Toyota Avalon overheating problems

Filed Oct 3, 2022 · Fuel system · NC

On the morning of Sept. 28, 2022, after my wife arrived home from work the previous night, and as I walked past her car, I heard the fuel pump running. The engine was not running, all switches were off and the doors were locked. I retrieved the key fob for the car, unlocked the doors, and entered the car. Upon pushing the start button, the fuel pump shut off, then the engine started. I let it run for one minute then shut the engine off. At this time the fuel pump shut off as well. To my knowledge the fuel pump has not continued to run, after the engine was shut off, since then. There have been 2 the federal safety agency Campaigns recalling the fuel pumps on these vehicles, # 20V01200 and # 20V68200. When I contacted the dealership where she purchased the Avalon in January 2022 the service adviser stated the fuel pump in her car was replaced Nov. 13, 2020. There may still be a problem with the Denso fuel pumps in these vehicles. If the fuel pump continues to run like this one did, and the fuel level in the tank is not high enough to properly cool the pump, it could possibly overheat and cause a fire. I would suspect this has occurred in more than just this 1 vehicle. To err on the side of safety I believe there should be another recall to replace the fuel pump. If not that, then a recall should be initiated to check the vehicle software for a programming malfunction that would cause the fuel pump to continue to run with the engine shut off.

Filed Mar 15, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · 800 miles · AL · crash

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon HV. The contact stated that while driving, all the instrument control panel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer eight or nine times where it was diagnosed there was moisture in the brakes, the brake assembly, sensor harness, sensor in the grill, gear shifter, and hybrid sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving the instrument panel, warning lights illuminated, and the hybrid system overheated. The pull over somewhere safe message was displayed. The steering wheel was stiff. The brake pedal was stiff and failed to depress. The contact was unable to control the vehicle and drove into a ditch was air borne and cross to the other side of road. The contact was able to drive away from the scene, but the vehicle shutdown and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to contact's place of business. There were no reported injuries, fire or air bag deployment. There was a state trooper on the scene but there was no police report filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 800.

Filed Oct 21, 2018 · Lights, Transmission · 70,000 miles · TN

1. High beams and day running lights inoperable (discovered january 2018). 2. Transmission overheated and caused car to decelerate in april 2018.

Filed Feb 20, 2018 · Body · 74,000 miles · OH

The heating element on the passanger side mirror overheated "cooking" the glass on the mirror (adding a smoky dark gray cast) that reduces visibility especially at night.

Filed Jan 10, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 138,766 miles · GA

The engine started cold and revved to 2500 RPM and then oscillated between 2500 and about 3000 RPM and never slowed down. I put the car in drive and drove it the block and a half to my house using the brake to stop at the only stop sign on the route but stopping was difficult. The next morning I experienced the same ultra-fast idle and drove the car on an errand that was about 2 miles distant. The same pattern persisted but the brakes were heating up and smelling from frequent use in keeping the car within the city speed limit. It also stressed the automatic transmission while braking against the fast motor. I started shifting from drive to neutral and coasting to control the speed while the engine speed oscillation continued. I parked the car back home and had a tow truck take it to marietta toyota where the diagnosis was to replace the idle control motor at a cost of $669.00 less a $99.00 negotiated discount. That service solved the problem but the problem had the potential to overheat the brakes, cause one to coast in neutral without ideal control of the car in an emergency, etc.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Lights · 65,152 miles · OH

On servicing of model xls, service adviser noted that hi beam/drl's were not functioning. Investigation revealed exploded halogen lamps. Correction required a redesigned replacement of both headlight assemblies, as noted in tsb 44-0010, at an approx. Cost of $900.00 . This was apparently due to a design flaw in the original headlight housing which allowed overheating and caused the lamp explosion. The tsb recognized this condition but does not replace the defect after a provided warranty extension to 5 years/72,000 miles. The loss of high beam lighting is a safety issue which can go undetected until needed. Although daytime running lights, (drl's), are not required, they do provide the required lighting during times when windshield wipers are required (rain, snow, sleet. Loss of either affects driving safety.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Lights · 85,000 miles · AR

I am the owner of a 2008 toyota avalon. Right after we purchased the car, we have had issues with the headlights going out. The headlights are flickering on and off at random times. On december 14, 2013 while driving at night, both headlights went out at the same time nearly causing an accident (luckily the lights came back on when I turned them off/on quickly). I took the car to our local toyota service center and they told me that the only way to fix the problem is to completely replace the whole lighting assembly at the tune of $2570.04. The service center also explained that the housing for the bulbs was too small and this is causing the bulbs to overheat and go out. It was after 2010 that toyota redesigned the housing and fixed the issue. Apparently, toyota extended the warranty to 5 years/72,000 miles. Ironically, it appears we are just over that. I am unable to drive my car at night due to this safety issue. I also don't agree that we should have to pay $2500 to have new light assemblies installed in our car. This is an issue of a bad design on toyotas part and I refuse to play a victim in this ridiculous solution to such a severe safety issue. I am asking toyota to do the right thing and replace the headlight assembly and take care of their customer. The fact that there is an issue with the headlight design and the fact that toyota is fully aware should be enough to have this fixed. There should be no limittime wise or mileage wise on a safety issue this huge for toyota's customers.

Filed Nov 21, 2013 · Lights · CA

While driving my vehicle the headlights will go out intermittently. Initially we thought it was the right bulb but sometimes its the left bulb. After contacting the dealership, we were told that it will be about 1500.00 to fix this problem. After doing some research, I found out that the problem will not be solved and many owners of the cars are spending in excess of 2500.00 and the problem continues. Its a safety hazard. I contacted toyota co and the response I received was "the high intensity discharge bulb has an enhanced light output for a better field of vision and thus safety. The bulbs will turn off if the bulb is starting to overheat in order to protect the electronic control unit. There are times by simply turning off the headlights and then back on the hid will turn back on." the lights can be on for 5 minutes and they will turn off. After doing further research I learned this is not an isolated incident but widespread with 2008 toyota avalon. Its dangerous and a safety hazard. Something should be done.

Filed May 2, 2011 · Lights · 40,000 miles · CA

2008 toyota avalon limited, 40,000 miles. Both high beam headlamps broke. Dealer knows it's a manufacturer design problem due to overheating. Replacement cost for both headlight assemblies is more than $2,000. Manufacturer has been contacted and will not cover cost.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Lights · OH

Toyota and the federal safety agency continues to ignore the problems with the intermittent operation of hid headlights in the avalon. They intent for someone to died before correcting this problem. I was informed today by toyota direct that my hid computers are overheating causing my right headlamp to fail for the second time and the left highbeam needing to be replaced. My cost to fix is $2788.00. Technician apologized but clearly it's not a dealership problem - this is a manufacturer problem - same a prius. If tanazians can overthrown a government on facebook, surely avalon owners can kill production of this vehicle before someone dies in an accident due to no headlights. Of course we need headlights to drive our vehicles at night!! I am going to create a facebook page today to start the global process of taking this vehicle of the market. Those reading this, please pass the message to those looking to purchase an avalon. Facebook, twitter and social media that works. I refuse to left toyota crap on the safety of my family and yours should we meet at night--and I have to navigate without headlights. States require headlights to be on when it's raining, day lamps for safety and of course at night. Look for the facebook page. Never never buy a toyota!