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2011 Toyota Avalon Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2011 Toyota Avalon Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2011 Toyota Avalon has 130 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.7/ 10

Based on 130 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

31 23.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 18.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 7.7%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10 7.7%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

9 6.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 23.8% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 27 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2011 Toyota Avalon

The 2011 Toyota Avalon has 130 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 24% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2011 Toyota Avalon are STEERING (31), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 76 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2011 Toyota Avalon?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Avalon complaints2013 Avalon complaints2014 Avalon complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 27 of 27 systems

STEERING

31 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STEERING COLUMN BECAME ABNORMALLY LOOSE AND EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL POPPING NOISE AS THE CONTACT WOULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE STEERING COLUMN. THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,500. UPDATED 03/07/11

1/14/2011

HAD BRAKE AND STEERING PROBLEMS. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REALLY LOOSE. I HAD TO APPLY 95% OF THE BRAKE BEFORE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. I TOOK IT BACK TO CLAREMONT TOYOTA IN CA WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THEY JUST LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT'S WORKING LIKE DESIGNED AND SENT ME HOME. NO OTHER RESPONSES OR ASSISTANCE. *KB

8/2/2011

29 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 Reports18% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS RX350 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE REAR DOOR WAS OPENED, THE CHIME DID NOT INDICATE THAT DOOR WAS OPEN WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE; THE VEHICLE DOOR CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A WARNING CHIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT SOMEONE FROM THE DESIGN DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTACT HIM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 1,300.

12/17/2010

THE PASSENGER AND REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPEN WITH THE REMOTE KEY NOR WITH THE DOOR-LOCK SWITCH ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE PASSENGERS COULD NOT ENTER THE CAR. THEIR DOOR HAD TO BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND NEED QUICK ENTRY FOR ANY REASON...STORM, FIRE, EXPLOSION, PERSONAL ATTACK. THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE. *TR

4/24/2013

22 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FOOT FIRMLY ON BRAKE, SHIFTING TO REVERSE. ENGINE ROARED TO LIFE AND VEHICLE THRUST BACKWARD. FOLLOWED BY FOUR OTHER EPISODES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE. THE LAST OF THESE RESULTED IN LIGHT REAR-END COLLISION. NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO STRUCK PICKUP. FRONT GRILL OF AVALON VISIBLY CRUSHED. THESE FIVE INCIDENTS OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT NINE DAYS. I HAVE REFUSED TO DRIVE IT SINCE.

10/30/2010

DRIVER-SIDE FRONT DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED - FROM THE INSIDE. DRIVER-SIDE FRONT DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED - FROM THE OUTSIDE VIA KEY OR REMOTE.

3/26/2011

8 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES TO HER ARM AND KNEE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE TO VEHICLE INTO REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DID NOT PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST YET REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD BE SENDING OUT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE NEXT THIRTY DAYS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS BACKING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE, WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN A FORWARD DIRECTION WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. UPDATED EVOQ 02/22/11 THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE PUSHED IN THE FENCE AND THE FRONT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE WENT PARTIALLY UNDER IT. UPDATED EVOQ 03/04/11

1/10/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 03/14/12 *BF

2/16/2012

8 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

9 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ERRONEOUSLY DISPLAYED DUPLICATE IMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

4/11/2013

VEHICLE SUNSHADE WILL NOT STAY RETRACTED. IT WILL SEAT AFTER LOTS OF NOISE AND GYRATIONS FROM THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. HOWEVER, ONCE REVERSE IS ENGAGED AGAIN, IT GRINDS SOME MORE UNTIL IT GETS SEATED. THERE IS NO WAY TO DISENGAGE: WORKS WHETHER YOU WANT IT TO OR NOT. OTHER THAN THE ANNOYANCE IS THAT LAST NIGHT IT STAYED UP ON A LONG TRIP IN RAINY, FOGGY WEATHER. WE COULD SEE NOTHING BEHIND US - COMPLETELY BLOCKED. ALSO, I AM HAVING SOME HEART ISSUES AND THE LOUD, ABRUPT NOISE IS NOT APPRECIATED EVERY TIME THE SUNSHADE GOES DOWN AND TRIES TO SEE (VERY LOUD!). COST $57.75 AT THE DEALER TO DISABLE THIS DEVICE IN THE DOWN POSITION (SEE ATTACHED RECEIPT). THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL - I NOTE ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON SEVERAL MODEL YEARS OF THE AVALON.

