2005 Toyota Avalon: check engine light

Filed Jun 20, 2016 · Transmission · 142,205 miles · MS

On may 28, 2016, me and my 4 year old toddler were traveling on the interstate in our 2005 toyota avalon (approx. 142,000 miles) when it suddenly loss power. The dashboard lit up and heavy smoke began pouring from under the hood on the right side of the car. Luckily I was able to coast to right side of the road and stop the vehicle without getting slam from behind on the interstate. The vehicle had just been serviced on 05/18/2016; with no issue prior to traveling out of town for the holiday. After a dealer full diagnostic was completed; it was determined that the head gasket blew and that along with the engine had to be replaced. This was the second opinion. The previous dealer full diagnostic was performed on the car in 11/2015, when engine light came on and an "system too lean code" appeared. At that time, the following items were removed and replaced. Intake manifold gasket, throttle body gasket, plemum gaskets and spark plugs. Other than that, the car has have routine service and maintenance performed on a regular basis. How does a car with an excellent service record develop an issue of this nature without any advance warning? There was no check engine light, the car wasn't running hot. There were no strange noises, thump, rattles, etc. I purchased the vehicle based on its ratings and reliability factor. --as I started to do a little research, I am seeing that this is an issue with this vehicle along with the toyota camry. Why isn't this reported as a know issue with this product. I just get sick knowing there was no light sensors or anything to warn of an issue. We were very fortunate not to get struck from behind travel at such a high rate of speed on the interstate.

Filed Jun 19, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 92,079 miles · PA

Check engine light came on, replaced #2 ignition coil. 800miles and 3 months later same thing happened,replaced #5 coil. Toyota dealer said this is normal for a high mileage car. Total cost $700+ if this is normal they should [xxx] well pay for it. It takes reliable out of toyota. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 10, 2012 · Engine · 99,750 miles · MD

My check engine light came on while I was driving,and then the vsc light came on,car hesitates when gas pedal is applied then jerks and takes off almost ran in the back of a few people,went to dealer they said it was a ecu computer 1350$ had car for 8mo. Only put 8000 miles on it,was very dangerous driving this car

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Acceleration · 63,475 miles · CA

I have a 2005 toyota avalon, back on 4/18/09 I took my car in to south bay toyota to have them check out this problem-my car was hesitating b4 take off and it would excel faster. I was able to slow it down. But the result from toyota was: performed inspection could not confirm any abnormalities at this time. No pending malfunction codes stored in computer. No check engine light. Well I took my car back because it was one of the recall model for the pedal and they made the change ,but now it is worst now, it accelerates faster than b4. While waiting for at a signal some times I can hear it slightly raring up.(I then put it in park) and hold the brake pedal down all the way. I am totally afraid of this car. I tried to trade it in to the toyota dealer but for the SUV I want it was to much, and they weren't working with me at all.

Filed Apr 7, 2006 · Engine · 5,153 miles · VA

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealership for an oil change within 7 miles of the dealership and driving 55mph the warning light and the check engine light illuminated. Within minutes the engine stalled. Upon inspection it was discovered the oil pressure dropped below the recommended level causing the failure. The design feature of the vehicle allows the engine to stall because of the low pressure before an engine failure. As a result to this feature there was a loss of power steering and brakes. A complaint was previously filed odi number, 10147740.

Filed Feb 4, 2006 · Acceleration · 5,182 miles · CA

This is a follow up on the incidents reported under 10142940. When starting to slowly proceed forward behind heavy traffic at a stop light the vehicle suddenly surged forward. I placed transmission in neutral and engine rev's to ~7000 RPM before I could shut it off. Tried restarting the engine about 6 times with it immediately going to ~7000 RPM. On about the 7th try the engine started normally and ran normally until I reached home (about 4 miles). Called dealership again and they did not particularly want to see vehicle as I could not report any check engine light coming on. I insisted on an appointment and was put off until next week. They claimed they have never heard of this problem with toyota avalons and camry's except for my vehicle. Called the dealer/zone customer relations and placed complaint but they also do not know what to do except call toyota engineering. *nm see also voq 10142940.

Filed Jan 13, 2006 · Engine · 5,140 miles · VA

Vehicle is 2005 toyota avalon feature is engine sensor that causes engine to shut down engine when operating temperature is exceeded or oil pressure drops below toyota determined level. The vehicle was taken into toyota for 5,000 oil change that morning. Service was not properly done by toyota dealership. In operating the vehicle, the oil and engine lights turned on. While operating vehicle on highway trying to get back to the dealership, the engine shutdown with no warning to the driver or vehicles behind the avalon. A traffic accident was barely averted. The avalon abandoned driver on highway and impeded traffic. Vehicle had to be pushed to the side of the road by police while other officers controlled traffic. Oil filter was replaced and the oil was changed. This in no way limits the fact that due to design, the engine can shut down with little to no warning to the driver or the vehicles following. While it is nice that the engine can save itself, it should not be at the cost of injury to the driver or causing an accident due sudden deceleration without warning to other drivers. There was no property damage or a crash due only to quick reactions of the driver in the vehicle behind the avalon.