VehicleVerdict

2002 Toyota Avalon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 Toyota Avalon sits mid-pack among Avalon years: 148 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 122, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (35), speed control (25), and steering (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

148

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

44

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Avalon years?

Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Toyota Avalon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3524%
Speed Control2517%
Steering1812%
Brakes1711%
Tires & Wheels96%
Engine85%
Electrical System85%
Visibility & Wipers53%
Transmission43%
Seat Belts43%
Other43%
Fuel System32%
Suspension32%
Body & Structure21%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2002 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO SLIPPERY ROADS. I WAS EXITING I5 ON TO HIGHWAY 7 IN TACOMA WASHINGTON. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP, SLID AND HIT A CEMENT WALL ON HIGHWAY 7. UPON IMPACT I HIT MY HEAD ON WINDSHIELD AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT UPON IMPACT. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 24, 2020 · crash

“2002 TOYOTA AVALON EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AFTER CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISENGAGED.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED].*MR THE FIRST INCIDENT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO IMPACT LOW TREES BRANCHES WHICH SCRATCHED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND INCIDENT RESULTED IN NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 1, 1901 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (ROUTE 90) MY TOYOTA AVALON SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) AND STRUCK THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY AVALON AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO TURNING THE WHEEL AND TO BRAKING. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 22, 2009 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (ROUTE 90) MY TOYOTA AVALON SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) AND STRUCK THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY AVALON AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO TURNING THE WHEEL AND TO BRAKING. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 22, 2009 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (ROUTE 90) MY TOYOTA AVALON SUDDENLY TURNED TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) AND STRUCK THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. I HAD NO CONTROL OF MY AVALON AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO TURNING THE WHEEL AND TO BRAKING. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 22, 2009 · crash

2002 Toyota Avalon — common questions

Is the 2002 Toyota Avalon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Avalon: 148 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Avalon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (35 complaints), speed control (25 complaints), steering (18 complaints).

Does the 2002 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.