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.
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.
Driver'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
There 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
Incorrect 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
A 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
Front 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
Air 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
Bolts 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
Airbag 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
Loss 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
Roof 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
Passenger 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
Passenger 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
Loss 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
Tow 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
Rear 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
Fuel 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
Accelerator 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
Towing 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
Possibility 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
Steering 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
Possibility 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
Vsc 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
Steering - 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
Possible 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
Possible 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
Car 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
Possibility 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
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.