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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,670 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Toyota Avalon engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Toyota Avalon Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 082003

Avalon 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,348 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine cut out/stalled in middle of expressway with no warning. Pulled to emergency lane, turned off engine, waited a while, turned engine back on, engine light was on. Took to dealership, who indicates it is oil sludge due to failure to change oil. Oil has been changed every 4000 miles. Getting no satisfaction at this point from dealer, who indicates minimum repair cost will be $3300 - $3500 for rebuilt engine. Made complaint to Toyota corporate, who also are not providing assistance. Getting run around as complaint was filed, which they are sending back to regional office for handling. Regional office already indicated that they probably aren't offering any assistance. Engine has less than 65,000 miles on it. Bought it one year old with 29,000 on it. There is no reason for this car to have engine trouble with less than 65,000 miles on it. Only 35,000 miles have been put on the car in last 6 years. Toyota needs to stick by their product, and make repairs that are required. Consumers at being placed in very poor position, and we are being taken advantage of.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #4

Aug 042002

(reported on)

Avalon

  • miles
I own a 1996 Toyota Avalon with 53K miles on it. It started consuming oil and blowing smoke on cold starts over the winter. I have done numerous maintenance and repairs to rectify the problem. Before then, the check engine light came on 15months ago so I asked my Toyota dealer to check the engine. They did some minor checks and turned the light off. Currently my car has been diagnosed as "engine internall damaged needs engine" both the service manager mike and the district service manager acknowledged sludge in engine that caused diagnosed engine problems. I have been trying to resolve with Toyota corporate personell as I became aware of the 1997-2002 Toyota vehicles with the same engine that are currently being repaired by Toyota under the "spa campaign" that Toyota said they worked out with your organization. I have been offered 50% repair from Toyota corporate despite being accused of neglecting my vehicle(I provided Toyota with all of my scheduled mainteneance and oil change receipts at well within their recommended time/mileage intervals. I am aware of many other 1996 Toyota Avalon owners that are experiencing he same problems/false accusations an grief from Toyota. Some have received full payment for their engine repairs. Toyota needs to take responsibility for the oil gelling(sludge) problems many of their vehicles are having. I feel that my 3 small children and I are at risk of serious personal injury due to the problem with Toyota 6 cyl engine. I would like to know if there is any assistance you can give me and why 1996 Avalons are not included in the "spa" program when it is the same engine and same engine problems occurring. Please help. Monica at Toyota said it was with your organization, guidance and approval that the current "spa" campaign was implemented. Toyota needs to stand up tall and support their loyal customers in good times and bad. It is way too easy to be a "fair weather friend". now we are "neglectful owners" hmmm.

- Branford, CT, USA

problem #3

Jul 012000

Avalon

  • miles
Engine has sludge.toyta does not want to fix it.engine will cut off going down roadit could possiblty cause accident.it is not just one model of car but the six cylinder is the problem. I have talked to about 20 people who have this problem with engine sludge.there is no way to tell how many people are having this problem. Toyota says oil not changed properly but people have records.please look at the website www.thecomplaintstation.com under Toyota and look at problems. This is just some peoplethat have found out it and know one place they can log it.how many out there that dont know. I was at Toyota dealership and while they were checking mine another came in it was a 98 Toyota sinnea van only 38000 miles toytoa told these people the same thing thing they told me oil not changed and it was the worst they ever saw.I beleive Toyota is trying to hide something. I have a toytoa with 237000 miles on it no problem withit. Please check into this. I was told by a Toyota tech. It was possible cause of engine design.he said the front head is flat and the back head is at a angle possibly causing afloe problem. Thanks pat.

- Waynesboro, GA, USA

problem #2

Mar 011999

Avalon

  • miles
Engine giving off smoke after oil change. Entire engine has been dismantled and is being reassembled. Oil has been changed at appropriate service intervals.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #1

Apr 021997

(reported on)

Avalon 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Sudden acceleration, causing an accident.

- Ponte Vedr, FL, USA

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