2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

captain2

that this really signals a recommitment on Toyota's part to better address some of the issues some of us have.
You would hate to think that it takes a 'newspaper' story or a picture of a car on a tow truck to get things done.
I am very pleased that alan_s and also tkevinc1 have or are working things out and that Toyota is apparently listening!

d_bondi

Has anyone changed out their OEM battery for an Optima Battery in a 2005/2006 Avalon? If so, which one did you use and how did it fit. The 2005/2006 Avalon is not yet listed in the fitment guides.

Thanks,
Dave

limiteddriver

The battery on the Avalon is one thing i was surprised about. I didn't expect one that I had to put water in. I will definately change it to a sealed Delco when it fails. adding water to batteries is IMHO kinda old fashion.

heavensoldier

www.avic411.com, Did you ever install the avic unit in the avalon? I plan on doing it too.

avalonlimited

Whats the top speed on the 2005 or 2006 toyota avalon?

fin

If you scroll back thru the many posts here, or do a search on "top speed", you will see that both forum member *3puttmax* and myself figured the theoretical top speed at about 140 mph. A specific car under ideal conditions may go a little faster, maybe 1 or 2 mph. We used different methods, got similar answers, and assumed that there is no speed limiter device on the Avalon. The V-rated tires are good to 149 mph and you would assume Toyota built in a safety factor for liability protection. Also, top speed occurs in gear IV, not V, so stay in IV for extreme speeds. Drive safely.

captain2

electronically limited at 138

journeyman1

We have a few things in common. I traded by 2003 Camry for a 2006 Avalon. The wind noise is very annoying. It seems to be coming from the driver's side door as well as the windshield. I am at a loss as to what to do and would appreciate advice from fellow owners. Thanks.

journeyman1

Thanks for the tip. I'm also trying to "cure" the wind noise that seems to be coming from the driver's side door/window.

deanie

To All:
I recently sold my 05 XLS (details to be revealed a later date), and am now contemplating what to buy. I still ned genuine seating for five, but to broaden my choices, I'll settle for a inch or so less that the avalon's 58.2" of rear seat shoulder room.

Current choices in no particular order: Avalon Touring, Camry SE, Mazda CX-7.

Reasons to wait: the revised Toyota Highlander, and the upcoming Infinity G35

To those who answered my questions and went above and beyond the call to provide info on this forum, thank you. Your efforts are not lost on anyone. To those I helped, I hope you're still happy with your choices. If I choose to buy the Touring, I'll let you know right away, but will probably advise of my choice regardless of what it is.
Regards,
Deanie

just__me

Deanie, hate to see you leave. You have been honest and informative. Good luck my friend. I still own the 05 XLS, and with over 19,000 miles on it, I have no issues, it runs as perfect as perfect is.

gladiator99

Hi deanie!!
Hope you let us know what your next purchase is. Have you seen the new Lexus ES350? I saw it about 3 weeks ago and I thought it looked a lot better than the previous 330.
We still own our 05 XLS and it has been a pretty great vehicle. Despite a few minor initial flaws, I think the Avalon is a great performer. Good luck.
Gladiator 99
Take care.

fsmmcsi

Congratulations! That is good news. Companies which forget customer service will eventually be forgotten by their customers. I am willing to reconsider a new RAV4, especially if they do something to make up for my loss on the 2005 Sienna I had to sell after 4,500 miles of pain from the crooked steering column.

hgallie

To journeyman1 re wind noise.. I think the wind noise comes from all doors. I believe the noise is noticeable where ever one is sitting. You notice wind noise because you are sitting in the drivers seat but I have sat in other seats and the wind noise is there. It is amazing few people mention this. All Avalones have the same body shape and probably thw samw wind noise at 50-80 mph. Apparently only a few people are bothered by this.One person said he had to turn his radio up so as to not fall asleep as his Avalon is so quiet. I turn mine up to drown out the wind noise. I don't believe this a problem with door seals etc., it is the body shape. H. Gallie

bobwiley

hgallie: Sorry you're having wind noise problems. I'm the guy who said i have to turn up the radio so I don't fall asleep!! Seriously, if my car was any quieter it would have to be in a crypt! My dealer undercoats all his cars and having lived up north, Iowa and Minnesota, i know undercoating does help drown out road noise. I remember that during my test drive, in a different Avalon, I was impressed at how quiet the car was and I took her up to 75 MPH. I test drove the Acura Tl (quiet), Infiniti G35 (my F-150 was less noisy), Lexus ES330 and a Buick Lucerne (also VERY quiet)---the Avalon was the "best" value of the 4 cars. People who've riden in the car are amazed at the spaciousness and quietness of the car. Hope you resolve the problem!
Bob

journeyman1

Thanks for responding. I think that you're right. I wish it were the seals, but I think that's too easy a solution. If you think of anything else, please let me know. By the way, I also turn up the radio to drown out the wind noise.

limiteddriver

Try what I've done on other cars to see if the doors were adjusted correctly. Shut the door on a single sheet of newspaper between the gasket and the body and if you can pull the paper out with little resistance then the door is not shutting properly.

tstrick320

I'm not having problems with wind noise BUT I noticed something on my 06 Limited that might be a factor for those that are having trouble.

