2013 TOYOTA AVALON Recalls, Complaints & Safety

Car into a brick wall, hit on front passenger side at 15 mph no airbag deployed.

Crash

he Occupant Detection System (ODS) in my 2013 Toyota Avalon has failed. The vehicle does not consistently detect an adult passenger in the front seat, and the “Passenger Airbag OFF” light remains illuminated, even when someone is seated properly. This means the airbag will not deploy in a crash, which is a serious safety risk for my passengers. I first noticed this issue several months ago. I took the car to a local certified repair shop, where they diagnosed a failure in the ODS sensor. I then brought it to a Toyota dealership for further inspection. The dealership confirmed the issue but required extra time and labor charges just to reach the same conclusion, even though I had already informed them of the diagnosis. Despite this being a clearly safety-critical system, I was told that no recall was active, and the repair cost would be entirely out-of-pocket, which is prohibitively expensive. As a result, the issue remains unresolved. There is a constant indicator light on the dash showing that the airbag system is deactivated when the passenger seat is occupied. To my knowledge, this issue has occurred in other Toyota models as well, and I believe this should be considered for a formal investigation and potential recall. It puts passengers at serious risk in the event of an accident and should not be a customer’s financial responsibility when it involves airbag functionality.

1) System Failure: Back window shade. It is available for inspection at any time. 2) Safety of me and others put at risk: When the shade is down I can not see out the back window posing a significant risk to those behind me particularly pedestrians 3) Has problem been reproduced: Yes 4) Has the component been inspected: No the motor operating the shade has not been inspected 5) Warnings prior to system failure: None Description: The window shade is meant to automatically retract out of sight when the transmission is placed in reverse. It does not retract at all. It stays fully extended covering the entire back window. This problem drastically impairs my ability to see out the back window at all. While being a problem at all times driving the vehicle it is particularly problematic when backing up at night; you simply can not see anyone behind you backing out of a parking space in a mall for example.

Straps, yes The straps do not stay tight and do not keep my child restrained Yes After checking the straps on the car seat they become loose no longer restraining my child in her seat

There is a very strong musty smell. 80% of the time it's when I turn on AC. 20% just at random driving times. Whenever car has sat longer then a few hours with all windows up. When open doors is has very musty smell. I have done everything to do with cleaning vehicle. This is a hybrid I'm a lil scared when it comes to electrical fire . Do to this musty smell. That means there is some type of fluid gathering somewhere. So what does Toyota plan on doing?

I have a smell of moldy old water what is going on ? Why is water filling up in my trunk? What do my head lights bulb keep going out? WHY HAVEN'T YOU GUYS DONE ANYTHING? For real I have a darn battery in my trunk come on. I already had to purchase a battery .

Rear window shade stuck in 'UP' position, cannot see out the rearview mirror, especially at night. Makes for very dangerous driving.

SIDEWALL TIRE FAILED AFTER 3 MONTHS. NO HAZARD ON ROADWAY, SIDEWALL SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH CAUSING CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL WITH NEAR ACCIDENT. AFTER INSPECTING TIRE IT APPEARS TO HAVE VERY LITTLE MATERIAL DEPTH INDICATING A DEFECT BY MANUFACTURER.

I recently took my car in for maintenance and I was offered a complimentary car wash. 1 week after the wash, I noticed there were cloth fibers stuck between the rear side body panels. When i pulled them out, there was evidence of rust and corrosion right underneath. I suspected the cloth fibers were from the dealership's car wash so i contacted them. They confirmed the fibers are from their machine but claimed the rust is caused by a pre-existing problem (there is a small gap between the side body that was noted in the pre-inspections), when asked if the rust was noted during pre-inspections as well, they refused to answer my question. There was no evidence of rust or corrosion on the car before this incident and there are other fibers stuck in the side body panels as well which i haven't taken out yet. I have previously taken my car through car washes but this incident has never happened before. Toyota's service center refuses to look into the matter further.

