2001 TOYOTA AVALON

2 recalls — 50 complaints

10V345000 Jul 29, 2010
STEERING
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 AVALON VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF THE STEERING LOCK BAR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A MINUTE CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE LOCK BAR. SUCH A CRACK MAY EXPAND OVER A LONG PERIOD OF REPEATED LOCK AND UNLOCK OPERATIONS, AND EVENTUALLY THE LOCK BAR COULD BREAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERLOCK DEVICE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
372,593 vehicles affected
01V072000 Mar 5, 2001
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT SUB FRAME, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
545 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS Sep 15, 2023
this car involve accident AIR BAG none deploy , right side , rear side, left side were damage serious but AIR BAG none deploy , and now the light AIRBAG to be open on the screen I petition into OFFICE to request for our car to be recall AIRBAG , this is car run was 92K Mile this Air Bag none open any chair or It can open any time itself
Crash
AIR BAGS Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while her son was driving at low speeds in a parking area, he was involved in a collision with the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Crash
AIR BAGS Sep 14, 2023
The contact stated that the son owns a 2001 Toyota Avalon. While the son was driving approximately 5 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy. The contact indicated that after the crash the air bag light activated and remained illuminated. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash
AIR BAGS Sep 11, 2023
I petition into USA to request COMPANY TOYOTA AVALON to should be recall AIRBAG , because in the time our car was involve accident Airbag to did not open , after some day the light AIRBAG appear , it is mean AIRBAG none good , All picture our car were damage I submitted into DMV Our car TOYOTA AVALON 2001 Vin [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I contact COMPANY TOYOTA in USA For complaint , and to request recall AIRBAG , But I am not company TOYOTA to solve AIRBAG for me after accident I report into POLICE PLEASANT HILL , , This accident at Parking lot and TRUNK car was damage and the right light was damage too , But AIRBAG none open , after some day the light AIRBAG open on the screen INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS Sep 11, 2023
I petition into USA to request COMPANY TOYOTA AVALON to should be recall AIRBAG , because in the time our car was involve accident Airbag to did not open , after some day the light AIRBAG appear , it is mean AIRBAG none good , All picture our car were damage I submitted into DMV Our car TOYOTA AVALON 2001 Vin [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I contact COMPANY TOYOTA in USA For complaint , and to request recall AIRBAG , But I am not company TOYOTA to solve AIRBAG for me after accident I report into POLICE PLEASANT HILL , , This accident at Parking lot and TRUNK car was damage and the right light was damage too , But AIRBAG none open , after some day the light AIRBAG open on the screen INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 3, 2020
I HAVE REPLACED O2 SENSORS TWICE TO GET RID OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR CODES THAT HAVE POPPED YOU P1135 & P1155. TOOK CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. ALL SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH DENSO PARTS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A RECALL IF NOT EVEN THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH TOYOTA'S. I NEED MY CAR TO PASS A SMOG AND IT COULD NOT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. CAR ONLY HAS 62,000 MILES AND RUNS GREAT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 3, 2020
I HAVE REPLACED O2 SENSORS TWICE TO GET RID OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR CODES THAT HAVE POPPED YOU P1135 & P1155. TOOK CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE COULD FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. ALL SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH DENSO PARTS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A RECALL IF NOT EVEN THE TOYOTA DEALER COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH TOYOTA'S. I NEED MY CAR TO PASS A SMOG AND IT COULD NOT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. CAR ONLY HAS 62,000 MILES AND RUNS GREAT.
