2003 Toyota Avalon recalls and problems
The 2003 Toyota Avalon has 2 safety recalls and 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota Avalon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Toyota Avalon recalls
Recall 15V-043: Air Bags
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this campaign.
Recall 10V-345: Steering
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.
2003 Toyota Avalon problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 184 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 51 | |
| Steering | 19 | |
| Electrical System | 18 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 | |
| Suspension | 11 | |
| Structure | 7 | |
| Engine | 7 | |
| Power Train | 6 | |
| Seat Belts | 6 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 5
- Suspension › Front — 3
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Structure › Body — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,000 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 2003 Toyota Avalon complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Avalon: 15V-043 (air bags), 10V-345 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Avalon?
Owners report air bags problems most often (184 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (51). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,000 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.