Toyota Avalon Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the Toyota Avalon across 25 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (12). The words owners use most often: “pedal depressed” (11% of reports).
- 104service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 30mention a crash
- 18mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 25%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Pedal depressed: mentioned in 11 of 104 complaints (11%)
- Suddenly accelerated: mentioned in 8 of 104 complaints (8%)
- Parking space: mentioned in 8 of 104 complaints (8%)
- Foot brake: mentioned in 6 of 104 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 76 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 104 complaints, 30 mention a crash, 18 an injury.
Toyota Avalon service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Avalon | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2021 Avalon | 2 | 10% | 1,260 |
| 2020 Avalon | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2019 Avalon | 5 | 7% | 2,370 |
| 2018 Avalon | 2 | 8% | 5,650 |
| 2017 Avalon | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2016 Avalon | 2 | 9% | 36,000 |
| 2015 Avalon | 9 | 22% | 39,500 |
| 2014 Avalon | 6 | 6% | 75,000 |
| 2013 Avalon | 12 | 9% | 45,000 |
| 2012 Avalon | 3 | 10% | 28,899 |
| 2011 Avalon | 5 | 5% | 25,500 |
| 2010 Avalon | 1 | 2% | 78,000 |
| 2009 Avalon | 2 | 2% | 53,558 |
| 2008 Avalon | 4 | 1% | 56,000 |
| 2007 Avalon | 11 | 5% | 76,845 |
| 2006 Avalon | 11 | 3% | 119,000 |
| 2005 Avalon | 7 | 3% | 173,000 |
| 2004 Avalon | 2 | 1% | 104,000 |
| 2003 Avalon | 4 | 1% | 45,000 |
| 2002 Avalon | 5 | 4% | 187,915 |
| 2000 Avalon | 5 | 3% | 91,000 |
| 1997 Avalon | 1 | 1% | 295,000 |
| 1996 Avalon | 1 | 1% | 188,000 |
| 1995 Avalon | 1 | 1% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
Model years: 1997
Problem: 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 york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates for an extended period of time.
Risk: This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Immediately upon making a low-speed contact of my back bumper with a pole, the engine revved loudly. I attempted to go from reverse to drive to get some clearance from the pole. I then immediately attempted to put the car in park so I could get out and observe any damage. Immediately, the car…
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…
On 11/27/25 around 11:30 am , I went to stop at a stop sign before approaching the main road. I went to stop at the stop sign and hit the brakes as I proceded to turn left on to the main Road there was a car coming on the main road and I hit my brakes to stop from causing me to run into him when I…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota Avalons have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints about service brakes for the Toyota Avalon. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota Avalon service brakes?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the Toyota Avalon?
The most frequent phrase is “pedal depressed”, in 11 of 104 complaints, followed by “suddenly accelerated” (8).
Other Toyota Avalon problems
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (602)
- Air Bags problems (586)
- Steering problems (361)
- Electrical System problems (295)
- Exterior Lighting problems (291)
- Power Train problems (211)
- Structure problems (197)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (196)
See all Toyota Avalon problems.