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Model reliability

Toyota Avensis reliability

The Toyota Avensis fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 37.4% of 54,484 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
17.3% failed their MOT
Worse than most
From 1,194 MOT tests of Toyota Avensiss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 61% more oftenMechanical brake components2.9% vs 1.8%
Fails 4× as oftenHeadlamps2.6% vs 0.7%Fix about £30
Fails 56% more oftenTyre tread depth2.5% vs 1.6%Fix about £90
Fails 41% more oftenHeadlamp aim2.4% vs 1.7%Fix about £30
6 to 10 years old
21.5% failed their MOT
About average
From 16,417 MOT tests of Toyota Avensiss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 53% more oftenHeadlamps2.6% vs 1.7%Fix about £30
Fails 33% more oftenPosition lamps2% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 90% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)1.9% vs 1%Fix about £30
Fails 2× as oftenDirection indicators1.4% vs 0.7%
Advised 55% more oftenSuspension arms8.2% vs 5.3%
Over 10 years old
37.4% failed their MOT
About average
From 54,484 MOT tests of Toyota Avensiss this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 55% more oftenPosition lamps8.2% vs 5.3%Fix about £30
Fails 48% more oftenDirection indicators3.4% vs 2.3%
Fails 82% more oftenRigid brake pipes3.1% vs 1.7%Fix about £120
Advised 69% more oftenSub-frames7.1% vs 4.2%
Advised 62% more oftenHeadlamps6% vs 3.7%Fix about £30
Safety recalls

27 DVSA recalls for the Toyota Avensis

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2022/34623 Jan 2023Built 2002–2006Driver's air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment.

Driver's air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment.�

Fix: Replace the drivers air bag assembly.�

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 77,926 vehicles

R/2021/10431 May 2021Built 2015–2018There is a possibility that the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could develop an internal coolant leak

A possibility that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler could develop an internal coolant leak

Fix: Replace the EGR cooler in all involved vehicles and if necessary replace the inlet manifold.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 24,241 vehicles

R/2018/37825 Feb 2019Built 2015–2018Incorrect tightening torque was possibly applied during previous injector removal or replacement

An incorrect tightening torque was applied at the moment of injector re-installation.

Fix: Check the injector clamp bolt torque and replace the parts if necessary.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 321 vehicles

R/2018/34021 Jan 2019Built 2008–2015A potential crack could develop in the fuel evaporative emission control unit mounted in the fuel tank

Possible fuel leak from fuel tank.

Fix: Replace the fuel tank emission control Canister.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 85,909 vehicles

R/2018/30717 Dec 2018Built 2003–2006Front passenger air bag inflators containing degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture

Passenger air bag may cause injury if activated.

Fix: Replace affected air bag assembly.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 99,588 vehicles

R/2018/30617 Dec 2018Built 2002–2006Air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system could be susceptible to internal shorting

Possible inadvertent air bag deployment.

Fix: Replace the airbag sensor assembly.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 131,435 vehicles

R/2017/32929 Jan 2018Built 2016Bolts on the exhaust side of the turbocharger assembly may be incorrectly tightened

Affected vehicles have a 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine. There is a possibility that the bolts on the exhaust-side of the turbocharger assembly may not have been correctly tightened during manufacture.

Fix: On affected vehicles check bolts. Where necessary replace the turbocharger.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 442 vehicles

R/2017/0105 Jun 2017Built 2016Airbag may not deploy

The subject vehicles are equipped with right front seat side airbags which may not deploy in a collision as intended.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right front seat side airbags.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 243 vehicles

R/2015/2257 Jan 2016Built 2008Loss of power

Internal cluctch pistons may have been incorrectly manufacturerd. This may cause incorrect transmission operation.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect clutch opertaion. Depending on out come either replace clutch component or transmission unit.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 14 vehicles

R/2015/1668 Sept 2015Built 2013Roof window glass may detach

The roof window glass may not have been correctly installed . This may allow the glass to separate from its frame. Initially this will lead to wind noise but continued use could cause the glass to detach from the frame.

Fix: Replace roof glass.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 42 vehicles

R/2015/09615 Jun 2015Built 2003–2007Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 542,751 vehicles

R/2013/04817 Apr 2013Built 2001–2003Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 85,405 vehicles

R/2012/1453 Dec 2012Built 2002–2008Loss of steering

It is possible that the splines of the extension shaft on vehicles equipped with Electric Motor assisted Power Steering (EMPS) may not have received the correct hardness treatment. This can cause the spline to distort and wear and eventually result in loss of steering.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check and if necessary replace the shaft.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 61,910 vehicles

R/2012/10226 Oct 2012Built 2003–2008Tow ball may fracture

On Toyota Avensis Previa and Lexus GS fitted with a Toyota or Lexus genuine or Brink branded (only on Avensis) detachable towing hitch the possibility exists that the detachable towing ball in some exceptional cases (under severe mechanical stress) might develop a crack. In a worst case the detachable towing ball might fracture and/or fail.

