2006 Toyota Avalon: won't start

Filed Oct 15, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 84,444 miles · NY

I was traveling on the ny I-87 in my 2006 toyota avalon for approximately 30 minutes when the "check engine" light illuminated. Within a minute or so, the "check oil" light started blinking slowly at first, then after about 30 seconds it was on continuously. By this time I had pulled off into a gas station. As I was pulling into the station the engine was making a loud clicking noise. After it was parked, I checked the dipstick and there was no oil remaining in the engine. The underside of the car, including inside of wheels and brakes was completely coated with oil as well as the back of the trunk. Presumably from the spray underneath while traveling @ 65-70mph. I then purchased 3 quarts of oil, put it in the engine and it drained onto the ground. The mechanic stated there is a pin hole in the rubber section of the oil line. The use of a rubber hose for a pressurized flammable liquid system in this location is absolutely reckless. At a minimum, it should be some sort of armored or shielded hose. I'm amazed the car didn't start on fire from being doused with five quarts of oil leaking from the ruptured hose. The service person at the dealership indicated this is a common problem with 2006 avalons and he couldn't understand why there hasn't been a recall issued. The engine repairs caused by this defect will cost me up to $5000. Today I found at least a 1000 complaints regarding this same issue on carcomplaints.com and aboutautomobile.com. I would hate to see a death result in this issue caused by fire due to hot oil.

Filed Jul 10, 2009 · Engine · 39,200 miles · NC

I was traveling on the I-85 in my 2006 toyota avalon for approximately 1.5 hours when the air conditioning indicator light started blinking. Shortly thereafter the A/C shut off and the "check engine" light illuminated. Within a minute or so, the "check oil" light started blinking slowly at first, then after about 30 seconds it was on continuously. By this time I had pulled off into a gas station. As I was pulling into the station the engine was making a loud clicking noise. After it was parked, I checked the dipstick and there was no oil whatsoever in the car. As well, the right side of the engine compartment was coated with oil. The underside of the car, including the inside of the wheels and brakes was completely coated with oil as well. The back of the trunk also had a light coat of oil on it, presumably from the spray underneath while traveling @ 65-70mph. I then purchased a quart of oil, put it in the engine and it drained onto the ground. I had the car towed to town & country toyota, a charlotte dealer, who said the cause of the problem was rupture of the oil bypass hose. As I had noticed the previous night, this hose is 1) very close to the ground and subject to hits from road debris, etc. And 2) very close to the hot exhaust pipe. The use of a rubber hose for a pressurized flammable liquid system in this location is absolutely reckless. At a minimum, it should be some sort of armored or shielded hose. I'm amazed the car didn't start on fire from being doused with five quarts of oil leaking from the ruptured hose and suspect the wind from interstate speeds prevented this from happening. The service person at the dealership indicated this is a common problem with 2006 avalons and he couldn't understand why there hasn't been a recall issued. The only the engine wasn't destroyed (with 39,000 miles on it) was because I was lucky to be in a good position to pull off. Today I found the same issue documented on carcomplaints.com.

Filed Oct 26, 2007 · Electrical · 17,300 miles · GA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota avalon. Upon entering the garage, the contact noticed a strong odor of hot gasoline and burning wires. The vehicle is a smart start vehicle and it would not start. While being parked for two hours, the vehicle heated the entire garage and was hot to the touch. The contact stated that the passenger compartment was 120-150 degrees. He believed that if he had not entered the garage at that time, a fire may have occurred. He disconnected the battery and had the vehicle towed to a toyota dealer. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed. The current and failure mileages were 17,300.

Filed Sep 12, 2007 · Engine · 7,500 miles · NE

When starting the engine, with the brake depressed and green light on,when the start button is pressed the steering wheel lock will buzz but the engine will not turn over. On other occasions the steering wheel lock will buzz and the engine will fire and then die. This happens at random times. The dealer checked for codes and there are none. Calls to the zone and district offices have offered no solution. The problem has persisted for several months. We do not use the car for trips in fear it will happen and we will be unable to start the car and be stranded a distance from a dealer.

Filed May 25, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · 3,823 miles · MD · crash

Car did not start for several tries. On about the 5th try, the moment I shifted into reverse, the throttle stuck and the car hurtled out of the garage. It veered to the left (as you face the garage) immediately after clearing the garage, cut under the branches of a big spruce tree on the corner of my neighbor's lot, crossed his driveway, across a small drainage ditch and slammed into the trunk of a huge spruce tree. Car stopped then, with extensive damage to rear, and engine died. Car was drivable and I drove it to the dealer, who chose to not examine anything. During the event, I had my foot on the brake pedal but the anti-lock brakes kept it from locking the wheels and I tried to kill the engine by hitting the start button (there is no key on this model car). That did not work and I hit the tree before I could think of anything else to do. I was not hurt.