2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

okie34

Sure enough, it's the rubber line.

gladiator99

I had the steering column replaced under the recall about 2 years ago on our 2005 Avalon. Since then there has been a creaking or similar noise while steering at slow speeds. I took the car back to our local dealer and they said the same thing, that the shaft may need to be relubed. Estimate was anywhere from $150.00 to $600.00. I contacted Toyota Canada last year and they said see your dealer. This car has approx 55000 Km or 33000 miles. I have never owned a car that had to have the steering shaft re lubed or replaced. Took the car to another dealer last week and they tell me that the steering shaft may need replacement at a cost of $1400.00. WTF? This should really be done at Toyota's expense as it certainly should not happen on a $42000.00 car with low miles. I plan to call toyota again this week and have a few words with them. My next car will not be a Toyota.
It has been reported by many other owners on www.mycarstats.com.
Check it out?
Jim

rmiska1

loose clamps on air intake rubber mounts of aqir flow sensor.

jlsexton

I agree and so, SUE, take them to small claims court. Can you contact the OWNER of your car store, this was the first person I would speak to. ME, I'm a letter writer, I would blast this car store in EVERY local newspaper and make sure you use the word ALLEGED on every accusation or charge.

gladiator99

Hi!
Today I called Toyota to see if they have considered whether to cover the cost of this repair or offer some assistance, however the customer service rep said that there was no answer from the people who make the decision, Now I have a real dilema as I will have the Avalon in storage from Oct 25 to April 1 2011. I mentioned this to the claims guy who said he will try to get an answer for me shortly. I live in BC Canada, and we will be wintering in Arizona for 5 months. Hopefully I will get this resolved before we leave our home here. If they refuse to pay up for the fix, I will then consider my options. I write pretty good letters and I may consider a lawsuit in small claims also.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Take care!
JB

crh1

The motor for the rear window shade in my 2007 Avalon activates when I put the car into reverse (after the car has just been started only) even when the shade is already lowered. I guess the way it's designed is to check if the shade is up and if the shade is up then the motor engages and automatically lowers the shade upon putting the car into reverse. When the shade is already down the motor activates and makes a loud clicking sound for about 20 seconds. It sounds like to motor is running and clicking on gears but not doing anything. I'm sure this is not good for the motor or gears. I called the dealer and several Toyota repair shops and none of them have seen this problem before. I want to know if it's something in the shifter or in the shade motor mechanism. Has anyone else had this problem and how much did it cost to repair?

Thanks

jlsexton

Arizona, beautiful scenery, took a tour there in 07. I don't like sueing anyone but you have a good reason to be annoyed. Matter of fact there is a NEW recall, something about leaking brake fluid, I've already contacted the car store & corporate, letting them know of my disappointment, stating FORD is looking better for next year. Try to enjoy yourself, last resort, small claims, good luck............

davepiszyk

Yes, MY 2007 LTD Avalon does the same thing. Then YOURS will ultimately either stay up or down. Mine is stuck in the up position.. I contacted Toyota and battled with them , they agreed to pay for the part and I must pay $276 for labor.
NO MORE TOYOTAS FOR ME...
I posted my issue earlier this year on this site.

gladiator99

Got the call from Toyota last week and they have agreed to cover a small portion of the necessary repairs on the steering shaft. Won't be able to get this done until spring, but at least they will help me out somewhat.
Hopefully it is not too costly.
Cheers,
JB

janlyn

janlyn

I will try again!!!

Purchased an 06 Avalon XL new in 06. Drove it from Fort worth to Houston and display showed 30 to 31 mpg on 87 octane.

Made same trip in 07 and it showed 29 to 30 mpg.

Made another trip on 08 and it showed 28 to 29 mpg.

Made the same trip yesterday and it started at 27.6 and went to 24.6 mpg.

I called Toyata service but they said the check engine light had to come on for them to find the problem.

Mt 5yr/60000 drivetrain will run out in 2 months and I am worried.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Clyde

robsis

Did you manually figure your mileage out at all? Are you buying more ethanol flavored gas, which will give you about 10%+ less mileage? It is hard to find 100% gasoline anymore...

Also, with the 60000 coming up, have you considered trying a new fuel filter and set of plugs...I just did that for my Subaru (my Avy has barely 5k miles) and the mileage went up 15%.

Just some thoughts.

gladiator99

Also some things to consider are tire pressures and air filters. Try adding a bit more air than specified on the vehicles door pillar sticker. Many things can affect your mileage such as strong headwinds, hilly terrain, and driving habits. Sometimes I forget about economy and drive rather aggressive which lowers my mileage. Seems I need to make a habit of soft pedaling on the gas. Hope you find out how to achieve better mileage. Our avalon has been getting fairly good mileage on the highway. I would say around 35 - 38 MPG on Canadian Gallons which are 20 % more than the US Gallon.
Cheers.
Jim

joeblack1

I recently purchased a 2006 Limited. (What a sweet ride!)
I have snow tires from a cadillac that got totaled size 225/60/16

Anyone know if I can put them on 16 inch rims and have them work on the Limited?

