What 67 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Ever since, I purchase my certified 2019 Toyota Avalon in around June 2022, my car has left me stranded on highways, city areas, and broke down coming out of my garage. I even purchase extended warranty, because of the high mileage it had 77,000 miles. On [XXX] car broke down Drive Belt had to be replaced, [XXX] [XXX] warning lights, dealership service technician couldn't figured out why engine was slowing down the vehicle, engine repair evac leak for gas cap, [XXX], while driving my car the vehicle, my car immediately stopped, it was towed to dealership of Larry H Miller on Alameda in Albuquerque NM, caused of my car stopping on the road in Albuquerque, the technician stated that he found DTCS for Missfire, switched coil to different cylinder and codes went away/on [XXX], my car was towed, because engine stopped while driving, the dealership saw that it was an electrical problem, bad battery on [XXX] car dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, showing electrical malfunctioning of secondary braking system, the car must be towed to the dealership. I was lucky to get the car into a parking area of gas station. I am [XXX], I need to get home and take my [XXX]. So, while in Albuquerque New Mexico, I called for a tow truck to pickup my vehicle because I have triple AAA membership. Since, I have another car, and I needed to get that day June 30, 2026. I had to wait until today July 9, 2026 to have triple AAA to pick up my car and take it to the dealership Larry H Miller Toyota on Alameda, Albuquerque, New Mexico. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11749408

UA80 transmission issues. High pitched whining Erratic and hard shifting shuttering and hesitation Issue has been diagnosed by dealership Toyota Technician and independent service center ASE Certified technicians. Car is still drivable, with no warning lamps as of yet. Issue became more noticeable after I had the transmission fluid changed by dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11746113

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.

NHTSA ODI 11743610

I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing safety issue involving the Telematics / Data Communication Module (DCM) installed in Toyota vehicles. This issue presents a clear risk to driver and passenger safety and warrants immediate corrective action. The DCM is responsible for critical telematics and safety systems, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. Failures of this system are not merely inconveniences—they directly compromise emergency response capabilities and vehicle reliability. Documented Failures and Safety Risks: Severe Battery Drain: Defective DCM units drain the vehicle battery even when the vehicle is off, leaving drivers stranded and unable to start their vehicles—potentially in unsafe or remote locations. Loss of Emergency Services (SOS Failure): Malfunctioning DCM systems disable or impair SOS functionality, preventing drivers from accessing emergency assistance during critical situations. This represents a direct risk of injury or death. Loss of Connected Features: Remote Connect capabilities (remote start, unlock, vehicle monitoring) are rendered inoperable, indicating systemic communication failure. System Errors: Persistent errors such as “Connected Device Not Supported” demonstrate loss of communication between the DCM and the vehicle network. System-Wide Malfunctions: In severe cases, DCM failure can disrupt the infotainment system or broader vehicle functions, effectively “bricking” key systems. Demand for Immediate Action: Given the safety implications—particularly the failure of emergency SOS functionality—I am requesting that Toyota take the following actions without delay: Issue a voluntary safety recall for all affected vehicles, or Provide a cost-free repair or firmware update that fully resolves the DCM defect, and Notify all affected owners proactively of the safety risk and available remedy. If this issue is not addressed promptly, I am prepared to escalate this matter through formal

NHTSA ODI 11726374

Engine does not start or takes longer to start because fuel line does not hold pressure after turning off engine.

NHTSA ODI 11722753

I am experiencing the same malfunction with my backup camera/parking assist software that a million other VINs were recalled for. I called Toyota and was essentially told that not enough people from my cars' "batch" have complained. The malfunction is inconsistent, sometimes the camera works fine, sometimes the screen is totally black, and sometimes it freezes or goes black in the middle of backing up. This is incredibly hazordous.

NHTSA ODI 11719450

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.

NHTSA ODI 11699143

When starting the vehicle, an extremely high pitched noise is emitted from the speakers. This high pitch seems like its comes out full volume out the speakers. Ear piercing noise leaves my ears ringing every time.

NHTSA ODI 11697441

The 12.3 in Bird's Eye system with backup camera produces a "black screen" when in reverse and when viewing the forward camera when parking. When driving in snow or rain, the collision warning system becomes unavailable due to the precipitation. I believe these are two separate, but related issues. I also believe that these issues have been observed in other Toyota models which have active recalls in place for the same issue. I took the vehicle to the dealership (Spartan Toyota Lansing, MI) and they were unable to diagnose or resolve the problem. I also reported the issue to Toyota Customer service, pending any resolution. So an ongoing safety issue persists without resolve (ie no required backup camera and also the collision avoidance systems problem during snow or heavy rain).

