Toyota Avalon transmission failure problems

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Transmission · WA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission. Yes. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The UA80 eight-speed automatic transmission used in my Toyota is defective. There is a design flaw that causes excess heat inside the transmission to burn transmission fluid resulting in premature transmission failure as well as stalling and other dangerous situations. I also noticed significant noise from the vehicle’s transmission assembly. In addition, the engine RPM jumps high while the car struggles to accelerate or temporarily loses power. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The check engine light came on a week ago, but no symptoms were exhibited at that time.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Transmission · AR

The transmission needs to be replaced. My car has 75,146 miles and my check engine light came on while I was driving down the interstate. I took it to the Toyota dealership and they confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. I was told it would cost $8,600. I was looking for any recalls on my car and saw there were multiple lawsuits involving the transmission in my car and other Toyota and Lexus models. The primary lawsuits involve millions of vehicles equipped with the UA80 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Filed Jul 8, 2023 · Transmission · CA

My 2014 Toyota Avalon transmission failed with only 98,000 miles on it. I have always maintained this car flawlessly. I got a check engine light 07/07/23 and immediately had it towed to a certified mechanic. Was told the car needs a transmission replacement.

Filed Oct 10, 2020 · Transmission · 22,300 miles · NY

Car started having transmission problems with a delayed engagement or slippage when shifting into first gear. This usually happened once or twice a week after the car had been parked. It then began to occur more frequently. Took car back to dealer northtown toyota amherst, ny and they changed the fluid and updated software. Car ran ok for 2 wks, then started slipping again a few times per week with a delay when shifting into first gear. This happens after the car was parked. Took car into continental transmission 909 hertle ave, buffalo ny where they did a diagnostic and pulled the transmission out and found that the utility pump had failed and there was some damage to the gears and other parts. Options were a rebuild ($3800usd) or replacement new transmission ($6200usd). Currently having the transmission rebuilt. Car has 22,300 miles on it, is out of warranty (7 yrs old) and the transmission has to be rebuilt/replaced.

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Transmission · 7,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota avalon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly. In addition, when coming to a stop, the transmission downshifted violently with a loud bang. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. In 2015, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the engine mounts were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to locate a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2015 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota avalon. While driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loud noise coming from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact looked in the rearview mirror and noticed parts detaching from the vehicle. The contact merged over and retrieved the parts that were from the transmission. The vehicle was driven home very slowly. When parked, the vehicle would not shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000. Updated 6/3/15

Filed Mar 8, 2010 · Transmission · 48,500 miles · DC

Cannot express my complete and utter disgust with my recent experience and overall experience since buying my 2008 toyota avalon. I expected "quality from the product" as the toyota website states..however, since I have had this vehicle the 300 dollar a piece drivers side head light blew out along with both high beam lights. Here is my current issue. My area recently went through a terrible winter blizzard. During this snow storm, driving conditions were terrible. We were all trapped in the house for days on end. Imagine my surprise when I found out my wheels are no longer spinning and my 2008 toyota would not move forward or backwards. I had to have the car towed to a dealership only to be told that the transmission must be replaced on this vehicle with only 48000 miles on it. The comprehensive warranty that should take care of this will not suffice as the dealerships service department stated. According to a computer read out, outside influences made the transmission fail. Could that mean snow? Does toyota provide anything that says transmission will fail if driven on snow....I am utterly disgusted with this situation and currently without a vehicle. I plan on campaigning very loudly against toyota and broadcasting this deplorable situation if this issue is not resolved in a way that does not mean me buying a new transmission for a 2008 avalon.

Filed Oct 30, 2007 · Acceleration · 27,000 miles · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota avalon. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle accelerated automatically to 80 MPH. The contact attempted to shift back into auto manual mode, but the transmission failed to respond. The vehicle drove up a hill without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact was forced to apply maximum brake pressure to moderate the acceleration and place the vehicle in neutral. The vehicle recently had a routine inspection at 25,300 miles. The dealer did not find any failures with the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 27,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2007 · Transmission · 120,406 miles · SC

Dealer serviced transmission with a flush and fluid replacement at 120,406 miles. Also, timing belt was replaced and coolant flush done. Eight weeks later, transmission failed completely. Was on 250 mile trip, felt bumping which thought may be rough road condition, then when close to destination, car would not move after stopping at stop light. Diagnosis was complete transmission failure. Dealer would not concede any responsibility to contributing to failure of transmission although dealer could not identify any other toyota avalon transmission failures. Convinced action by dealer service resulted in transmission failure.

Filed Jul 31, 2004 · Transmission · 69,500 miles · PA

Automatic transmission failed at 69,500 mark. Ook car into dealer and thought it was noisy brakes. Rove about 100 more miles and something broke. The transmission almost seized, could of caused an accident.