2005 Toyota Avalon Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
82/100
#4 most-complained of 18 Avalon years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Toyota Avalon has 228 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 82 out of 100 — #4 highest of 18 Avalon model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (102 complaints, 45% of the total). Complaints report 36 crashes, 3 fires, 21 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 228
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 36 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 28 hwy
Top 2005 Toyota Avalon problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine102 (45%)
- Steering42 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain33 (14%)
- Brakes26 (11%)
- Electrical System21 (9%)
- Structure & Body19 (8%)
- Other14 (6%)
- Airbags12 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (5%)
- Fuel System6 (3%)
2005 Toyota Avalon recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V396000Jun 2, 2016Structure & Body7,749 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler
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, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
- NHTSA 10V499000Oct 21, 2010Brakes728,544 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
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 lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
- NHTSA 10V036000Feb 3, 2010Other153,418 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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 sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
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 southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
2005 Toyota Avalon fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Toyota Avalon a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Toyota Avalon ranks #4 of 18 among Avalon model years (Complaint Index 82/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 228 complaints and 7 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Avalon?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (102 complaints), steering (42 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (33 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 47,850 miles.
- Does the 2005 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2005 Toyota Avalon, most recently reported 2016, covering structure & body, brakes, other, and engine.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Toyota Avalon?
- EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Avalon at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.