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
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 ?
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-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
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.
T-SB-0218-17_Rev
Jul 2017
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner...
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-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2015
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
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-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0043-14
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-TT-0010-10 Rev
May 2014
EngineTech 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
EquipmentA 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 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-0122-11 Rev
Nov 2013
Air BagsBeginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Toyota may affect side...
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.
TC13-019
Aug 2013
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-SB-0054-13
Apr 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-PG006-00 Obsol
Apr 2013
EquipmentThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
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.
TSB-0122-11
Sep 2011
SeatsTOYOTA: INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR REPLACING THE SEAT COVERS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *PE
T-SB-0122-11
Sep 2011
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
01005
Aug 2005
Power TrainA541E TRANSMISSION SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION. *TT
00804
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON 1MZ-FE ENGINE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 OR P0306. *TT
TC02002
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT REGARDING VEHICLES EXPERIENCING ENGINE OIL GELLING OR SLUDGE. *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
303
Sep 2000
Unknown Or OtherBRIEF INFORMATION PROGRAMMING THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTES. *TT
SU00200
May 2000
Service BrakesTHIS 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
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT
AC00599
Dec 1999
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING AUTO A/C SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT. *TT
BO01899
Nov 1999
SeatsCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT IN FRONT BUCKET SEATS DURING CORNERING. *TT
AC00599
Nov 1999
EquipmentINFORMATION ON SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT FOR AUTO A/C AMPLIFIER. *TT
SU00299
Sep 1999
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT
EL00399
Apr 1999
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING OEM WIRELESS DOOR LOCK REMOTE TRANSMITTERS. *TT
BR00199
Apr 1999
Service BrakesNEW FRONT BRAKE PAD KITS ARE AVAILABLE TO REDUCE FRONT BRAKE GROAN OR GRINDING NOISE ON VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES. *TT
BO00999
Apr 1999
StructureVEHICLES STARTING WITH VIN 4T1BF18*UX304231 MAY NEED REPLACEMENT OF THE DOOR OPENING WEATHERSTRIP. *TT
SS00199
Apr 1999
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON THE SCANTOOL IMMOBILIZER KEY CODE UTILITY. *TT
032999
Mar 1999
Service BrakesBRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT BRAKE NOISE. *TT

Showing 60 of 72 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  2. 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.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 →