1996 Toyota Avalon problems
The Toyota Avalon (Japanese: トヨタ・アバロン, Hepburn: Toyota Abaron) is a full-size sedan produced by Toyota. It is Toyota's largest front-wheel drive sedan and serves as its flagship sedan in the United States, Canada, China and the Middle East. It was also produced in Australia from April 2000 until June 2005, when it was replaced in November 2006 by the Aurion. The first production Avalon rolled off the TMMK assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky, in September 1994, and subsequent generations have all been manufactured at the Kentucky location to date.
Toyota marketed the Avalon as a replacement for the Cressida, a model discontinued for the American market in 1992. While the Cressida was an upper-level mid-size rear-wheel drive car with a straight-six engine, the Avalon is front-wheel drive, powered by a V6 engine. In recent years, there has been considerable overlapping with its platform mates, the Camry V6 and the Lexus ES, although the third-generation and subsequent Avalon was distinguished by offering extra legroom due to its extended-length chassis. From 2013, the Lexus ES was moved to the extended platform to match the Avalon.
As of 2013, the Avalon was sold in the United States, Canada, China, South Korea and the Middle East. It was discontinued in the United States in 2022.
Avalon is a legendary island featured in the Arthurian legend, fitting it in with Toyota's tradition of naming their sedans the word for "crown" in various languages (Crown, Corona, Camry, Corolla), types of crowns (Tiara), or other things associated with royalty (Scepter).
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Common 1996 Toyota Avalon problems
The Toyota Avalon, first introduced in 1995, is known for its comfort, reliability, and affordability. However, like any other vehicle, it has faced a few common problems reported by its owners.
One of the most common issues with the Toyota Avalon is transmission problems. These issues have been reported across various model years, including 1995-1998, 2000-2007, 2009, and 2015. The Avalon may struggle to shift correctly or hesitate when shifting from second to third gear at low speeds.
Sudden unintended acceleration has also been a concern for some Avalon owners, particularly in the 2014 model. This issue has been attributed to electronic problems that cause the throttle to engage without stepping on the gas pedal.
Frustrated Avalon owners of 1995-2010 and 2012 models have reported misfiring engines, primarily due to faulty ignition coils. Replacing the coils may cost between $5-$50 plus labor.
The 2011 Avalon has been affected by peeling paint, an unsightly issue that mainly affects the roof and the area between the windshield and sunroof. This problem can cost around $1,100 to fix.
In addition to these issues, the 2012-2018 Avalon models had an issue with airbag deployment and seat belt pretensioners, while the 2013-2015 models were recalled due to unexpected brake activation from a faulty Pre-Collision System. The 2014 Avalon also experienced a higher incidence of fuel leaks, leading to fire and triggering a recall.
The 2006 Toyota Avalon was the worst model year, plagued by engine problems, oil leaks, steering defects, and electrical issues. It is recommended to avoid this model year due to these significant issues.
In summary, the Toyota Avalon has faced various common problems, including transmission issues, sudden unintended acceleration, misfiring engines, peeling paint, and recalls related to airbags, brakes, and fuel leaks. While the Avalon is generally known for its reliability, potential buyers should be aware of these issues when considering specific model years.
What is the common problem of Toyota Avalon?
Acceleration Issues
Often thought as the worst Toyota Avalon problem to arise over the years revolves around speed control. Although most reports simply detailed that their Avalon would accelerate out of control at random times, some reports went into more specifics.
How good was the 1996 Toyota Avalon?
Overall, the Avalon impresses us as an excellent alternative to aging, and aesthetically impaired, offerings from GM and Ford. Chrysler's LH-Series sedans are a better value, but the guaranteed quality of the Toyota is probably worth the extra couple grand.
Are old Toyota Avalons reliable?
If you want to buy a used Avalon, you can trust these model years the most. While you might expect the older vehicles to have more issues, the Avalon model years from the 90s and early 00s are surprisingly reliable, except for the 2005-2008 years. If you're in the market for a speedy two-seater, we've got you covered.