5/30/2017

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A NEW 2011 AVALON MAY 2010. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, FILM FROM GAS VAPORS FORMED ON INTERIOR WINDOWS. THE FILM IMPEDES CLEAR VISION WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE FILM IS SO THICK, ONE CAN WRITE THEIR NAME. LOOKING OUTWARD IT APPEARS YOU ARE INSIDE AN IRIDESCENCE BUBBLE. REFLECTION FROM SUN AND HEADLIGHTS WORSENS THE PROBLEM TO THE POINT THAT IT'S DIFFICULT TO JUDGE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR CAR AND OTHER VEHICLES. I'VE BEEN TO ARBITRATION THROUGH NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION CASE # 2210170; I REQUESTED MSDS SHEETS FOR THE CAUSE OF THE GAS VAPORS. INSTEAD I WAS PROVIDED A COPY OF A LETTER FROM TOYOTA CORP DATED 1989 STATING "THERE ARE NO KNOWN CARCINOGENIC MATERIALS." TASC# 102320282. .I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IN 21 YEARS TOYOTA HASN'T CHANGED THE PARTS IN CARS. I REQUESTED EITHER (1) PERMANENT RESOLUTION TO FIX THE FILM ON THE WINDOWS PROBLEM; (2) A FULL REFUND, OR (3) NEW CAR W/O THE GAS VAPOR PROBLEM. I WAS OFFERED $500 FOR CAR WASHES! A BUMPER STICKER ON THE CAR NOW STATES "I AM A LEMON, NEVER BUY A TOYOTA." *TR

3/19/2011

I BOUGHT A NEW 2011 TOYOTA AVALON IN APRIL OF 2010. WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOWS ARE COVERED WITH A FILM FROM GAS VAPORS. IT IS SO THICK THAT IT REDUCES YOUR VISION PARTICULARLY IN THE SUN. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY JUST LISTEN AND DO NOTHING. A FRIEND OF MINE ALSO BOUGHT A NEW AVALON IN MAY OF 2011 AND THEIR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM SO OVER A YEAR LATER THE AVALONS ARE DOING THE SAME THING. *TR

8/13/2011

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO GO DOWN CLOSER TO THE FLOOR WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. EACH DEALER MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS POSIBILITY THAT THE BRAKES PRODUCE NOISE WHENEVER THEY WERE ENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE THEN BEFORE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

11/7/2012

FEBRUARY 25, 2014, I ARRIVED FOR MY 2 P.M. DOCTOR'S APPT AND DROVE VERY SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE. I WAS CONSTANTLY BRAKING BECAUSE THE TOYOTA AVALON SPORT 2011 HAS LOTS OF LOW TRIM IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND I DID NOT WANT TO SCRATCH THE CAR. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, THEN OPENED THE DOOR TO CHECK THE WHITE LINE TO SEE IF I WAS IN MY PARKING SPACE. THEN, THE MOTOR BEGAN ACCELERATING VERY RAPIDLY. BEFORE I COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND I FELT LIKE I WAS AIRBORNE. WITHIN SECONDS, THE CAR HIT THE VERY TALL HEAVY METAL AND GLASS DOORS OF THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE AND STOPPED. THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH GLASS. THE METAL DOORS OF THE OFFICE WERE DAMAGED. PLEASE NOTE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR: GRILL, HEADLIGHTS, FENDERS AND HOOD WERE DAMAGED. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. *TR

3/30/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE PASSENGER AND REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPEN WITH THE REMOTE KEY NOR WITH THE DOOR-LOCK SWITCH ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE PASSENGERS COULD NOT ENTER THE CAR. THEIR DOOR HAD TO BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND NEED QUICK ENTRY FOR ANY REASON...STORM, FIRE, EXPLOSION, PERSONAL ATTACK. THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE. *TR

4/24/2013

ON 3/25/15 THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED WITH FOB OR SWITCH ON DRIVERS DOOR. AFTER ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES IT UNLOCKED. SINCE THEN THEY SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH REAR DOORS AT SAME TIME. WHEN HITTING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON FOB THE DOOR BEEPS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DOES NOT UNLOCK. I GAVE UP TRYING TO UNLOCK IT AND WENT TO MY NEXT DESTINATION. AFTER COMING OUT, THE REAR DOOR UNLOCKED NORMALLY. I NEVER KNOW NOW WHEN THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK, AND AM AFRAID I WILL GET TOTALLY LOCKED IN OR OUT AT SOME POINT. I HAVE AN APPT. ON THURSDAY AT TOYOTA TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. HOPEFULLY THEY CAN FIND THE CAUSE. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT IT COULD BE A FUSE, BAD RELAY OR WIRING ISSUE. WE SHALL SEE WHAT THEY SAY. *TR

