Is dashboard cracking a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Avalon?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about dashboard cracking on the 2010 Toyota Avalon (2020-02 → 2026-07). Reported component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11749357): "OUR 2010 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED WITH 126537 TOTAL MILES AS OF 07/09/2026, SITS IN OUR GARAGE ALL THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN IT SOMEWHERE. THE PROBLEM IS THE DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE" Source: NHTSA.

Is headlight and high-beam bulb failure a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Avalon?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about headlight and high-beam bulb failure on the 2010 Toyota Avalon (2010-10 → 2018-05). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10361610): "I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON TOURING MODEL. SINCE LATE JUNE OF 2010 THROUGH OCTOBER OF 2010 THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON 3 CONSECUTIVE LONG TRIPS" Source: NHTSA.

Is rear window sunshade stuck in raised position a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Avalon?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear window sunshade stuck in raised position on the 2010 Toyota Avalon (2015-11 → 2016-06). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10873279): "REAR SUNSHADE IS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW. I KNOW MAY AVALONS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE COST TO FIX IT IS FAR BEYOND REASON" Source: NHTSA.

Is engine stall during low-speed turns a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Avalon?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine stall during low-speed turns on the 2010 Toyota Avalon (2013-03 → 2013-09). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10544159): "MY 2010 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED SOMETIMES STALLS AT 20 MPH OR WHEN TURNING LEFT, OR SWITCHING LANES. IT IS AS THOUGH IT PAUSES, BUT DOESN'T DIE" Source: NHTSA.

2010 Toyota Avalon Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is steering column tilt/telescope lever failure a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Avalon?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about steering column tilt/telescope lever failure on the 2010 Toyota Avalon (2010-10 → 2020-06). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11330837): "THE LATCH ON THE LOWER LEFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTROLS THE POSITIONING OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY COMES LOOSE. I DISCOVERED THAT AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SLID IN AND DOWN" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is unintended acceleration during cruise control or braking a known issue with the 2010 Toyota Avalon?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unintended acceleration during cruise control or braking on the 2010 Toyota Avalon (2010-01 → 2016-12). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10298556): "ON THREE OCCASIONS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS JAMMED OPEN BY FACTORY CLOTH FLOOR MAT. REMOVED THE MAT. 2. ON MULTIPLE RECENT OCCASIONS WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND PLACED IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED" Source: NHTSA.

The 2010 Toyota Avalon carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering seat heater/cooler. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering column tilt/telescope lever failure.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #14V743000 · Nov 19, 2014

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #16V396000 · Feb 6, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Campaign #09V388000 · May 10, 2009

Issue: 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.

Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Fix: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V035000 · Mar 2, 2010

Issue: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #10V036000 · Mar 2, 2010

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Campaign #10V017000 · Jan 21, 2010

Issue: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.

Risk: THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Toyota Avalon.

Reported to NHTSA

Steering column tilt/telescope lever failure

STEERING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2010-10 → 2020-06

“THE LATCH ON THE LOWER LEFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CONTROLS THE POSITIONING OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY COMES LOOSE. I DISCOVERED THAT AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SLID IN AND DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330837

“DRIVING ON RT 81S IN VIRGINIA WHEN THE TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN LOCK CAME UNLOCKED. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL COLLAPSED TOWARD THE DASH. SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10524101

“THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2010 AVALON COLLAPSES WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE AN ADJUSTABLE "TELESCOPE" STEERING WHEEL THAT ADJUSTS FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. IT IS CONTROLLED BY A LEVER UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH LOCKS IT INTO PLACE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10359854

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard cracking

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2026-07

“OUR 2010 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED WITH 126537 TOTAL MILES AS OF 07/09/2026, SITS IN OUR GARAGE ALL THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN IT SOMEWHERE. THE PROBLEM IS THE DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749357

“GOOD DAY! I UNDERSTAND THERE WERE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARDS REPORTED FOR CERTAIN 2010 TOYOTA AVALONS. MY 2010 TOYOTA AVALON WAS NOT ON THE TOYOTA WARRANTY LIST TO HAVE THE DASHBOARD REPLACED DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414639

“DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CRACKING NON STOP AND IT KEEPS ON GETTING WORSE AND WORSE THE WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. PLUS ITS ALWAYS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307575

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight and high-beam bulb failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2010-10 → 2018-05

“I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA AVALON TOURING MODEL. SINCE LATE JUNE OF 2010 THROUGH OCTOBER OF 2010 THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON 3 CONSECUTIVE LONG TRIPS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10361610

“2010 TOYOTA AVALON WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP (VISALIA TOYOTA) FOR HI-BEAM BULBS EXPLODING WHEN TURNED ON. DEALER REPLACED BULBS BUT THIS HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10586888

“HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING ON BOTH SIDES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378763

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window sunshade stuck in raised position

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2016-06

“REAR SUNSHADE IS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION. IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW. I KNOW MAY AVALONS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE COST TO FIX IT IS FAR BEYOND REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10873279

“REAR WINDOW SHADE WOULD NOT RETRACT. DRIVING AT NIGHT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT REAR WINDOW DUE TO SHADE BEING STUCK IN RAISED POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10794331

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during cruise control or braking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

12 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2016-12

“ON THREE OCCASIONS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS JAMMED OPEN BY FACTORY CLOTH FLOOR MAT. REMOVED THE MAT. 2. ON MULTIPLE RECENT OCCASIONS WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND PLACED IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10298556

“I WAS DRIVING A 2010 TOYOTA AVALON ON MONDAY 3-1-2010 AT 2PM ON THE 210 GOING WEST AT 70 MPH IN CRUISE CONTROL THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC WHEN I UP THE SPEED TO 75 MPH AND THE CAR TOOK OFF UP TO 100MPH BY ITSELF I PRESSED THE BRAKE TAKING IT OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL THIS HAPPENED IN A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10316938

“LAST TUESDAY, DEC 6TH, 2016,I STARTED MY TOYOTA AVALON 2010 AND GOT FROM A PARKING TO HIGWAY PR 1, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED GEAR TO LOWEST SHIFT, STEPPED ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK AND ONLY STOPPED WHEN I DID PUT IT ON PKG AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10933905

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall during low-speed turns

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2013-09

“MY 2010 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED SOMETIMES STALLS AT 20 MPH OR WHEN TURNING LEFT, OR SWITCHING LANES. IT IS AS THOUGH IT PAUSES, BUT DOESN'T DIE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10544159

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10542016

“I HAVE A PROBLEM THAT I AM AFRAID COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY 2010 TOYOTA AVALON I STARTED HAVING THIS PROBLEM INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT KIND OF STALLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10503459

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

13 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Toyota Avalon reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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