Do Toyota Avalons have transmission problems?
Shifting Problems
Owners of many 1995-1998, 2000-2007, 2009, and 2015 automatic transmission Avalons have complained about their vehicles being unable to shift correctly.
How good was the 1996 Toyota Avalon?
Overall, the Avalon impresses us as an excellent alternative to aging, and aesthetically impaired, offerings from GM and Ford. Chrysler's LH-Series sedans are a better value, but the guaranteed quality of the Toyota is probably worth the extra couple grand.
What is the common problem of Toyota Avalon?
Acceleration Issues
Often thought as the worst Toyota Avalon problem to arise over the years revolves around speed control. Although most reports simply detailed that their Avalon would accelerate out of control at random times, some reports went into more specifics.
Are old Toyota Avalons reliable?
If you want to buy a used Avalon, you can trust these model years the most. While you might expect the older vehicles to have more issues, the Avalon model years from the 90s and early 00s are surprisingly reliable, except for the 2005-2008 years. If you're in the market for a speedy two-seater, we've got you covered.
Do Toyota Avalons have transmission problems?
Shifting Problems
Owners of many 1995-1998, 2000-2007, 2009, and 2015 automatic transmission Avalons have complained about their vehicles being unable to shift correctly.
1996 Toyota Avalon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Avalon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Visibility problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Toyota Avalon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Toyota Avalon
The NHTSA has received 120 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Toyota Avalon. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Toyota Avalon vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-10
- VIN: 4T1BF12B5TU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING TO AN APPOINTMENT, I HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD AFTER USING TWO FEET TO SLOW VEHICLE, AND SHUT VEHICLE OFF. AFTER TRYING TO RESTART VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, IT WAS STILL REVVING. AFTER A HALF HOUR, I WAS ABLE TO START IT AND BRING IT HOME. VERY SCARY! IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN, WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, AND WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF TO SAFETY. WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC, AND SINCE IT WAS NOT DOING IT WHILE THEY HAD IT, THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, AND FIX IT. WHILE TRYING TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, WE DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM TO THIS VEHICLE YEAR, AND MOST WERE ON CAMRY'S. WE DO NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT FLOOR MATS, AND THE PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK. WE CALLED TOYOTA TO CHECK ON RECALL INFORMATION. SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON OUR VIN#, AND TOLD IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, DUE TO THE MILEAGE, BUT THEY DOCUMENTED MY REPORT IN THEIR CORPORATE RECORDS, AND TO TAKE IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT EVALUATED AND REPAIRED, WHICH WOULD NO DOUBT BE AT OUR EXPENSE SINCE IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WE ARE SENIOR CITIZENS, AND ARE AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE THIS CAR NOW, MUCH LESS DRIVE IT ALL THE WAY TO A DEALER OUT OF TOWN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-27
- VIN: 4T1BF12B3TU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONER, A/C AMPLIFIER, AIR INLET SERVO MOTOR & SERVO LINK & HEATER CONTROLS STOP WORKING AND ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY BY ITSELF. TOYOTA WILL NOT OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM. TOYOTA ONLY WANTS MORE MONEY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT TELLING YOU EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE INFERIOR PARTS OF THEIR A/C SYSTEM SINCE 1995. THEY MUST HAVE HIGH PROFILE LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON FOR THE NHTSA TO LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS FOR SO LONG. SOMEBODY MUST BE GETTING PAID SOME KIND OF WAY FOR THE NHTSA TO IGNORE THIS PROBLEM AND LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT. THE NHTSA SHOULD MAKE TOYOTA COME CLEAN ABOUT THEIR A/C PROBLEMS AND RECALL ALL AUTOMOBILES WITH A/C PROBLEMS. TOYOTA OWNERS SHOULD AT LEAST BE GIVEN A FREE DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE A/C SYSTEM TO DETERMINE WHAT IS WRONG AND TELL US IN WRITING WHAT PARTS THAT ARE AFFECTED, AND (THIS IS A LONG SHOT) REPAIR THE A/C FOR FREE. THANK YOU, FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN DEALING WITH THIS ONGOING A/C PROBLEM. AND I HOPE YOU HAD A GOOD MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-03
