2011 Toyota Avensis problems
The Toyota Avensis (Japanese: トヨタ・アベンシス, Hepburn: Toyota Abenshisu) is a mid-size/large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by the Japanese automaker Toyota from October 1997 to August 2018. It was the direct successor to the European Carina E and was available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate.
The Avensis was introduced in 1997, to create a more modern name when compared with the Carina E. The "Avensis" name is derived from the French term avancer, meaning "to advance" or "move forward". The Avensis was not sold in North America, and it is related to the Scion tC coupé. It also shared a platform with the Allion and Premio and was available at Japanese dealership network Toyota Netz Store.
An MPV called the Avensis Verso (Ipsum in Japan and previously the Picnic in other markets) was built in Japan on a separate platform.
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Common 2011 Toyota Avensis problems
The Toyota Avensis 2011 is known for its reliability, but there are some common problems that owners have reported. One issue is headlight condensation, which can build up in the headlights, especially at the cold break of day. This problem is simple to solve, but it may require replacing the whole unit, which can be costly.
Another common problem is a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF), which can cause stalling, a rough ride, and a pungent aroma. This problem is usually caused by the owner not taking the car on the open road enough, where it can reach the required speed to clear out the filter.
The Avensis also has issues with the steering column, which can cause a rattling noise when cornering. This problem was the subject of a recall, but some vehicles may have slipped through the net. There is also a problem with the steering rack that causes a squeaking or knocking sound, which requires a full part replacement to fix.
Another recall concerned an imbalance in the braking, which should have been fixed by the service center. It is essential to check the service history and ensure that all the braking distances are as expected when out on the open road.
The clutch is also known to wear out prematurely, causing a whining or grinding sound coming from the front of the car. This problem can be costly to fix, and it is crucial to listen for any unusual sounds when test driving the car.
The EGR valve on the Avensis is prone to blockages, which can cause plumes of black smoke to come pumping out of the exhaust. This problem can be easily fixed by giving the valve a good clean, but it is essential to check for this symptom before purchasing a second-hand Toyota with these symptoms.
In summary, while the Toyota Avensis 2011 is generally a reliable car, there are some common problems that owners have reported. These include headlight condensation, clogged DPF, steering column and rack issues, braking imbalance, clutch wear, and EGR valve blockages. It is crucial to check for these problems when buying a second-hand Toyota Avensis and ensure that all recalls have been carried out.
Is Toyota Avensis 2011 reliable?
Is a used Toyota Avensis saloon reliable? Even the most recent Toyota Avensis models are starting to get old, but despite this, they're still among the most reliable used executive cars on sale. In our 2023 study, it came second in its class, with an impressive 95.6% score.
What is the common problem of Toyota Avensis?
DPF problems
The Avensis has known problems with the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) getting blocked up. If this gets blocked up you may smell fuel in the cabin. Other symptoms include: the car may run very roughly and/or issues with the car stalling.
Does the 2011 Toyota Avensis have a timing belt or chain?
Expert answer
We've checked with Toyota and that Avensis has a timing chain.
How many miles will a Toyota Avensis last?
The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Avensis is 257,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Is Toyota Avensis 2011 reliable?
Is a used Toyota Avensis saloon reliable? Even the most recent Toyota Avensis models are starting to get old, but despite this, they're still among the most reliable used executive cars on sale. In our 2023 study, it came second in its class, with an impressive 95.6% score.
What is the common problem of Toyota Avensis?
DPF problems
The Avensis has known problems with the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) getting blocked up. If this gets blocked up you may smell fuel in the cabin. Other symptoms include: the car may run very roughly and/or issues with the car stalling.
Are Toyota Avensis parts expensive?
Overall replacement parts for new Avensis are 21% cheaper than the equivalent Nissan Primera, more than 5% less than the Ford and Vauxhall and almost 10% less costly than the outgoing Avensis model.
Does the 2011 Toyota Avensis have a timing belt or chain?
Expert answer
We've checked with Toyota and that Avensis has a timing chain.
2011 Toyota Avensis car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Avensis problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Toyota Avensis vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Toyota Avensis complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Toyota Avensis.
