Toyota Avalon Navigation System

fmfl · August 2009

I agree with you 200 percent. Never again will I buy anything that says Toyota. For all the money I spent on this damned navigation system and all the grief it has given me together with the icy cold nose in the air Toyota bunch I've had it with Toyota. I drive through lots of rough neighborhoods and even though I need my navigation unit it will be a cold day in hell before I pull over and play with this lunatic idiotic non-responding rubics cube navigation system. I went back to my dealer and discussed the lousy navigation system, and I asked them how they could sell this junk in good conscience ... their reply was that they had so much negative customer rebellion that they no longer will no sell a car with Toyota navigation. And, why in the hell won't Toyota fix it?

generose · August 2009

his a repeat of my earlier message #214 for all the dissatisfied Avalon Owners with
NAV system problems...Go To It
.....have a 2007 avalon with a GPS....I can not tell you how many times this thing has taken me astray...Ihave told the dealer to no avail. I have called the toyota home office and they say they have no complaints about the GPS system...

Toyota America is lying to you. I finally got results after I called Toyota in Japan (Tokyo)and sent them documentation of my travails with the factory representative who saw my car malfunction and said that there was nothing wrong with the system. A certified letter to Toyota in California got me a phone call from a representative who said that the word of the Factory Representative was final and I could go to arbitration if I felt there was a basis for a complaint. They refused to put their response in writing. After the call to Japan (which must be made at night after 9PM EST), the lady I spoke to, who spoke perfect English, expressed the concern that the position being taken by Toyota America was not appropriate and that she would contact them. I received a call from a gentleman in the Executive Offices of Toyota America after about 5 days who advised me that they had heard about problems with the Navigation system. He said that they intend to make changes in future models. I asked what good that would do for me and he asked me what I would thought would be appropriate. I said I either wanted the system fixed or I wanted monetary compensation for the less-than-perfect system.
He asked what I thought would be appropriate. I asked for $500 and he agreed. I got a check with a cover letter that made no mention of the problem, merely that the check was for "goodwill". Anybody with the problem should consider dealing with Toyota regarding this problem in the same way since they are taking the STONEWALL POSITION on the problems with this system. I got the number for Toyota by going on the Toyota website (Japan). Good Luck to All. Write back after you try this! It worked for me! By the way.... I used STARTEC phone service (see GOOGLE) The call to Japan for 20+ minutes cost about $1.00

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tdemoully · August 2009

Just send email to Toyota Japan, need phone number in Japan if you have one, I have looked a the Lexus site and seems they have the same problems. Way to go Toyota

generose · August 2009

Toyota Japan HQ (from Google inquiry)
Tel: 03 3817 7111
Fax: 03 3817 9026

navguy1 · September 2009

Toyota just released the new V9.1 DVD map disc. I picked up mine for $199! I bought one 2 years ago for $265.

I also got the part numbers:

86271-GEN23-09 86271-33038 (2003-2006 Avalon)
86271-AVLN3-09 86271-41013 (2007-2009 Avalon)

jordanfl · September 2009

Were there any improvements for rurual areas and areas with low population density? The older versions just drop you in the middle of nowhere when they decide there is not enough data to provide a route.

joelgunter · September 2009

NAVGUY - Where did you get your disk for $199. Definitely a better price than I have found. Thanks.

elseth · September 2009

can you share where you got the disc for that price? Thanks.

joelgunter · September 2009

I just talked to 7 Toyota dealers in the Colorado area trying to find this disc. The range in availability was September 11 to February 2010. The range in price was $215 to $300. Lots of variability.

sakeller · September 2009

I am driving a 2002 XLS and would like to consider the 2010 Limited. I see a large number of complaints regarding the navigation system in the 2009 and earlier models.
Does anyone know if Toyota changed the navigation system in the 2010 model?

Thanks.

bobu1 · September 2009

We all know it stinks but BEWARE! My '07 Limited's voice recognition broke - local's and regional service folks didn't have a clue! After a few weeks of following Toyota's recommended procedures they:
1. Replaced the microphone - $400, still not working,
2. Replaced the radio-$2,000, still not working,
3. Replaced the "ECU" Electronic Control Unit", the computer if you will-$5,000, finally working, but still stinks.

