2002 Toyota Avalon problems

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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).

2002 Toyota Avalon

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Common 2002 Toyota Avalon problems

The Toyota Avalon 2002 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include transmission problems, sudden unintended acceleration, misfiring engine, and peeling paint.

Transmission problems are one of the most common issues reported by Toyota Avalon owners, affecting models from 1995 to 2007, 2009, and 2015. The Avalon struggles to shift correctly or hesitates when shifting from second to third gear at low speeds.

Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported by many 2014 Avalon owners. The vehicles would accelerate for no reason, with the RPM jumping from 700 to 3600 in 1.5 seconds. This issue is suspected to be caused by electronic issues, which can cause the throttle to engage without stepping on the gas pedal.

Misfiring engine is another common problem reported by Toyota Avalon owners, affecting models from 1995 to 2010 and 2012. The sedans would hesitate and jerk, primarily due to faulty ignition coils. Replacing the coils may cost between $5-$50 plus labor.

Peeling paint off the roof has been a common 2011 Toyota Avalon problem reported by many drivers. Owners have reported that paint bubbled on the roof of their vehicles as well as in between the windshield and sunroof. There have also been cases where the paint would peel off in sheets due to the lack of primer upon applying the paint.

While the 2002 Toyota Avalon has been reported to have fewer problems compared to other model years, it is still important for potential buyers to be aware of these common issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring or becoming more serious.

2002 Toyota Avalon engine

Is a 2002 Toyota Avalon a reliable car?

As for reliability, Avalons have had Toyota's reputation for being bulletproof when it comes to repairs. On the road, the Avalon has the smooth Japanese ride with independent suspension on all whee .

How many miles can a 2002 Toyota Avalon last?

Per MotorBiscuit.com, the average Toyota SUV should last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. That means that you can buy a used SUV with 100,000 miles on it, and still enjoy another 100,000 miles of reliable performance.

Is Toyota Avalon a reliable car?

Toyota Avalon Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Toyota Avalon Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 3rd out of 12 for fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $463 which means it has excellent ownership costs.

Are there any problems with the Toyota Avalon?

One of the more serious Toyota Avalon problems on the list revolves around the airbag system. A notable number of owners reported that their Avalon's airbags failed to deploy when needed. Several owners that were involved in crashes mentioned that they sustained serious injuries due to the airbag's failure.

Is 2002 Toyota Avalon a good car?

If this constitutes a mini-survey, the verdict is unanimous: Each calls the Avalon, “The best car I've ever owned.” As for reliability, Avalons have had Toyota's reputation for being bulletproof when it comes to repairs. On the road, the Avalon has the smooth Japanese ride with independent suspension on all whee .

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 many miles can a 2002 Toyota Avalon last?

Per MotorBiscuit.com, the average Toyota SUV should last over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. That means that you can buy a used SUV with 100,000 miles on it, and still enjoy another 100,000 miles of reliable performance.

What is the fuel consumption of a 2002 Toyota Avalon?

Toyota Avalon 2002 Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption for the 2002 Toyota Avalon is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Toyota Avalon currently offers fuel consumption from 9.2 to 9.2L/100km.

2002 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:

  • Air bags problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Steering problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Toyota Avalon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2002 Toyota Avalon

The NHTSA has received 141 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Toyota Avalon. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Toyota Avalon vehicles.

2023-04-17

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-07
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B82U
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Bosch ABS anti skid, anti lock brake moduled failed. No brakes. Toyota US has no replacements parts available. Bosch no longer produces. Called Toyota Customer Service three times. Got to the management end and Senior Advisor told me, warranty expired, norhing we can do. I said, there are a bunch of 2000 to 2004 Toyota Avalons/Lexus 300 vehicles out there (same car except nameplates) with the same problem! Same answer: Toyota, LLC has no further interest in those models and warranty has expired. So, I have limited options: 1. Junk the car (funs and drives like new), 2. Start a legal proceeding (costs prohibitive), 3. notify NHTSA. So, I (and X# of others that own this model) have a seroius safety problem. What Can the NHTSA do?
2021-06-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-06-07
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B42U
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Headlights failed to operate correctly, resulting in taking the car to fix problem , service advisor told me that this veh vin number shows this car should not havve automatly controled headlights, the car is being serviced at cedar rapids toyota , steve lemke is the servvice advisior
2020-10-03