The gasket around the door (not the body) fits into a track but is NOT glued in place. I discovered by accident that I had dislodged it from the track right in the place were I usually grab the door frame when entering/exiting the car. This would, of course make it fit badly when the door is closed and probably increase wind noise. Fortunately, it's easy to put back in place but at least now I know to keep watch on that.

Just something to check.

dandydon2

Anyone know where to locate an exchange set of 17" chrome wheels for a 2006 Avalon Limited?

havalongavalon

--for wind noise at 60-90 mph? Yes, it can be the loudest sound, as the car is so quiet otherwise.

How about this theory: I think that this wind noise may not necessarily mean that the rubber gaskets are leaky. It could be a whistling effect caused by the shape and size of cavities between the doors and the frame, outside the outer door gaskets. Around the windows the rubber gaskets are close to the outer edges, but below the waistline the gaskets are more recessed. In some places like around the latches, the outer rubber gasket runs several cm deep from the sheet metal edge. The gaps between door panels and body panels are 5-6 mm wide and become much wider inside. This creates a sizeable cavity of variable shape past the narrow gap opening. At higher speeds the wind could cause a whistling sound, similar to when you blow across the top of an empty bottle. This sound could be loud enough to be heard inside the car, even if no air is moving in or out past the gaskets.

I wonder whether this effect has been considered before, perhaps for vehicles other than the Avalon. Seems like a fixable thing at the design stage, anyway. Any comments?

havalongavalon

havalongavalon

Farewell, deanie, for now. But I hope you'll come back with your new Touring with VSC.

Without your participation, our average Avalon driver age will creep up again!

havalongavalon

avalon95

Just want to share with fellow 3rd generation Avalon owners a surprising observation. I've been experimenting with trying different brands of regular grade gasoline. I have noticed a distinct improvement of transmission driveability with one brand. The hesitation problems I've experienced are gone. Can this be the answer?

tjc78

I am told I am the rarity among Avalon drivers. I am 27 and on Avalon #2 ('03 XL, '06 XLS).

havalongavalon

Hi avalon95,

Sounds like you did find the answer for your problem, anyway!

Have no hesitation in sharing the brand that does the trick -- many may be eager to find out!

havalongavalon

havalongavalon

Aha! So tjc78 does not stand for "Class of 1978", then? So yes, you must be among our youngest. Thank you, you just helped bring the average age down, again!

avalon95

havalongavalon,

Sunoco. Unfortunately, in my area there aren't as many Sunoco stations as there are others.

bluesman3

Yes, E-bay...

limiteddriver

IMHO if this were the cause it would happen on every Avalon because the gasket position is the same on all cars.

havalongavalon

Yes. I am thinking that some wind noise may be audible in every Avalon at higher speeds. Some drivers will be more aware than others, depending on overall noise levels (traffic, engine, tires, fan, audio) and on individual hearing acuity. Obviously if a gasket is leaky, wind noise will be greater; but some noise can be heard in the best of cases, too.

dandydon2

Just saw the following article at www.autoblog.com, headlined: Toyota Avalon proving 'problematic' as quality concerns grow for automaker. The article is referring to the earlier story in AutoWeek.

"It's fair to say that Toyota's reputation for bulletproof quality has been enduring a few hits lately, and the 2006 Avalon looks like it will add to the discussion. With service bulletins issued for everything from bad catalytic converters to oil-supply line leaks and bad U-joint welds, the nameplate's largest and most expensive offering is leaving many owners frustrated.

"While the automaker has declined to get specific about the Avalon's problems, adjustments are being made to the car's assembly lines. But even though the model is early in its production cycle, the automaker isn't getting a free pass from the media - Consumer Reports' quality metric has dipped to 'average' - below major competitors like the Ford Five Hundred, Buick LaCrosse and Kia Amanti. The magazine's survey has turned up issues in steering, body integrity and suspension.

