CSR

Toyota · NHTSA safety record

2010 Toyota Avalon

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

46

Complaints

6

Crashes

0

Fires

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2010 Toyota Avalon have filed 46 safety complaints with NHTSA between November 2009 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is vehicle speed control, named in 13 of them (28%). The typical failure was reported at 13,000 miles, the median across the 35 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 7 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (7)

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

16V396000 · June 2, 2016

The defect
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
The risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 7,749 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

14V743000 · November 19, 2014

The defect
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
The risk
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 3,233 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

13V014000 · January 16, 2013

The defect
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
The risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
The remedy
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 3,235 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

10V036000 · February 3, 2010

The defect
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
The risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC · up to 153,418 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

10V035000 · February 3, 2010

The defect
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
The risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC. · up to 271,417 vehicles across all model years covered

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

10V017000 · January 21, 2010

The defect
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
The risk
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · up to 2,230,661 vehicles across all model years covered

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

09V388000 · October 5, 2009

The defect
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
The risk
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy
TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · up to 4,445,056 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 46.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13 28%
STEERING 10 22%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 6 13%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3 7%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 3 7%
AIR BAGS 2 4%
POWER TRAIN 2 4%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 1 2%
ENGINE 1 2%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 2%
EQUIPMENT 1 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2010 at 17.

2009 2010 2026
2009 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 130,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, A LARGE DEER COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT KNOCKED THE ENGINE BLOCK OUT OF PLACE AND PUSHED IT BACKWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD AREA. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK, A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, RIGHT KNEE, LEFT ARM AND WRIST. THE PASSENGER ALSO EXPERIENCED INJURIES TO THE BACK, RIGHT SHOULDER, WHIPLASH, AND A CONCUSSION. BOTH OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND CURRENTLY STILL UNDERGOING MEDICAL EXAMS FOR THE INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAGS

NHTSA complaint 11287102, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 injured · crash · 500 miles

FAILURE TO CONTROL MY SPEED LEAD TO ME HITTING ANOTHER CAR. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A DEFECT OR NOT WITH THAT CAR. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10318918. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 injured · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AS IT WAS ACCELERATING RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED SEVERE LEG INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint 10479878. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

crash · 760 miles

MY NEW (PURCHASED SEPT. 2009) 2010 TOYOTA AVALON WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A VEHICLE DEFECT (THIS MODEL IS UNDER A RECALL BY TOYOTA). I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP FOR A VEHICLE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. AFTER THE OTHER VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, I PROCEEDED TO GO AROUND THE OTHER VEHICLE (WHICH REMAINED STATIONARY). AS SOON AS I TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL IMMEDIATELY BUT I COULD STILL HEAR THE ENGINE REVVING AT HIGH SPEED. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE UNTIL IT HAD GONE A DISTANCE OF TWO BLOCKS AND HAD CRASHED INTO FOUR PARKED CARS, DAMAGING THEM SUBSTANTIALLY. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10291594. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2010 Toyota Avalon [XXX] purchased used. Sticker on driver’s door post states 32PSI for all tires. Low tire pressure light activated, XXX Toyota dealer ordered 5 new tire sensors and installed them XXX. Light reactivated in fall, I put 32 PSI in all tires, light stayed on. I used Costco air service to put 32PSI in all tires light stayed on. I took to dealer; they said gauges must be wrong and light odd when returned vehicle to me. I sent letter with photos to the service manager and received no response. In May 2026 light again came on, I checked the pressure with new gauge and 3 tires at 36PSI and one at 33 PSI. Took in for service and pointed to 32PSI sticker on door, again vehicle

NHTSA complaint 11752086, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OUR 2010 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED WITH 126537 TOTAL MILES AS OF 07/09/2026, SITS IN OUR GARAGE ALL THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN IT SOMEWHERE. THE PROBLEM IS THE DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE. I CAN UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE ALL THE TIME. BUT SITTING IN THE GARAGE. WE KEEP IT CLEAN AND EVEN THE HEADLIGHT COVERS ARE STILL CRYSTAL CLEAR WITH NO FADING. EVEN THE SEATS HAVE NO CUTS, SPLITS OR CRACKS AFTER 16 YEARS. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE DASH TO HAVE CRACKS ALL OVER.

NHTSA complaint 11749357. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
GOOD DAY! I UNDERSTAND THERE WERE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARDS REPORTED FOR CERTAIN 2010 TOYOTA AVALONS. MY 2010 TOYOTA AVALON WAS NOT ON THE TOYOTA WARRANTY LIST TO HAVE THE DASHBOARD REPLACED DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. NOW, I AM SEEING THE DASHBOARD CRACKING IN TWO SPOTS. THANK YOU, [XXX] [XXX] CHARLOTTE, NC [XXX] [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint 11414639. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

69,500 miles

THE LATCH ON THE LOWER LEFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTROLS THE POSITIONING OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY COMES LOOSE. I DISCOVERED THAT AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SLID IN AND DOWN. ALMOST CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. UPON CHECKING WITH A AVALON FAN GROUP, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A ISSUE WITH ALMOST EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO OWNS THIS BODY STYLE. *TR

NHTSA complaint 11330837. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

15,000 miles

LEVER THAT ADJUSTS TILT STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE AND WHEN IT FALLS IT DISENGAGES THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK AT ANY TIME.

NHTSA complaint 11321649. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CRACKING NON STOP AND IT KEEPS ON GETTING WORSE AND WORSE THE WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. PLUS ITS ALWAYS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE.

NHTSA complaint 11307575. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Toyota Avalon

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2021 21 2
2020 10 3 1
2019 68 4
2018 24 2
2017 14 2 10
2016 23 3
2015 41 2
2014 96 4
2013 137 4
2012 30 4
2011 106 1

Other 2010 Toyota models

Every Toyota on this site — 272 vehicles, 370 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst