Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Toyota Avalon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The Avalon was involved in an accident and was struck on the rear passenger door. None of the airbags deployed. The point of impact was only a few inches away from one of the passenger side airbag. The car spun off the road onto the grass verge but fortunately the driver was able to get it back under control. I have contacted Toyota many times over the weeks since the accident, asking if this was normal or was there an airbag failure. Toyota have been dodging the question and "referring me to the appropriate department". They said they would 'inspect it', during a two week stay at their dealership but they didn't. I am concerned that the airbags, particularly the side ones did not deploy. Is there a fault in the system, or if they are not designed to operate under these circumstances , then why fit them?
Tl contact owns a 1999 Toyota Avalon. While driving 20 MPH, a vehicle crashed into the middle passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. Both occupants were wearing seat belts and were transported to the hospital. The front passenger sustained four fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, and a fractured coxae. The driver sustained a contusion under his right side rib. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The current and failure mileages were 80,600. Updated 01-11-08. Updated 12/31/07
While making a left hand turn traveling ~ 20 MPH, a '89 heavy auto traveling @ 48 MPH impacted passenger side of consumers vehicle, slamming consumers vehicle into a '94 heavy auto stopped at light, totaling all three autos. None of the air bags on consumers 1999 Toyota Avalon deployed. Driver sustained extensive leg/hip/back, and chest injuries. Toyota officials say the air bags were in normal functioning condition.
Was driving sound on gregory rd and another car was traveling north she came into my lane at about 40 MPH and hit me head on my airbag new deployed and my seatbelt did not hold I have a bruise across my chest from steering wheel and bumps on my head.
Air bag sensors went out on my 1999toyota Avalon as I was driving in heavy rain on the 101fwy near woodland hills, ca. The flashing airbag icon scared me and I wondered if the air bags would implode. My passenger checked in the owners manual and nothing there listed had occured previously to warrant the flashing signal or failure. I took the car to the dealer the next day they were open. The sensors were replaced. My car had 86,995 miles on it when this occurred. The warranty manual states passive restraint systems are warranted for 60000 or 5 years. In kansas they are warranted for 10 years or unlimited mileage. I do not see why kansas owners should get special warranties. The sensors were replaced and I paid $450 less 15% that the service manager grudgingly gave me. I have complained through channels. …
My air bag warning light has come on frequently while driving. The owners manual states to take it to the dealer immediately. Once there, the dealer states there is no code stored in the computer and there is nothing they can do. Once the car is restarted, the light is off, but comes on again a few days later. This has happened numerous times. I am worried of an air bag failure due to this indicator light, but the dealer can't help because of the lack of stored codes.
Consumer was traveling 15-20mph in dry weather conditions, while turning out of a parking lot, another vehicle traveling at 45-50mph hit consumer's vehicle head on. Front & side airbags didn't deploy. Hood and bumper were severly damaged. Toyota was sending an inspector to determine a reason for no deployment of air bags.
When vehice was involved in a right front and left front crash there was no deployment of the driver's or passenger's side air bags. Vehicle was hit on the right front side, causing vehicle to spin around and hit on the left front side. Please provide any further details.
Consumer was driving at 35 MPH and rear ended the vehicle in front. Upon impact, driver's side air bag didn't deploy, and shoulder belt failed to hold consumer from hitting the steering wheel, resulting in a broken sternum.
While at a stop light was hit by a bus, and then consumer hit accelerator and vehicle ran into a building. Upon impact, none of the air bags deployed. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Airbag complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1999 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Toyota Avalon, 24% of the model year's 92 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Toyota Avalon airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1999 Toyota Avalon, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Toyota Avalon airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.