NHTSA ODI 11691547

After starting to accelerate from a stop light ,the Dashboard had a warning message that the accelerator and brake pedals were pressed simultaneously. The acceleration stopped and the car slowed automatically. After a few seconds the warning indicator went away and the car could accelerate. The cars behind my auto had to stop suddenly. At the time. I though that I might have hit both petals at the same time. When it happened again I opened an incident report with Toyota. Incident opened on 07-19-25 Case # 250719000440. The Toyota rep told me it should be take to a Toyota dealer to diagmose any error codes.The next time the same problem occured I took it to my Toyota dealer and was told there were no error codes to indicate a problem. I have also taken the car to a local repair shop after the problem happened and was shown there were no stored errror codes.The dealer wants to have my auto for an extende time to reproduce the problem. If they need error codes to solve the issue but no error codes are recorded when the problem occurs what can they determine? I am hoping that there are other Toyota Avalon owners which might have had the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11689204

Recurring issue with blind spot and rear cross traffic malfunction alerts. Toyota had issued a service bulletin for this concern. Dealer had to reprogram the module under part: 39151 T-SB-0034-19. CODE C1AB4 and C1AB5.

NHTSA ODI 11687086

I purchased this Vehicle as a Preowned Used Certified from The Toyota dealership The car has broke down 4 times for the same exact ISSUES All the lights will come on and it will say take to the dealer for Service June 8 2024 purchased the Car. November 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) December 2024 in the shop ( sensor ) NO CHARGE July 8, 2025 car had to stay overnight ( ignition coil $300 ) Service told me the Mechanical Warranty Expired in June. 8 days later July 17, 2025 Broke down on the highway I was stranded for 5 hours had to pay for a partial Tow out of miles. Its been 6 days no CAR. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE and I Think it has a Defective System. I am locked into a Contract with a Vehicle that keeps Breaking down. I have called the Lemon Law and they said my car is too Old for a Claim but not considered NEW By 1 year. I need some Help, I have reached out to Toyota Corporate and I am waiting to see what they plan on doing. I have been STRESSED OUT SINCE MY LAST BREAKDOWN WITH THIS CAR. BY THE WAY I HAVE ONLY PUT 4000 MILES ON IT SINCE I PURCHASED IT. GOING ON A ROAD TRIP IS OUT. I NO LONGER TRUST THIS VEHICLE IT JUST CUTS OFF FOR NO REASON ONCE THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON IT JUST STOPS. I CANT IMAGINE HAVING MY GRANDBABIES IN THAT CAR ITS SCARY. Car is still in the SHOP ITS BEEN 6 DAYS NOW.

NHTSA ODI 11675492

Jerking and grinding noise in the transmission

NHTSA ODI 11658786

After troubleshooting, the issue with my car cannot communicate with my mobile app through Toyota remote connect, cannot update vehicle software, and after a $130 diagnostic fee, the dealer states the DCM module is bad and needs replacing. My question is this is a safety issue, correct?

NHTSA ODI 11615381

When starting the vehicle, an extremely high pitched noise is emitted from the speakers. The safety of my young child is at risk every time I start the car because this could cause irreparable hearing loss. This is a known issue across many Toyota models as I've found through online forums. Toyota wants $1,200 to fix the DCM Module when it is a manufacturing issue and not caused by the consumer.

NHTSA ODI 11615414

I was pulling into a parking space when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb and hit a tree. The car has auto-braking but this system did not function to stop the car.

NHTSA ODI 11552788

A year ago my 2019 Toyota Avalon started displaying a message that the RCD (rear camera detection) was unavailable. I tried working with the dealership that sold me the car, but they ignored me. I went to another Toyota dealership and they said it would cost approximately $2000, but could not guarantee it would fix the issue. I’ve seen online that 1000’s of Toyota owners with the same system have had similar problems, and Toyota frequently responds with, “It’s a rolling computer, and very advanced.” Some were fixed by recalibration, but many have a more serious problem. All the stories are only the people that have posted about it. It’s probably Toyota’s biggest problem. My car was under warranty when it began, but health issues and restrictions kept me from getting the attention of the general manager since I was ignored by others. I feel this is serious enough and has effected numerous people that it warrants an investigation. People are relying on a system that doesn’t work properly, and some have been hurt and many others will be negatively affected by it.

NHTSA ODI 11549096

The car emitted a very loud, high pitched sound, lasting several seconds when starting the vehicle, which was very painful. At the same time, red and green lights are seen flashing a few times next to the SOS button. This has happened twice in the past month.