I have a tacky dashboard which has a glare on the dashboard hindering vision while driving. I understand is a recall however not for 2013 avalons. I’m a senior which make more difficult for to drive my care comfortably. I would like Toyota to approve the repair for my car. I’ve been a loyal customer for 25 years Sincerly

The Cylinder head gasket in the engine has failed and is now leaking coolant under the body of the car. This has been inspected by a certified Toyota Dealership and has been maintained by one since we bought the car. There were no warning signs or problems with the car other than feeling off (sounding slightly different than normal) so we went to get an oil change and inspection done on the vehicle. This car was just serviced three months prior for regular maintenance and the vehicle had no indicated issues at that time and was inspected again by the same Toyota Dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection. This issue seems to have started very suddenly without warning and will cause severe engine damage in my vehicle if not replaced soon.

Water is filling up in my trunk not sure how it is getting in . Have noticed a lil water stains along back top of lining. I started smelling a stail water smell when I found a puddle of water under my spare tire . Im extremely worried with winter coming again . Not to mention there is a battery locate in truck as well. So I feel completely unsafe. I have recently had noticed hybrid battery going from high to low then all of sudden died. Had to purchase a new battery. Please is this normal?someone help before it rains again and something terrible happens

I have a electrical issue going on with the driver side headlight. I have had to change the headlight over 3 times now . Seems to go out with in a month or two. While doing my own research Toyota has also changed the light bulb for the old owner more then 3 times. It has only been the driver side headlight that is being affected. I'm a lil worried that at any time a electrical fire or something else bad will happen. So at this time i haven't had new bulb installed. I'm just to nervous. So it's hard at times to see at night fall when driving. The contact stated there is some water buildup underneath the tire in the trunk. The water is entering somehow near the back top right inside and ending in the very bottom of my truck under the tire. There is water damage on the top right corner of of the panel on the inside.

I had a smell of old water in my vehicle while trying to figure out from where it was coming from .I noticed in left and right rear ceiling quarter panels both wet and had water damage. Then I opened my trunk and it also had the same stale water smell. Under the spare tire on the very bottom of trunk there was at least 2 gallons of stale water. I have not had this looked at by the dealer or a mechanic. Do to it being a hybrid im very worried do to electrical components near the rear back seats where leak stains and water is . Also in my trunk is a hybrid battery next to were water was filling up. There's no damage to anything on the vehicle inside or out the vehicle has not been in no accidents. I'm available upon request for inspections. I have provided pictures of damage on rear ceiling panels . Thank you and I look forward to hearing from someone as soon as possible

The rear window spontaneously shattered into little fragments of glass and fell into the backseat section of the vehicle. This happened once while parked at work in a gated lot and security camera with motion sensors caught the incident happening on video. Temperature was in the high 80 F, and happened in August of 2022. After 5 months later the rear window shattered again while parked on driveway. Safety of anyone in the back seat is at risk due to sharp glass. Unable to convince the dealer this is a factory defect. Manufacturer said they can do a visual inspection but in realty results will be pointless since the car have not been in any accident. No warning appeared before rear window shattered.

The moonroof area has rattling noise at speeds exceeding 60 mph. A similar rattling noise is also noted from the driver side A pillar of the car at all driving speeds.

The contact owns a Goodyear Tire. Tire Line: Assurance Max Life, Tire Size: 225/45/VR18. The contact stated that he noticed the front driver's side tire had a big bubble on the sidewall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The tire was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire mileage was 6,000. The VIN was not available.

Rear window sunscreen (dark black) stuck in the up position. Poor visibility during night driving with the curtain stuck in the upright position. This has always had this problem and Toyota has not solution.

The sun shade in the rear back malfunctions. When it malfunctions you are unable to visibility see when backing up due to the sun shade being in the way which put other people at risk for safety when backing up. Also when this piece malfunctions it makes a gridding nose which can cause a wreck if the person is unaware of the noise in the car while backing up. This function has been looked at by a Toyota Dealer ship which would result of owner paying over $1000.00 to get it fixed or even disabled. There are no warnings regarding the malfunction besides a loud noise while backing up when not functioning properly.

