MYRModel Year Report

2008 Toyota Avalon

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 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
349
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Exterior lighting

61% of complaints

Complaints per year

1995: 80 complaints 1995 1996: 109 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 178 complaints 1999: 92 complaints 1999 2000: 173 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 293 complaints 2003 2004: 205 complaints 2005: 228 complaints 2006: 360 complaints 2007: 243 complaints 2008: 349 complaints 2008 349 2009: 91 complaints 2010: 46 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2012: 30 complaints 2013: 137 complaints 2014: 96 complaints 2015: 41 complaints 2015 2016: 23 complaints 2017: 14 complaints 2018: 24 complaints 2019: 71 complaints 2019 2020: 10 complaints 2021: 21 complaints 2022: 8 complaints
1995: 80 complaints 1995 1996: 109 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 178 complaints 1999: 92 complaints 1999 2000: 173 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2001 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 293 complaints 2003 2004: 205 complaints 2005: 228 complaints 2005 2006: 360 complaints 2007: 243 complaints 2008: 349 complaints 2008 349 2009: 91 complaints 2010: 46 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2011 2012: 30 complaints 2013: 137 complaints 2013 2014: 96 complaints 2015: 41 complaints 2015 2016: 23 complaints 2017: 14 complaints 2017 2018: 24 complaints 2019: 71 complaints 2019 2020: 10 complaints 2021: 21 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints
1995: 80 complaints 1995 1996: 109 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 178 complaints 1999: 92 complaints 1999 2000: 173 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2001 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 293 complaints 2003 2004: 205 complaints 2005: 228 complaints 2005 2006: 360 complaints 2007: 243 complaints 2008: 349 complaints 2008 349 2009: 91 complaints 2010: 46 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2011 2012: 30 complaints 2013: 137 complaints 2013 2014: 96 complaints 2015: 41 complaints 2015 2016: 23 complaints 2017: 14 complaints 2017 2018: 24 complaints 2019: 71 complaints 2019 2020: 10 complaints 2021: 21 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints

2008: 349 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199580
1996109
1997125
1998178
199992
2000173
2001134
2002116
2003293
2004205
2005228
2006360
2007243
2008349
200991
201046
2011106
201230
2013137
201496
201541
201623
201714
201824
201971
202010
202121
20228

Known problem areas

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

Exterior lighting

61% · 213 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Because my instrument panel is alway illuminated, I was unaware that I was driving one night without my lights on. Now I know why I see more cars at night without their lights. Manufacturers need to fix this problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-15

The headlights randomly go out when the car is being driven. It started with one side but now both lights are going off and have done so simultaneously which is very dangerous!

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-10

Vehicle speed control

13% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Avalon. The contact was at a complete stop with the brakes applied when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact crashed into a residence.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-12

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Avalon. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle spontaneously began accelerating on its own.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-17

Electrical system

13% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing software and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My wife was turning off sunrise highway (Westbound) onto the wellwood ave ramp. For some unknown reason the engine started to rev very high. She try to stop, using the brakes, but the vehicle would not stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-01

Structure

6% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

5% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Steering wheel column adjustment lever drops down allowing the steering column to collapse forward (Or move back if holding on to it during vehicle entry). Lever interferes with entry and exit of the vehicle and hurts the leg.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-15

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 349 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. 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 →

  3. 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 →

  4. 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 →

  5. R
    2010-05-27Equipment10V035000 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…

    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. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. 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 →

  7. 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

2008 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 213 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 44 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V388000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 10V017000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 10V036000 · Equipment
  • Recall 10V035000 · Equipment
  • Recall 14V743000 · Seats
  • Recall 16V396000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Toyota Avalon is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Avalon?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Avalon have?
6 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.