Current size on car is: 215/55/17.
TireRack recommends 205/65/16.

Ideally if this works, when these snows wear out, I would like to use th 205/65/16 size next time.

From what I can see, the 16" rims would be 7.0 or 7.5" wide for either tire. I looked at available rims for both sizes and they seemed to be the same.

Thanks much.

Joe

jlsexton

Snow tires mounted where, on the rear, front, all 4 ?
I must assume you mean all 4, I must also assume since you are changing the tire size it would affect your speedometer unless the radius is EXACTLY the same.

dlovesb

Hi, I own a 2005 limited Avy. My rim size is 17" stock rims. I was able to fit 245 45 17 size tires on them with no problem or clearance issues. looks sweet!

vbell_gwynn

missalenius

I, too, have a problem with the rear window shade on my 2005 Toyota Avalon. The shade literally raised itself and won't go down. The noise (a buzzing sound) when the car is put into reverse is annoying enough, but the situation it has created is dangerous. With the shade up, it severely affects night vision and makes for dangerous driving with limited visibility. When I took my car into the local dealer for an oil change, I told them about the screen. Their answer, so far, was a $1300.00 fix. Needless to say, the shade is still up! Anyone else have a more reasonable fix short of cutting the shade off?

jlsexton

This to me is a Toyota problem, the fact it usually goes down automaticly when one backs up, shows they are afraid of liability. Contact the area Rep, also toyotacares.com, threaten a lawsuit if anyone get hurt due to THEIR poorly designed equipment. Also threaten to publisize it as in a letter to the editor. If being nice doesn't work, one has to choose the other route, good luck. The only other route I see is a unit from autowarehouse online, if they carry it, or a wrecking yard.

missalenius

You know, I've had that same thought. It is a serious problem in that it obscures your vision and I leave for work and often return from work in the dark. I did send in an emailed survey to the dealer for the oil change/recall work that was done last week and said I was extremely unhappy with the fact that no matter what I take the car in for, I always need additional things...each and every time. I mentioned the shade and how all I got from their service dept. was "well, it does that" and it would be a $1300.00 fix, and that I was going to take pics and document the issue. I also told him that I had instructed my family to use all that info in the event something happened due to the problem and to sue everyone involved. The general manager then decided that "maybe there was something they could do" and he'd get back with me. I'm generally pretty nice, and patient, but enough is enough! Thanks for the suggestions. We'll see what happens.

mikemurrell

My wifes has an '06 Avalon XL - mileage on odometer around 105,000.

From day 1 the mpg displayed by the car has been all over the place.

I've seen it go from about 25 to 34.

This gadget is flawed. Pay no attention to it.

Fill car with gas - reset trip meter - at next fill up - divide milegae on trip meter by amt of gas added. This has always been the way to do it.

jlsexton

First, am I the only one that has a problem with the "Remember Me On This Computer", I click on it & it NEVER works.

That said, I had a problem recently with an online retailer in California. After leaving 4 voice messages & 3 emails for a RMA, to return the defective product, I decided to let them know if they were going to be stupid I would put that stupidity on "FACEBOOK" for everyone to see. "FACEBOOK" is a great way to make known all that fail to have integrity in business.

I doubt if a car store or manufacturer would want that known worldwide, just a thought.

By the way they decided to send a replacement for the product, no return was necessary. Since they finally acted responsibly I'm not mentioning their name.

fin

No, you are not the only one with the "remember me" problem, my desktop with Vista has the same problem, the Windows 7 laptop works fine... Edmunds may have a glitch to resolve or it may be an internal setting on the computer we are using... hard to say.. ideas anyone? They have a link for this also, "Problems with new format" or something like that....

vbell_gwynn

I too have a problem with my rear window shade. Fortunately mine is in the down position. Was advised that the "fix" was to replace the whole shade mechanism to the tune of $1100.00. The noise it makes when putting the car in reverse was fixed by manually raising the shade about 2 inches, and placing 2 folded business cards at the base of the shade to keep it from fully retracting. (It did the trick). I may change from business cards to something that matches my interior, until I decide if it's worth spending over a thousand dollars to fix something that I rarely).

davepiszyk

After about 4 months of the shade being stuck in the up position it suddenly came down the other day by itself. Backing up one day & it engaged itself and once again working.
When it was non operational I complained via e-mail to Toyota and they agreed to replace the part "for Free", but I had to pay $280 labor at the dealer. I have not done this yet as it has been working.
My Avalon is a LTD 2007 and out of warranty. You may want to complain via e-mail. They do respond.

