Most common 2003 Toyota Avalon problems
Share of the 293 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 →
2003 Toyota Avalon recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004,…
Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015.
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 2003 Toyota Avalon owners say
Air bags all 184 →
I was driving back home, out of no where my car went out of control, went left, then right, hit something and flipped over twice to end in a hill against the traffic with 4 flat tires. The air bag did not deployed. I did hit the windshield. The car was total.
March 13, 2026, I was on a road trip from CA to AZ and while driving around 75-80mph (speed limit), something in the driver's side seat belt or the shoulder holster exploded, the belt tightened, and something metal or plastic flew off. Shortly after (within 30 seconds or so), the passenger's side seat belt did something similar where something in the seat belt mechanism exploded and another part went flying. There was an electrical buzzing noise. I was looking for a place to pull over when the air bags went off. There was no bump in the road or a dip and I did not hit anything. I don't remember the order the air bags exploded but it was one after the other. The driver's side air bag exploding left a red abrasion on my left hand. The vehicle was brought to a nearby dealership (Anderson Toyota) where they said they could not verify what the issue was. …
Speed control & acceleration all 51 →
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Toyota Avalon. While stationary, the vehicle accelerated backwards rapidly without warning. The contact engaged the drive gear in an effort to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle accelerated forward on its own a second time. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck and the vehicle crashed into three other vehicles. M&m tire company of greensboro, north carolina was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was totaled. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided case number: 0458794831. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the engine revved and the vehicle abruptly accelerated. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a wall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not disclose if a police report was filed or not. The contact and the passenger sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 03/26/15 updated 9/20/2017
Steering
Purchased car used 11/2020 Jan 14 2021 had 2 open recalls steering casting defect and wire harness filter to deflect noise from ecm . I lost control of communication of operations. 12/2022 steering lock bar The past 2 years uncovered everything on my own. Learned somebody died in 2003 Avalon in Texas about steering locking up. Plan to talk to class action lawyers over airbag and steering. And arrange my own lawyer with settlement lawyers to make this repair and all tsb to be performed. I will never buy a car unless I can find all tsb problems associated with that car. I hope recalls can be opened especially when you guys in government state safety ,compliance and emissions do not expire. Recall
While in parking lot, placed car in reverse. The car accelerated across the parking lot, jumping a curb and hitting a 2 foot high pole in next parking lot. Braking had no effect. Attempt to shift into neutral failed. Steering also failed. Car towed to collision center subsequently totaled by insurance company. Car hit with such force, it was wrapped around pole and resting on top of pole. Wrist of driver hurt - had to seek attention from emts and go to emergency room. Under orthopedic specialist care currently. Passenger in back seat, 20 yr old, has neck strain and headache concerns.
2003 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 2003 Toyota Avalon a good car?
Based on 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Avalon rates average: 14% 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 2003 Toyota Avalon?
The air bags — 184 complaints, 63% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the speed control & acceleration (51) and steering (19).
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Avalon have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Avalon, the most recent from January 28, 2015 (frontal). 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 2003 Toyota Avalon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 83,000 miles; 25% 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.