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B92U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE 2003-2004 MODEL AVALON'S HAVE A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAGS WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN FREQUENCIES AND NOISES. MY 2002 AVALON HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR AS WELL. I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS OUT OF THIS CAR EVER, BUT AS SOON AS IT HIT 140,000 MILES THE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH I SEEN THAT OTHERS WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR IN THE RECALL BECAUSE THIS CAR IS VERY DEPENDABLE AND I'VE HAD NO ISSUES UNTIL NOW.
2020-02-02

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B42U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO SLIPPERY ROADS. I WAS EXITING I5 ON TO HIGHWAY 7 IN TACOMA WASHINGTON. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP, SLID AND HIT A CEMENT WALL ON HIGHWAY 7. UPON IMPACT I HIT MY HEAD ON WINDSHIELD AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT UPON IMPACT. I RECEIVED INJURIES DUE TO THIS DISORDER.
2019-03-26

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-01-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T1BF28BX2U
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CAR PUT ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO LANES, THEN ACCELERATED TURN HALF ,I THINK, CRASHED (THE FRONT OF THE CAR)WITH A SMALL HILL SOME HOW DID NOT STOP AND ENDED UP SOMEHOW TURNING BACK AND CRASHED AGAIN THIS TIME THE BACK OF THE CAR CRASHED AGAINST THE HILL AND STOPPED. THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERAL BREAKS IN AND A TRANSMISION REPAIR. THIS IS MY THIRD TOYOTA. IT WAS PERFECT BEFORE THE INCIDENT. IT WAS VERY SCARY. JUST A FEW MIN BEFORE THE CRASH I WAS PASSING A TOLL AT ABOUT 28 MPH. AFTER PASSING THE TOOL I WAS FASTER THAN THAT BUT I DO NOT LIKE TO SPEED.
2019-03-25

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-03-24
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B82U
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: WHILE AT THE STORE I FOUND I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY AND GET OU WHILE THE CAR IS STILL IN GEAR. IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL AWAY, CAUSING PERSONAL AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE.
2018-06-29

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-15
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B92U
  • Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: AIR BAG FLASHES VSC OFF AND ENGINE FAILURE LIT.LOW MILES. TUNED REPLACING SPARK PLUGS. NO IMPROVEMENT.
2018-04-16

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-04-03
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4TIBF2BBX2U
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: MOVING MY CAR FROM A TO B PUT IT IN REVERSE IT JUST TOOK OFF BY IT SELF. IT WAS GOING SO FAST I COULD NOT STOP IT EVEN PRESSING THE BREAKS IT STILL WENT FAST ON IT ON. I STARTED SCREAMING WHY THIS CAR GOING SO FAST AND WHY I CAN'T STOP IT. IT STOPPED WHEN IT HIT THE CARPORT AND TO SIENNA VAN UNDER THE CARPORT.WHICH MY VANS ARE DAMAGE VERY BAD. I CALL TOYOTA CORPORATION AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPEN. THEY ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED FROM TOYOTA I SAID MY CAR CARPORT, AND BOTH VANS FIX. THEY GAVE ME A CLAIM NUMBER.SO THEY ARE HAVING AN INSPECTOR TO INSPECT IT I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT TOWED. THEY WORK FOR TOYOTA AND MAY SAY THE CAR IS FINE BUT I KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO ME. IT IS SCARY, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. IN MY OWN BACKYARD.
2017-11-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B22U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIRBAG ON WITH ERROR CODE B0113 ( SHORT INSIDE SQUIB HR CIRCUIT TO +B ) AND CAN NOT ERASE CODE.
2017-08-19

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-08-07
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B42U
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN LIKE IT GET STUCK CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.I WAS DRIVING A CITY STREET WHEN I NOTICE A FEW DAYS AGO. JUST SEEING THE RECALL NOTICE.HOW LONG DOES THE CONSUMER HAVE TO GET ASSISTANCE WITH RECALL.
2017-06-26