mark268

I know the post I'm responding to is six years-old, but I bought a 2005 XLS six weeks ago after owning a 2004 XLS for for a little less than fifteen months. To me, the 2005 is "twice" the car that the 2004 was! The horsepower, torque, styling, performance (tires, exhaust, 5-speed transmission), and overall "modernness" made my decision to buy the 2005 a "no-brainer"! I noticed the omission of some features, but, that was merely puzzling and not significant. (Also, I had the side molding on the 2004 and the driver's door still got dinged!)

jlsexton

The Avalons are nice BUT need a styling change, as in, DRASTIC. After 11 years (usually 5) it gets old, especially after seeing the new Hyundai.

Standard bluetooth, a GOOD GPS, a remote start that doesn't turn off when you try to open a door. A standard wide-angle backup camera, a coin compartment like the Camry, near the drivers side steering wheel. Just a few changes I'd like.

mark268

Once again, I realize that the post I'm replying to is six years-old, but I couldn't let it go unchallenged! This JBL Synthesis system in the 2005 model is markedly inferior in both the tuner and CD sections to the Bose system in the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue! I'd hate to compare this JBL to the Monsoon system (which I, admittedly, have never owned.) But, at least, the 2005 Avalon sound is better than the 2004.

wwest

"..a GOOD GPS.."

Neither the factory nor the dealer have cause to install a "GOOD" GPS. The competition is fierce and relatively inexpensive enough that they really can't compete so they just settle for the "leftovers" (dim bulbs?) but at extreme up-pricing.

"..doesn't turn off..."

That's a safety feature to prevent your car from being stolen by the "first arrival".

Obviously this feature could use some improvement, like not shutting the car off if the "pocket key" is present as the door is opened, and remains so.

wwest

"...markedly inferior..."

And what happened to your hearing in those intervening years.

What was different, wrong about the JBL CD section vs Bose...?

"....in both the tuner.."

Due to FCC ruling AM stations have been on the wane for many years now. Has anyone ever encountered decent FM reception, EVER..?

IMMHO the only way to judge the fidelity of ANY automotive audio system is while parked in an underground parking garage, windows rolled up tightly, and everything else OFF including the engine.

Did you by chance measure the interior NOISE level of one car vs the other...? I would find it rather difficult to judge the relative fidelity of two modern automotive audio systems riding along with the ambient noise level at 70-90DB.

Your perception might be false based on the type of tires on one car vs the other. Summer, low road noise, tires on the Olds vs the Avalon...?

As you may have already noted, ALL car manufacturers are now using RECOGNIZABLE brand name, "named", audio products as/for marketing HYPE. That's because audio equipment SUPREME fidelity and performance have become pretty much a constant throughout the industry.

jlsexton

I have a Garmin 265WT, I paid $125 for this 7 months ago, I'm sure Toyota with their HUGE buying power could do better in they WANTED to, they don't, they have run the GM course & gotten very arrogant.

Shutting off is more a liabilty feature, no one car steal my Avalon if I'm not there it would shut off without the FOB anyway, as soon as they tried to move it.

wwest

"..if I'm not there.."

Are you certain of that...?

It has been my understanding that once the car is started using the "key" you can drive away from the "key" and the engine will continue to run until you turn it off.

Otherwise what about a failing key battery while underway at 90 per...?

The only logical way for these wireless keys to work is for the ECU to only check for key presence to enable initial engine startup.

wwest

"..gotten very arrogant.."

Sorry, no, it's just a matter of the long design cycle common to the automotive industry.

mark268

The post I'm responding to is 5 1/2 years-old, but I think it's essential reading. I bought a 2005 XLS two months ago (after having owned a 2004 XLS for fifteen months) and started reading this forum from post #1. I feel that this post #9219 is the most succinctly accurate description of this (wrongly)maligned transmission I've yet read. I drew much the same conclusions as alan_s almost from the first few hours of driving (both city and highway). My 2005 has over 84,000 miles on it and I've discovered no problems whatsoever!

wwest

That post is correct insofar as the requirement for "human adaptation" concerning the coastdown fuel cut downshifting sequence and the continuous "shiftiness" of these new 6(10) speed transmissions.

But the RANDOM 1-2 second re-acceleration downshift delay/hesitation is clearly another matter, a matter of SAFETY. Having the car suddenly decide not to respond to the accelerator pedal for even a few hunded milliseconds, let alone ~2 seconds, can be fraught with PERIL...!

Some marques are now responding to the owner complaint of the "shiftiness" aspect by adding a bit of firmware "hysterisis"(don't shift again so quickly) to the shift pattern via a dealer "reflash".