- VIN: 4T1BF12B5TU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: AFTER RECEIVING A JUMP, I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, THE GAS PEDAL SEEMED TO STICK. THEN WHEN DRIVING THE SPEED BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. THE LONGER WE DROVE THE HIGHER THE ENGINE REVVED. I DECIDED TO RETURN TO MY HOME ABOUT 5 MINUTES AWAY THEN THE CAR BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR AT A STOP LIGHT AND I HAD TO QUICKLY TURN THE CORNER TO A SIDE STREET UNTIL THE LIGHT CHANGED AND I WAS ABLE TO ENTER MY STREET. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE TO PARK IT AND IT WOULD NOT STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR SO I QUICKLY PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. IT REVVED A FEW SECONDS BEFORE FINALLY TURNING OFF. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-26
- VIN: 4T1BF12B0TU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO SEAT BELT LIGHT WARNING LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BF12B5TU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHING INTO THE FRONT OF A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,909.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED HIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 226,444. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-19
- VIN: JTDKB20U663
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DRIVING AND GO OFF AND ON. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF AND WOULD NOT COME BACK ON TILL I TURNED THE POWER OFF IN THE CAR AND RE-STARTED THE CAR. MY HUSBAND HAS INSTALLED NEW HEADLIGHTS TWICE BUT THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN GREENVILLE, NC AND THEY TOLD ME I DID NOT HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I CONTINUE TO ONLY HAVE ONE HEADLIGHT TO DRIVE WITH, THE LEFT OR RIGHT, I USUALLY START OUT WITH BOTH ON AND THEN ONE WILL GO OUT. I AM VERY SCARED ABOUT DRIVING MY CAR AT NIGHT. I CALLED THE TOYOTA 1-800 NUMBER TO ASK FOR ADVICE BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND TO TAKE MY CAR TO A TOYOTA GARAGE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-15
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FILLER PIPE HAS CORRODED, SPILLS FUEL ON THE GROUND WHEN FILLING VEHICLE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BF12B8TU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE PULLING UP TO A CURB, THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY USING REPEATED BRAKE APPLICATION, THEN PUTTING THE GEAR IN PARK WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE GO INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED BACKWARDS 50 FEET AND PINNED A PEDESTRIAN UNDER THE VEHICLE DRAGGING HIM APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET. THE PEDESTRIAN DIED FROM HIS INJURES. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED BACKWARDS UNTIL IT HIT A UTILITY POLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,047. UPDATED 02/19/10 *BF UPDATED 09/02/10*JB UPDATED 9/27/11*CW
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-22
- VIN: 4T1BF12B8TU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT HE LOST POWER STEERING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE ON THE INCIDENT DATE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS THERE FOR 14 DAYS. THE AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $984.51. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,290 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,300. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF UPDATED 07/29/08. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL AND DROVE HEAD ON INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS EJECTED THROUGH THE SUN ROOF AND SUSTAINED A SEVERE HEAD CONCUSSION. SHE ALSO LOST COMPLETE VISION IN ONE EYE, ACUTE MEMORY LOSS, AND IS UNABLE TO PERFORM CERTAIN FUNCTIONS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT CANNOT REMEMBER ANY OTHER VEHICLE INFORMATION DUE TO HER MEMORY LOSS.
