Toyota Avalon Vehicle Speed Control Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 4, 2026 · 602 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles94 · 21%
10k–25k miles68 · 15%
25k–50k miles117 · 26%
50k–75k miles67 · 15%
75k–100k miles41 · 9%
100k–150k miles44 · 10%
150k+ miles26 · 6%

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

Peak: 2006, with 103 complaints
1995: 519951996: 101997: 819971998: 161999: 2019992000: 202001: 2420012002: 252003: 5120032004: 252005: 7220052006: 1031032007: 8520072008: 452009: 1820092010: 132011: 1120112012: 42013: 2220132014: 52015: 520152016: 22017: 320172018: 22019: 420192020: 12021: 32021

n = 602 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearVehicle Speed Control complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2021 Avalon314%15,000
2020 Avalon110%—
2019 Avalon46%5,117
2018 Avalon28%11,000
2017 Avalon321%—
2016 Avalon29%63,000
2015 Avalon512%40,000
2014 Avalon55%3,150
2013 Avalon2216%45,000
2012 Avalon413%17,000
2011 Avalon1110%15,000
2010 Avalon1328%3,813
2009 Avalon1820%16,000
2008 Avalon4513%22,750
2007 Avalon8535%35,000
2006 Avalon10329%38,750
2005 Avalon7232%47,900
2004 Avalon2512%56,541
2003 Avalon5117%58,180
2002 Avalon2522%83,555
2001 Avalon2418%52,500
2000 Avalon2012%57,918
1999 Avalon2022%34,930
1998 Avalon169%86,500
1997 Avalon86%86,500
1996 Avalon109%188,000
1995 Avalon56%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2010, with 271 complaints
1996: 219961997: 31999: 92000: 220002001: 22002: 112003: 920032004: 162005: 162006: 1420062007: 192008: 52009: 3220092010: 2712712011: 282012: 2120122013: 272014: 282015: 1920152016: 162017: 62018: 1220182019: 132020: 42021: 420212022: 32023: 42024: 320242025: 12026: 2

n = 602 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V017000 · 2,230,661 vehicles

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 pedalOct 5, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V388000 · 4,445,056 vehicles

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…

Received Jul 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751699

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…

Received Jul 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751413

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…

Received May 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11659486

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…

Received Oct 7, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11618530

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…

Received Aug 23, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11610549
Toyota Avalon
TOYOTA AVALON China. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Toyota Avalon problems.