2002 Toyota Avalon
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 80 |
| 1996 | 109 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 178 |
| 1999 | 92 |
| 2000 | 173 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 293 |
| 2004 | 205 |
| 2005 | 228 |
| 2006 | 359 |
| 2007 | 242 |
| 2008 | 349 |
| 2009 | 91 |
| 2010 | 44 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 137 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2015 | 40 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 66 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: air bags — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150121
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120706
Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250210
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180416
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH AND GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130509
16% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030501
4% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, BRAKES DID NOT WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190326
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 B
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.
Campaign 10V345000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V345000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota Avalon is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Avalon?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Avalon have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.