2009 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
- 91
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 91 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 | 42 |
| 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.
Exterior lighting
27% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Steering
20% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
Shortly after purchasing my 09 Toyota Avalon, the lever that locks the telescoping steering wheel in place began falling down.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-22
The steering latch to adjust steering wheel unlocks while Iâm driving causing my steering wheel to drop literally while Iâm driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-20
Vehicle speed control
20% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that when turning the steering wheel, the vehicle accelerated independently.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-30
When slowly pulling into a parking space in front of a building, the vehicle suddenly accelerated across a 3-foot wide sidewalk and into one of the storefronts of a building--resulting in extensive damage to the front of the vehicle (Currently in...
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-01
Going very slowly and heading into a curb in a parking lot, I stepped on the brake, and instead the car accelerated and stopped only when it hit a limb of a large bush. It left a dent in my front bumper. This has happened only one time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-01
Also filed under Service brakes, electric
Electrical system
12% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Avalon. While driving 45 MPH in the dark, the headlights and the instrument panel lighting turned off. As a result, the contact was unable to view the road and instrument panel gauges.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-13
I just purchased a 2009 Avalon and noticed the high beams are not working. I called Toyota and they limited the warranty on this known issue to only 76K miles. My vehicle has 97K miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-28
Service brakes
12% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing electric and hydraulic.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
R
2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may…
-
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.
-
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 18 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 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
- Recall 14V743000 · Seats
- Recall 16V396000 · Seats
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Toyota Avalon reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Toyota Avalon is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Avalon?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Avalon have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.