AIR BAGS Jun 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER BROTHER WAS STOPPED AT A SIGN, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CRACKED RIBS, NECK AND BACK INJURIES AND THE DRIVER IN ONE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Crash 2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 16, 2018
WE WENT TO GET OUR TRUCK INSPECTED AT AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE AND HE SAID HE COULDN'T INSPECT IT BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS TO RUSTED. WE CONTACTED OUR TOYOTA DEALER OVER THE TELEPHONE AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND SAID IT WAS UNDER RECALL WHICH WE HAD JUST FOUND OUT. THEY THEN TOLD US THEIR IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. WE TOLD THEM WE WOULD HAVE ADDRESSED THIS SITUATION EARLIER IF WE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN NOTIFICATION THAT THEY WERE BEING RECALLED NOW OUR TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE RUSTED FRAME AND A TOYOTA DEALER NEVER EVEN LOOKED AT OUR VEHICLE
TIRES Jul 18, 2017
ON 4/21/14, I PURCHASED 2 CROSSWIND TIRES(20560R16) THE SELLER GAVE ME, IN WRITING, TREAD WEAR WARRANTY OF 50,000 MILES. HOWEVER, I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN APPROX. 19,000 MILES AND 90% OF TREADS ARE GONE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE SELLER, HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. I EVEN CONTACTED MY CREDIT CARD CO. TO HELP, BUT THEY REFUSED IT TOO. I PAID $129.00 PLUS $40.00 FOR INSTALLATION. PLEASE HELP ME GET MY MONEY BACK.
WHEELS Jul 17, 2017
ON 4/21/14, I PURCHASED 2 CROSSWIND TIRES. THE SELLER GAVE ME, IN WRITING, TREAD WEAR WARRANTY OF 50,000 MILES. HOWEVER, I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN APPROX. 19,000 MILES AND 90% OF TREADS ARE GONE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE SELLER, HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. I EVEN CONTACTED MY CREDIT CARD CO. TO HELP, BUT THEY REFUSED IT TOO. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON THESE TIRES. I PAID $129.00 PLUS $40.00 FOR INSTALLATION. PLEASE HELP ME GET MY MONEY BACK.
AIR BAGS Apr 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AFTER THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND CUTS TO THE BODY, INJURIES TO THE NECK, BOTH KNEES, AND THE LEFT ANKLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Crash 1 injured
STEERING Apr 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AFTER THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND CUTS TO THE BODY, INJURIES TO THE NECK, BOTH KNEES, AND THE LEFT ANKLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,047.
ENGINE May 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,047.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A STORE WINDOW. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Sep 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A STORE WINDOW. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 8, 2014
2001 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, AT LESS THAN 5 MPH, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP EVEN WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AT FULL FORCE AND EVENTUALLY HE CRASHED ONTO A LARGE 12 BY 10 WINDOW OF A BUILDING SOME 50 FEET AWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED SOME BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Sep 8, 2014
2001 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, AT LESS THAN 5 MPH, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP EVEN WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AT FULL FORCE AND EVENTUALLY HE CRASHED ONTO A LARGE 12 BY 10 WINDOW OF A BUILDING SOME 50 FEET AWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED SOME BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 7, 2014