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SB1BE76L40E
- Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
- Summary: DEAR SIR OR MADAM, I AM A US CITIZEN LIVING IN SERBIA, EUROPE, WORKING AS AN EXPAT FOR AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR COMPANY WITHIN EAST EUROPEAN SALES DIVISION. I AM BRINING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE US MODELS OF TOYOTA MAY HAVE IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AS THE ONE IN AVENSIS THAT CRASHED. ON JUNE 24TH, 2014, AN INEXPLICABLE CAR CRASH HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. AT 8:30AM AND PERFECT WEATHER (MOSTLY SUNNY 75F), MY TOYOTA SUDDENLY STARTED TURNING AROUND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AT ABOUT 75MPH. I TRIED TO RETURN IT BACK BY PULLING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT, BUT EVEN STRONGER FORCE PULLED MY CAR TO ROTATE AROUND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL, TURNING THE CAR BY 180 DEGREES. THEN, MY CAR SLAMMED WITH THE DRIVER SIDE AGAINST THE OUTSIDE GUARDRAIL. THE CAR THEN FLEW UP IN THE AIR, TURNING SEVERAL TIMES AROUND ITS CENTRAL AXIS, BEFORE LANDING IN THE FIELDS NEXT TO THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS TOTALLED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLY. UPON EXPERT WITNESS REPORT THAT THE BREAKAGE OF THE FRONT RIGHT HALFSHAFT AND FRONT RIGHT "OSCILLATING BALL SHOULDER" CAUSED THE ACCIDENT, I CONTACTED TOYOTA SERBIA TO HELP WITH THE INVESTIGATIONS AS A POSSIBLE REASON WAS, PER EXPERT WITNESS, POOR QUALITY CONTROL. TOYOTA SERBIA RECEIVED THE PARTS IN QUESTION AND SENT THEM TO TOYOTA EUROPE INVESTIGATIONS CENTER IN BELGIUM. AFTER LONG SEVERAL MONTHS, TOYOTA SERBIA SENT AN ABRIDGED REPORT IN SERBIAN LANGAUGE. THEIR REPRESENTATIVE REPEATEDLY REFUSED TO SEND THE ORIGINAL REPORT IN ENGLISH. IN SUMMARY , TOYOTA'S BEHAVIOR IS VERY UNUSUAL, THEY REFUSED TO ANSWER HOW THESE COMPONENTS AND PARTS COULD BRAKE AT ALL. THEY ALSO DID NOT RESPOND TO THE QUESTION WHY AIRBAG SYSTEM DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE HIT AND SEVERE TUMBLING. AT THE SAME TIME, THEY CLAIM THAT THE TUMBLING DAMAGED HALFSHAFT. ALSO, THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS ONE DAMAGE TO THE COATING OF THE HALFSHAFT OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN THAT THEY DIDN'T EXPLAIN. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Toyota Avensis problems:
Common Problems On The New Avensis 62 Reg 2012 Onwards ...
Jul 18, 2015 ... The main flaw with Avensis is the electronic parking brake, which are more prone to failure on the per 2011 versions. Likely to cost about £1k ...
Toyota Avensis: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Toyota Avensis Common Problems and Solutions · Noise Coming From Auxiliary Drive Belts · Squealing Brakes · Car Whines when the Clutch is Pressed · Slow Engine ...
2011 Toyota Avensis Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 11, 2023 ... Exhaust and suspension components needed renewed. Acceptable at theage and mileage. Clutch has a bit of a judder on engagement. Sub-frame has ...
Toyota Avensis Review Common Problems - BreakerLink Blog
Feb 26, 2018 ... So what are the common faults with the Toyota Avensis? · Headlight Condensation · Clogged DPF · Steering Rattle · Brakes · Clutch · EGR Valve · Related ...
Toyota Avensis 2011 - thoughts? | AA New Zealand
Apr 24, 2018 ... Forum Servicing, repair, faults and reliability Toyota Avensis 2011 - thoughts? camsutton75. By camsutton75 | AA Member | 6 Posts | ...
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