2002 Toyota Avalon recalls and problems

The 2002 Toyota Avalon has 1 safety recall and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

116

Crashes / fires

32 / 2

Injuries / deaths

16 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Toyota Avalon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Toyota Avalon recalls

Recall 10V-345: Steering

Reported Jul 29, 2010 · 372,593 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 Toyota Avalon problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	35
Vehicle Speed Control	25
Steering	18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	10
Tires	7
Engine and Engine Cooling	7
Electrical System	6
Service Brakes	5
Visibility	4
Seat Belts	4
Power Train	4
Unknown or Other	4

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Side/Window — 4
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 2
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 92,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Toyota Avalon complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Feb 10, 2025

Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003-2005 (4?) but not for 2002. The 2002 model is affected and should be recalled for the same issue before it kills someone. Also the shifter will not not go into drive without first pushing it forward and backwards several times to engage and the green D light on the dashboard will not show up.

Service Brakes · reported Apr 17, 2023

Bosch ABS anti skid, anti lock brake moduled failed. No brakes. Toyota US has no replacements parts available. Bosch no longer produces. Called Toyota Customer Service three times. Got to the management end and Senior Advisor told me, warranty expired, norhing we can do. I said, there are a bunch of 2000 to 2004 Toyota Avalons/Lexus 300 vehicles out there (same car except nameplates) with the same problem! Same answer: Toyota, LLC has no further interest in those models and warranty has expired. So, I have limited options: 1. Junk the car (funs and drives like new), 2. Start a legal proceeding…

Unknown or Other · reported Jun 10, 2021

Headlights failed to operate correctly, resulting in taking the car to fix problem , service advisor told me that this veh vin number shows this car should not havve automatly controled headlights, the car is being serviced at cedar rapids toyota , steve lemke is the servvice advisior

Air Bags · at 140,082 miles · reported Oct 3, 2020

The 2003-2004 model avalon's have a recall for the airbags when exposed to certain frequencies and noises. My 2002 avalon has the same issue and toyota needs to include this model year as well. I've had no problems out of this car ever, but as soon as it hit 140,000 miles the air bags light came on. After doing a little research I seen that others were having the same issue. Please include this model year in the recall because this car is very dependable and I've had no issues until now.

Air Bags · at 192,000 miles · reported Feb 2, 2020

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 received injuries due to this disorder.

Other Toyota Avalon years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Toyota Avalon years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Toyota Avalon: 10V-345 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Toyota Avalon?

Owners report air bags problems most often (35 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 92,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.