DROVE VEHICLE TO WORK IN AM. NOTICED KEY DIDN'T "CATCH" FIRST TIME, THOUGHT IT WAS HUMAN ERROR AND WROTE IT OFF AND DROVE TO WORK. WENT TO LEAVE WORK AND TURNED KEY IN IGNITION, LIGHTS AND RADIO LIGHT UP BUT KEY FREELY TURNED LIKE BUTTER AND STEERING FELT TIGHTER THAN NORMAL. COULD NOT START VEHICLE. HAD MECHANIC REMOVE IGNITION ASSEMBLY ON SITE TO DETERMINE THAT THE LINKAGE IN BETWEEN THE LOCK CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH HAD A BROKEN METAL PIECE STUCK OFF INTO THE SWITCH. THIS LINKAGE IS CONTAINED IN A METAL HOUSING UNIT WITH 3 HOLES. WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED FOR THE LINKAGE PART, WAS SHOWN THE HOUSING UNIT IT WAS CONTAINED IN, ONLY AVAILABLE FROM TOYOTA. WAS TOLD BY EMPLOYEE THAT THE PIECE HE WAS SHOWING ME CAME OFF A CAR LIKE MINE THEY HAD JUST REPAIRED BECAUSE OF A RECALL ON THE STEERING LOCK BAR, THIS PIECE IS CONNECTED TO THE PIECE THAT I NEED TO REPLACE. I FEEL MY ISSUE OCCURRED BETWEEN DRIVING AND PARKING AT MY WORK AND IT IS BECAUSE OF THE RECALL ON THIS PIECE. CAR IS NOW AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, SO FAR THEY HAVE PICKED UP THE TOWING BILL BUT GIVEN ME GRIEF THAT I HAVE A "13 YEAR OLD CAR" REGARDLESS OF THE CAR'S AGE I FEEL THAT IF THAT PIECE I NEED CAME OFF A REPAIRED CAR DUE TO RECALL, THEY NEED TO COVER THE BILL FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR
AIR BAGS May 17, 2014
ON MAY 3RD 2014 I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK I LOOKED DOWN AND RAN OFF THE ROAD I WAS TRYING TO SLOWLY GET BACK ON THE ROAD. I DIDN'T STOMP THE BRAKE BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID I WOULD FLIP MY CAR. I FORGOT I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON. MY CAR WAS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND AS THE TIRES GRABBED IT THROUGH ME IN TO THE GUARD RAIL ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. MY CAR WENT INTO A SPIN AND FINALLY STOPPED. MY SEAT BELT GRABBED AND KNOCKED THE BREATH OUT OF ME. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT COME OUT. I AM STILL RECOVERING. THE ADJUSTER SAID IT WAS TOTALED. [XXX] MAY 17TH 2014. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Feb 12, 2014
HORN SOUNDED SQUEAKY, THEN INOPERATIVE. AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. CRUISE NO LONGER WORKED. TOYOTA DIAGNOSED THE SPIRAL CABLE A/K/A CLOCK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. OTHER VEHICLES, INCLUDING TOYOTAS, HAD RECALLS ON THIS. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE MALFUNCTIONED AT THIS AGE OF THE CAR, ONLY 108,000 MILES. SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL, PAID BY TOYOTA. IT COST ME NEARLY $500 TO GET IT FIXED. MAYBE THE CABLE WAS DAMAGED WHEN THE STEERING LOCK BAR WAS FIXED, ON A PREVIOUS RECALL (YEARS PRIOR).??? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 12, 2014
HORN SOUNDED SQUEAKY, THEN INOPERATIVE. AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON. CRUISE NO LONGER WORKED. TOYOTA DIAGNOSED THE SPIRAL CABLE A/K/A CLOCK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. OTHER VEHICLES, INCLUDING TOYOTAS, HAD RECALLS ON THIS. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE MALFUNCTIONED AT THIS AGE OF THE CAR, ONLY 108,000 MILES. SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL, PAID BY TOYOTA. IT COST ME NEARLY $500 TO GET IT FIXED. MAYBE THE CABLE WAS DAMAGED WHEN THE STEERING LOCK BAR WAS FIXED, ON A PREVIOUS RECALL (YEARS PRIOR).??? *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING AND HE RELEASED HIS FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE RPMS INCREASED, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE IN ORDER TO COME TO A STOP. WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS . *TR
WHEELS Jun 2, 2013
