2005 Toyota Avalon: common problems and reliability

The 2005 Toyota Avalon has 228 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and steering. Owners most often flag transmission shifting behavior/concerns (2019+ models) — reports of sluggish acceleration, rpm flaring to 1500-2000 before shifting, delayed or non-smooth shifts, and owner concerns about long-term reliability of the ua80 8-speed automatic. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2005 model year

228
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
36
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Toyota Avalon vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control
72
steering
42
power train
33
service brakes
25
engine and engine cooling
24

Recalls affecting the 2005 Avalon

seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler

Campaign 16V396000

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 Tacom

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 09V388000

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 FLOOR MAT.

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 10V036000

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." THESE VEHICLES WERE S

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

Campaign 10V499000

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 POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples. The Avalon is consistently praised as a durable, spacious, and smooth-riding sedan capable of exceeding 200,000 and even 400,000 miles with r

  • Transmission shifting behavior/concerns (2019+ models) — Reports of sluggish acceleration, RPM flaring to 1500-2000 before shifting, delayed or non-smooth shifts, and owner concerns about long-term reliability of the UA80 8-speed automatic. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical system failure (Hybrid models) — Isolated but severe incidents of complete dashboard warning light illumination and system failure, leading to lengthy repair times and part delays. Frequency: isolated.
  • Oil consumption (Older 4-cylinder Toyota engines referenced, not Avalon-specific) — Mentioned as a known issue for some Toyota models, but not specifically cited for the Avalon's V6. Frequency: N/A for Avalon V6.
  • Rodent damage to wiring — Knock sensor wire damage due to soy-based wire insulation attracting rodents, causing rough shifting and limp mode. Frequency: isolated.
  • Known maintenance items for older generations (e.g., 2007 model) — Timing cover oil leaks, rack and pinion seal failure, VVTI oil cooler line failure, and transmission case sealant failure. Frequency: isolated (specific to detailed owner report).

Owner insights cover all generations of the Avalon.

Typical used price

Used Avalon listings typically run $14,900–$28,044 across 2002 to 2021 model years.

Other Avalon model years