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2005 Toyota Avalon problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Toyota Avalon is acceleration and speed control, typically around 48,000 miles. It has 2.4 times the complaints of a typical Avalon model year.

Year to avoid2.4x the typical complaints
Year score
39/100
Owner complaints
228
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
204
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
22mpg

The worst 2005 Toyota Avalon problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Sudden acceleration 21Hesitation 18Adaptive cruise 9Jerking 9Check engine light 7Stalling 6Steering noise 6No deployment 5Engine failure 5Harsh shifting 5Loss of power 5

Recalls 7

Seats: front assembly: seat heater/coolerReported June 2, 2016 · 7,749 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Recall number 16V396000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported October 21, 2010 · 728,544 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331 and lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.

Recall number 10V499000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.

Recall number 10V036000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedalReported January 21, 2010 · 2,230,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the sliding surface of the lever may become smooth during vehicle operation. In this condition, if condensation occurs on the surface, as may occur from heater operation (without A/C) when the pedal assembly is cold, the friction when the accelerator pedal is operated may increase, which may result in the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress, slower to return, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position.
Risk
The accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on february 5, 2010 and will be completed on march 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 10V017000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedalReported October 5, 2009 · 4,445,056 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
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. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331, lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.

Recall number 09V388000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported April 3, 2006 · 133 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated during a crash.
Risk
This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
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.

Recall number 06V096000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported May 16, 2005 · 4,855 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Loss of control of the vehicle could result in a crash.
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.

Recall number 05V227000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Toyota Avalon 204

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 204 bulletins for the 2005 Toyota Avalon

2005 Toyota Avalon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192822

What 2005 Toyota Avalon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · AL

Unkown

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Brakes · NY

I have been experiencing sponginess in the brakes. the air conditioner stopped working, the temperature gauges stopped working, and the ABS and Brake light are all on in the dash. Reviewing possible fixes according to Toyota Nation Forum online all these symptoms are a result of an ABS Control Module. This part alone costs almost $1500.00 and supposedly is a very common problem with this type of Avalon, Thank you for researching this further.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Acceleration · 88,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Acceleration · 170,000 miles · TX

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 the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed May 8, 2024 · Electrical · 165,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the vehicle was in direct sunlight, and the instrument panel cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and referred contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2023 · Driver assistance, Transmission · KY

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

Filed Jul 1, 2023 · Seats, Wheels · SC

Please check for all the recalls on my car

Filed Jul 1, 2023 · Fuel system, Lights · SC

Please check for all of the recalls on my car

Filed Jul 1, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · SC

Please check for all recalls on my car.

Filed Jul 1, 2023 · Airbags, Body · SC

Please check all recalls on my car.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2005 Toyota Avalon before you buy

Compare the 2005 Toyota Avalon

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2005 Toyota Avalon

Is the 2005 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Owners have filed 228 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Avalon, 2.4 times a typical Avalon model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2005 Toyota Avalon year score?

The 2005 Toyota Avalon scores 39 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Avalon: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Toyota Avalon?

Acceleration and speed control, with 72 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles. Next is steering (42).

How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Avalon have?

7 recalls, covering seats, service brakes, hydraulic and equipment.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Toyota Avalon acceleration?

Yes, 2 recalls: 10V017000, 09V388000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Avalon have the most acceleration problems?

The Toyota Avalon model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2006 (103 complaints), 2007 (85 complaints) and 2005 (72 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota Avalon get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Toyota Avalon range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 28 highway.

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