Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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!
This is an intermitend problem and it happens when starting on the car. To turn the car on I have to take the steering wheel and forcefully turn it left and right. Move also the shifter to neutral. I also try to press the brake at the same time. Mechanics have not been able to duplicate the problem. The car was also checked by a Toyota dealer and the problem was not identified. The battery and the cables are working properly. Now it is happening very often and creating a security and safety issue. I checked the recalls for this car associated with this situation I did not find an answer although I have read lots of related complains. I am planning to change the ignition or the starter but probably is a try and error solution.
I pulled in driveway with foot on brake proceeded to try to put vehicle in park. When I hit the button, my foot went to the floor and the car dashed forward, causing damage to the car and the garage door, frame and wall. My dealer said it couldn't happen and would not look at the vehicle.
Sudden acceleration, one time only, resulting in severe front end damage. I was at entrance to car wash speaking to the attendant when the car took off at high speed. My car was stopped by hitting the rear end of a Jeep at the end of the car wash. The reason was inexplicable.
I was following my wife out of the subdivision to work at approximately 06:40. I went through 3 stop signs with no apparent problems breaking. When my wife stopped at the 4th sign, my break peddle went to the floor and I hit her rear end at approximately 5 MPH. There scratches and dents in both bumpers. I crept back home at 5 MPH and attempted to stop at all three stop signs. The car stopped slowly, but the break peddle went to the floor each time. I had the car towed back to the dealer for inspection. A Toyota factor representative examined the car on September 19, 2000. I recieved a call from Toyota today and was told that there was nothing wrong with my car. This is the biggest bunch of bull since Firestone said they make good tires. I talked to the owner of the Toyota dealership and told him that I had lost cofindence in the car and Toyota, and wanted my money back. …
On May 22, 2009, I backed my 2000 Toyota Avalon into a parking area next to a short private road located about halfway down a high cliff above a beach. After getting out of the car, I decided to move it about a foot further off the road. So I backed up very slowly until the bumper just touched the cliff behind me. I braked, the car stopped, and then I stepped very lightly on the gas pedal, intending to brake immediately after moving forward a few inches. To my horror, the car shot forward rapidly, and I was unable to stop it, no matter how hard I pumped the brake pedal. I somehow managed to turn it to the left and thus avoided plunging over the cliff below me. The car continued to accelerate, fish-tailing up a slight grade. Then it hit a parked car and turned upside-down on the road. …
Driving between 10-15 MPH in an open parking lot, the car suddenly accelerated (rpms between 7-8). Applied brakes to no avail. When trying to shift to park, the car accelerated in reverse. Did manage to get car in park and shut off engine. Most horrifying experience. Very fortunate and blessed no other persons, vehicle or building was in our path. Was able to restart the car and it idled normal and exhibited no other accelerations when driving. Brought car to Toyota dealer. Diagnostics performed and found no problem. Dealer contacted Toyota corp. And notified us nothing would be done unless we contacted corporate personally to report the incident. As of this date, we now have a case number assigned from corporate and the car is back at the dealer for further assessment.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. While driving at various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the center brake sensor, air bag sensor assembly, and driver and passenger seat belt assembly failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt assemblies failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 02/10/16 updated 05/04/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the front side of his foot became partially stuck behind the brake pedal. The failure occurred sporadically. The contact was able to remove his foot. The dealer informed that there was not a remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Brake complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Toyota Avalon, 13% of the model year's 173 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Avalon brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes 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.