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-06-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B62U
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: I WAS LEAVING PARKING LOT @ 1-2 MPH TURNING RIGHT ONTO W TUOLUMNE RD IN TURLOCK CA. SUDDENLY CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A JET, BRAKES DIDN'T DEPRESS, HIT AN ISLAND THEN SLAMMED INTO TREE. I AM INJURED ANS CAR TOTALED. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ACCELERATION PEDAL PROBLEM.
2017-05-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE ELECTRICAL WIRE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE CRASH WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
2017-02-06

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-04
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B32U
  • Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: 1)STEERING-WHEN TRYING TO GO STRAIGHT CAR WILL TILT TO THE LEFT, HAVE TO KEEP WHEEL AT WEIRD ANGLE TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. 2)ACCELERATOR STICKS ACCELERATOR SEEMS STIFF AND STICKY AND CAUSES CAR TO LURCH WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP -WAS MAKING LEFT TURN THROUGH INTERSECTION ON A CITY STREET FEBRUARY 4TH AND ACCELERATOR STUCK UNTIL IT WAS PUMPED, INCREASING MY SPEED. WAS TERRIFYING. 3)RUST RIDDEN ROTERS AND BREAK ANTI-RUST COVERS NOT WORKING AT ALL 4)VISIBILITY-WINDSHIELD'S SEAL SEEMS DEFECTIVE-VIN NUMBER NOT VISIBLE DUE TO CONDENSATION BUILDING IN LOWER CORNER, WINDSHIELD FOGS UP PROFUSELY AND STAYS THAT WAY EVEN WITH DEFROSTER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF FRONT WINDSHIELD 5)HEATER-BLOWS COOLED AIR (NOT ROOM TEMP) INSTEAD OF WARM WHEN TURNED ON, SEEMS LIKE COMPUTER ERROR IN THERMOSTATE/TEMPERATURE GAGE 6)SIDE WINDOWS SHAKE/STUDDER WHEN ROLLED UP OR DOWN
2016-06-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-10-05
  • VIN: VT1BF28B12U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME . DEALER CANNOT FIX IT.
2016-04-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-04-17
  • VIN: 4T1BF28BX2U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: SRS WARNING LIGHT APPEARED FLASHING ON CAR. TOOK CAR TO HAVE CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. LIGHT NO LONGER FLASHED. 5 DAYS LATER THE SRS WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING AGAIN. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT SOME CAR MANUFACTURERS WILL FIX SAFETY ISSUES UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. CAN TOYOTA FIX THESE PROBLEMS FREE OF CHARGE? I'D LIKE TO FIND OUT BEFORE I SPEND MORE MONEY TRYING TO DIAGNOSE WHY THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT IS FLASHING. SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HAVE SAID THAT PEOPLE HAVE HAD SEVERAL ITEMS REPAIRED AND THE LIGHT STILL FLASHES. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD FIX.
2016-03-30

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-02-29
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B72U
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE FUEL CAP AND FUEL LINE HOSE WERE REPLACED AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS AFTER EACH REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. MOST RECENT, THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
2015-11-24

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-11-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B12U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DURING A FRONT-END COLLISION IN WHICH MY CAR WAS STOPPED AND RAMMED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THE AIR BAG INFLATION SENSOR WAS SHEARED OFF IT'S MOUNTING BRACKET. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO INFLATE BECAUSE THE SENSOR FAILED TO DETECT THE IMPACT.
2015-11-04

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-10-05
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
2015-10-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-20
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B43U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 12/11/15 *BF UPDATED 12/15/15. *JB
2015-08-11

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-07-15
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B32U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO ADJUST THE PRETENSIONERS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS RESET; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,500.
2015-06-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-06-05
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B22U
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: MY 2002 TOYOTA AVALON CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDDLE AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE. I TRIED USING THE BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR, BUT I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR'S ACCELERATION. MY CAR ENDED UP SLAMMING INTO A HOUSE. IT WAS INVESTIGATED BY SHELBY TOWNSHIP MICHIGAN POLICE AND CONFIRMED THE ACCELERATED WAS STUCK. I RECEIVED SEVERE INJURIES IN THIS ACCIDENT INCLUDING A HEAD INJURY, AND NECK & BACK INJURIES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING A SIMILAR CAR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.
2015-04-25

