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2014 Toyota Avalon Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Toyota Avalon carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower arm and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #14V715000 · Jul 11, 2014

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Camry, Camry HV, Avalon, and Avalon HV vehicles equipped with 16-inch and 17-inch rims. In the affected vehicles, the left-side front suspension lower arm may have been incorrectly manufactured. As a result, the left side lower arm may not have enough clamping surface area for one of the bolts that secures the lower arm to the lower ball joint.

Risk: Because of the insufficient clamping force, the lower arm may separate from the ball joint, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left side lower arm, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #14V576000 · Sep 19, 2014

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

Campaign #15V728000 · Mar 11, 2015

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.

Risk: A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #20V024000 · Jan 17, 2020

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Toyota Avalon.

Reported to NHTSA

Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering

VISIBILITY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2019-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10618823
“SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED/SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON FREEWAY ON NOV. 25-2015. LOUD NOISE (LIKE GUNSHOT OR EXPLOSION), FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY SOUND OF WIND ENTERING CAR AND SHATTERED GLASS ROLLING IN SPACE ABOVE INTERIOR SUNROOF CLOSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10807164
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH THE SUN ROOF CLOSED THE GLASS FOR THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED FOR NO EXPLAINABLE REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035375

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window sunshade motor failure

VISIBILITY/WIPER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2023-04

“The rear window retractable sun visor motor/gears have failed. When this happens, it leaves the sun visor in the up position in the rear window at all times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11514911
“I HAVE A REAR SUNSHADE ON THIS 2014 AVALON LIMITED VERSION THAT WAS WORKING FINE UNTIL I DECIDED TO PARK MY CAR OUTSIDE IN THE HOT SUMMER IN HOUSTON. THE AUTOMATIC REAR SUNSHADE STOPPED WORKING AND IS NOW STUCK IN THE UP POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267975
“THE TOYOTA AVALON HAS A REOCCURRING ISSUE WITH THE SUNSHADE IN THE REAR VIEW WINDOW BREAKING AND STAYING IN THE UP POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398285

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Interior trim and seat surface degradation

STRUCTURE, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2020-02

“ALL LEATHER AREAS ARE STICKY AND DIFFICULT TO USE IN THE CABIN. THE DASH, ALL COVERS, SHIFT NOB, CENTER CONSOLE, AND STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11312183
“I BOUGHT A NEW TOYOTA AVALON. AFTER ABOUT A MONTH I NOTICED THE HEADLINER FALLING OFF BY THE SUN ROOF. TOYOTA REPLACED THE HEADLINER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10653973
“UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THIS ONE OWNER CARS DRIVER'S SEAT IS FALLING APART. IT BROKE WHERE THE CONTROLS ARE, AND THE LEATHER FINISH OF THE SEAT COVERINGS [BACK AND BOTTOM] PREMATURELY WORE OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10986211

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Pre-collision system false activation with panic braking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2016-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SEAT BELT INDEPENDENTLY TIGHTENED UP AND THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10865692
“THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ABRUPTLY AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON ACTIVATED ON A FREEWAY IN CHARLESTON, SC. NO CAR OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION WAS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10683158
“DRIVING DOWN ROAD.. NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME NO OBJECTS IN ROAD. CLEAR SUNNY DAY WHEN THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ALARM SOUNDED AND THE PCS INDICATOR LIGHT LITE. THE ABS ENGAGED. AND THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN HALT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10609721

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision recall part unavailable for repair

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

23 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2019-10

“I RECEIVED A LETTER INFORMING ME OF A PROBLEM WITH THE PCS SYSTEM(RECALL 15V728) AND TOLD TO IMMEDIATELY TURN IT OFF, TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THE DEALER WOULD DISABLE THE SYSTEM UNTIL A FIX WAS PROVIDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816834
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V728000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925295
“PRE COLLOSION SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE A COMPUTER IN THE SYSTEM AT A COST OF OVER $1000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267586

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard chrome trim reflection into driver's eyes

STRUCTURE, VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2023-03

“FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING BRAND NEW 2014 TOYOTA AVALON, NOTICED A HIGHLY INTENSE MIRROR LIKE REFLECTION OF THE SUN COMING OFF THE VERY THICK SHINY POLISHED CHROME IN THE DASHBOARD THAT SURROUNDS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE AC VENTS IN THE CENTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10598004
“WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON A CITY STREET MIDDAY, IN SUNNY CLEAR CONDITIONS, SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED THE SUNS GLARE FROM AT LEAST 3 SPOTS ON SHINY CHROME COVERED DASHBOARD ALL AT SAME TIME, FROM DIFFERENT SPOTS, BLINDING AND DISTRACTING ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10608490
“Dash board is melting which causes it to get shiny which causes it to reflect onto the windshield. This reflection makes it very difficult to see other vehicles, road lines, and traffic direction sighns”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11510757

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2024-08

“I was pulling into a parking spot when my car suddenly accelerated to a very high speed. I traveled over a curb, on some pavement, through some bushes, knocked down a light pole and miraculously came to a stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607893
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, LIGHT PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406432
“I WAS STOPPING IN A TENNIS COURT PARKING LOT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A TREE. THE DAMAGE CAME TO ABOUT $7,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651770

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in frontal and side impact crashes

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2020-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10898301
“AVALON WAS IMPACTED ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS A 2006 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VAN. THE CHRYSLER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. TOYOTA AVALON AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10845542
“TAKATA RECALL. CAR WAS HIT ON SIDE IMPACT (T-BONED) ON DRIVER SIDE FRONT GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. CAR SUBSEQUENTLY ROLLED OVER ON IMPACT AND WAS PUSHED INTO GUARD RAIL. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER WAS TRAPPED AND HAD TO BE EXTRACTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083832

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

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)

43 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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2014 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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