4/13/2015

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED WITH A POWER REAR SUNSCREEN. THE CONTROL BUTTONS FOR THE SUNSCREEN ARE POSITIONED ADJACENT TO THE TRUNK RELEASE SWITCH ON THE DASHBOARD LOCATED NEAR THE LEFT KNEE OF THE DRIVER WHICH IS HIDDEN BY THE STEERING COLUMN. WHILE DRIVING I INADVERTENTLY PUSHED THE TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON INSTEAD OF THE SUNSCREEN BUTTON AND THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN. I WOULD THINK THAT THE TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON SHOULD EITHER BE AWAY FROM THE POWER SUNSCREEN SWITCH OR NON OPERATIONAL WHILE DRIVING. *TR

11/14/2011

THE REAR POWER SUNSHADE CONTROL IS NEXT TO THE TRUNK BUTTON. I ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE WRONG BUTTON WHILE DRIVING AND OPENED THE TRUNK..THE TRUNK BUTTON SHOULD HAVE A SAFETY SWITCH WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW THE TRUCK TO BE OPENED WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVE. *TR

1/16/2012

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEATS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT ACTIVATED WHEN SUDDENLY, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION THEM BECAME SUNKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,400.

3/28/2014

HEAD REST DOES NOT ALLOW DRIVER TO SIT UP STRAIGHT. NECK IS BENT FORWARD CAUSING DISCOMFORT.

9/21/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASE THE 2011 TOYOTA AVALON ON JUNE 13, 2010 WHICH ON MY FIRST SERVICE DATE I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE STEERING COLUMN AND HARSH FEELING OF THE CAR DUE TO THE STEERING COLUMN. BUENA PARK TOYOTA KEPT TELLING ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG RIGHT UP TO THE LAST SERVICE THAT WAS DONE THE END OF JUNE 2014. ON JUNE 30TH WENT TO VICTORVILLE TO VISIT MY WIFES SISTER. ON JULY 2 2014 WE STARTED BACK HOME WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACKING LIGHT CAME ON, FORTATLEY THE ISSUE HAPPENED BEFORE COMING DOWN THE CAJHON PASS ON HIGHWAY 15. WE WHERE ONLY 2 MILES AWAY FROM THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN VICTORVILLE AND THEY FOUND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND REPLACED COLUMN ASSY, STEERING AND BOLDT STEERING LOCK. PLUS PO500 TRANS SPEED SENSOR POSS LOOSE CONNECTIONS CLEANED AND TIGHTENED CONNECTIONS AT SPEED SENNSOR. THE DEALERSHIP STATED IT SHOWES A DEFECT ON THE COMPUTER SHOWING THE STEERING COLUMN HAS A DEFECT. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL CONCERNING THE ABOVE THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHICH COULD TAKE A LOT OF INNOCENT LIFES. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS

7/6/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. AFTER BRIEFLY TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND EXPERIENCED A BRIEF PERIOD OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STRUCK A PALM TREE AT 5 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM THE SCENE OF THE CRASH AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.

10/1/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FOOT FIRMLY ON BRAKE, SHIFTING TO REVERSE. ENGINE ROARED TO LIFE AND VEHICLE THRUST BACKWARD. FOLLOWED BY FOUR OTHER EPISODES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE FOOT ON BRAKE. THE LAST OF THESE RESULTED IN LIGHT REAR-END COLLISION. NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO STRUCK PICKUP. FRONT GRILL OF AVALON VISIBLY CRUSHED. THESE FIVE INCIDENTS OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT NINE DAYS. I HAVE REFUSED TO DRIVE IT SINCE.

10/30/2010

HAD BRAKE AND STEERING PROBLEMS. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS REALLY LOOSE. I HAD TO APPLY 95% OF THE BRAKE BEFORE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. I TOOK IT BACK TO CLAREMONT TOYOTA IN CA WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THEY JUST LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT'S WORKING LIKE DESIGNED AND SENT ME HOME. NO OTHER RESPONSES OR ASSISTANCE. *KB

8/2/2011

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NEWLY DESIGNED HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGED HEADLIGHTS ONLY ALLOWED PARTIALLY ILLUMINATION OF THE ROAD AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND FILED A REPORT OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 750.

