2008 Toyota Avalon
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.
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
57% of complaints: exterior lighting — 199 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20241015
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, 20171210
12% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20120412
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080917
5% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20120715
4% of complaints: structure — 14 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 FL
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. THES
Campaign 09V388000 — check if this car was fixed
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 M
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 BE
Campaign 10V017000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
Campaign 10V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VE
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 RECAL
Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V743000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V396000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (199 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V017000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V036000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V743000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V396000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Avalon have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.