Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 4% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% | 4,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% | 280,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 33,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% | 120,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 9% | 58,000 miles |
| 2009 | 25 | 27% | 63,000 miles |
| 2008 | 209 | 60% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% | 30,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% | 25,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% | 149,000 miles |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% | 54,000 miles |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Toyota avolon. The contact stated that there was discoloration on the headlight units. As a result, the contact could not see the road clearly at night and his vision was impaired. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dch Toyota of torrance (2909 pacific coast hwy, torrance, ca 90505, [phone]) to be diagnosed; however, further diagnostic testing was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 14,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. While driving in low light conditions or at dusk, the headlamps failed to provide sufficient illumination. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The vehicle was taken to joseph airport Toyota (1180 w national rd, vandalia, oh 45377, [phone]) to be inspected. The headlamps were adjusted, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Avalon. While driving unknown speeds, the contact's spouse noticed that the third brake light under the rear window failed to illuminate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 1704300738. The contact was referred to a local dealer to have the failure diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was not available.
2010 Toyota Avalon was taken to dealership (visalia Toyota) for hi-beam bulbs exploding when turned on. Dealer replaced bulbs but this has not solved the problem. The repair per the last visit to the dealership will require the replacement of the whole headlight assembly due to a recurring problem Toyota has had with this lighting system. They have known about this problem yet now state that my car is over the mileage requirement to have the headlight assembly replaced under warranty. I am the original owner of this vehicle and have never been notified of a problem by Toyota of the headlight assembly by the manufacturer or the dealership. This is a safety issue and a potential hazard which they have known about and should be taken care of by Toyota. I have receipts of my actions from Toyota of visalia 922 so ben maddox visalia calif 93279.
When driving my 2009 Toyota Avalon my headlights sporadically go out. Mostly on the drivers side. I have replaced the headlight on 3 separate occasions with in the last 3 Years and each time it cost me $185.00 for labor and the headlight. I also got stopped by the POLICE for it! Now in 2023 the right head light goes on and off sporadically since March 2023. Again, I got stopped by the POLICE! Now it's JUNE of 2023 and both lights went out while driving home at night. We took it to a different repair shop and was FINALLY told that this has been a problem for the 2009 Toyota Avalon for a while as it was a manufacturing DEFECT. A head light ballast I think. Why should I pay to fix this as well as tickets from the POLICE for a manufacturing ERROR!!! Now I have to pay for 2 Ballasts and 2 headlights????.
January 14th 2015 while driving during the night, all of the headlights except for low beams quit working. This caused a dangerous condition while driving in the country on unlit roads because of requiring to drive substantially below the speed limit. These headlights had been replaced because one of them burned out on dec 7, 2011 when the car had 38,640 miles on it. We were told the original bulbs were defective and the new bulbs would resolve the issue. After the work was completed we found out that there was a recall and we eventually were reimbursed. When these bulbs burned out we were told by two dealers (sebring, fl and cleveland, tn) that the real problem was the modules and that they would need replaced at a cost of well over $2,000. Total time for replacements lasted 3 years 1 month and ~62,000 miles. 3 sets of headlights required in slightly over 5 1/2 years of ownership. …
OEM high beam bulbs continuously explode. I'm not saying they just burn out, these bulbs shatter, and send shards of glass on the inside of the headlamp housing. I believe it's a big safety risk, because for me, it happened while I was driving late at night in the dark where there are deer nearby. Brights are essential to see far and when you're driving through hills, going up a hill you need your brights to extend higher than your normal lights do. This is a commonly complained about problem for the 2008-2010 models of this Toyota Avalon. Toyota has issued a technical service bulletin back in 2011, but it is a major defect and I believe it should be fixed regardless of whether a customer pays for a warranty or not. A mechanic told me also that they are not sure why Toyota has not warrantied vehicles with this issue. The solution is replacing the headlight housing. …
Because my instrument panel is alway illuminated, I was unaware that I was driving one night without my lights on. Now I know why I see more cars at night without their lights. Manufacturers need to fix this problem. Older cars would not turn on the panel lights if the headlights weren't on. You would think this would be an easy technology fix with since we have self driving cars now.
NHTSA investigations
Turn signal failures
There is no summary currently available
Turn signal failures
Consumers allege left and right turn signal functions fail while driving.Toyota dealers have replaced turn signal switches, but in one instance the new switch still failed intermittently.dealer mechanics instructed the owner to turn the hazard warning switch on/off to reset the switch.the hazard warning switch is connected in-line with the turn signal switch, thus an electrical malfunction in the hazard warning…
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Avalon years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (209), 2009 (25), 2006 (12), 1996 (7) and 2007 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 60% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Toyota Avalon headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Toyota Avalon model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Avalon headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (28 mentions), followed by the turn signal (6).
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.