Most common 2002 Toyota Avalon problems
Share of the 116 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 →
2002 Toyota Avalon recalls (1)
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.
What 2002 Toyota Avalon owners say
Air bags all 35 →
Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003-2005 (4?) but not for 2002. The 2002 model is affected and should be recalled for the same issue before it kills someone. Also the shifter will not not go into drive without first pushing it forward and backwards several times to engage and the green D light on the dashboard will not show up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact applied excessive force to the brakes again but the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained sternum and heart bruises that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Speed control & acceleration all 25 →
I was driving on a highway when the car accelerated by itself, brakes did not work. The car put itself in the middle of two lanes, then accelerated turn half ,I think, crashed (the front of the car)with a small hill some how did not stop and ended up somehow turning back and crashed again this time the back of the car crashed against the hill and stopped. The car suffered several breaks in and a transmision repair. This is my third Toyota. It was perfect before the incident. It was very scary. Just a few min before the crash I was passing a toll at about 28 MPH. After passing the tool I was faster than that but I do not like to speed.
My 2002 Toyota Avalon continued to accelerate when I took my foot off the gas peddle and depressed the brake. I tried using the brake and emergency brake to stop the car, but I could not stop the car's acceleration. My car ended up slamming into a house. It was investigated by shelby township michigan police and confirmed the accelerated was stuck. I received severe injuries in this accident including a head injury, and neck & back injuries. I am concerned about the safety of other people driving a similar car. Please investigate.
Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Avalon. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the steering wheel suddenly locked and caused the vehicle to veer off road, crashing into a tree. The contact was reported injured and was transported to the hospital via ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was then towed to a independent mechanic where it was deemed as destroyed. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that there was a recall on the vehicle in regards to NHTSA campaign id number 10V345000 (steering) but the vehicle was never brought in for recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. Updated 03/31/11 the consumer stated to date, he/she has not received a report from Toyota. Updated 06/20/11
While driving on the massachusetts turnpike (route 90) my Toyota Avalon suddenly turned to the left (driver's side) and struck the highway median. I had no control of my Avalon and the vehicle was unresponsive to turning the wheel and to braking.
2002 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 2002 Toyota Avalon a good car?
Based on 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Avalon rates average: 18% fewer complaints than 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 2002 Toyota Avalon?
The air bags — 35 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about side/window. Next are the speed control & acceleration (25) and steering (18).
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Avalon have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 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 2002 Toyota Avalon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 92,000 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.