LOTS of $$$ (labor not included) for a minor convenience item. Thank goodness we are still under warranty!

guyever · October 2009

Did you ever get an answer to your question re: changes in the nav system for 2010's. I'm in process of buying and think I may use my Garmin and save 2 grand.
Regards,
Guy

sakeller · October 2009

Guy,
I never received any response to my message. If I were buying now I would most likely not get the navigation system. Based on the number of complaints you would expect that Toyota would have improved the system; however they did not change anything else on the car for 2010 so they possibly did nothing about the navigation system. I don't know if they use the same navigation system in the Camry, but you don't see complaints about the Camry so I would presume it is different.
I drive a 2002 Avalon which is still a great car. I was considering trading on a 2010 and was disappointed when they came out a few weeks ago and there were no updates to the car. I don't use a navigation system now but since I drive a car for 7 to 8 years I thought I would consider it when I trade. I am now taking a close look at the Venza.

fmfl · October 2009

Best idea you ever had ... save your money and buy a Garmin. Stay away from these Toyota NavNuts.

guyever · October 2009

Thanks to both of you for your posts. The more I think about it the more convinced I am that forgetting the factory nav is the way to go. By the way we drove a Venza last week and both my wife and I were impressed.
Y'all have a great day.
Guy

pulone · October 2009

unknown, but I seriously doubt they have re designed this car for this issue. Next yr is suppose to be the NEW Avalon, I might look into a newer model?

bp

guyever · October 2009

Good advice. Now if I can just get this fever under control

Guy

bobu1 · October 2009

NAV has always worked OK once you got to understand a few of the quirks and less than typical functions found in other systems. Voice recognition has always been terrible and still is since all components were replaced. I'll never buy another. In general Toyota has fallen behind it's competition in many areas.

generose · October 2009

I have a 2007 Avalon Limited. The NAV is a piece of garbage compared to my friend's NAV system in a Lexus ES350. The appearance is primitive,the directions are inefficient, the voice recognition only works properly sometimes.

SUMMARY - TERRIBLE OVERPRICED NAV SYSTEM. The rest of the car is excellent except that it does not have bluetooth or a port for an IPOD.

tjc78 · October 2009

The rest of the car is excellent except that it does not have bluetooth or a port for an IPOD.

At least they fixed that with the '08 and up models

itsvince · October 2009

I have an '08 Avalon. Does anyone know if I can find the new DVD online anywhere or do I absolutely need to get it from a dealer? Is this version Avalon-specific or does it work in other models?

rtillman · November 2009

Just want to confirm, to update the navigation system dvd for a 2007 Avalon with a Generation 3 system, all that has to be done is to place the car into accessory mode and then eject and replace with the new DVD. I would like to know if anything else needs to be done.

Thanks all

generose · November 2009

Do you know what the upgrade will do that significantly changes the NAV system as delivered on the 07 Avalon? Does it change the system or only the maps?

bigcasino8199 · November 2009

With others, I hate the Avalon's navigation system. I am not currently using it. If I upgrade the DVD for this system, will it make it more friendly? Or just update the maps?

Phil Russell

rtillman · November 2009

I beleive it only updates the maps.

mano3 · January 2010

I just received a post card from Toyota offering the latest nav map update for "only $199." I'd love to update the '07 map, but not at that price. Anyone know of anything cheaper?

fronta · January 2010

I have the same problem on my 05 limited. Tried to reset switches but did not change. Do you have to remove all your saved locations?

jag_man653 · January 2010

I just got the Gen 2/3-09 DVD for my '06 Avalon I'm looking at my invoice from Longo Toyota and see that the list price is $199 and that's what the sold it for. Another dealer quoted $275 or something like that.

I put it in myself:

1. Put the key to Acc

2. Take out the trunk floor mat and spare tire cover

3. Lift up the cover over the NAV computer in the left rear corner. You don't have to remove the entire side panel for this.

4. Slide the locking tab to the open position

5. Push a little on the DVD drive door, causing the disk to come out.

6. Remove it and slip the new one in.

7. Slide the locking tab back.

Then go up front and bring up Menu on the screen. Click on DVD. It will show Ver. 9.01 You will most likely have to restablish your geographic region.

I don't know if there is something else the should be done since I'm not privy to the installation service bulletin. Everything seems to work except the secret Override stuff that worked for my original version 5. So, guess I'm back to pulling off the Interstate before my wife can find me a Starbucks. But then, that won't work anyway since Starbucks in no longer among the POIs! Guess Toyota wanted to make this a "profit center" bu charging stores to be listed.

