Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% | 3,000 miles |
| 2020 | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% | 41,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% | 10,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2016 | 2 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 24% | 40,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% | 45,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% | 29,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% | 24,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% | 78,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% | 1,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% | 56,000 miles |
| 2007 | 25 | 10% | 47,000 miles |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% | 40,000 miles |
| 2005 | 25 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% | 45,000 miles |
| 2003 | 15 | 5% | 31,000 miles |
| 2002 | 15 | 13% | 118,000 miles |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% | 30,000 miles |
| 2000 | 22 | 13% | 89,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% | 131,000 miles |
| 1998 | 13 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 1997 | 11 | 9% | 295,000 miles |
| 1996 | 12 | 11% | 188,000 miles |
| 1995 | 11 | 14% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "parking brake malfunction" warning flashed. The contact proceeded to his destination and shifted the vehicle into park (P) but did not engage the parking brake for fear that it might not disengage. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there had been a malfunction of the Parking Brake or Cruise Control Malfunction warning message on the MID (multi-information display) with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C13B0 (Electric Parking Brake ECU Malfunction) NHTSA ID Number: 10172860 (Parking Brake). The contact was advised that the remedy required a software update of the ECU. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,500.
This incident has happened twice in three years. Hence it is a very rare occurrence. Both times involved the same events. Cruise control was on. I was traveling in the left lane of the interstate highway, approaching an 18-wheel truck which was in the right lane. When I was approximately 50 feet from the rear of the truck, the truck began to enter my lane. I suspect I was in the trucker's blind spot. My car did not sense the truck. The cruise control did not disengage. The brakes did not engage. But the MOST troublesome was that the car did not respond to my pressing on the brake pedal. I had to press 4 or 5 times before the cruise control would disengage and the brakes engage. Since I was traveling approximately 70 mph, the distance between my car and the truck (each time) closed rapidly. In the first instance, the truck tire hit my right front fender. …
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated, and the brake independently activated. The vehicle was taken to a specialty brake shop, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator had failed, causing the ABS system to activate independently. The vehicle was repaired. On the drive back to the residence, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The brake booster, gasket, and brake actuator were replaced. The contact stated that two weeks later, the failure reoccurred. …
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
My Avalon is trying to kill me. I promise I have done nothing wrong! When going down the highway at 85mph I have had people cut in front of me. When pushing on the brakes to avoid collision, the brakes lock up and do not release for about 5 seconds. Naturally, this is quite unnerving for myself, passengers as cars that scatter around me when the Avalon takes control --- slamming on the brakes --- and wont hand control back until it has caused quite a mess. This has happened three times now and no one can tell me what is wrong. I am told to get a brake job at the Toyota dealership even though the pads still have plenty of life.
Multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dash while stopped at a traffic signal. (Photo attached) Note: the photo does not show the red "PCS" light which was flashing. I was able to get off the road safely although the brakes did not feel normal. Had the car towed to Capitol Toyota in San Jose the following morning for repair. They diagnosed the problem as a failure in the Master Cylinder Booster Unit and replaced it. Note: the attached invoice misstates the issue as "check engine light" which is incorrect.
My vehicle while holding the brake (stationary) at a stop sigh, the vehicle accelerated and hit the back of the car in front.. For 5 days it worked and the following Wednesday it accelerated again ( in motion) while parking in the handicap space at idle speed and brakes. Toyota motor north America, inc. Sent me a letter that stated that they could not find any problem with the vehicle. Their inspector called me and told me the car worked great and the master warning signal was not flashing nor buzzing and he would send me a copy of the computer print out but it was never sent. I did get some kind of a record but it could not be copied, I took a picture of it but it is in some type code( a computer file) the test consisted of a acceleration and stopping test 22 days after the 1st incident, the car worked well for the days between the incidents. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that his wife was driving and crashed into a vehicle stopped short at a yellow stop light at 20 MPH. The accident braking system did not work. The wife suffered a cracked sternum was transported to the hospital. There was a police that was filed amd the vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The vehicle was inspected and totaled by the contact's insurance company. The dealer Toyota walnut creek (2100 n broadway, walnut creek, ca 94596 [phone]) stated there was nothing they could do since the insurance company took over the claim and totaled the vehicle. The manufacturer contacted the contact by mail and stated that a representative would call . The contact had not been able to speak to the representative in the past three months. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Related recalls (2)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Avalon years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (28), 2005 (25), 2007 (25), 2000 (22) and 2002 (15) model years. Brake complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Toyota Avalon brake problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 10V-499 (master cylinder, Oct 21, 2010); 97V-156 (power assist, Sep 17, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Avalon brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 57% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components (23 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (23).
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.