Is the 2005 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Avalon is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Avalon?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Avalon have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Toyota Avalon

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2005 Toyota Avalon
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 228
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Vehicle speed control

Complaints per year

2005: 228 complaints

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	360
2007	243
2008	349
2009	91
2010	46
2011	106
2012	30
2013	137
2014	96
2015	41
2016	23
2017	14
2018	24
2019	71
2020	10
2021	21
2022	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

32% · 72 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

I was backing into my garage and suddenly I could not control my car. It accelerated and I could not stop it. I hit the brake and car didnt stop until it crashed into my refrigerator in the garage. It happened so fast, like a bad dream.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-18

Also filed under Service brakes

I was driving my 2005 Toyota Avalon in stop and go traffic due to an earlier accident up ahead. Vehicle speed at the time was approximately 10-15 MPH. Without warning the Avalon surged ahead and rapidly accelerated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-12

Consumer brakes did not work on Toyota Avalon 2005. *ts (11/17/05) the vehicle also would experienced sudden acceleration when the brakes were applied. On one occasion, the vehicle jumped 6 feet before coming to a halt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-17

Steering

19% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing column and pump.

INJURY

Power train

15% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

2005 Toyota Avalon touring model taken in 5000 mile service with complaints about a noise coming from rear end or transmission. Toyota could not hear it until I insisted mechanic take ride me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-01

Also filed under Electrical system

After the alternator and battery dies the car went right back to accelerating by itself into traffic, I contacted Toyota and explained that after the battery and alternator died the problem came right back but they seem not to…

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-17

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE

Service brakes

11% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2005Complaint volume 228 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2005-05-02Steering05V227000 On certain passenger vehicles, the steering yoke was not welded to the steering shaft. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, there is a possibility that the yoke may come off from the…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering yoke and shaft weld condition, and replace the steering column assembly free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2005. Owners may contact Toyota at…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-04-06Air bags06V096000 On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-12-31Vehicle speed control09V388000 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…

Remedy: 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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-02-05Vehicle speed control10V017000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-05-27Equipment10V036000 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."

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-11-15Service brakes, hydraulic10V499000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 Avalon, model year 2004-2006 Highlander, model year 2004-2006 Lexus rx, and model year 2006 Lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 15, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-14Seats16V396000 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,...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Vehicle speed control: 72 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 43 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 34 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V227000 · Steering
Recall 06V096000 · Air bags
Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 10V017000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 10V036000 · Equipment
Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V396000 · Seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Toyota Avalon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Avalon is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Avalon?: The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Avalon have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.