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE USUALLY THE FIRST WEEK OF THE MONTH AND NEVER HAD PROBLEM OF TIRES LOSING 60% OF AIR BETWEEN CHECKUPS. I THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS A PUNCTURE AND TOOK IT TO DISCOUNT TIRE IN ROMEOVILLE(WHERE I BOUGHT YOKOHAMA TIRES). CHECKED ALL THE FOUR TIRES AND FOUND NO NAILS OR OTHER. THEY HOWEVER FOUND TWO WHEELS WITH CORROSION(WHITE FLAKING) AND THEY SUGGESTED THAT I REPLACE THE WHEELS FOR THIS WEATHER DAMAGE WILL ONLY ACCELERATE. THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ALLOY WHEELS AND HOW CAN THERE BE WEATHER DAMAGE. I HAD ALL THE FOUR WHEELS GROUND AND BUFFED. SIX MONTHS LATER, AIR LEAKAGE WAS BACK WITH VENGEANCE AND SINCE IT COST ME ONLY $19.00 A WHEEL TO GRIND AND BUFF - I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS INSTEAD OF SHELLING OVER $500.00 TO HAVE THE WHEELS REPLACED. THESE WHEELS ARE NOT GENUINE TOYOTA. I HAD CELICA ST BACK IN THE 70S AND 80S AND I HAD NONE OF THIS NONSENSE WITH ITS ALLOY WHEELS. *TR
TIRES May 16, 2013
2001 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLE WHEELS LEAKING AIR. *SMD
AIR BAGS Mar 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 230,000. *TR
STEERING Mar 7, 2013
TOYOTA KEEPS SENDING ME SAFETY RECALL NOTICES, BUT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HERE IN THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS(USVI) REFUSES TO DO THE WORK. THEY KEEP SAYING MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN THEIR SYSTEM, AND THEY WON'T PUT IT IN THEIR SYSTEM. HOW DO I SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A SUDDEN INCREASE OF ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY INCREASED SPEED AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO THREE CURBS BEFORE ACCELERATING DOWN A SLIGHT EMBANKMENT. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED AS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY START THE VEHICLE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
STEERING Nov 16, 2011
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.
Fire
STEERING Oct 6, 2011
3/30/11 COMING OUT OF A RIGHT HAND TURN, IT LOOKED LIKE THE STEERING LOCKED INTO A POSITION WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER. THE CAR SLID AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS CRUSHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT WORK. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL FROM INTERNAL INJURIES. THE CAR HAS BEEN PRESERVED AT A STORAGE FACILITY IN TEXAS SINCE SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT. IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. NOT SURE WHETHER THE GAS PEDAL STUCK OR NOT. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A BLACK BOX IN THESE CARS WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO ANSWERS. THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR IN JANUARY 2011. I HAVE COPIES OF THE REPAIR BILL. PLEASE SEE THAT NO OTHERS ARE HURT. UPDATED 10/31/11 *BF
Crash 1 deaths
AIR BAGS Oct 6, 2011
3/30/11 COMING OUT OF A RIGHT HAND TURN, IT LOOKED LIKE THE STEERING LOCKED INTO A POSITION WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER. THE CAR SLID AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS CRUSHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT WORK. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL FROM INTERNAL INJURIES. THE CAR HAS BEEN PRESERVED AT A STORAGE FACILITY IN TEXAS SINCE SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT. IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. NOT SURE WHETHER THE GAS PEDAL STUCK OR NOT. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A BLACK BOX IN THESE CARS WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO ANSWERS. THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR IN JANUARY 2011. I HAVE COPIES OF THE REPAIR BILL. PLEASE SEE THAT NO OTHERS ARE HURT. UPDATED 10/31/11 *BF
Crash 1 deaths
