Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 17 | 24% | 4,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 14% | — |
| 2016 | 3 | 13% | 22,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 10% | 252,000 miles |
| 2014 | 11 | 11% | 13,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 10% | 35,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 13% | — |
| 2011 | 25 | 24% | 39,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 7% | 1,000 miles |
| 2009 | 11 | 12% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 44 | 13% | 56,000 miles |
| 2007 | 17 | 7% | 77,000 miles |
| 2006 | 16 | 4% | 65,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 7% | 30,000 miles |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% | 120,000 miles |
| 2003 | 18 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% | 191,000 miles |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% | 64,000 miles |
| 2000 | 11 | 6% | 120,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% | 170,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 11% | 64,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% | 125,000 miles |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% | 208,000 miles |
| 1995 | 8 | 10% | 127,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that a good Samaritan attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for thirty minutes and stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken directly to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced several failures since July 2025. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the oxygen sensor, the oil light sensor, the ignition coils, and the fuel pump extension were replaced. …
I purchased this Vehicle as a Preowned Used Certified from The Toyota dealership The car has broke down 4 times for the same exact ISSUES All the lights will come on and it will say take to the dealer for Service June 8 2024 purchased the Car. November 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) December 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) NO CHARGE July 8, 2025 car had to stay overnight ( ignition coil $300 ) Service told me the Mechanical Warranty Expired in June. 8 days later July 17, 2025 Broke down on the highway I was stranded for 5 hours had to pay for a partial Tow out of miles. Its been 6 days no CAR. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE and I Think it has a Defective System. I am locked into a Contract with a Vehicle that keeps Breaking down. I have called the Lemon Law and they said my car is too Old for a Claim but not considered NEW By 1 year. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Toyota Avalon. Approximately 30 minutes after parking and turning the engine off, flames were discovered coming from the front driver's side carpet. Approximately 10 minutes later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location and deemed destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Took delivery of vehicle with 3 miles on January 27, 2016. Very next day the vehicle would not start without several attempts. On January 30 the vehicle was stopped in a parking lot while on errands and would not start after attempting for 15 minutes. Dealer service department advises that there is a drain on the battery when there should not be. Vehicle has been with service technicians for the 3rd day and they have yet to identify the root cause. The vehicle has 212 miles and I am fearful that an electrical problem will cause fire and severe safety issues.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, the contact noticed that the title listed the mileage at 133,510, with the note " Not the Actual Mileage" next to the mileage. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 133,510, and it was later discovered that the Carfax report listed the mileage at 251,617. The Carfax report also displayed that the vehicle was sold at an auto auction on 11/25/2025. Additionally, the contact stated that while his daughter was driving the vehicle on the same day of purchase, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and the traction control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shifting significantly hard. …
Tl* the contact leased a 2015 Toyota Avalon. While preparing to make a left turn at 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,800. Updated 11/12/15 updated 11/12/2017
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to AAA Auto Repair facility and the contact was informed that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase the vehicle mileage was 93,326, and after AAA retrieved the Carfax Report, it was discovered that the mileage was 362,712.
While traveling in the left lane at highway speed with no other vehicles in the lane in front of us for at least 100-150 feet, the collision avoidance system randomly engaged. This caused the vehicle to brake very hard, which caused us to decelerate rapidly (losing 20-30 MPH in a short distance). The warning beeps that are normally associated with rapidly approaching another vehicle/barrier in front of the vehicle also were sounding, and a warning light came on the instrument panel. In addition, the seatbelts on both front seat occupants locked and drew us forcefully down and backwards into the seats. This last approximately 2 seconds, at which time the beeping stopped, the emergency braking stopped and the seatbelts loosened. The driver was able to maintain steering input throughout and the vehicle continued driving normally afterward. …
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system › Software
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Electrical system
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Toyota Avalon vehicles manufactured February 9, 2010, to October 22, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the sub-woofer speaker located in the trunk may experience an intermittent electrical short which may cause damage to the integrated…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the audio system amplifier and install a protective cover around the sub-woofer, free of charge. The recall began on July 1,2015.
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, Mini vans and passenger vehicles equipped with a theft deterrent systems (tds) supplied by audiovox corporation and distributed by southeast Toyota distributors, inc. In the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Avalon years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (44), 2011 (25), 1998 (19), 2003 (18) and 2005 (17) model years. Electrical complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Toyota Avalon electrical problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 18V-685 (software, Oct 4, 2018); 15V-047 (electrical system, Jan 28, 2015); 98V-278 (control module, Oct 19, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Avalon electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (14 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (7).
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.