"According to AutoWeek, many company loyalists are upset with the perceived quality lapses - and given that Toyota customers have been accustomed to vehicles that have consistently scored well on the reliability charts, it may unwittingly have created a public-relations problem of its own design. Company loyalists that have come to expect consistency in quality are arguably pre-conditioned to excellence, and are audibly more frustrated when their expectations are not met.

"Analysts, critics, and marque devotees alike fear Toyota's rapid expansion has taken the automaker's eye off the quality ball."

motownusa

This article has been mentioned a thousand times so i dont see exactly what you are trying prove. Yes, the 05 Avalon got an average rating compared to the previous gen. Avy. But Consumer Reports admits that a newly redesigned car with an all new engine and transmission generally tend to have more glitch. But I am sure subsequent model AVY would return to its stellar reliability as Consumer Report themselves have said. So please dont post stale news as it serves no purpose and makes you look like a troll. As for GM problem just go to alldata.com to see the stellar quality of GM and Ford cars. Toyota still makes class leading cars and trucks even with some of their glitch and that is still a fact today as it was 10 years ago.

motownusa

A GM car with bankrupt Delphi parts in it doesnt inspire much confidence.

nimimi

I took my '06 Limited in for a warranty bumper replacement (damaged on the train enroute). My car was # 75800. They gave me an '06 XLS (#128000) as a "loaner." I have noticed that the "loaner" accelerates much quicker than my LTD, even to the point of tire squealing when I stomp on it. I've never had that happen in my LTD. Is this something that I should be concerned about and is there a way to analyze my engine performance to see if it is putting out the torque or power that it is supposed to?

smith1

Perhaps your Limited has VSC/Traction control and the loaner does not? Without traction control you can generate wheelspin when you stomp on the gas which gives the perception (not necessarily the reality) of faster acceleration. Traction control limits or eliminates the wheelspin. If the loaner's tires are somewhat worn, and yours are not, that could also make a difference in wheelspin on takeoff.

jvijit

I'm also 27 and considering to purchase a 2006 Avalon Touring. I also test drove the 2006 Acura TL. It's a sports car with many nice accesories. But the ride of Avalon was far more pleasant. I really think that I should get the Avalon, but my wife loves the TL because of the nice options. I still think Avalon is worth the money. Anything that you dislike about Avalon? I'm seriously thinking about buying it.

bobwiley

jvijit: Our 06 Limited is the FINEST car I've owned and I'm 62 years old--that includes Caddy's. lincoln's, Volvo's. Buick's and so on. I also drove the TL--too tight, I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs--love the room and quiet of the Avalon. My only complaint is the Nav System isn't user friendly. Tl's nav System is much better--but--the room and ride isn't close to the Avalon.
Bob

denali1

Was wondering if anyone has noticed a problem with their steering wheel? Just last week, a passenger in my Avalon said, "Did you know you have a crack in your steering wheel, on the "wood" portion?" I looked as I turned the wheel slightly, and sure enough there is a crack about 2 inches long.
I will contact dealer. Any thoughts as to what would cause this?

dan41

The writer mentions that he simply saw the article posted in a blog. I'm not sure your response serves any positive purpose simply because you have seen the same article "a thousand times". Keep in mind, that it is this type of reporting and, yes, even these forum postings, that seem to have been the catalyst to get Toyota to admit to some very real issues that have been reported by 2005 and 2006 members. These issues have not been confined to the first model year and I don't buy that they are posted by "trolls".

I did not purchase a $38K automobile to accept that such problems are the norm for any "newly redesigned" automobile - especially a Toyota. Once these issues become the norm and are deemed acceptable, then the real risk is that we will never see Toyota again return to its "stellar" reliability.

tjc78

The car really has it all. Power to run with just about anything, awesome stereo (get the JBL), comfort, plus I think it just looks great. The TL was too small for me (6' 300lb). The car is a little noiser than my '03 Av was, but that's the only thing I can say bad about it. I too was looking at the Touring model but we couldn't locate one with the JBL in white (Blizzard Pearl in Toyo speak) within a reasonable distance, so I spent a few bucks more and got the XLS. The ride is a little softer, but I don't think the handling suffers that much. I've had this thing at some extreme speeds and it feels glued to the road.

captain2

Can't imagine that you wouldn't find the Touring the trim line of choice at 27 years old. Much firmer 'sporting' feel, I personally think the other trims much too soft and isolating. Also shopped the TL: a much firmer ride than even the Touring, and with the road noise and ride sacrifices that come with a car that trys hard to be a 'sports sedan'. The Avalon Touring makes no such pretensions, but, the TL is a fine car as well. My Touring now with 26k miles, has been wonderful, even after more than a year, a car that I look forward to driving every morning. Have not regretted passing on the TL at all or, for that matter, the few thousand I saved.

rambo6

BUYER BEAWARE WAIT TILL THE 07 MODEL COMES OUT. Read the article below, and if you peopl think it's OK with Toyota not to responds to these issues, then you are nuts. I was about to buy the limited but will wait till they solve these issues...