Also, most newer, 2008/+, transaxle control systems now have the firmware revised to try to predict(***) when a "re-acceleration" event is upcoming in order to avoid the initial upshift. But that can/will only work if/when the driver is already aware of the upcoming re-acceleration "need".

*** Rapid release of the accelerator = re-acceleration upcoming. Slow, easy, release of the accelerator = upshift to enter "cruise" mode.

gary351

I JUST HAD MY OIL CHANGED IN MY 2007 TOYOTA AVALON AT FIRESTONE AND THEY SAID THAT TOYOTA HAS CHANGED THE RECOMMENDED OIL WEIGHT FROM 5W-30 TO-5W-20
HAS ANYONE ELSE HEARD OF THIS CHANGE. I'M WORRIED ABOUT OIL WEIGHT IN THIS VEHICLE

wwest

You got away from service at Firestone without needing shocks or struts replaced...AMAZING...!!

5W-20 will likely give you a smidge better FE, I would stick with 5W-30 for better lubrication.

gary351

THANKS FOR YOUR IMPUT

I've learned to get second opinion useless car is falling part

popsavalon

Looks to me like Firestone was out of 5W-30. I would certainly retain the 5W-30 for summer driving.

clarence10

clarence10

Hi, I am looking for advice on new tires for my 2006 Avalon. Have original tires on it w 55k miles. How are the Michelin - Primacy™ MXM4? compared to the Michelin - Energy™ MXV4 and other brands.

General advice on other tire options welcome.

Regards, Dave

jaay215

Im having the same problem with my Avalon,, was you issue eventually resolved?

uknow79

Hi all
I recently purchased an 06 XL (non jbl)with a basic version radio and am wondering how to add an aux input. Is there a way to use the cassette input to the hu and convert that to an aux input? Or is there other ways to add the aux without losing the temp controls?

All help greatly appreciated.

doobre

I posted about the Michelin's which I bought for my 2005 a long time ago, search for posting from "doobre".. the michelins I got were called something like exalto sport or similar, I have had two full sets so far (150,000Kms - no tyre lasts very long here in dubai).. bridgestone were good.. but not the toyo which were from the factory as standard.. you need to get "W" rated for the potential speed rating, as the car will go above 200Kmph, perhaps not in the US but required here not only for the speed but for the temperature tolerance.

I decided to stay with michelins as I have been impressed with their performance and toughness, even when the wheel was bent by hitting a pothole no blowout, and the fact that I managed to wear down one front tyre right down to the braiding and still no blowout... and I have not had a leak even with three nails stuck in a tyre on three different occasions..
life is tough if you're a tyre in UAE

doobre

It's a thoroughly stupid (5 speed 2005) transmission and dangerous too.. one has to learn a way to drive to avoid its way of working.... or you just use the "S" mode and do the job yourself, which is a much better way of doing the job...
Add this to all the other design and manufacture faults/issues and it is the most disappointing and potentially dangerous car I have owned... my first and last toyota.
don't get me started again...
cheers

wwest

Bad news...

The newer Lexus and Toyota models with 6(10) speeds are even WORSE.

Even Bader news...

The real time ATF line pressure control design technique that sometimes, seemingly randomly, causes the 1-2 second downshift delay/hesitation is so fuel efficient it is being adopted industry wide.

ihatecarrepais

I put the Michelin Primacy on my '05 Lexus ES and they are great. Ride smooth and quiet. First time I ever investigated tires before I bought them. Very satisfied.

jlsexton

AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT FINDS TOYOTA PUTTING SUCH A "CHEAP" FREAKING PIECE OF METAL ON THE GAS DOOR RELEASE. SAME CHEAP CRAP ON MY CAMRY & NOW ON A $36,000 AVALON LIMITED. IT LASTS A SHORTWHILE BECAUSE IT IS NOT SPRING STEEL, SHAME ON THEM....

tjc78

As a family, we have had at least 10 Toyotas (Camrys, Solaras, RAVs, Highlanders, Avalons) never had any problems with the gas door release.

fin

What is the chance that in 4 years and 70k miles the only noticeable thing on my '07 Limited.. the only thing to date that has ever been a problem, however minor, is the gas filler door. It sometimes does not open, sometimes will not lock and has never been aligned to fit in the hole, even Toyota could not get it to fit properly. It almost fits right and it works, so no complaints really, but it's just hard to figure on such a great car. At least mine is not the only one... Oh... I had the rear bumper repainted due to a parking lot scrape by an attendant - they paid the bill, best body shop in the area - and the shop could not make this thing work correctly, only one they had ever seen they could not improve, said replacing the cable and door both was the only way... strange....