Check a VIN

Toyota Avalon grinding brakes problems

40 of the 3,402 owner complaints about the Toyota Avalon describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
40
worst model year
2011
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
89,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    5
  • 2007
    3
  • 2006
    4
  • 2005
    2
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    3
  • 1999
    2
  • 1998
    3
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    2

What owners say

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 83,829 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated, and the brake independently activated. The vehicle was taken to a specialty brake shop, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator had failed, causing the ABS system to activate independently. The vehicle was repaired. On the drive back to the residence, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The brake booster, gasket, and brake actuator were replaced. The contact stated that two weeks later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC: C1441 and C1431 were retrieved, indicating an issue with the ABS system lateral acceleration sensor circuit or the brake booster. The dealer became aware that the front bumper bracket had paint on the part that did not allow for the vehicle to brake correctly. The brake pedal support assembly with sensor was replaced, and the paint was removed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,829.

Filed May 4, 2025 · Transmission · WI

Jerking and grinding noise in the transmission

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

Leaving a parking lot, the car jumped out of gear. Thought maybe I had bumped the gear selector but attempts at putting the car in gear resulted in grinding noises and the only option was to put it in PARK. Check engine light came on. Mechanic diagnosed a speed sensor. Had this happened on the freeway or while trying to pass another car on a two lane and a speed sensor disable the entire car to me is dangerous and should be addressed. Had the check engine light come on, I would have had the sensor replaced right away. I now feel this is an unsafe situation that could arise in other 2017 Toyota cars

Filed Dec 6, 2021 · Visibility · PA

Failure of the Sun shade in the rear causes a problem with visability. Stays stuck in up or down position. Creates a loud distracting grinding noise when in operation and highly reduces visibility through the rear window. Particularly when it is stuck in the half way position.

Filed Nov 26, 2021 · Airbags, Transmission · 155,835 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact heard an abnormal noise as he pressed on the brake pedal; the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving operation. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that a mechanical fault was found with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also informed of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact continued to experience multiple failures after the vehicle was inspected. On the latest incident, the contact stated that he had entered a car wash on the left lane and attempted to enter the right lane by reversing the vehicle. Once the vehicle was placed into drive, the vehicle made an abnormal, squealing noise and independently accelerated without warning into a concrete wall. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed with Apex City, NC police department. The contact sought medical attention from his doctor for the soreness to his right hand and right knee. The contact had the vehicle initial towed to a dealer where it was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was then towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 155,835

Filed Apr 28, 2020 · Visibility · 117,000 miles · GA

Rear sunscreen remains in up position, when lowered in reverse, it makes a loud grinding noise. Having to drive at night presents a problem with visibility when the sunscreen remains in the up position.

Filed Feb 6, 2020 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · MI

02/06/2020 the federal safety agency complaint: 2013 toyota avalon hybrid limited, rear window sunshade assembly failure, complete and total, in the 'up' position and/or in the 'down' position. When stuck up, the failure obstructs rear view at nighttime. This is a serious safety issue. The sunshade is designed to automatically retract into the 'down' position when the car is put in reverse, but if this failure has occurred, the sunshade will make a loud grinding sound for about 15-20 seconds while the sunshade attempts (and fails) to retract into the 'down' position. It will also make the sound even if the sunshade is already retracted. If the shade is already down/retracted and I shift from park to reverse, the grinding noise starts immediately, and the shade does not move (go up). But if I press the activate button, the shade will start to extend, and if I can press the activate button again before the shade is fully extended, it will retract (and begin another 20 second cycle of grinding) and stay down. While stopped or in motion, pressing the activate button raises the shade (if it was down or retracted), but not without the 20 seconds of loud grinding noise. If the shade is up/extended and you press the activate button, the shade will not retract/go down, but the grinding noise will begin. If the shade is up/extended the only way to make it go down is to press the activate button and, while the grinding noise is present, simultaneously go to the back seat so you can reach the shade and manually push one of the vertical bars toward the center; then the shade retracts fully and continues grinding for another 20 second cycle. Not only is this a safety issue, but it is continuous and the grinding noise is incredibly annoying.

Filed Aug 29, 2019 · 100,000 miles · NC

I am having a loud grinding sound when I put car in reverse, foot on brake, found was rear window shade(sunshade). Noise last min. At stationary and in motion, then goes away. Apparently known problem with 2006 and 2007

Filed Jul 4, 2019 · 105,000 miles · FL

The rear sunshade went up on it's own when I started my car and now it will not go down. My car makes a loud grinding noise when put in reverse. This seems to be a common problem for many years with the toyota avalon limited with many complaints on line. It is a safety hazard when backing up or driving at night. This is not an easy fix and typically costs well over $1,000 to repair.

Filed May 2, 2019 · Visibility · 73,000 miles · WV

Rear window sunshade makes a loud grinding noise in the down position. It must remain in the up position at all times. Visibility is zero at night. It started a couple weeks ago. The loud noise is while in reverse and continues unless you manually place the shade in the up position. This continues regardless of in motion or stationary, turning, street or highway

Related recalls

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

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assistReported September 17, 1997 · 18,746 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates for an extended period of time.
Risk
This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.

Recall number 97V156000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Avalon grinding brakes

Which Toyota Avalon years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (5 complaints), 2006 (4 complaints) and 1998 (3 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix grinding or squealing brakes on the Toyota Avalon?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Toyota Avalon?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history