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-01
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: BRITAX MARATHON E9L09DS. CONSUMER STATES THAT REAR FACING LOCK OFF CLIPS DO NOT HOLD. WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED THE CLIPS POP OFF WITH OR WITHOUT A SEATBELT INSIDE OF IT. *MC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-18
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON AND THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE BURNING A LOT OF OIL AND SENDING OFF A LOT OF SMOKE RELATED TO THE SLUDGE PROBLEM KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED BY THE NHTSA. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE PROBLEM KNOWN ONCE MORE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-03
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR AVALONS OF 1997, BUT NOT FOR THIS YEAR.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-04
- VIN: 4T1BF12BXTU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PURCHASED USED 1996 TOYOTA AVALON IN MARCH 2002 WITH 72,000 MILES. AT THAT TIME I ALSO PURCHASED A 2 YEAR/24000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH UNIVERSAL UNDERWRITERS. ENGINE FAILED IN EARLY DECEMBER 2003 AT 92000 MILES DUE TO SLUDGE BUILDUP IN OIL PAN. OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES. TOYOTA NOT COVERING ENGINE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT IS NOT A 97 MODEL. EXTENDED WARRANTY NOT COVING BECAUSE FAILURE CAUSED BY "FLUID CONTAMINATION". *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BF12B3TU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AND INVESTIGATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: 4T1BF12B0TU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON THAT HAS THE OIL SLUDGLE PROBLEM. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH CORPORATE OFFICE OF TOYOTA AND THEY CONTACTED LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WHO ASKED FOR RECEIPTS OF OIL CHANGES AND SAID THEY WILL REVIEW CASE, RECEIPTS WERE PROVIDED AND AFTER BEING REVIEWED THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WHO HAS TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND I NEED RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE 5000.00 TO REPAIR WHEN I OWE 5020.00 ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! THANKS, CHERYL FOLEY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-15
- VIN: 4T1BF12B7TU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE CUT OUT/STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESSWAY WITH NO WARNING. PULLED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, TURNED OFF ENGINE, WAITED A WHILE, TURNED ENGINE BACK ON AND ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON FOR FIRST TIME. TOWED CAR TO DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATES IT IS OIL SLUDGE DUE TO FAILURE TO CHANGE OIL FREQUENTLY ENOUGH. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 4000 MILES. GETTING NO SATISFACTION FROM DEALER, WHO INDICATES MINIMUM REPAIR COST WILL BE $3300 - $3500 FOR REBUILT ENGINE. MADE COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA CORPORATE, WHO ALSO ARE NOT PROVIDING ASSISTANCE AT THIS TIME. GETTING RUN AROUND AS COMPLAINT WAS FILED, WHICH IS BEING SENT BACK TO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR HANDLING. REGIONAL OFFICE ALREADY INDICATED THAT THEY PROBABLY AREN'T GOING TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE 1996 MODEL ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE OIL SLUDGE RECALL ON 1997 - 2002 MODELS. ENGINE HAS JUST OVER 63,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ONE YEAR OLD WITH 29,000 MILES ON IT. ONLY 34,000-35,000 MILES HAS BEEN PUT ON THE CAR IN THE LAST SIX YEARS OF MY OWNERSHIP. I FEEL VERY TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF, AND PLACED NOT ONLY IN HARMS WAY BY A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, BUT WITH A FINANCIAL BURDEN NOW AS WELL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-15
- VIN: 4T1BF12BXTU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1996 TOYOTA AVALON ENGINE FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-15
- VIN: 4T1BF12B5TU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE: ENGINE SLUDGE BUILDUP HAS RUINED THE ENGINE DESPITE REASONABLE MAINTENENCE. ENGINE MUST NOW BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. ENGINE HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC FOR THE LAST YEAR OR TWO. DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY ENGINE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT TOYOTA LETTER DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 1996 AND TOYOTA HAS AN AUGUST OF 1996 MANUFACTUING CUT-OFF DATE. I ALSO OWN A 1998 TOYOTA SIENNA WHICH IS BEGINING TO HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. FROM ALL I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RESEARCH AT LEAST PART OF THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE HEAD. I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF CARS IN THE LAST TWN YEARS WHICH I HAVE DRIVEN WELL INTO HIGH MILES WITH THE SAME MAINTENECE ATTENTION AS THIS ONE BUT HAVE NOT HAD THE SLUDGE PROBLEM BEFORE. I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO PICK UP AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COST.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-02
