Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Avalon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact heard an abnormal noise as he pressed on the brake pedal; the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving operation. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that a mechanical fault was found with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also informed of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact continued to experience multiple failures after the vehicle was inspected. On the latest incident, the contact stated that he had entered a car wash on the left lane and attempted to enter the right lane by reversing the vehicle. …
I took my 2006 Avalon in to nalley Toyota for an oil line recall. I asked them if they could also look into the floor mat recall for me. They told me no decision had yet been made on the floor mat issue but went ahead with the oil line recall. I picked my car up that afternoon, drove 15 minutes to my mother's apartment. While slowly guiding my way into a parking place, my car accelerated violently propelling itself up over a curb and through a wooden fence, landing with my back tires on the front curb of the parking place. My braking had no effect and upon landing on the downside of the slope, my engine died. I called Toyota immediately asking what they could have done to cause this to happen since my car had never had this happen before in the 4 years I had it, and yet happened 15 minutes after they had worked on it. They said nothing was done that could have caused this. …
Two previous avalons (97&98) and the one identified here, did and does allow the key to be removed from the ignition with the car being in park. The danger is that the car will roll and could run over someone or into traffic and cause serious injury. My husband and I always reminded each other to put the car in park, but he is no longer with me and recently I started to get out of the car and it was on a slight incline and it started rolling while I was getting out. I have complained in the past to Toyota, but they didn't believe me. A recent complaint brought the answer that the 36000 mile warranty doesn't apply to the repair. I understand that, but this is evidently a serious issue with avalons that Toyota has refused to address, or my 2006 wouldn't have the same problem. …
I think I experienced a surge in my 2006 Toyota Avalon. I was not sure but people observing that did not stay and wait for police said my car raced forward after stopped at a light. I ended up steering to the right and hit a tree rather than the car ahead or pedestrians. When the police and tow truck arrived they indicated that my airbag should have gone off, but it did not.
Hesitation from take off intermittent, transmission shudders on inclines. I would be pulling out into traffic and the car would barley move even with pushing down on the accelerator! Then all of a sudden it will just take off! I'll be driving through they city and between 40 and 50 miles per hour the car shifts erratically
I was driving slowly around a rotary, and took my foot off accelerator to drift a bit to allow a preceding car to enter. When I pressed the gas pedal gently, there was a sudden violent kick which frightened both me and my wife. (I believe the transmission had shifted in low, but it was as if we had been hit in the rear with a large slapping hand!) I had to react quickly to avoid being driven into the car ahead by this sudden small burst of speed. An accident could easily have otherwise taken place. The transmission has always been erratic at times since we purchased the car, but this was the worst thing that has happened. I have had the latest computer upgrade on this problem installed, and it was within 1 day after that this took place. I had read all of the NHTSA safety reports on this car, and there have been many similar. …
I was traveling on the ny I-87 in my 2006 Toyota Avalon for approximately 30 minutes when the "check engine" light illuminated. Within a minute or so, the "check oil" light started blinking slowly at first, then after about 30 seconds it was on continuously. By this time I had pulled off into a gas station. As I was pulling into the station the engine was making a loud clicking noise. After it was parked, I checked the dipstick and there was no oil remaining in the engine. The underside of the car, including inside of wheels and brakes was completely coated with oil as well as the back of the trunk. Presumably from the spray underneath while traveling @ 65-70mph. I then purchased 3 quarts of oil, put it in the engine and it drained onto the ground. The mechanic stated there is a pin hole in the rubber section of the oil line. …
I was on my way to the dealer for an oil change and to have our new (picked-up 26 jan 06) Toyota Avalon looked over as it had 3,500 miles. We live in the ozarks and of course it is very hilly. I normally use the "manual" mode on the automatic transmission to slow the car down as to descend the hills leading into and out of our sub-division. However, on 23 jun I just left it in the regular automatic mode and used the brakes. When I saw there was no on-coming traffic, I stepped on the accelerator to go---the RPM's jumped to over 3,000 and then the car lurched forward. Thank goodness there was no on-coming traffic--I can only imagine what might have happened. I asked the dealer to check this occurrence out--they couldn't duplicate. …
Purchased a certified, used 2006 Toyota Avalon touring model on July 15, 2006. Within the first week of ownership, I noticed a serious hesitation in the transmission, especially at speeds below 10 MPH. I took the vehicle to koons Toyota dealership on July 8, 2006 and had the service department shop foreman, drive the vehicle. He confirmed that the transmission was indeed hesitating and that this was a problem for 2004-2006 Toyota siennas, avalons and camrys that share the same 5-speed automatic transmission. Chris told me that the computer that selects the appropriate gear based on various criteria analyzed by the system is too slow in processing this information, which in turn causes the hesitation and RPM surge before a gear is engaged. …
When entering traffic from the on ramp and with plenty of time under normal conditions my Toyota Avalon, upon acceleration the engine actually cut out I mean with a serious hesitation that I could not respond to in time. The auto quickly approaching my rear veered into the next lane causing the third car to run off on the shoulder of the road. This is indeed a highly safety problem. I escaped without a scratch to myself or car. This has happened many times before but not to this extent. I took my car back to thompsons Toyota in placerville ca 3 times for the same problem and each time they tell me they can't find anything wrong with the acceleration. I have about 10,000 miles on the car now but the problem surfaced less than a week after I bought it. What are my options I need the car and I must drive this safety affected product. The car is OK after you get to 60 MPH. …
Transmission complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Toyota Avalon, 14% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Avalon transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Toyota Avalon, though it has 7 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 2006 Toyota Avalon transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.