NHTSA ODI 11545731

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "parking brake malfunction" warning flashed. The contact proceeded to his destination and shifted the vehicle into park (P) but did not engage the parking brake for fear that it might not disengage. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there had been a malfunction of the Parking Brake or Cruise Control Malfunction warning message on the MID (multi-information display) with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C13B0 (Electric Parking Brake ECU Malfunction) NHTSA ID Number: 10172860 (Parking Brake). The contact was advised that the remedy required a software update of the ECU. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,500.

NHTSA ODI 11544037

I bought the car new in 2019. Car was fine for the first 2 years then it started skipping the gear on low speeds, it does not happen all the time but it does seems to jerk while changing gears in low speeds, occusionally. I have taken the car in to Toyota in Green Bay, WI location and I was told they can't duplicate the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11535916

2019 Toyota Avalon XSE with 41,400 miles. Complete failure of the Climate Control Panel. No buttons or lights would work, resulting in lack of any fan, heat, air conditioning, window defroster, mirror defroster or seat heat. Found no fuses blown. On one occasion since then both seat heat lights came on indicating full heat but did not produce any heat. Two days later Panel began to work normally for a 1 hour drive. Later this day there was another complete failure of the same panel. Took car to dealership the next day and panel functioned normally enroute. When dealership diagnosed the problem the Climate Control Panel had failed again and the problem could not be duplicated. No trouble codes were stored in the system. They performed a master reset of the system thinking an update may have been corrupt. Panel worked when leaving the dealership later this day. The next morning the Panel initially did not work, but 20 minutes into a 1 hour drive it started working normally. That evening the Panel failed again on vehicle startup and has not worked since. Took it back to the dealership this morning and did not turn vehicle off, thinking the failure might show up in the car’s system until the service advisor could drive it to a maintenance bay. After 3 hours the problem could not be diagnosed. The lead mechanic contacted Toyota corporate to inquire if this problem has been encountered previously and for a possible solution. Overall this may not be a safety issue warranting any further action. However, if the windows or mirrors were to fog up, there would be no defroster capability for either of these. In this situation it could quickly become a dangerous situation while the vehicle is moving. This should be investigated further.

NHTSA ODI 11530193

The sunroof of my 2019 Toyota Avalon is defective. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety, as well as the safety of my passengers, has been put at risk. My problem has been confirmed by Sheehy Toyota of Fredericksburg. No warning lamps or messages to indicate sunroof problem. The driver side of my sunroof keeps clogging. I first took my vehicle to Toyota Sheehy of Fredericksburg on 1/3/2023. Sunroof tray was found to have a buildup of organic detritus, causing drains of sunroof tray to be clogged and allowing rainwater to spill over into interior. Sheehy technician cleared the sunroof tray and drains of organic material. Drains were now flowing properly. Technician claimed that sunroof would not have to be drained for at least two years. There was standing water and a heavy mildew smell in the car. Sheehy refused to clean/drain carpet of water. I took it to a detailer and had the detailer vacuum and clean the carpet. Less than a month later, I started experiencing the same issues -- wet carpeting on the floorboard. I took my vehicle to Sheehy Toyota of Fredericksburg on 2/7/2023. Technician told me that the driver side of the sunroof was clogged. Technician claimed that he fixed the clogged drain of the sunroof. Technician suggested that my sunroof got clogged because I have only driven my car 140 miles this month. Not a rational explanation. He recommended that I replace the carpet due to mold concerns. Why would I replace the carpet if there is a strong possibility of having wet carpet every few weeks? Technician insists that wet floor is not coming from any source other than the sunroof. I suspect that my sunroof is defective. I should not have to worry about wet carpet in my car everyday that we experience rainshowers. Sheehy Toyota insists that nothing is wrong with the structural integrity of the sunroof and that external factors are to blame.

NHTSA ODI 11505992

Blind spot monitor sensors not positioned properly, cause bsm and rcta to have issues dealer said their was a TSB for it but that they couldn't cover it and I need to pay out of pocket to fix a defective safety system

NHTSA ODI 11498149

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ODI 11487686

After starting car, from being parked in parking garage from 8am-5pm, the Pre Collision warning system light turned on. Vehicle currently has 20k miles on the odometer. There are numerous records in the car's onboard history of this device failing during car startup. Drove home, started next day with no incident. System is unreliable. According to the Infotainment system, the car seems to report the failure every few months.

NHTSA ODI 11485006