- VIN: 4T1BF12B2TU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE STALLED. THEN, VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS, AND MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE CAM HEAD BROKE OFF. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED.*AK THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED. WHEN PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT, THE ENGINE DIED. THE OIL WAS CHECKED AND IT WAS FINE. HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE CAM HEAD BLEW OFF. CONSUMER NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T HELP SINCE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER NOTED WHEN THE ENGINE GET REPAIRED, SHE WILL SELL THE VEHICLE AND NEVER RECOMMEND IT TO NO ONE ELSE. HER MECHANIC STATED THE CAM HAD NO OIL IN IT, YET THE VEHICLE WAS FULL OF OIL. THE OIL PUMP FAILED COSTING THE CONSUMER $6000. DOLLARS. SHE WAS INFORMED SINCE SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE VEHICLE ROUTINELY MAINTAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP. *PH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-22
- VIN: 4T1BF12BXTU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DURING THE WINTER SEASON THE DEFROSTER FAILED. CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE AIR CONDITIONER TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-31
- VIN: 4T1BF12B9TU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BOUGHT A USED 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. IT WAS COVERED UNDER 6 YEAR / 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN MARCH OF 2002. I NOW HAVE JUST OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT.*AK WHEN PUTTING THE AUTO TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE FROM PARK OR NEUTRAL THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES VIOLENTLY. ALTHOUGH IT DOES NOT "BARK" THE TIRES, IT IS QUITE SEVERE. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY GASKET(S) WERE THE LIKELY CAUSE AND THEY HAD MY CAR FROM 9-3-03 TO 9-5-03 REPLACING THEM. THEY SAID THAT A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED DETAILING THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE GASKETS, BUT NO RECALL HAS YET BEEN ISSUED. TOYOTA ENGINEERS CHANGED THE DESIGN OF THE LOWER VALVE BODY GASKET IN 1997 (TC00197 APR 1997) BECAUSE OF THIS. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DIRECT CLUTCH PORTION OF THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE DAMAGED DUE TO THE CROSS LEAK FROM THE GASKET. MY QUESTION IS- WHY DID TOYOTA NOT RECALL THESE CARS BECAUSE OF THIS? TWO VALVE BODY GASKETS ARE LESS THAN $30.00 (TOYOTA PRICES). I AM NOT SURE IF THE NEW GASKETS WILL INTERCHANGE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION OF THE VALVE BODY, BORE, ETC. ALL I KNOW IS THAT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED THESE GASKETS AND I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I DID ORIGINALLY. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS GREAT TO WORK WITH (THEY CHARGED ME NO LABOR BECAUSE THEY DID NOT FIX THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM). I AM NOW STUCK WITH A CAR THAT I HAVE PUT ROUGHLY 60,000 MILES ON SINCE PAYING OVER $20,000.00 FOR IT (BEFORE TRADE-IN) IN 1999. I CAN'T TRADE OR SELL THIS CAR UNTILL I GET THE TRANSMISSION FIXED ( INSTALL A NEW OR REBUILT UNIT). THE COST OF A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND INSTALLATION WOULD LIKELY BE OVER 30% OF THE CARS CURRENT VALUE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-12
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. MY CAR HAS BEEN PUTTING OUT A WHITE SMOKE DURING COLD START-UPS. I AM ADDING TWO QUARTS OF OIL A WEEK. I CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. I EVEN REPLACE SOME SEALS, BELIEVING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS COME TO A-HEAD. MY CAR STALLED ON THE INTERSTATE GOING TO WORK ON JULY 13, 2003. THE CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER IT STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PARK THE CAR AND IT WILL BE MY MECHANIC. I HAVE READ ON THIS SITE THAT THERE HAS BEEN OTHERS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP US IN NOT ONLY FINDING THE PROBLEM BUT FIXING IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY, MICHAEL T. MARCHAND.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-25
- VIN: 4T1BF12BXTU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I AM THE OWNER OF A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON AND NEED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO OIL SLUDGE PROBLEMS. MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER TOYOTA'S CSP PROGRAM ALTHOUGH IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE ENGINES COVERED UNDER THIS PROGRAM. THIS HAS CAUSED MY FAMILY EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL STRESS. *JB
Positive 1996 Toyota Avalon car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Toyota Avalon problems:
1996 Toyota Avalon Problems and Complaints - 26 Issues
Problem with your 1996 Toyota Avalon? Our list of 26 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Toyota Avalon.
