Model year record

2010 Toyota Avalon recalls & problems

The 2010 Toyota Avalon has 7 safety recalls and 46 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is vehicle speed control (13 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints46filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints

2010 Toyota Avalon in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SeatsJun 2, 2016

Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler

Recall 16V3960007,749 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.

SeatsNov 19, 2014

Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler

Recall 14V7430003,233 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

SeatsJan 16, 2013

Seats

Recall 13V0140003,235 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Seats; Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

EquipmentFeb 3, 2010

Other › Labels

Recall 10V035000271,417 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentFeb 3, 2010

Other › Labels

Recall 10V036000153,418 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlJan 21, 2010

Accelerator pedal

Recall 10V0170002,230,661 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlOct 5, 2009

Accelerator pedal

Recall 09V3880004,445,056 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2010 Toyota Avalon 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2010 Toyota Avalon NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Avalon

23mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	13	2	3	3,812 mi
Steering	10	0	0	50,380 mi
Unknown or other	6	0	0	—
Exterior lightingBrake lights	4	0	0	54,500 mi
Electrical system	3	1	0	—
Visibility/wiper	3	0	0	58,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	2	0	0	—
Air bags	2	2	3	—
Equipment	1	0	0	—
Traction control system	1	0	0	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	1	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Head restraint	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
2010 Toyota Avalon [XXX] purchased used. Sticker on driverâs 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…
Jul 5, 2025
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.
Jul 10, 2024
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).
Feb 1, 2021
Steering
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
Apr 25, 2020 · 69,500 miles
Steering
LEVER THAT ADJUSTS TILT STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE AND WHEN IT FALLS IT DISENGAGES THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK AT ANY TIME.
Apr 1, 2012 · 15,000 miles
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.
Feb 3, 2019
Air bagsCrash2 injuries
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…
Nov 22, 2019 · 130,000 miles
Visibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE NOTICED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT UNDER THE REAR WINDOW FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1704300738. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 20, 2018 · 58,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.