TIRES Jul 25, 2011
FLAT TIRE, JAN 2011, WHILE DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING. TIRE WAS SEPARATED AT TREAD-SIDEWALL ON BRIDESTONE POTENZA, 205/60/16. I ASSUMED MY DAUGHTER DID NOT PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND THAT CAUSED THE SEPARATION. DAUGHTER SWEARS OVER THE BIBLE SHE WASN'T FAR FROM DRIVEWAY (STILL IN NEIGHBORHOOD) WHEN SHE REALIZED SHE HAD A FLAT AND PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. THE SEPARATION BETWEEN TREAD AND SIDEWALL HAD ME DOUBT MY DAUGHTER, AT LEAST UNTIL JULY 2011. JULY 2011, TOOK SAME VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER THAT REPLACED THE FLAT IN JANUARY, (AUTO TIRE OF ST. LOUIS), FOR TIRE ROTATION, BALANCE, AND ALIGNMENT DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. AUTO TIRE IMMEDIATELY CALLED ME TO STATE THAT THREE OF MY TIRES, (BRIDESTONE POTENZA, 205/60/16) WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I ASKED DEALER TO SHOW ME THE DEFECT AND THE DEFECT WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE TIRE THAT WAS REPLACED IN JANUARY, EXCEPT NOT AS SEVERE - MEANING THE SEPARATION WAS ONLY A FEW INCHES IN LENGTH AND SEPARATION WAS MUCH LONGER ON THE TIRE THAT HAD GONE FLAT. IN JANUARY, I ASSUMED THE SEPARATION WAS CAUSED BY DAUGHTER DRIVING AFTER TIRE HAD GONE FLAT. I DID NOT SUSPECT IT TO BE A DEFECTIVE TIRE SINCE BRIDGESTONE IS A REPUTABLE COMPANY. THE DEFECTS ON THE THREE TIRES REPLACED AT NO CHARGE IN JULY 2011 WERE IDENTICAL TO WHAT WAS OBSERVED ON THE TIRE REPLACED IN JANUARY 2011. THE DEALER, AUTO TIRE, DID NOT MAKE A WARRANTY CLAIM TO BRIDGESTONE IN JAN 2011AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, THEY TREATED IT AS A FLAT REPLACEMENT AND NOT A DEFECT AND BRIDGESTONE WOULD NOT COMPENSATE ME FOR THE FLAT TIRE I REPLACED. SO WHY AM I FILING THIS COMPLAINT? TO WARN OTHER CONSUMERS THAT BRIDGESTONE IS AWARE THEY HAVE A DEFECTIVE LOT OF BRIDESTONE POTENZA, 205/60/16 AND AS A CONSUMER YOU MAY HAVE A FLAT AND NOT KNOW THAT IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A WARRANTY DEFECT. *TR
STEERING Jan 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SKID CONTROL, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CONCLUDED THAT THE STEERING POSITIONING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Oct 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DECELERATING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH; THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING UNTIL THE CONTACT TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Crash
STEERING Oct 25, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 TOYOTA AVALON ON THE FREEWAY. A CAR CUT ME OFF SO I SWERVED TO AVOID IT. AFTER THAT, I COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING IN MY CAR. I HEADED TOWARD A WALL AND TRIED TO TURN AWAY FROM IT, BUT THE STEERING DID NOT RESPOND EVEN THOUGH I WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I CRASHED HEAD FIRST INTO THE WALL. *TR
Crash 1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Sep 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SHE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND SHE HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE. SHE THEN STATED THAT SOMETHING IN THE DOOR LATCH WAS BROKEN. THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. SHE HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 84,000.
STEERING Aug 27, 2010
