PROBLEM GUIDE

2013–2016 Toyota Avalon Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated July 2026

96

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2013–2016

Model years affected

The Pre-Collision System (PCS) activates without cause, triggering false braking and seatbelt tightening, with replacement parts unavailable despite a confirmed recall. Separately, the sunroof spontaneously shatters during normal driving.

Quick Scan: 18 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

Think this sounds like your Toyota Avalon?

Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.

Get a Second Opinion

Compare estimates before authorizing major work.

Compare Estimates →

Talk to MyGearGuru

Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.

Start my diagnosis →

PROBLEM DETAILS

Pre-Collision System activates without cause, parts unavailable

False braking and seatbelt tightening

Check engine light: On

The Pre-Collision System (PCS) activates without cause, triggering false braking and seatbelt tightening. Replacement parts have been unavailable for extended periods despite a confirmed recall (15V728000).

↑ Back to the problem table

Sunroof spontaneous glass explosion

"Glass suddenly shattered with a loud explosion with large shards"

Check engine light: Off

The sunroof spontaneously shatters during normal driving — one driver reported 'glass suddenly shattered with a loud explosion with large shards.'

↑ Back to the problem table

Unintended acceleration without pedal input

One incident resulted in a collision with a parked vehicle

Check engine light: On

Unintended acceleration without pedal input has been documented, including one incident causing a collision with a parked vehicle.

↑ Back to the problem table

Dashboard chrome trim reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes

Rear sunshade also obstructs visibility when stuck raised

Check engine light: Off

Dashboard chrome trim reflects sunlight directly into the driver's eyes; separately, the rear sunshade design obstructs visibility when stuck in the raised position.

↑ Back to the problem table

Sunroof drain tube detachment

Interior water damage and mold concerns

Check engine light: Off

Sunroof drain tube detachment causes interior water damage and mold concerns — a separate sunroof-adjacent defect from the shattering issue above.

↑ Back to the problem table

Rear Window Sunshade Fails and Makes Grinding Noise

The rear window sunshade fails and makes a grinding noise

Check engine light: Off

The rear window sunshade fails and makes a grinding noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 229 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles

The ignition coil may fail after 100,000 miles

Check engine light: On

The ignition coil may fail after 100,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 171 owner reports on file.

around 100,000 miles per owner reports

↑ Back to the problem table

Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component

The check engine light comes on due to a failed oxygen sensor component

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a failed oxygen sensor component. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 159 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Oil Leak From the Valve Cover Gaskets

Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets

Check engine light: Off

Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 170 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages

The automatic transmission may not shift correctly at high mileages

Check engine light: Off

The automatic transmission may not shift correctly at high mileages. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 101 owner reports on file.

high mileage

↑ Back to the problem table

Replace EVAP Canister to Correct EVAP System Problems

Replacing the EVAP canister corrects EVAP system problems

Check engine light: On

Replacing the EVAP canister corrects EVAP system problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 84 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve

The check engine light comes on due to a failed EVAP purge control valve

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a failed EVAP purge control valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Debris in Idle Air Control Valve May Cause Engine Problems

Debris in the idle air control valve may cause engine problems

Check engine light: Off

Debris in the idle air control valve may cause engine problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 39 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System

The vehicle fails an emissions test due to a blocked EGR system

Check engine light: On

The vehicle fails an emissions test due to a blocked EGR system. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Vehicle Won't Crank Due To Starter

The vehicle won't crank due to the starter

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle won't crank due to the starter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Brake Master Cylinder May Need Replacing at 125,000 Miles

The brake master cylinder may need replacing at 125,000 miles

Check engine light: Off

The brake master cylinder may need replacing at 125,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 18 owner reports on file.

around 125,000 miles per owner reports

↑ Back to the problem table

Massive Oil Leak and Loss of Oil Pressure

A massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure occurs

Check engine light: Off

A massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure occurs. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Rough Idle and Backfiring Engine with Check Engine Light

A rough idle and backfiring engine occurs with the check engine light on

Check engine light: On

A rough idle and backfiring engine occurs with the check engine light on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

This generation has a confirmed recall (15V728000) for the Pre-Collision System (PCS) false-activation defect, but replacement parts have been unavailable for extended periods. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

Free instant car diagnosisKnow what's wrong before you go to the mechanic — takes 1 minute.