Toyota Avalon collision warning problems

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · MI

The 12.3 in Bird's Eye system with backup camera produces a "black screen" when in reverse and when viewing the forward camera when parking. When driving in snow or rain, the collision warning system becomes unavailable due to the precipitation. I believe these are two separate, but related issues. I also believe that these issues have been observed in other Toyota models which have active recalls in place for the same issue. I took the vehicle to the dealership (Spartan Toyota Lansing, MI) and they were unable to diagnose or resolve the problem. I also reported the issue to Toyota Customer service, pending any resolution. So an ongoing safety issue persists without resolve (ie no required backup camera and also the collision avoidance systems problem during snow or heavy rain).

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 Apr 25, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MD

While driving the pre-collision system (PCS) turns on unexpectedly, without any warning lights or sounds, and applies the brakes. This happens when I am driving in traffic with plenty of space between the car in front of me. I typically drive between 3-6 seconds behind the car in front of me to allow for at least 300 feet in space when driving at highway speeds. Despite leaving plenty of room for cars in front of me, on multiple occasions the car has started braking abruptly while going anywhere between 50, 40, 30, or 20 miles per hour. This can be verified for inspection upon request. Despite there being a recall for my specific year, make, and model car (2015 Toyota Avalon) for this exact issue my VIN number is not covered. Toyota is requiring me to pay out of pocket for them to 1) determine if its malfunctioning and 2) replace the system, which is a huge conflict of interest. Even though the Driver's Manual says that I can disable the PCS by clicking on the PCS on/off button within the driver's glovebox, there is no such button, only a blank button cover. Not having the ability to disable the PCS system, or worse, allowing it to continue braking while I'm driving is a serious hazard. The car can start braking while I am accelerating to merge onto expressway on-ramps, or while changing lanes at the same speed of traffic. The car can also unexpectedly brake while cars are traveling too close behind me. I want to know why my VIN was not included in the initial recall and why I now have to pay to have it looked at or repaired when its clearly malfunctioning and can't be turned off as the Driver's Manual says it can. I should not have to pay $175 an hour for several hours for a Toyota dealership to diagnosis it and then another $175 an hour for 2.5 hours for them to install the fix and whatever the new component costs. I recently bought this car at 35,500 miles and the issue immediately started occurring just as the warranty expired at 36,000 miles.

Filed Apr 20, 2023 · Driver assistance, Steering · 96,917 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH for 20 miles, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was parked and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,917.

Filed Sep 17, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · VA

After starting car, from being parked in parking garage from 8am-5pm, the Pre Collision warning system light turned on. Vehicle currently has 20k miles on the odometer. There are numerous records in the car's onboard history of this device failing during car startup. Drove home, started next day with no incident. System is unreliable. According to the Infotainment system, the car seems to report the failure every few months.

Filed May 9, 2021 · Driver assistance · 15,770 miles · MI

The pre-collision braking system does not appear to work. Several times when cars in front of us have slammed on their brakes, the pre-collision braking system does not respond. We own a 2016 prius with the same feature and it always responds ' flashing a warning and applying the brakes. We complained to the dealership multiple times, and they said the system in our car performs a check every time we turn on the car and since it does not indicate a fault, to their knowledge the system is working fine. They said there are no other tests for them to perform. I've adjusted the system to the most sensitive mode (active when vehicle in front of us is further away), but this has had no effect. Also, the adaptive cruise control which uses the same radar system as the pre-collision braking works fine. There definitely is something wrong with the pre-collision braking, and I am concerned that this safety feature will not save us from a collision. The only way someone would be aware that the system isn't working is to experience a near collision. I believe the pre-collision braking system could be tested without damaging our car by placing a large stationary inflatable object in front of our moving car. I would be glad to provide our car for you to perform such a test or another test that you may have developed. This may be a problem with many other toyota avalons and other cars.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · 65,900 miles · VA

Pre-collision system (pcs). My vehicle is having the issues identified in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v728000. The dealership looked but didn't do anything more than attempt to recreate. They did say, the problem is most likely the pcs misreading objects on the road, which is what your recall notice states. Can you please include my vehicle in this recall. It is dangerous for this warning system to activate, falsely notifying of emergency when there is none. I purchase this vehicle on 5/3/2019 as a toyota certified used car. Within days of purchasing I began having this pcs warning light and beeping going off and the break light coming on. The breaking system has not automatically been engaged but I am very uncomfortable when I drive. At best, it is a huge distraction to the driver

Filed Oct 1, 2018 · FL

The pre-collision detection system does not operate. Dealership mike erdman toyota or toyota headquarters in texas will put in writing that the system works nor will they do an actual test to prove that it is operational. All they will say is that the computer analysis says it should be working. It does not work and will not stop the car in any circumstances or warn you of a potential danger!!!!!

Filed May 30, 2018 · Brakes, Seat belts · 114,650 miles · NY

My car has been on a manufacturer recall since november 3, 2015. Manufacturer recall number fov the federal safety agency recall number 15v728 recall status : recall incomplete in certain driving situations, the optional pre-collision system (pcs) could interpret a steel road joint or steel plate in the road surface as an obstacle or vehicle in the path of travel and activate. When the system activates, my vehicle's brakes are applied automatically. The system activates brake assist mode, and my front seatbelts may tighten. I will hear a warning buzzer, the pcs indicator lamp will illuminate and a message will appear on the multi information display.

Filed May 1, 2017 · Electrical · FL

2015 toyota avalon. Consumer writes in regards to temporary remedy not available to repair pre-collision system recall notice. *smd updated 05/1/2017