2001 TOYOTA AVALON WHILE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTAL AREA AND TURING RIGHT FROM ONE STREET TO ANOTHER, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I WAS UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL. I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO AVOID RUNNING INTO A RESIDENTAIL WALL. AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, I MOVED THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND THEN REVERSE. THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. I DROVE THE TWO BLOCKS TO MY HOME AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY SAY THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 17, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON THAT I PURCHASED USED FROM KINGS TOYOTA IN JULY 2005. THE CAR WAS TOYOTA CERTIFIED. MY CAR'S ENGINE DIED ON 8/14/2010 50 MILES FROM MY MECHANIC. I HAD THE CAR TOWED ON 8/14/2010 AND HE CALLED ME TO SAY HE COULD PUT A JASPER MOTOR IN MY CAR FOR $6700. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HEARD FROM THEM THE FOLLOWING DAY THAT I WAS TOO LATE TO GET THE ENGINE REPAIRED. I EXPLAINED THAT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY LETTERS FROM TOYOTA ABOUT THE VOLUNTARY RECALL AND I WAS TOLD TOO BAD. THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO PROTECT ITS CITIZENS FROM FAULTY TOYOTA ENGINES. OIL GEL OR SLUDGE CAUSED MY ENGINE TO SEIZE. IT IS SITTING DEAD AT MY MECHANIC'S SHOP WAITING FOR ME TO DECIDE WHERE TO MOVE IT TO NEXT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 12, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH WITH HER FOOT APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 7, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) ON OCT. 7, 2009, AT ABOUT 3:00 PM EDT ON A SUNNY DAY IN BRADENTON, FL, I WAS DRIVING ALONE WHILE SOBER, ALERT, AND HEALTHY AT ABOUT 35 MPH ON A PAVED SIDE ROAD [XXX] APPROACHING A RED STOPLIGHT AT U.S. 41 SO. WITH 2 OR 3 CARS STOPPED AHEAD OF ME FOR THE LIGHT. ABOUT 100 YARDS BEFORE THE STOPLIGHT, I APPLIED MY FOOTBRAKE,[XXX] (OK WHEN INSPECTED &DRIVEN A WEEK EARLIER AS PART OF OIL CHANGE &GENERAL CHECKUP). THE FOOT PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WITH NO BRAKING EFFECT. I SWERVED TO THE LEFT OF THE CARS AHEAD OF ME AND MADE A SHARP LEFT TURN WHEN I REACHED U.S. 41, TO AVOID HITTING/BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. MY CAR ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE CAR'S ROOF[XXX] . I NEVER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS, BUT THE PAIN WAS TERRIBLE. I BLED, UPSIDE DOWN, FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES, FEARING ANOTHER CRASH FROM ONCOMING CARS, HANGING FROM MY SEATBELT. A BYSTANDER STANCHED THE BLOOD EVENTUALLY. THE PARAMEDICS SHOWED UP IN AN AMBULANCE& TOOK ME TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT MANATEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN BRADENTON. THE DR. CLEANED VERY PAINFUL GLASS SHARDS FROM MY MULTIPLE SCALP WOUNDS, THEN PUT IN FIVE STAPLES& RELEASED ME. TWO SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES INTERVIEWED ME& SAID MY CAR'S TIRE-MARKS SHOWED SIGNS OF ACCELERATION. I DENIED ACCELERATING; IT MADE NO SENSE TO ME UNTIL RECENT STORIES IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT TOYOTA BRAKE PROBLEMS AND SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION IN OTHER CASES. A FRIEND PICKED ME UP. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO THE GARAGE OF ELMER'S TOWING, WHICH HAD TOWED MY TOTALLY WRECKED CAR. I ASKED FOR THE FOOT BRAKES TO BE CHECKED. THEY WERE NORMAL. I FOUND THIS VERY PUZZLING; IT ONLY MADE SENSE RECENTLY AS I READ AND HEARD ON TV ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS BY OTHER WITH TOYOTAS. SHELLY DEVANE OF ELMER'S IS A WITNESS TO THE REPORT OF OK BRAKES. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRONIC PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES CAUSED THE WRECK. I DID NOT FILE THIS COMPLAINT EARLIER BECAUSE THE EVIDENCE IS CIRCUMSTANTIAL & THE CAR NOW GONE. *TR
