Toyota Avalon Vehicle Speed Control Problems
Owners have filed 602 complaints with NHTSA about vehicle speed control problems on the Toyota Avalon across 27 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (103). The words owners use most often: “suddenly accelerated” (14% of reports).
- 602vehicle speed control complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 251mention a crash
- 100mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 31%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.
- Suddenly accelerated: mentioned in 83 of 602 complaints (14%)
- Parking space: mentioned in 48 of 602 complaints (8%)
- Sudden acceleration: mentioned in 46 of 602 complaints (8%)
- Floor mat: mentioned in 32 of 602 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do vehicle speed control problems happen?
Based on 457 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 602 complaints, 251 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 100 an injury.
Toyota Avalon vehicle speed control complaints by model year
| Model year | Vehicle Speed Control complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Avalon | 3 | 14% | 15,000 |
| 2020 Avalon | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2019 Avalon | 4 | 6% | 5,117 |
| 2018 Avalon | 2 | 8% | 11,000 |
| 2017 Avalon | 3 | 21% | — |
| 2016 Avalon | 2 | 9% | 63,000 |
| 2015 Avalon | 5 | 12% | 40,000 |
| 2014 Avalon | 5 | 5% | 3,150 |
| 2013 Avalon | 22 | 16% | 45,000 |
| 2012 Avalon | 4 | 13% | 17,000 |
| 2011 Avalon | 11 | 10% | 15,000 |
| 2010 Avalon | 13 | 28% | 3,813 |
| 2009 Avalon | 18 | 20% | 16,000 |
| 2008 Avalon | 45 | 13% | 22,750 |
| 2007 Avalon | 85 | 35% | 35,000 |
| 2006 Avalon | 103 | 29% | 38,750 |
| 2005 Avalon | 72 | 32% | 47,900 |
| 2004 Avalon | 25 | 12% | 56,541 |
| 2003 Avalon | 51 | 17% | 58,180 |
| 2002 Avalon | 25 | 22% | 83,555 |
| 2001 Avalon | 24 | 18% | 52,500 |
| 2000 Avalon | 20 | 12% | 57,918 |
| 1999 Avalon | 20 | 22% | 34,930 |
| 1998 Avalon | 16 | 9% | 86,500 |
| 1997 Avalon | 8 | 6% | 86,500 |
| 1996 Avalon | 10 | 9% | 188,000 |
| 1995 Avalon | 5 | 6% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 avalon, model year 2007-2010 camry, model year 2009-2010 corolla, corolla matrix, rav4, model year 2010 highlander, model year 2008-2010 sequoia, and model year 2007-2010 tundra vehicles. Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without a/c) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increase, which may result in the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress, slower to return, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position.
Risk: The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. Gm will notify owners for the pontiac vibe please see 10v-018. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on february 5, 2010 and will be completed on march 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331, lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of…
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be…
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle then returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota Avalons have vehicle speed control problems?
No. NHTSA has 602 owner complaints about vehicle speed control 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 vehicle speed control?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list vehicle speed control. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about vehicle speed control problems on the Toyota Avalon?
The most frequent phrase is “suddenly accelerated”, in 83 of 602 complaints, followed by “parking space” (48).
Other Toyota Avalon problems
- 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)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (150)
See all Toyota Avalon problems.