3/24/2011

HEADLIGHTS BLINKED FOR A YEAR PLUS. HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. LUCKY WE WERE NOT ON A LONG TRIP BUT WAS DRIVING IN SNOW. ALSO LUCKY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. RETURNED TO TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN DID NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM AS OTHER VIV'S OF THE SAME YEAR DID. THEY REPLACED THE BALLASTS (NOTED AS DEFECTIVE ON THE REPAIR INVIOCE) AND STATED THE DEFECTIVE BALLASTS CAUSED THE BOTH HEADLIGHTS TO BURN. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION. THE COST TO REPLACE THE BALLASTS AND HEADLIGHTS WAS $967.70. WOW. TOYOTA WILL NOT WARRANTY THE PARTS OR LABOR. THEIR CLAIM IS THAT MY VIN DIDN'T HAVE THE DEFECTIVE BALLASTS WHICH AFTER READING THIS THAT ANALYSIS IS WRONG. I EXPECTED TO BE NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL. I EXPECT MORE QUALITY FROM AN AVALON. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TOYOTAS (2 AT PRESENT) AND THESE WILL BE THE LAST. I WILL NOT DO BUSINESS WITH A COMPANY THAT WEASELS FROM THERE RESPONSIBILITIES.

2/22/2018

STEERING:COLUMN

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE A NEW 2011 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED WITH JUST OVER 1,700 MILES. THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL LEVER LOCATED UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE "LOCKED" POSITION FIVE TIMES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE STEERING WHEEL COLLAPSES IN TOWARDS THE DASH. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. I, MYSELF, HAVE NOW FOUND REPORTS BY OTHER AVALON OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *KB

8/16/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CRACKING SOUND WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN OR FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE STEERING COLUMN BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,325. UPDATED 11/25/11 *BF UPDATED 11/30/11

11/10/2011

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

1/7/12-12:30 AM I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY THE MOTOR BEGAN TO RACE. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE PUT THE SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD ( ABOUT 30 SECONDS) I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. 1/10/12- I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT . BUT THE EARLIEST WAS AT 8.30 ON 1/17/12 FOR WHICH THEY CONFIRMED BY E-MAIL. ON 1/12/12, (5:15 PM), MY WIFE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING AREA. SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. SUDDENLY,THE MOTOR RACED AND THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD. IT JUMPED A 6" CURB OVER PAVING STONES, WHICH WERE THROWN ABOUT AND SMASHED A WOODEN FENCE. A 4" STEEL COLUMN WHICH BACKS UP THE FENCE STOPPED THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND THE AUTO WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IS $3257.00. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WE SAY AFTER ONLY A 5 MILE ROAD TEST THIS IS NOT ENOUGH FOR A CAR THAT WAS DRIVEN 3,733 MILES AND HAD TWO INCIDENTS. MY WIFE AND I, WILL NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN. WE VALUE OUR LIVES AND THAT OF OTHERS THAT COULD BECOME VICTIMS OF ANOTHER INCIDENT. *TR

3/12/2012

I WAS ENTERING INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 80 FROM AN ON RAMP WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE, FOLLOWED BY WIND NOISE AND WITHIN A SHORT TIME A SNAPPING TYPE OF NOISE FOLLOWED BY QUIET. I STOPPED AN ON INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE LEFT-SIDE PLASTIC UNDER-ENGINE COVER HAD FALLEN OFF. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE RIGHT SIDE PANEL STARTED DRAGGING ON THE ROAD AND HAD TO BE REMOVED. I HAD BOTH REPLACED ABOUT A MONTH LATER. THREE DAYS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT WHILE ON BY WAY TO THE AIRPORT AND PASSING A SEMI TRUCK THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK NOISE AND ONE OF THE ENGINE UNDER-COVERS SKIDDED FROM UNDER THE CAR AND WENT IN A DITCH. I HAD THAT PANEL REPLACED ABOUT A MONTH LATER (MARCH 6, 2013). ON JULY 13, 2013 THE LEFT UNDER-ENGINE COVER STARTED DRAGGING ON THE ROAD AND I HAD TO PULL OFF, FORTUNATELY HAVING A TOOL THAT I COULD REMOVE THE ONE REMAINING FASTENER TO REMOVE THE PANEL. AT THE SAME TIME I NOTED THAT SEVERAL OF THE FASTENERS ON THE RIGHT SIDE PANEL WERE ALSO MISSING ENTIRELY OR LOOSE. THESE PANELS ARE LIGHT WEIGHT PLASTIC AND ARE NOT LIKELY TO DAMAGE ANY OTHER CAR THAT WOULD RUN INTO THEM. HOWEVER, IT THEY FLY OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR THEY MAY CAUSE THE FOLLOWING DRIVER OR AN ON-COMING VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO SWERVE TO AVOID IT AND PRECIPITATE AN ACCIDENT. ALTHOUGH THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PANELS AND FASTENERS LASTED FOR ABOUT 36,000 MILES THE FASTENING SYSTEM IS SUBJECT TO ABUSE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE CURBS IN MY CITY ARE ABOUT THE SAME HEIGHT AS THE CLEARANCE OF THE FRONT SKIRT OF THE CAR SO THE FASTENERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO ABUSE AND COULD BE EXPECTED TO FAIL DUE TO THIS SORT OF UNINTENDED ABUSE. THE SAME SORT OF THING MAY HAPPEN IN WITHER WHEN CHUNKS OF SNOW OR ICE MAY SCRAPE THAT AREA. SO, I THINK THERE IS A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THEM BEING SECURE OVER THE LIFE OF THE CAR. *TR