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC Apr 7, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) ON OCT. 7, 2009, AT ABOUT 3:00 PM EDT ON A SUNNY DAY IN BRADENTON, FL, I WAS DRIVING ALONE WHILE SOBER, ALERT, AND HEALTHY AT ABOUT 35 MPH ON A PAVED SIDE ROAD [XXX] APPROACHING A RED STOPLIGHT AT U.S. 41 SO. WITH 2 OR 3 CARS STOPPED AHEAD OF ME FOR THE LIGHT. ABOUT 100 YARDS BEFORE THE STOPLIGHT, I APPLIED MY FOOTBRAKE,[XXX] (OK WHEN INSPECTED &DRIVEN A WEEK EARLIER AS PART OF OIL CHANGE &GENERAL CHECKUP). THE FOOT PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WITH NO BRAKING EFFECT. I SWERVED TO THE LEFT OF THE CARS AHEAD OF ME AND MADE A SHARP LEFT TURN WHEN I REACHED U.S. 41, TO AVOID HITTING/BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. MY CAR ROLLED OVER AND CRASHED. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE CAR'S ROOF[XXX] . I NEVER LOST CONSCIOUSNESS, BUT THE PAIN WAS TERRIBLE. I BLED, UPSIDE DOWN, FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES, FEARING ANOTHER CRASH FROM ONCOMING CARS, HANGING FROM MY SEATBELT. A BYSTANDER STANCHED THE BLOOD EVENTUALLY. THE PARAMEDICS SHOWED UP IN AN AMBULANCE& TOOK ME TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT MANATEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN BRADENTON. THE DR. CLEANED VERY PAINFUL GLASS SHARDS FROM MY MULTIPLE SCALP WOUNDS, THEN PUT IN FIVE STAPLES& RELEASED ME. TWO SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES INTERVIEWED ME& SAID MY CAR'S TIRE-MARKS SHOWED SIGNS OF ACCELERATION. I DENIED ACCELERATING; IT MADE NO SENSE TO ME UNTIL RECENT STORIES IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT TOYOTA BRAKE PROBLEMS AND SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION IN OTHER CASES. A FRIEND PICKED ME UP. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO THE GARAGE OF ELMER'S TOWING, WHICH HAD TOWED MY TOTALLY WRECKED CAR. I ASKED FOR THE FOOT BRAKES TO BE CHECKED. THEY WERE NORMAL. I FOUND THIS VERY PUZZLING; IT ONLY MADE SENSE RECENTLY AS I READ AND HEARD ON TV ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEMS BY OTHER WITH TOYOTAS. SHELLY DEVANE OF ELMER'S IS A WITNESS TO THE REPORT OF OK BRAKES. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRONIC PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES CAUSED THE WRECK. I DID NOT FILE THIS COMPLAINT EARLIER BECAUSE THE EVIDENCE IS CIRCUMSTANTIAL & THE CAR NOW GONE. *TR
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 7, 2010
2001 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE ABOVE REFERENCED VEHICLE, WHEN IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT A FENCE. THE CONSUMER DROVE TO WORK THE NEXT DAY AND SHE NOTICED SHE COULD NOT ACCELERATE MORE THAN 45 MPH. *JB UPDATED 05/25/10.*JB
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC Mar 16, 2010
GOING HOME ON NORTH ON LOS OLIVOS RD (25 MPH ZONE) AND ROLLING TO A FOUR WAY STOP CROSSING MANZINITA RD (NE SANTA ROSA, CA) MY 2001 AVALON ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE (ROAR). I HAD MY FOOT ON BRAKE SO I WAS SHOCKED. PRESSING HARD ON BRAKE THE ACCELERATOR DISENGAGED AFTER ABOUT 3 SECONDS. I TOLD MY WIFE THAT I HAD A SENIOR MOMENT, THINKING I HAD PRESSED ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE AT SAME TIME. NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. SEEING 2001 AVALON MENTIONED USA TODAY MOTIVATED THIS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH INTO THE DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. NO ONE WAS INJURED DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,700. UPDATED 4/13/10 *CN UPDATED 0/17/10*JB
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 1, 2010
