VehicleVerdict

2000 Toyota Avalon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 220 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Avalon year — the 2000 model ranks #7 of 28 Avalon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (34), airbags (27), and brakes (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

220

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

52

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Avalon years?

Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted449 complaints1995: 92 complaints1996: 121 complaints1997: 155 complaints1998: 205 complaints1999: 113 complaints2000: 220 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 148 complaints2003: 353 complaints2004: 252 complaints2005: 303 complaints2006: 449 complaints2007: 311 complaints2008: 417 complaints2009: 110 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 130 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 187 complaints2014: 123 complaints2015: 63 complaints2016: 33 complaints2017: 17 complaints2018: 31 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 13 complaints2021: 29 complaints2022: 13 complaints
Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Toyota Avalon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering3415%
Airbags2712%
Brakes2511%
Engine2310%
Speed Control209%
Visibility & Wipers178%
Suspension136%
Electrical System125%
Tires & Wheels115%
Other105%
Transmission84%
Lighting63%
Latches & Locks31%
Seat Belts31%
Body & Structure21%
Fuel System21%
Seats21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%

Does the 2000 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V345000SteeringJuly 29, 2010 · 372,593 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 AVALON VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF THE STEERING LOCK BAR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A MINUTE CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE LOCK BAR. SUCH A CRACK MAY EXPAND OVER A LONG PERIOD OF REPEATED LOCK AND UNLOCK OPERATIONS, AND EVENTUALLY THE LOCK BAR COULD BREAK.

Consequence

SHOULD THE STEERING LOCK BAR BREAK, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE DRIVER WOULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERLOCK DEVICE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

00V154000SuspensionJune 5, 2000 · 541 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT, THE REAR AXLE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STRENGTH IN SOME AREAS.

Consequence

AFTER EXTENDED USE OF THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS COULD FAIL OR BREAK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR AXLE HUB ASSEMBLIES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 60-65 MPH , STEERED TO RIGHT TO AVOID RAGE ROAD AND THEN MADE A SHARP LEFT ,LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE , AND HIT A CONCRETE BRIDGE HEAD-ON, AND THEN ROLLED OVER 5 TIMES. DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF AIRBAGS BEING INOPERATIVE.*AK *JB CONSUMER STATES SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · crash

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 60-65 MPH , STEERED TO RIGHT TO AVOID RAGE ROAD AND THEN MADE A SHARP LEFT ,LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE , AND HIT A CONCRETE BRIDGE HEAD-ON, AND THEN ROLLED OVER 5 TIMES. DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF AIRBAGS BEING INOPERATIVE.*AK *JB CONSUMER STATES SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“I PULLED IN DRIVEWAY WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PROCEEDED TO TRY TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. WHEN I HIT THE BUTTON, MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DASHED FORWARD, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THE GARAGE DOOR, FRAME AND WALL. MY DEALER SAID IT COULDN'T HAPPEN AND WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE VEHICLE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 1, 2003 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 1MPH (ONE MILES) BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC, VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER CAR, SHIFTED AGAIN FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE AND SMASHING THE VEHICLE BEHIND. DEALER HAS BEEN REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 8, 2002 · crash

“TL-THE DRIVER OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE INVOLUNTARILY ACCELERATED RESULTING IN A CRASH THAT DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER WAS REPORTED INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION BY AN INSURANCE COMPANY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 2010 · crash

2000 Toyota Avalon — common questions

Is the 2000 Toyota Avalon reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 220 complaints put the 2000 model at #7 of 28 Avalon years. It is one of the Avalon years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Avalon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (34 complaints), airbags (27 complaints), brakes (25 complaints).

Does the 2000 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Toyota Avalon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Avalon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalon years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2003, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2000, 1998, 2013. The cleanest record among Avalon years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.