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Toyota Avalon

EPA MPG: 25 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,350 - $6,875

RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

The 2008 Toyota Avalon has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Toyota Avalon owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Dash board has numerous cracks"

Anonymous A., OR (2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5-L V6)

"The car's paint is really beginning to fall apart. The clear coat has begun to crackle leaving a lined or hazy appearance. Otherwise the car runs well."

Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5-L V6)

"rack and penion steering had to be replaced as well as one front axle"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5-L V6)

"Rear window shade became stuck"

Anonymous A., NC (2008 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Had to replace the radiator and belt tensioner assembly."

Anonymous, OK (2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Heater system

"Clogged heater core."

Anonymous A., NY (2008 Toyota Avalon XL 3.5-L V6)
Refrigerant leaks

"First no air. Took to Pappas Toyota who added Freon with dye. That lasted about 2 weeks and took in again. Dye showed where leak was. It was fixed. This is beginning of new season to use a/c. So far , when used, its ok"

Anonymous A., MO (2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5-L V6)

"No cooling during summer. Dealer fixed on 2d try."

Anonymous, (2008 Toyota Avalon Touring 3.5-L V6)

"AC - takes forever to cool off. Have had to have to refilled. Supposedly leaking but shop hasnt been able to identify the leaks."

Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Wear and tear"

Anonymous A., NY (2008 Toyota Avalon XL 3.5-L V6)
Wheel bearings

"I started hearing a whine soon after having new tires installed. After a month it got worse and I took it in when we discovered the car needed a new axle and bearings."

Anonymous, PA (2008 Toyota Avalon XL 3.5-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"The dashboard is cracking all over the joints, middle, corners, despite the car is never left in sun, always kept covered."

Anonymous, NC (2008 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Trim pi fearound headliner keeps coming loose. Pieces around AC - plastic- beaks off wher AC blows out. Looks tacky."

Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

CV joint

"Leaking oil"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5-L V6)
Driveshaft or axle

"The right front axle was replaced due to problems with the bearings."

Anonymous, PA (2008 Toyota Avalon XL 3.5-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other major engine problem

"Timing chain cover leaking. Had to pull engine."

Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Torque converter

"When turning right corners, the engine reeves, but there is no engagement of the gears. Checked the transmission fluid, topped off, and still does it."

Anonymous, NC (2008 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"It has been a chronic issue with this car. We have had the brakes replaced several times and it always comes back. We had suspension and calipers changed too and it still came back."

Anonymous A., IA (2008 Toyota Avalon XL 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
04
05*
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13*
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA

NA
NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SEATS
Jun 02, 2016
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Summary:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
What should you do:
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V396000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7749
SEATS
Nov 19, 2014
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Summary:
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
What should you do:
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V743000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3233
EQUIPMENT
Feb 03, 2010
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Summary:
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V036000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 153418
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