7/26/2013

POWER TRAIN

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

1/7/12-12:30 AM I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY THE MOTOR BEGAN TO RACE. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE PUT THE SHIFT INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD ( ABOUT 30 SECONDS) I TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. 1/10/12- I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT . BUT THE EARLIEST WAS AT 8.30 ON 1/17/12 FOR WHICH THEY CONFIRMED BY E-MAIL. ON 1/12/12, (5:15 PM), MY WIFE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING AREA. SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN APPLIED THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. SUDDENLY,THE MOTOR RACED AND THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD. IT JUMPED A 6" CURB OVER PAVING STONES, WHICH WERE THROWN ABOUT AND SMASHED A WOODEN FENCE. A 4" STEEL COLUMN WHICH BACKS UP THE FENCE STOPPED THE CAR. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND THE AUTO WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IS $3257.00. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. WE SAY AFTER ONLY A 5 MILE ROAD TEST THIS IS NOT ENOUGH FOR A CAR THAT WAS DRIVEN 3,733 MILES AND HAD TWO INCIDENTS. MY WIFE AND I, WILL NEVER DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN. WE VALUE OUR LIVES AND THAT OF OTHERS THAT COULD BECOME VICTIMS OF ANOTHER INCIDENT. *TR

3/12/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LOST POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

5/14/2015

AIR BAGS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS HIT FROM THE REAR BY F250 FORD TRUCK ,AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK,MY WIFE HIT HER HEAD ON GLASS AND MY KNEE HIT FRONT PASSAGER SIDE DASH. *JS

4/13/2014

2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ANOTHER VEHICLE, STOPPED ABRUPTLY. *JB

9/2/2014

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY DRIVERS DOOR LOST A NUT ON THE TOP BOLT OF THE DOOR CLOSING MECHANISM. THE DOOR BEGAN TO CLICK WHEN OPENED AND CLOSED. WITHIN A WEEK THE BOTTOM NUT OF THE SAME DOOR CLOSING MECHANISM BEGAN TO PULL THROUGH THE METAL. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR IT AND SENT ME TO A BODY SHOP. THE BODY SHOP MANAGER TOLD ME HE HAD SEEN THIS SAME ISSUE LATELY ON A LOT OF TOYOTAS. I HAD TO PAY FOR MY REPAIRS WHEN IT WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING. NO EXCESSIVE USE OR INCIDENT SUCH AS WIND WAS INVOLVED I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW. I'M NOT SURE IF IT IS AN ISSUE WITH HOW TIGHTLY TOYOTA IS PUTTING THE BITS ON OR AN ISSUE WITH A PART, BUT IT CAUSES DAMAGE AND COSTLY REPAIRS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE. *TR

3/18/2015

MY PAINT IS PEELING OFF MY CAR ALREADY HAD ONE AREA FIXED ON IT & NOW MORE IS PEELING ON THE ROOF. THIS IS RIDICULOUS I'M STILL PAYING ON THIS CAR & THIS LOOKS HIDEOUS 🤬 TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO SOME RECALLS SOONER THEN LATER.