So, it looks like I paid $200 plus tak to have features taken away!

cannonball2 · January 2010

I have a 2006 Avalon with factory navigation. Never again would I get factory navigation, probably in any car I buy. Besides the high cost of factory nav, the Toyota one is ridiculously difficult/cumbersome process to use.

mano3 · January 2010

Based on jagman's experience I think I'll keep what I have, or else I'll get the 8.01 upgrade which has newer maps and still allows the override.

karenstoy · January 2010

I would like to find a price somewhere for newest navigation dvd for 08 Avalon.
Are there any options other than the$199 price at the dealer? What is the part number?

daveinmarietta · February 2010

Here is one option. Not great, but an option. Cost $188

eBay has the updated DVD for sale. The 2009 is available now (don't know when the "2010" or next version might be available - might want to ask your dealer first.

Item number: 260545921487

tonystewart · February 2010

Has anyone created an image using the v8.1 loader but the new v9.1 maps?

I've done it with Gen 5 in the past before abandoning them for a LockPick 2 WF.

daveinmarietta · February 2010

There is a place (using BitTorrent to find it) that has the v.9.1 maps. It took about 2 days to download. It is a Dual Layer DVD (it seems to be unprotected), BUT it does not work on my 2008 Avalon. The car system does not recognize it. I tried initializing everything I could think of. Either I am missing something (I am a Computer and Electricial engineer), or the uploaded image has a bug in it somewhere. I verified the download and it still is not recognized by the car's software.

Back to square one. I am assuming that the DVD is copyprotected, or that the DVDs are VERY car specific. I did notice that the v7.1 DVD is over 8GB, while the V9.1 is about 7.2GB. You wouldl think that a later version of the maps would have more info, not less.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I have yet to be able to try the DVD on other late model, high-end, Toyotas.

I would like to know if anyone has had any success at this.

tjc78 · February 2010

Just a hunch here.... but what speed did you burn the DVD at? I know that all three of my past Toyota CD players never played discs if they were burned over 16X. Just for kicks I would re-burn the image at 4X or 2.4X if you can and try again. The worst you be out is a blank DVD.

jordanfl · February 2010

Here is a procudure that I used for my 2008 Avalon:

Save the uTorrent (uif format) file. Download takes about 2 days!

Load a new Verbatim DVD+R DL DVD 8X into drive E: (lower DVD player)

Execute PowerISO software

Select Mount: Mount the (Open the uif file with PowerISO) the navigation file from hard disk

Select Burn: Burn the file to DL DVD drive with verify option checked. Use 8x speed.

Burn will take 40-60 min. When finished verify that the files show up on the new DVD

At Car:

Put car into accessory switch position; push start button half way down

Open trunk and remove trunk liner from over DVD player

Slide switch to right and press space under switch

Remove old DVD

Insert new DVD into drive.

Close slide switch and replace trunk liner

Turn on Navigation system

Wait 2-3 minutes for new setup to complete.

Go to DVD menu to verify that new version is installed.

If above fails, reinsert last NAV DVD that worked using above procedure.

daveinmarietta · February 2010

I tried burning at 4x and even slower. But I will try the directions posted on #360 for this. I am using very high quality DL DVDs with an excellent burner.

Thanks for the suggestion. If I get it to work, I will post it here.

Dave

cmb08 · March 2010

Hi.
The 2011 models will be coming with new touch screen NAV systems.
That leaves us the last of this past generation of Avalons. With 2011 there is a new body type..stereo as well.
Question......with the additional 3000.00 rebate offered........is it worth getting the 2010 with this seemingly frustrating NAV system? In CA, the only ones left have NAV in them. I had hoped to find one without NAV...but nothing..
I like the car otherwise. Just wondering what those who currently own 2009/2010 models think? The rebate more than compensates the cost of NAV if price negotiation continues as well as it has. Prices are great....but if HAVING the Nav...even if I don't plan on using it much is going to give me constant headaches...maybe not worth it? Spouse says if we buy 2011..doesn't want to pay for NAV anyway...so isn't a question of waiting for new technology with NAV.
So.....buy 2010 for great price...and Nav sort of a free accessory OR eliminate headache (and possible service problems) and buy 2011 with NO NAV
Please be candid with your comments.
Thanks!