Fix: Lexus/Toyota dealers will replace the detachable towing ball and housing at no cost to vehicle owners.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 901 vehicles

R/2012/08512 Sept 2012Built 2008–2011Rear suspension arm may separate

If the rear suspension arm is adjusted as part of a wheel alignment or other repairs whilst in service it is possible that backlash can occur. This can allow corrosion to develop and cause the threads to deteriorate. Ultimately this could result in failure of the arm with a resultant loss of control of the vehicle.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the torque on the arm. Where necessary the arm will be replaced.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 65,863 vehicles

R/2011/00517 Feb 2011Built 2000–2008Fuel may leak

It is possible that during the manufacturing process the wall thickness of the high pressure supply pipe may have been reduced. If the driving conditions of the vehicle cause fuel pressure fluctuations this could cause cracking and result in a fuel leak. Also due to gasket fatigue and prolonged usage the high pressure fuel pump check valve may be come loose and leak.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the fuel pipe and fuel pump check valve plus gasket.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 15,639 vehicles

R/2010/0106 Feb 2010Built 2008–2009Accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle

It has been identified that on affected vehicles condensation resulting from cold-weather use of the heater or other causes may form on the worn surface of a component within the throttle pedal assembly known as the friction device. If this occurs there is a possibility that in the worst case the accelerator pedal may return slowly or does not return to the engine idle position.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have a precision-cut steel reinforcing bar fitted into the accelerator pedal assembly which will create a space in order to reduce the surface tension between the friction device and a component referred to as the pedal arm. The subject bar also strengthens the reaction force of the spring that returns the accelerator pedal to it's non-pressed position.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 174,426 vehicles

R/2009/08418 Nov 2009Built 2008–2009Towing hitch may detach

It has been identified thaton certain vehicles equipped with a genuine Toyota towing hitch the hitch installation bolts were over-tightened. In the worst case the bolts may break under certain conditions of usage.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the hitch installation bolts replaced and tightened to the correct torque.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 6 vehicles

R/2006/16521 Nov 2006Built 2006Possibility of tyre deflation

On certain Avensis vehicles equipped with 16 inch steel wheels due to the shape of the wheel trim there is a possibility that the edge of the wheel trim may interfere with the sidewall of the tyre. Should this occur whilst the vehicle is being driven the wheel trims may rotate which could lead to interference with the tyre valve. In the worst case and if the vehicle is continuously driven in this condition loss of tyre pressure could ensue.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the steel wheels (standard equipment) replaced with aluminium alloy wheels.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 39 vehicles

R/2006/10313 Sept 2006Built 2003–2005Steering may fail

It is possible that the connections at the intermediate shaft and sliding yoke of the steering column may become loose and if the symptoms are ignored steering control can be lost.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering intermediate shaft. In addition inspect the sliding yoke and intermediate shaft extension and replace if necessary. This recall is staggered starting with Prius and Corrolla. Avensis customer letters will be sent out over the next three months

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 39,372 vehicles

R/2004/1926 Dec 2004Built 2004Possibility that suspension arm bracket bolts may loosen

Anti-chipping paint (foam filled vinyl chloride) was applied in error to the clamping area where the rear lower suspension arm brackets are connected. This could lead to the bolts loosening over time.

Fix: Recall the potentially affected vehicles. Check and if necessary remove the incorrectly applied paint then re torque the bolts.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 1,372 vehicles

R/2004/16311 Oct 2004Built 2004Vsc warning light may illuminate and the system stop working

In rare cases the VSC (vehicle Stability Control) warning light may illuminate and the system stop working due to the Yaw rate sensor becoming disconnected internally. In even rarer cases the VSC may not function correctly even if the VSC light is not illuminated (partial disconnection). In these circumstances the VSC will not function. The VSC helps to prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways as a result of a strong front wheel skid or a strong rear wheel skid during cornering. The normal braking system is unaffected.

Fix: Recall vehicles that are likely to be affected and inspect. If necessary replace the Yaw rate sensor.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 321 vehicles

R/2004/0665 May 2004Built 2003Steering - wear of the intermediate shaft spline

It is possible on certain Avensis models fitted with Electric Motor assisted Power Steering (EMPS) that the intermediate steering shaft was incorrectly assembled this can result in premature wear of the shaft splines. This is identified by the abnormal noise produced however if the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition it may become difficult or in the worst case impossible to steer.

Fix: Inspect and if necessary replace the intermediate steering shaft.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 10,627 vehicles

R/2003/12626 Aug 2003Built 2003Possible imbalance under heavy braking.

The brake pipes leading into the ABS actuator may have been incorrectly positioned. This could cause an imbalance in performance under heavy braking.

Fix: Check and reposition the brake pipes if necessary.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 1,537 vehicles

R/2003/12526 Aug 2003Built 2003Possible malfunction of curtain shield airbag

The crimping connector of the inflator cartridge may be incorrectly assembled with the curtain airbag on certain vehicles. In the event of airbag activation full deployment of the curtain shield cannot be guaranteed due to this condition.

Fix: Replace the curtain shield airbag.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 31 vehicles

R/2002/02430 Sept 2002Built 1999–2000Car spoiler may become detached

There is a possibility that the car spoiler may become loose or detached.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to revise spoiler fixing method to bolts.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 916 vehicles

R/2002/09911 Jul 2002Built 2000–2001Possibility of fuel leak

There is a possibility that excessive residual stress remains on the check valve of the fuel pump during the assembly process. If the vehicle is driven with the residual stress the check valve may leak fuel.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to re-tighten the fuel pump check valve and replace the relevant fuel pipe to protect against stress fracture.

Recalled models: AVENSIS · 3,088 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Toyota Avensis before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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