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/FREE/60501002/1024/L- ATESTNEWS

nimimi

I think that we've all read and reacted to this article enough.

tjc78

The Touring was my first choice. My lease on my '03 was up and I really couldn't wait for the Touring the way I wanted it. Here in southern NJ the Touring with the JBL was impossible to find in any color. We checked dealers for 300 miles. That was my "must have" feature as I am a music/audio nut. As it was they had to find my White w/graphite in upstate NY. I still check the lots every once in a while to find a Touring equipped the way I wanted it and still haven't seen one. Does your Touring have the JBL? I don't regret my decision either, I love the car and can still have fun with it. I love beating the teenagers in their hopped up Neons and Civics.

captain2

As noted by nimini and old news (see 12217) not to mention that one of the subjects of the article has been one of our most valuable contributors for almost a year.
But we're 'nuts' and almost without exception love our cars, so please don't buy a Ltd. - certainly wouldn't want you afflicted with anything other than the inability to keep up with current (and not so current) events.

billygator

I may have read another post on this subject many moons ago, but I am getting quite a few chips on the hood of this car. While I remember one hit that caused a small chip in my windshield, I didn't notice what caused three significant chips in the hood. I don't drive gravel or dirt roads, but about 60% are interstate miles.

Anyone else notice this car having a predilection for this kind of damage. My past Maximas, Passat, and SUV's/minivans have had less chips in 3-4 years than I have experienced in 8 months.

Thoughts? Ideas?

bobwiley

billygator: I have the same problem on my 06 Limited with only 2,700 miles and no dirt road driving. Tt has more chips than my wife's 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. I have both hood and front end chips on the plastic. A $39K car shouldn't be that easily damaged. I've looked at Ford's, Lincoln's, Camry's etc all with over 20,000 miles and none have the chips I have. I havd the car professionally waxed the day after I got it--so its not due to neglect!
Bob

9119911

Have recently purchased a 2006 Avalon LTD and have experienced the hesitation proble. The situation is dangerous..not so much the hesitation as the lunge after the hesitation. Toyota had better get going quick as I predict this will result in numerous accidents and possibly deaths.I have talked with my service manager and he said,"they all do it" duhhhhh!

We need to keep the pressure on.

avalon95

I remember reading a very early Edmunds Consumer Rating review that mentioned the concern. Just Monday, I was looking at the front of my Blizzard Pearl Avalon at a distance in a parking lot next to a Buick LeSabre. I noticed that the Buick's grill was upright and the hood was flatter. Looking at my Avalon directly head-on, I could see a vast expanse of sloping hood sheetmetal rising to a much higher cowl line. Clearly, it is more exposed. It may be the function of the incredibly low coefficient of drag on the Avalon.

I commute 25 miles to work on mostly interstate driving, crossing a long bridge in the process. My greatest driving pet peeve (next to cell phone zombies) is travelling with a dump truck ahead. They are by law supposed to have their loads covered. But often, I see what looks like cheesecloth flapping in the wind. I have learned to steer real clear of them. I either pull back, or give extreme wide berth and floor it to pass. I hate it. I can hear the sound of rocks on the glass and sheetmetal. Then, tractor trailers pick up the debris and continue to throw it backward. I'm trying to figure out what agency will take the time to enforce the law. It's driving me nuts!

The gentleman who applied PPS teflon to my car (I swear by the stuff) said that the paint job on my '06 Avalon was among the finest he's seen. And he does Ferraris and Mercedes.

tstrick320

I'm posting this in the hopes that someone already knows or we can collectively find out about the details of the RFID system used in the Limited's keyless ignition. These articles

Consumer Reports: Hackers can crack car-key codes

Johns Hopkins University: Analysis of the Texas Instruments DST RFID

discuss the vulnerability of RFID systems used in car ignitions. It appears the the Texas Instruments system which is widely used is not very secure but that there are others that are more so.

Fortunately, I live in a bucolic area of New England where people commonly leave the keys (the old kind) in their cars so I'm not too worried about my Avalon. But, I'm curious about what system Toyota (and I assume Lexus) is using just in case I ever move to the "big city".

limiteddriver

Please read previous posts on how to position foot on accelerator pedal which should help your hesitation problem.