WAS DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AFTER TAKING MY DAD ABOUT 45 MINS AWAY WAS DRIVING AS USUAL AND THE CAR DIED HAD TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD PUT IN PARK AND RESTART. HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES AFTER WE HAVE HAD IN AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE. SENT ME HOME WITH AN UNSAFE CAR FOR THE 4TH TIME. TRIED TAKING CAR BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT AS ISSUE HAPPENED ON FEB 6 21 AND I PURCHASED ON JAN 27 21 GOING TO CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEXT WEEK AND SEE IF THATS WHAT IT IS. PLEASE HELP I AM STUCK WITH A 23000 LOAN FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE SAFELY OR CONFIDENTLY!

THE REAR SUN SHADE WHICH EXTENDS AND RETRACTS TO COVER THE BACK WINDOW OF MY AVALON HAS A FAULT WHICH CAUSES IT TO GET STUCK IN THE EXTENDED POSITION, COVERING THE REAR WINDOW. THIS DRASTICALLY REDUCES THE VISIBILITY OUT THE REAR WINDOW AND THERE IS NO OBVIOUS OR SIMPLE FIX FOR THE ISSUE. I HAVE FOUND ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM. BEFORE THE SHADE GOT STUCK, IT WOULD RANDOMLY EXTEND OR RETRACT DURING HOT DAYS, WHICH SEEMS TO BE DUE TO A FAULTY RELAY. THIS IS CLEARLY A POOR DESIGN WHICH PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND ANYONE BEHIND THE VEHICLE WHILE BACKING UP.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSSED THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE AHEAD STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE STOP BUT THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIM WAS UNABLE TO STALLED CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE. WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT OF THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT VEHICLE TO RUN IN THE REAR OF THE CAR AHEAD OF HIM. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FROM VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTATINED BACK PAIN, AND BUMP ON THE HEAD AND NECK STRAIN , THE CONTACT DAUGHTER SUSTAINED CHEST INJURY AND HIS SON HAD TOOTH INJURY CAUSING BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER INJURIES FROM THE OTHER DRIVERS. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAS RECEIVED AT THE SCENE BUT THE CONTACT DECLINE GOING TO THE HOSPTIAL TIL THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHILCE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTAL LOSS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Crash 3 injured

I JUST PURCHASED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON FROM CARMAX. DURING THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS OF DRIVING I HAD OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING. ONE. THE REAR WINDOW IS DISTORTED AND WILL NOT COME CLEAN NO MATTER WHAT I ATTEMPT TO USE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A CLEAR VISIBILITY. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT WHILE IN A STOP POSITION, WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND REAPPLY TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE A SEVEN DAY RETURN POLICY NO QUESTIONS ASKED. BUT I REALLY LOVE THIS CAR IN BEEN WAITING TO FIND THAT PARTICULAR COLOR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR WHICH IS BLACK LEATHER. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY RECALL OR OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS.

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.

THIS ISSUE HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. REAR SUNSHADE RANDOMLY DEPLOYED AND IS PERMANENTLY STUCK IN THE UP POSITION COMPLETELY BLOCKING REAR VISIBILITY. SUNSHADE IS SUPPOSED TO GO DOWN WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE, THIS FUNCTION NO LONGER WORKS FURTHER INHIBITING SAFE VEHICLE MANEUVERING. THE REAR FACING BACKUP CAMERA HAS A STATEMENT SAYING TO NOT RELY ON THE BACKUP CAMERA WHEN BACKING UP, THIS NO LONGER AN OPTION FOR ME AS I CAN NO LONGER CLEARLY SEE OUT OF THE REAR WINDOW. NIGHT TIME REVERSING IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITH ANY DEGREE OF SAFETY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOYOTA AS THEY REPLACED A RELAY IN THE SUNSHADE IN MODEL YEARS AFTER 2014 THAT SEEMS TO HAVE REMEDIED THIS ISSUE. THERE IS NO WAY MANUALLY LOWER THE SUNSCREEN. THERE'S NO WAY TO EASILY SWAP OUT THE DEFECTIVE RELAY. THERE'S NO WAY TO DISCONNECT THE SUNSHADE FROM THE WIRING HARNESS. THERE ISN'T AN INDEPENDENT FUSE FOR THE SUNSHADE THAT CAN BE REMOVED. THE SUNSHADE APPEARS TO BE ON A FUSE THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, BRAKING SYSTEM AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. BY REMOVING THE FUSE THIS WOULD MAKE MY VEHICLE EVEN LESS SAFE THE IT ALREADY IS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE STOPPED SHORT AT A YELLOW STOP LIGHT AT 20 MPH. THE ACCIDENT BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. THE WIFE SUFFERED A CRACKED STERNUM WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THERE WAS A POLICE THAT WAS FILED AMD THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER TOYOTA WALNUT CREEK (2100 N BROADWAY, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 925-357-3700) STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK OVER THE CLAIM AND TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED THE CONTACT BY MAIL AND STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CALL . THE CONTACT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK TO THE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Crash 1 injured

