Most common 2005 Toyota Avalon problems
Share of the 228 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 →
2005 Toyota Avalon recalls (7)
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010…
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus rx, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 15, 2010.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 avalon, model year 2007-2010 camry, model year 2009-2010 corolla, corolla matrix, rav4, model year 2010 highlander, model year 2008-2010 sequoia, and model year 2007-2010 tundra vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. GM will notify owners for the Pontiac vibe please see 10v-018.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Remedy: Toyota filed an amended defect report on November 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal.
Air bags
On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Show 1 more recall
Steering › Column
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering yoke was not welded to the steering shaft. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, there is a possibility that the yoke May come off from the shaft, and could result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering yoke and shaft weld condition, and replace the steering column assembly free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2005. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What 2005 Toyota Avalon owners say
Speed control & acceleration all 72 →
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The vehicle then returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Steering all 42 →
Lever that controls telescoping steering wheel drops down while driving and could be a potential safety problem causing loss of control. According to the dealer this was never a recall but was covered under a warranty extension. According to Toyota they sent out letters beginning in April 2014 advising owners of the problem. We never received a letter. Toyota further advises us that the window for free repair of the defect closed on May 31,2015 and they will not pay to fix it. Why was this not made an official recall? I have injured my knee several times entering the vehicle.
I noticed the telescoping lever had fallen a few times while entering vehicle but paid it no mind and just pushed it up. I was driving along one day and I put the brakes on and making a turn and the wheel just collapsed to the all the way down position and it caught me off guard and I almost crashed! I try to be more conscious of the fallen lever but if neglect to push it up the telescoping steering wheel will fall at least once a day while driving usually when braking since when the vehicle is braking there is more downward force on the column. The dealer and Toyota corporate are telling me they never heard of the issue and its normal wear and tear and I need to pay for the repairs. That is obviously a lie since I have found numerous complaints online and even a TSB Toyota issued about this issue. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 33 →
After the alternator and battery dies the car went right back to accelerating by itself into traffic, I contacted Toyota and explained that after the battery and alternator died the problem came right back but they seem not to care
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle jerked and the gears shifted without warning. The contact further stated that the vehicle lost power. Toyota of bowie (16700 governor bridge rd, bowie, md 20716, [phone]) was unable to duplicate the failures. The contact cited the fuel system as a possible defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 20.
2005 Toyota Avalon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Toyota Avalon a good car?
Based on 228 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Avalon rates avoid: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Avalon at the same age. It is one of the Avalon years we suggest avoiding. 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 2005 Toyota Avalon?
The speed control & acceleration — 72 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the steering (42) and transmission & drivetrain (33).
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Avalon have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2005 Toyota Avalon, the most recent from June 2, 2016 (seat heater/cooler). 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 2005 Toyota Avalon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 53% 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.