The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that a good Samaritan attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for thirty minutes and stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken directly to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously experienced several failures since July 2025. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the oxygen sensor, the oil light sensor, the ignition coils, and the fuel pump extension were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle had caused the contact anxiety, and the contact was fearful of driving the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated was fearful for her and her grandchildren's safety while in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact stated that several cases were filed, and all were denied. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Toyota Avalon engine failure problems
35 of the 3,402 owner complaints about the Toyota Avalon describe engine failure, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $6,700
- typical mileage
- 86,496
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 4Check engine light 4Steering lock-up 3Won't start 2Loss of power 2Transmission failure 1Sudden acceleration 1Power steering loss 1
Trouble codes mentioned
C1246 1
What owners say
I was driving my 2007 Toyota Avalon returning home from work and was driving on a local road at approximately 25 MPH and turning my vehicle towards right on a curved road and the steering wheel seized and car veered and jumped the curb causing the passenger side bottom of car protection plastic guard clips damaged. No other damage to car observed other than minor scratches to front bumper due to tree limbs on grassy island next to curb. Hit the brakes hard and was able to stop vehicle stopping just before it could hit the tree on side of road. No warning lights were illuminated. No air bags were deployed. Was able to restart the vehicle and reversing down on the road and eventually was able to unseize the steering wheel. Was able to drive the car home and will be taking it to either Toyota dealer or vehicle repair shop for further diagnosis. No injures were sustained. No police report was filed. Will be calling the manufacturer to notify steering wheel seizure. The mileage of car was around 205,000+ miles.
While driving our 2021 Avalon on a busy interstate,the engine failed on us unexpectantly. This cathostrophic failure without warning startled my finance and ruined xmas holidays. The car was towed to a local Toyota dealership who diagnosed the issue as low oil pressure which prevented oil reaching the top engine ultimately collapsing the rocker arm. Oddly enough the technician shared it was not low on oil nor were there any signs of le. We were informed the engine must be replaced. We purchased the vehicle with 56K and just hit 69K. We've been responsible with routine maintenance and have service reports to support services performed from the original owner and us. When contacting Toyota to report the issue, the advocates and resolution team did not offer any service campaigns or good will programs to cover any out of pocket expenses. They acted as if we should hold the dealership who sold us the car liable ignoring any possibility of a defective engine. There is NO good reason why any engine with only 69k miles should fail this sudden. There are similar reports of class action suits currently against Toyota on other engines and they ignore all accounts of owning any portion of the repair due to the car not being sold from a Toyota dealership and being over the 60k power train warranty. Regardless of the warranty the manufacturer name is on the vehicle and all accounts of this issue are indicators of a defect. Our voices may have not be strong enough for them to make us whole at this moment. Not only was this a dangerous situation for my family, but the expenses to replace the engine in such a short time is ridiculous. A company with such a high reputation not to mention high revenue and EBITA should not ignore the voice of the customer. My hope is other customers unite and voice any similar concern similar to ours. This experience has changed my mind how much I value Toyota.There are core principles & expectations car manufacturers should stand by.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel had seized causing a crash. The front passenger side and rear passenger side bumper impacted into a guard rail during the crash. No warning lights had illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact managed to restart the vehicle and the failure was temporarily fixed. No injuries were sustained. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the insurance provider for further diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota avalon. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that extra strength was needed to steer the vehicle and the failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Air bag flashes vsc off and engine failure lit.low miles. Tuned replacing spark plugs. No improvement.
2006 toyota avalon. Consumer writes in regards to vvt-I oil hose rupture and seized engine failure. *smd
Started car and smoke began pouring from the exhaust while stationary. Checked oil level and found to be within normal range. When driving, car was sluggish under acceleration with intermittent smoke. Took car to san marcos toyota and they found the engine to be sludged and require an overhaul of the engine ($4900) or replacement of the engine ($6900). The vehicle had only 140,000 miles. We ended up having an independent mechanic overhaul/cleanup the top side of engine for $4000. I have the estimates and receipts for the work if needed. I have researched on-line and found many other avalon owners who have had the same problem. I am filing this complaint in hope that toyota will acknowledge the poor engineering of this v6 engine and issue a recall and reimburse their customers who have experience this engine failure.
Case # 1509281592 complaint of engine failure due to leaking "soft plug" type part on valley of engine. Installed at the toyota assembly plant. This part leaked and allowed anti-freeze fluid to enter the valley and mix with the oil. Over time this caused a hard coating on all parts. The valve guide seals were ruined and the pvc and pick up tube were almost completely blocked. This caused the engine to burn oil and smoke. Toyota's fix was to buy a new engine for $6,826.97. They did not want to fix my engine. Just sell parts and labor. I took it to a shop and they fixed my engine for less then half of that. Toyota is at fault for not installing parts in the engine correctly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota avalon. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving 2 MPH and he began to smell a burning odor. The vehicle was shut off and towed to an independent repair shop. The contact was informed that the crank shaft pulley came apart and two of the belts were disengaged as a result. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were 67,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from june 1, 2004 through march 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine. The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring may become misaligned and it may not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light.
- Risk
- In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.s. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early january 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 11V539000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota Avalon engine failure
Which Toyota Avalon years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (7 complaints), 2005 (5 complaints) and 1996 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Toyota Avalon?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,700 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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