Most common 2000 Toyota Avalon problems
Share of the 173 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Avalon complaints by model year
Best Avalon years: 2017, 2020, 2022. Years to avoid: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 1998. Compare all years →
2000 Toyota Avalon recalls (2)
Steering
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2000-2004 avalon vehicles. Due to improper casting of the steering lock bar, there is a possibility that a minute crack May develop on the surface of the lock bar. Such a crack May expand over a long period of repeated lock and unlock operations, and eventually the lock bar could break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering interlock device free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2010. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Suspension › Rear
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to improper heat treatment, the rear axle May not have adequate strength in some areas.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear axle hub assemblies.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2000 Toyota Avalon:
Engine seizure
What 2000 Toyota Avalon owners say
Steering all 34 →
Two times the power steering locked/hard to turn momentarily while driving and turning. Check power steering fluid full and no leak, power steering belt is good. Stop driving the car for now. First incident happened on Dec. 15 and the second last Dec. 23.
This incident happened on February 10, 2015 while I was driving to work, I took this ramp at 30 MPH which is a left tuning curve that takes you to the highway. At the end of the ramp I had to gradually accelerate and make a moderate right turn to join the highway traffic. After finishing the right turn, I couldn't keep the car running straight on the highway. The steering wheel was locked and I wasn't able to steer the vehicle. The vehicle kept on going the right turn and crashed into a guard rail causing the bumper cover, bumper reinforcement, wind shield washer tank, front bumper grill and left and right lights to be damaged. The steering system and its components are in good working condition. This accident happened because "steering interlock assembly" recall of July 29, 2010 (NHTSA campaign number: 10V345000) was not done to my 2000 Toyota Avalon. …
Air bags all 26 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. While driving 2 MPH in a parking lot, the accelerator pedal spontaneously depressed to the floorboard. As a result, the contact crashed into a Subaru forester. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called team Toyota of glen mills (1050 baltimore pike, glen mills, pa 19342, [phone]) and informed them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: [redacted]. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 38,350. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
Hi was making a left turn when this guys ran the last and hit me on my passenger and wheel and this air bags never deployed !
Brakes all 22 →
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the brake line was leaking brake fluid. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the subframe and rear axle were rusted. The contact had replaced the brakes. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 00V154000 (Suspension). The contact called the independent mechanic, who determined that a brake line replacement was needed. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 278,000.
While pulling into a parking space in front of a retail store. The car suddenly accelerated with engine at highest RPM.... Front end hitting concrete wall . Police and emt's called and report given. Relatively minor head and chest injuries to 88 year old driver. No air bag deployment. Car towed to repair shop.where it was discovered that the steel cable from the accelerator pedal where it is located just inside the fire wall was stuck in the full accelerate position. The location of this cable was not affected by the resulting crash. There were no carpet pads or other such items which could have interfered with the accelerator pedal ( as previously reported in past high speed Toyota crashes).further, the driver's foot was off the accelerator and moving towards the brake at the time of acceleration but the distance traveled was only about 10 feet before the crash!
2000 Toyota Avalon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Toyota Avalon a good car?
Based on 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Avalon rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Avalon at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Toyota Avalon?
The steering — 34 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist system. Next are the air bags (26) and brakes (22).
How many recalls does the 2000 Toyota Avalon have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2000 Toyota Avalon, the most recent from July 29, 2010 (steering). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Avalon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2020 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 1998. See the full Toyota Avalon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Toyota Avalon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.