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN AIR BAG ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE COLLISION AND WAS THE MIDDLE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE CAME TO THE SCENE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND HIS WIFE WHO WAS THE PASSENGER SUSTAIN BRUISING. THE CONTACT STATED HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO MCDANIEL TOYOTA (1111 MT VERNON AVE, MARION, OH 43302) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.*BF CONSUMER STATED HE HAD A BACK SURGERY AND AIRBAG FAILURE HAPPENED TWICE.*JB

Crash 2 injured

THE REAR SUNSHADE IS STUCK IN THE 'UP' (EXTENDED) POSITION, GREATLY HINDERING VIEW TO THE REAR, BOTH WITH REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND WHEN DRIVER TURNS HEAD TO THE REAR. THIS DEVICE IS DESIGNED TO AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT FROM 'UP' POSITION EVERY TIME THE CAR IS SHIFTED TO "REVERSE" GEAR, SO AS TO NOT HINDER REAR VIEWS. IT WORKED FINE FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BUT LAST MONTH IT BECAME STUCK IN THE EXTENDED POSITION, AND CANNOT BE RETRACTED. THIS IS A PROBLEM AT ALL TIMES; BUT IS ESPECIALLY A DANGEROUS SITUATION AT NIGHT, WHEN DARKNESS HINDERS VIEWS. FROM ONLINE SEARCHING, IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY, AND MOST COMMENTERS SAY IT'S NOT WORTH FIXING, BECAUSE REPLACEMENT UNITS DEVELOP THE SAME PROBLEM. REMOVING THE UNIT IS MY PREFERRED APPROACH. BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT SEVERAL HOURS OF LABOR ARE REQUIRED, AS THE REAR SEAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. THIS IS NOT THE RESULT OF A MOVING CRASH; IT HAPPENED SPONTANEOUSLY, AND IS NOW AN ISSUE 100% OF THE TIME. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY INTO THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AL HENDRICKSON TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5201 W, FL-834, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FROM A SPECIFIC SUPPLIER DESIGNED TO RECEIVE SIGNALS FROM CRASH SENSORS AND DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. THE ECU MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN ELECTRICAL NOISE THAT CAN OCCUR IN CERTAIN CRASHES, SUCH AS SEVERE UNDERRIDE CRASHES. THIS CAN LEAD TO INCOMPLETE OR NONDEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS AND/OR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER SUNRISE TOYOTA LOCATED AT (3984 SUNRISE HWY, OAKDALE, NY 11769 (631) 589-9000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

ON MARCH 7, 2020 THE DRIVER ENTERED A PARKING LOT OF A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. THE DRIVER, USING THE BRAKES AND TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE. AS THE DRIVER NEGOTIATED THE TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED HEADFIRST INTO A RETAIL SIGNAGE POLE. DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONCE THE CAR SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WOULD HAVE LANDED IN A BUSY FOUR-LANE ROAD, IF IT HAD NOT CRASHED INTO THE SIGNAGE POLE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FATALITY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THERE WAS SOME PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. IT WAS TRULY A HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE FOR THE DRIVER.

Crash

ON MARCH 7, 2020 THE DRIVER ENTERED A PARKING LOT OF A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. THE DRIVER, USING THE BRAKES AND TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR, TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE. AS THE DRIVER NEGOTIATED THE TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED HEADFIRST INTO A RETAIL SIGNAGE POLE. DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, THE DRIVER COULD NOT STOP THE CAR ONCE THE CAR SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WOULD HAVE LANDED IN A BUSY FOUR-LANE ROAD, IF IT HAD NOT CRASHED INTO THE SIGNAGE POLE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FATALITY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THERE WAS SOME PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT. IT WAS TRULY A HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE FOR THE DRIVER.

