Print this page

6.9

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
60,250 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. how do u fix this (1 reports)
  3. toyota replaced it under a recall (1 reports)
2008 Toyota Avalon accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Toyota Avalon:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Toyota Avalon Owner Comments

problem #9

Aug 292020

Avalon Limited 3.2L: V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,800 miles

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

I am about to purchase a 2008 Avalon Limited with 42800 miles from a dear friend. In test driving the car which is in excellent condition, we noticed the crack in the dash all across and down to the glove box. In doing research we find there was a class action suit that closed in 2018. Since the car has always been garaged and barely driven during the last 7 years when her husband became ill and no longer drove, she never noticed the crack nor has she received any info about the class action suit. Toyota tells me that legally, when the class action suit remedy period expires, Toyota cannot do anything to help the consumer. How can I prove that she was never notified? Does anyone have any other ideas of recourse in this matter?

- Marilyn O., Warner Robins, GA, US

problem #8

Jan 012021

Avalon Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 190,000 miles

Purchased vehicle in 2017, and we've hardly driven it as it's mainly used to drive less than a mile to and back from work everyday. I noticed a crack on the dash started to develop right above the stereo console. I've looked into this and it is a fairly common complaint with Toyota's dash's. As of now the only fix is to completely replace the whole dash as there isn't much one can do to repair the soft sticky/gummy texture of this problem. Part costs $500.00 without labor.

- Xong M., Topeka, US

problem #7

Jul 052016

Avalon XLS 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,941 miles

click to see larger images

dash cracking dash cracking

My wife's 2004 Sienna was recalled for the dash cracking. In fact, it cracked in 2 areas and we eventually had it replaced by Toyota. Now, my 2008 Avalon is showing cracking, just not on the dash. On the material just above the glove box. And what started out as a small 3 inch crack (when I first noticed it), has now taken a turn left and is running across to the left. I'm eventually going to fix this, but am hoping mine is not an isolated incident and Toyota is aware of this. With just under 46,000 miles, it sucks. I have reflective tinted windows all around, except for the front windshield, and use about 50% of the time a sunshade that covers the whole front windshield. I would have suspected the dash cracking before this section above the glove box.

- William M., Dumfries, VA, US

problem #6

Jun 102016

Avalon LE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

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

I can't drive the car with the windows closed as the chemical smell of the melting dash is caustic, it horrible. Toyota tells me that it may take some six months or more the get a new one due to the back order. I just bought this Avalon a day ago! PISSED! I am seeing the dealership and Toyota in providing me with a comparable vehicle to drive while waiting!

Update from Sep 10, 2016: After calling the CEO of Toyota Corporate headquarters they reduced my free replacement dash time from 6-7 months to three weeks!

- quicksilva05, Shelby, NC, US

problem #5

Jan 012013

Avalon LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I found it annoying and odd because the car was mainly in a garage in shade and no one sat on that side most of the time and MOST of all it is cracking in other places now. There HAS TO BE SOMETHING DEFECTIVE SOMEWHERE CAUSING THIS. ITS NOW WORRISOME. Unsightly is just annoying, but danger potential is the main concern. Is there a recall about this or other complaints. I know a friend having same problem on Lexus and it's being replaced by recall. Let me know about all recalls on my Avalon. Thanks

- debbou, Biloxi, MS, US

problem #4

Mar 142013

Avalon 6cycler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,230 miles

I LOVE THIS CAR, I BOUGHT IT THROUGH A DEALER, USED. IT IS BEAUTIFUL. I ALWAYS WANTED THIS CAR. IT IS A SHAME THAT THE DASH HAS A CRACK.

Update from Mar 10, 2015: ITS NOT JUST ONE CRACK IT SEVERAL DOWN BY THE DASH AND TOP OF DASH

- Lisa K., Mulberry, FL, US

problem #3

Mar 122014

Avalon Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

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

Since the first occurrence with only 1 crack in the dash(passenger side) many cracks have formed. Conversation with dealer today indicated he was aware of the problem now waiting to see if there is a next step.

- Stephen K., Spring Hill, FL, US

problem #2

Dec 072012

Avalon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

What started as a very small crack has become an enormous problem. There are multiple cracks all over the dashboard and new ones appear often. This car has only 35,000 miles currently. When I spoke with the dealership they wanted to charge me thousands, since the cracks are in multiple locations on the dashboard, all of the sections would need to be replaced. Looking at other complaints on the internet, there seems to be a clear pattern of cracked dashboards in humid and hot states. Especially, Texas, Florida, Louisiana, etc. Since this seems to be a regional problem, I wonder if it will ever be addressed. This is my fourth Toyota and unless this problem is resolved, it will be my last.

Many of these problems begin on the airbag section of the dashboard and then spread. Recently there has been an airbag recall on some models, but currently not this one. Could there possibly be a connection?

- Melinda H., Chalmette, LA, US

problem #1

Jan 012012

Avalon Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

click to see larger images

dash cracking dash cracking dash cracking dash cracking dash cracking

Bought a new 2008 Toyota Avalon from David Maus in Sanford, FL. They advertise what ever it takes, I have called their customer relations (407) 302-8851 twice and have been transferred to their service department, where I had to leave a message since a person did not pick up. Still have not got a call back. I wanted to see if there was a recall since this problem was not caused by any thing we did to have the dash crack. Went on line and this is an ongoing theme with dash cracks. Their material used in the dashes is evident that it is not the right choice Toyota should recall all vehicles with this problem, if not I would think twice before buying another Toyota.

Update from Aug 8, 2013: Limited edition

Update from Aug 23, 2013: Have a picture of another crack that has appeared since the original complaint.

Update from Nov 1, 2013: Another crack was noticed today, want to add photo of the latest crack.

Update from Nov 23, 2013: Counted all the dash cracking problems from this one web sight and counted 78 similar complaints on Toyotas since as far back as 2003 and Toyota does still not want to admit that they have a problem and are willing to stand behind their product, tells you something about the company.

Update from Feb 2, 2015: our car has the ground effects package which was an option from Toyota. We have less than 34000 miles on car and just received a letter from Toyota saying they have now decided to repair the cracking of the dash which the dealer wanted around a $1,000 to fix as the whole dash had to be replace. About time the company taking steps to correct this problem they have with this car. But now the spoiler on this car is having the clear coat peeling away from the paint I feel this is also a problem they should address. The dealer wants around $200.00 to repaint again this is something that should not happen and I think it should be included as it also is an appearance issue that should not have happened.

- James L., Orlando, FL, US

Not what you are looking for?