Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Toyota Avalon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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).
My father was driving down the street in a residential subdivision in my 2000 Toyota Avalon when the car began to suddenly accelerate on its own. My father lost control as he was unable to brake. He ended up side swiping a tree then hitting a parked car head on pushing it onto someones front lawn. Luckily he was able to stop the car by putting it in neutral and turning the ignition off.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon xls. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH on the interstate and trying to engage the cruise control, it would not respond and failed to activate. Following that failure, on three different occasions when he exited the highway, the vehicle would suddenly accelerate. He was able to apply the brakes and turn the vehicle off to avoid a potential crash. A few days later, while driving approximately 3-5 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward over the curb and into a building. The driver was not injured. A police report was taken. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and then it was released to the dealer who stated that they were unable to diagnose the failure. He called the manufacturer and was told that someone would contact him. When he was contacted by a representative, he was told that they could not offer him any assistance. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. While in reverse, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000. ...updated 12/28/16 Toyota found no evidence of a manufacturing or design defect. According to Toyota, the accelerator pedal was properly secured and undamaged when inspected. The accelerator pedal was operating as designed with no obstructions. The brake pedal was also inspected and no damage or leakage was observed. The brake fluid was properly filled to the recommended level. When the brake pedal was applied it felt firm and held pressure. During the test drive, a stall speed test was performed and the brake systems over powered the throttle system holding the vehicle stationary. …
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!
For your information, I had a 2000 Toyota Avalon which I purchased new and was in excellent condition. The car had a power surge, which caused the car to go through a brick wall at a car wash in clinton, ms. Insurance company totaled the car. Since my car was idling at the time and no foot was on the accelerator I believe it was a computer glitch which caused the car to accelerate. I had no control over the car what so ever. I am being penalized for this. Toyota should be held responsible. I feel fortunate my wife and I were not killed or injured. Fortunately no one at the car wash was killed or injured. Please take action on the problem. It is not the accelerator, it is a computer problem. Your prompt action n this matter with Toyota will be greatly appreciated.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH onto an entrance ramp, proceeding to a yield traffic signal. Unexpectedly, there was an increase of acceleration. The vehicle began to travel uncontrollably across an intersection. An opposing vehicle crashed into the driver side rear panel near the tire. The driver sustained a severe injury to his back. The police was called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and repaired for body damages. The VIN was unavailable. The cause of failure has not been determined. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl * the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. While driving in reverse 5 MPH during normal weather conditions, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The contact was not sure if she accidently hit the accelerator or the brakes. Two passengers in the other vehicle were injured one was cut from the glass from the window. A police report was filed. The contact 's vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage and current mileage were 24,000. The contact is unable to provide a VIN#.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. The driver was driving approximately 10 MPH. Unexpectedly, the vehicle began to increase excessive acceleration. The driver applied both feet to the brake pedal with great force. The vehicle crashed into a stump to avoid entering into a river. The speed rate increased to 35 MPH. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver suffered minor injuries. The police was not called to the scene. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Tl-the driver owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. While driving at 65 MPH the vehicle involuntarily accelerated resulting in a crash that destroyed the vehicle. The police appeared on the scene and the driver was reported injured. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location by an insurance company. The failure and current mileage was 93,000. Sm.
Acceleration complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2000 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2000 Toyota Avalon, 12% of the model year's 173 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Avalon acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2000 Toyota Avalon, though it has 2 recalls 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 2000 Toyota Avalon acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.