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-10-04
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B42U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON:DEALER - LABOR 59067 CHECKED ALL CONNECTIONS. CHECKED CODES. CLEARED CODES. AIR BAG WARNING "RED" LIGHT CAME BACK ON WITHIN A FEW DAYS DEALER OFFERED A REPAIR APPROXIMATE COST $2,000.00 I DID NOT ACCEPT DID NOT REPAIR AM DRIVING THE CAR SINCE WITH WARNING LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME. *TR
2015-02-20

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-07
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B72U
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 04/06/15*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2015 *JS
2015-02-03

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-29
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B02U
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN
2015-01-21

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-01-16
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4T1BF28B42U
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKES AGAIN BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED STERNUM AND HEART BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

2002 Toyota Avalon recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Toyota Avalon.

2010-07-29
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: SHOULD THE STEERING LOCK BAR BREAK, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE DRIVER WOULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • 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.

Positive 2002 Toyota Avalon car reviews

  1. Alexander Bogisich 2025-01-08

    This vehicle gets great gas mileage and has impressive get up and go power. We've had no major mechanical incidents in the 80,000 miles we've driven it. We love the roomy trunk space, as well as the full size spare tire. The only downside is that the trunk lid sounds a bit tinny when closing, which can give a sense of cheapness. Overall, it's been an excellent purchase and we're excited to see its resale value in the near future.

  2. Rodger Harris 2024-10-29

    I've never been a fan of dealing with Toyota Dealers, but I knew I had to go there to get this car. The interior room, quietness, and comfort make it an excellent choice for a family car, as long as my three teenage children remain peaceful in the backseat.

  3. Ulices Gorczany 2024-10-20

    I traded my 2001 Chrysler 300M for a 2002 Avalon XLS and it was like going from a nightmare to a great dream. The Avalon drives well, is comfortable, and is a much better made vehicle than the Chrysler.

  4. Benjamin Larson 2024-10-10

    You're going to love how smooth this ride is!

  5. Kolby Osinski 2024-09-26

    The car I owned was fantastic! It never gave me any trouble and always delivered great gas mileage, averaging 30-32 MPG on the highway and 22 in the city.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Toyota Avalon problems:

2002 Toyota Avalon Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
2002 Toyota Avalon Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2002-toyota-avalon/problems

Problem with your 2002 Toyota Avalon? Our list of 15 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Toyota Avalon.

2002 Toyota Avalon owners general questions | Toyota Nation Forum
2002 Toyota Avalon owners general questions | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2002-toyota-avalon-owners-general-questions.1689445/

Dec 2, 2020 ... Common problems are that the valve cover gaskets will go (you'll smell burning oil when the engine is running) and the oxygen sensors will fail ...

2002 Toyota Avalon Reliability - Consumer Reports
2002 Toyota Avalon Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/avalon/2002/reliability/

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

2002 Toyota Avalon with major issues after 100K...is this all normal ...
2002 Toyota Avalon with major issues after 100K...is this all normal ...
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2002-toyota-avalon-with-major-issues-after-100k-is-this-all-normal.402197/

Jan 14, 2012 ... Yes, you have a sludged engine, and the sludge in the rear valve cover is blocking the proper PCV airflow. This is causing a vacuum under the ...

2002 Toyota Avalon Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
2002 Toyota Avalon Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-avalon-2002/consumer-reviews/

Comfort 4.8; Interior 4.5; Performance 4.6; Value 4.8; Exterior 4.0; Reliability 4.8.

Other years of Toyota Avalon

toyota avalon 2003 photo
Avalon 2003
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  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota avalon 2004 photo
Avalon 2004
Toyota

205

3

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota avalon 2005 photo
Avalon 2005
Toyota

226

7

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota avalon 2006 photo
Avalon 2006
Toyota

359

7

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota avalon 2007 photo
Avalon 2007
Toyota

240

6

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota avalon 2008 photo
Avalon 2008
Toyota

348

6

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2002 Toyota Avalon photo