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Are you having problems with your 1996 Toyota Avalon?
Marlon Stark 2025-02-23
I purchased my Avalon this year, and despite it being 13 years old with 186,000 miles already on it, I absolutely love it. Although I have had to make some major repairs, they have never cost me more than $3000, which is quite reasonable for a car of its age and mileage. I would wholeheartedly recommend this car to anyone. The Avalon is incredibly spacious, and even my larger friends can fit in it comfortably, which was a major concern for me as I am not small myself. Overall, this car is just perfect. It is worth noting that it is a Toyota, which is a brand known for its reliability and quality.
Kayley Lang 2025-02-14
In high school, I saved up $2200 and bought this car. The dealership warned me that the struts needed replacing, but I decided to take the chance. Over the next 3 years, I had to replace the struts, bushings, sway bar, and had two brake jobs. I even bought 3 used tires to replace the old ones. Since I pay for all my luxuries, I always opted for the cheapest parts and labor, which may have contributed to the frequent repairs. However, I loved that car and it was worth it to me. Recently, while driving from school to home (a 120-mile, 3-hour journey), I ran off the highway and rolled the car. Despite the damage, I came out with only a scratch. Everyone was amazed at how safe the car kept me.
Rylan Stracke 2025-02-11
I bought the XLS brand new in '96 when I was single. Since then, I've gotten married and had two children, and my baby is still going strong at 189,000 miles. I completely agree with everyone that maintenance costs are around $5,000.00 or less, as I've only spent about $3,000 so far. What I love most about it is its reliability - it always starts up even in 10-20 degree weather, and I've never had a breakdown. It's also roomy enough for my kids to easily get in and out of their booster seats, and as someone who's 5'2
Anibal Kuhic 2025-02-09
My dad bought this car brand new in 1996 and has driven it around town 80-90% of the time. Despite its age and the majority of the miles being hard 'city' miles, the car still drives exceptionally well. The 3.0 engine is VERY torquey and accelerates smoothly, while the seats are incredibly comfortable and roomy. I am often complimented on how well it still rides 19 years later. The build quality is fantastic; interior materials are of very high quality, road noise is kept to a minimum, and there are NO noises generated from inside the car. Even after losing oil pressure twice (at 145,000 miles and 175,000), the engine still runs like new. You just can't kill these Avalons! I fully intend to replace the timing belt and water pump for the second time soon and drive it for many years to come. Gas mileage is superb, I average around 20 in town and routinely in the low 30s on road trips at around 70 MPH.
Denis Lehner 2025-01-23
I've been driving my 1996 Toyota Avalon XL for a while now. Originally, I bought it as a beater car to keep mileage down on my other vehicles, but it has turned out to be the most reliable car I've ever owned. The back seats are surprisingly comfortable and the 1MZFE 3 litre v6 engine is incredibly reliable with regular maintenance. The drivetrain is a testament to its quality, with 352k miles and still going strong. It has great acceleration and power when I need it, and the handling is tight. The only major repairs I've had to make were the timing belt/water pump, which is perfectly understandable at this mileage. I do have a small valve cover gasket oil leak, but that's to be expected with the age and mileage of the car. I plan to take care of it along with the spark plugs and wires. Maintenance is simple and parts are cheap. It's hard to believe any modern car could last as long as this one.