Is the 2006 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Toyota Avalon is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Avalon?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Avalon have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Toyota Avalon

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2006 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: 360
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Vehicle speed control

Complaints per year

2006: 360 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

29% · 103 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly surged forward until crashing into a house. There were no injuries reported.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-10

I slowed to pull into a parking space on the roof of parking garage. I tapped my brake and felt a sudden surge of power. (Noisy power sound) I forcefully pushed down on the brakes and burned rubber making visible skid marks.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-24

Also filed under Structure

Car did not start for several tries. On about the 5TH try, the moment I shifted into reverse, the throttle stuck and the car hurtled out of the garage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-25

Also filed under Electrical system

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 57 reports

Most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

FIRE

Power train

15% · 53 reports

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

CRASHINJURY

Steering

10% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing column and pump.

Service brakes

9% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2006Complaint volume 360 complaints filed for this model year.
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

2015-01-29Seats14V743000 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...

Remedy: 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.

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

2006 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Vehicle speed control: 103 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 57 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 53 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V096000 · Air bags
Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 10V017000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 10V036000 · Equipment
Recall 10V499000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V743000 · Seats
Recall 16V396000 · Seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2006 Toyota Avalon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Toyota Avalon is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Avalon?: The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 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.