Crash

02/06/2020 NHTSA COMPLAINT: 2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID LIMITED, REAR WINDOW SUNSHADE ASSEMBLY FAILURE, COMPLETE AND TOTAL, IN THE 'UP' POSITION AND/OR IN THE 'DOWN' POSITION. WHEN STUCK UP, THE FAILURE OBSTRUCTS REAR VIEW AT NIGHTTIME. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE SUNSHADE IS DESIGNED TO AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT INTO THE 'DOWN' POSITION WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN REVERSE, BUT IF THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED, THE SUNSHADE WILL MAKE A LOUD GRINDING SOUND FOR ABOUT 15-20 SECONDS WHILE THE SUNSHADE ATTEMPTS (AND FAILS) TO RETRACT INTO THE 'DOWN' POSITION. IT WILL ALSO MAKE THE SOUND EVEN IF THE SUNSHADE IS ALREADY RETRACTED. IF THE SHADE IS ALREADY DOWN/RETRACTED AND I SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE GRINDING NOISE STARTS IMMEDIATELY, AND THE SHADE DOES NOT MOVE (GO UP). BUT IF I PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON, THE SHADE WILL START TO EXTEND, AND IF I CAN PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON AGAIN BEFORE THE SHADE IS FULLY EXTENDED, IT WILL RETRACT (AND BEGIN ANOTHER 20 SECOND CYCLE OF GRINDING) AND STAY DOWN. WHILE STOPPED OR IN MOTION, PRESSING THE ACTIVATE BUTTON RAISES THE SHADE (IF IT WAS DOWN OR RETRACTED), BUT NOT WITHOUT THE 20 SECONDS OF LOUD GRINDING NOISE. IF THE SHADE IS UP/EXTENDED AND YOU PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON, THE SHADE WILL NOT RETRACT/GO DOWN, BUT THE GRINDING NOISE WILL BEGIN. IF THE SHADE IS UP/EXTENDED THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT GO DOWN IS TO PRESS THE ACTIVATE BUTTON AND, WHILE THE GRINDING NOISE IS PRESENT, SIMULTANEOUSLY GO TO THE BACK SEAT SO YOU CAN REACH THE SHADE AND MANUALLY PUSH ONE OF THE VERTICAL BARS TOWARD THE CENTER; THEN THE SHADE RETRACTS FULLY AND CONTINUES GRINDING FOR ANOTHER 20 SECOND CYCLE. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT IS CONTINUOUS AND THE GRINDING NOISE IS INCREDIBLY ANNOYING.

SINCE 2016 THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN VERY SOFT AND SOMETIMES WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE IT GOES FAR ENOUGH THAT MY FOOT HITS THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY CHECK THE BRAKES AND THEY ARE OK BUT TO THIS DAY THEY ARE STILL SOFT AND THIS COULD CAUSE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT DURING THE IMPACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT HAND, MULTIPLE LACERATIONS ON HIS FOREHEAD THAT REQUIRED 29 STITCHES, NECK PAIN, WHIPLASH, AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Crash 1 injured

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT DURING THE IMPACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT HAND, MULTIPLE LACERATIONS ON HIS FOREHEAD THAT REQUIRED 29 STITCHES, NECK PAIN, WHIPLASH, AND A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Crash 1 injured

THE REAR WINDOW SHADE AUTOMATICALLY RAISED ITSELF AND IS STUCK IN THE EXTENDED POSITION. IT MAKES A LOUD SOUND FOR ~20 SECONDS WHENEVER THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE OR WHENEVER YOU ATTEMPT TO RETRACT THE SHADE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT TO OBSERVE TRAFFIC THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT.

HEADLINER AT THE TOP OF THE REAR WINDOW IS FALLING DOWN MAKING IT A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE LOOKING IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR.

2013 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSED A CRASH INTO A WALL AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND TO PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JS

Crash 3 injured