11/26/2019

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER STATES SEAT BELT REMINDER ALARM DINGS SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN GOES INTO A RAPID EXTENDED REMINDER. *TGW

6/30/2011

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AT HIGHWAY SPEED (65+) THE FRONT END VIBRATES AND CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE SEATS. *TR

1/6/2012

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON TWO OCCASIONS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE WAS SLOWING DOWN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP, WHILE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. HE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED IT. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 21, 2011 AS HE WAS ABOUT TO THE PARK, THE ENGINE REVVED AGAIN, AT A HIGH RATE, WHILE HIS FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE REAR WINDOW SUN SCREEN WOULD ENGAGE. *JB

3/2/2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE CHECKED MY ODOMETER READING AND FOUND IT TO BE APPROXIMATELY 3% UNDER ACTUAL. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA, THE ODOMETER MAY VARY FROM EIGHT TO 10 PERCENT, WHICH IS WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) TOLERANCES. THEY ALSO STATE THAT IF THE ODOMETER IS READING LOW THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WILL ALSO BE READING LOW AT OR ABOUT THE SAME PERCENTAGE. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY OTHER CARS AND HAVE A HABIT OF CHECKING BOTH MY ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER READINGS FOR ACCURACY. THIS IS THE FIRST CAR THAT I EVER OWNED WHERE THE READINGS ARE THIS INACCURATE. IS TOYOTA'S COMMENT REGARDING DOT TOLERANCES CORRECT? WITHIN THIS AMOUNT OF INACCURACY, I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. IS TOYOTA ALLOWED TO ADJUST THE ELECTRONICS THAT DRIVE THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER TO IMPROVE THE ACCURACY? THEY SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE ANY CORRECTIONS TO THE SYSTEM. HAS THIS PROBLEM BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORT? *TR

8/13/2012

PARKING BRAKE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2011 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH PARKING BRAKE AND STEERING WHEEL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARKING BRAKE DID NOT HOLD ON A 6% GRADE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. THE DEALER ADJUSTED IT TO SPECIFICATION, BUT THE BRAKE STILL DID NOT HOLD. THE STEERING WHEEL TELESCOPE CLAMP LEVEL VIBRATED LOOSE, ALLOWING THE STEERING WHEEL TO TELESCOPE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER INDICATED THE MALFUNCTION WAS SOMEWHAT COMMON, BUT TOYOTA HAD NOT ISSUED A REPAIR BULLETIN.

10/10/2012

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FEBRUARY 25, 2014, I ARRIVED FOR MY 2 P.M. DOCTOR'S APPT AND DROVE VERY SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE. I WAS CONSTANTLY BRAKING BECAUSE THE TOYOTA AVALON SPORT 2011 HAS LOTS OF LOW TRIM IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND I DID NOT WANT TO SCRATCH THE CAR. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, STOPPED THE CAR, THEN OPENED THE DOOR TO CHECK THE WHITE LINE TO SEE IF I WAS IN MY PARKING SPACE. THEN, THE MOTOR BEGAN ACCELERATING VERY RAPIDLY. BEFORE I COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND I FELT LIKE I WAS AIRBORNE. WITHIN SECONDS, THE CAR HIT THE VERY TALL HEAVY METAL AND GLASS DOORS OF THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE AND STOPPED. THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH GLASS. THE METAL DOORS OF THE OFFICE WERE DAMAGED. PLEASE NOTE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR: GRILL, HEADLIGHTS, FENDERS AND HOOD WERE DAMAGED. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. *TR

3/30/2014

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE GEAR AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT EVEN SLOW THE CAR. IT WAS ONLY STOPPED BY HITTING A LOW RETAINING WAS, KNOCKING IT DOWN, AND THEN FALLING OVER THE EDGE OF THE DRIVEWAY AND BEING SUSPENDED LIKE A "SEE-SAW" OVER THE EDGE OF THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A 10+ FOOT DROP OFF INTO A WOODED RAVINE.

6/19/2016

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA AVALON. WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH REAR DOORS WERE LOCKED, THE CONTACT COULD ONLY UNLOCK THEM FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR ACTIVATORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

5/4/2017

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side seat belt failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt latch failed to unlock. The contact stated that his wife was stuck in the seat for five minutes doe to the failure. The contact attempted several times before the seat belt unlatched. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,578.

12/3/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Avalon?

The most reported complaint category for the 2011 Toyota Avalon is STEERING, with 31 owner reports. That is about 24% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2011 Toyota Avalon a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 76 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2011 Toyota Avalon?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2011 Toyota Avalon severe?

76 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Avalon: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
130
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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