ON 11/26/2005 I EXPERIENCED AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM WITH MY 2001 TOYOTA AVALON WHILE BACKING MY CAR INTO OUR GARAGE. WHILE SLOWLY BACKING IN, THE CAR ACCELERATED & I BACKED INTO OUR FAMILY ROOM WALL. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV UP AND THE CAR SHOT OUT OF THE GARAGE LIKE A BULLET (ONE NEIGHBOR WITNESSED IT). I QUICKLY TURNED TO AVOID A 2ND NEIGHBOR'S BRICK HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET, BRAKING DIDN'T SEEM TO HELP. I HIT A 3RD NEIGHBOR'S CAR PARKED IN HIS DRIVE AND ENDED UP IN A 4TH NEIGHBOR'S DRIVE ON MY SIDE OF THE STREET!. AS I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I REMEMBER SAYING TO THE 1ST NEIGHBOR THAT I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. IT'S A MIRACLE I DIDN'T HIT NEIGHBOR #2 WHO IS ALWAYS OUT IN HIS YARD, ANY ONE OF A NUMBER OF KIDS OR PEOPLE WHO WALK THEIR DOGS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING DOWN THE STREET. I WAS ALSO NOT INJURED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO OUR HOUSE, MY CAR AND MY NEIGHBOR'S CAR. I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE AT TOYOTA ORLAND PARK, IL (WHERE MY 2008 CAMRY IS BEING SERVICED TODAY) THAT THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM IN THE 2001 AVALON IS OF A DIFFERENT NATURE THAN THE CURRENT PROBLEMS. *TR
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 26, 2010
ON JUNE 23, 2001 MY FATHER WAS DRIVING A TWO-WEEK-OLD 2001 TOYOTA AVALON ON WV ROUTE 2 NEAR HUNTINGTON, WV. ACCORDING TO EYE WITNESS ACCOUNTS, MY FATHER WAS DRIVING NORTH AT AN ACCELERATING SPEED AND QUICKLY CAME UPON ANOTHER NORTHBOUND CAR FROM THE REAR. HE CUT OVER IN THE ONCOMING LANE, PASSED THE CAR, RETURNED TO THE NORTHBOUND LANE AND CONTINUED OUT OF SIGHT. THE DRIVER OF THE CAR ESTIMATED MY FATHER WAS TRAVELING PROBABLY 90 MPH. AT THE INTERSECTION OF THREE MILE AND WV ROUTE 2, MY FATHER'S CAR LEFT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, CONTINUING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ACROSS A GRASSY YARD AND OVER A KNOLL, WHERE THE CAR BECAME AIRBORNE AND FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES ACCORDING TO A SECOND WITNESS. THE CAR TORE THROUGH SOME TREE LIMBS, THEN SHEARED A TELEPHONE POLE AND CAME TO REST IN THE DITCH NEXT TO THE HIGHWAY. MY FATHER WAS KILLED INSTANTLY. AFTER LEAVING THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED 250' ACROSS THE GRASSY AREA, THEN WENT AIRBORNE AND TRAVELED ANOTHER 278' BEFORE LANDING IN THE DITCH NEXT TO THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NEVER ANY GOOD EXPLANATION FOR WHY HE WAS TRAVELING THAT FAST PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, BUT IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT NEWS ABOUT THE TOYOTA SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, WE NOW BELIEVE MY FATHER'S DEATH WAS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY VEHICLE. I HAVE THE ETCS (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM) MODULE FROM THE CAR IN MY POSSESSION. UPDATED 04/05/10 *BF *TR UPDATED 08/06/10*JB UPDATED 9/29/2011*CW
Crash 1 deaths
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Feb 24, 2010
ENGINE SLUDGE IS CREATING EXCESSIVE SMOKING AND THE CAR USES 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 2 FILLUPS. THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING IN JULY OF 2009 AT 120,000 MILES AND WAS STILL UNDER AN 8 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN REDDING AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE 8 YEAR WARRANTY BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ENOUGH RECEIPTS THAT I HAD CHANGED THE OIL ON A REGULAR BASIS. THEY SAY THE ENGINE IS RUINED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC Feb 24, 2010
2001 TOYOTA AVALON HAS A MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRONIC BRAKES CONTROL MODULE, REPAIRED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY. THE SAID MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. PURCHASED NEW MODULE FROM TOYOTA $1200. AND INSTALLED $800.. SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR HAVE NO BRAKES WHEN TRAVELING ON ROUGH OR BUMPY ROADS ALWAYS. *TR