cmb08 · March 2010

Hi.
The 2011 models will be coming with new touch screen NAV systems.
That leaves us the last of this past generation of Avalons. With 2011 there is a new body type..stereo as well.
Question......with the additional 3000.00 rebate offered........is it worth getting the 2010 with this seemingly frustrating NAV system? In CA, the only ones left have NAV in them. I had hoped to find one without NAV...but nothing..
I like the car otherwise. Just wondering what those who currently own 2009/2010 models think? The rebate more than compensates the cost of NAV if price negotiation continues as well as it has. Prices are great....but if HAVING the Nav...even if I don't plan on using it much is going to give me constant headaches...maybe not worth it? Spouse says if we buy 2011..doesn't want to pay for NAV anyway...so isn't a question of waiting for new technology with NAV.
So.....buy 2010 for great price...and Nav sort of a free accessory OR eliminate headache (and possible service problems) and buy 2011 with NO NAV
Please be candid with your comments.
Thanks!

tjc78 · March 2010

The nuts and bolts of the 2011 are basically the same as the 2010. The way I see it, if you can get the deal you want go for the 2010. Heck, even wait it out a bit until the 2011s arrive. They will be happy to off load a 2010. With all the bad press Toyota is getting lately I am sure you will have no problem getting 2010 for invoice less rebates.

I had an 06 without Nav that I loved. Only had a two minor issues fixed under warranty and was a great car. I played with the nav before I bought it and would have preferred the touch screen. However, for as often as it gets used it wouldn't have been a deal breaker for me if I wanted it.

avalonowner1 · March 2010

All,
I bought the latest DVD Navigation Map - North America from Toyota (v9.1) for $200. It was discounted from the original price. It is for my 2006 Avalon. While the maps/data have been updated, they still don't have streets and addresses that have been around for years. As are all of you, I am very frustrated. Anyhow, I made a successful copy of the DVD using ImgBurn and 2.4x DVD+R DL Verbatim media. I am selling the old DVD Navigation Map (v5.1) on Craiglist. You may find it in the Los Angeles region under Toyota/Lexus DVD Navigation Map - North America. Please respond to my Craigslist posting if you want further information on the old or new map data.

fronta · March 2010

what city and state is your craigslist posted.

avalonowner1 · March 2010

The Craiglist post is located in Los Angeles, CA. Specifically, it is under the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.

avalonowner1 · March 2010

I noticed the post was difficult to find, using Craigslist standard search, so below is a better method:

Drill down into the following area of Craigslist:
1. los angeles craigslist > san fernando valley > for sale / wanted > electronics
2. Search for "DVD Navigation Map"
3. The post is entitled "Toyota/Lexus DVD Navigation Map - North America"

I have not provided the link as the post will expire and the re-post would use a new link. Hope this helps.

fmfl · April 2010

There are thousands of pictures of the 2011 Avalon on the web. Every one show a picture of the navigation screen ... not one of them show a picture of the radio without the navigation. Evidentally Toyota is pushing the navigation system ... which is a little fancier than in the past, but still has all the problems they always had from what I can see so far. The 2011 with radio is a better looking dash, and at 2,000 bucks cheaper you can buy a lot of Garmins or whatever. The radio version handles 6 CDs and the navigation version only handles 4 CDs. The radio vacuum flourescent display is a heck of lot sharper and prettier than the navigation display ... I defy you to find the two systems side-by-side to contrast them, or even to see an in-dash picture of the radio at all. My trust or faith in good old solid Toyota declines every day. Toyota just screws it up time after time.

twinb · April 2010

I agree about the new sales push on the nav. I went to ten midwest/mountain dealer sites & each of the new Ltd. models had the nav installed, guess you have to special order one without it or maybe go for the base model.

avvy · April 2010

I'm wondering if bench seats can be ordered on 2011. I now have fear of bucket seats.

The concern that sticks in my mind is that a friend had heart attack at wheel and the passenger could not get over the console to reach the brake.

She was able to steer into a Park with car slamming into huge oak tree. Than God, it was early in morning and Park was children free.

Both were injured, but could have been killed.

It's been over a year and my friend will not ride in a car with bucket seats.

Your reply will be appreciated. Thanks.

tjc78 · April 2010

The Avalon hasn't had a bench since 04. Actually I believe the only cars still available with a bench seat are the Chevy Impala, Buick Lucerne, and Mercury Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car. Its a dying breed.

beachfish2 · April 2010

"and the passenger could not get over the console to reach the brake. "

Couldn't reach the shifter either? Or the ignition switch? C'mon, get real.

navguy1 · April 2010

Phil,

The map update will just update the map database (roads, streets, highways, etc.) and business information called Points of Interest (POI). The map update does not change the user interface.

Toyota Avalon Navigation System

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