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8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$930
Average Mileage:
64,900 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. need new oil line (13 reports)
  2. repair oil leak and replace serpentine belt (3 reports)
  3. not sure (2 reports)
  4. replace timing chain cover gasket (2 reports)
  5. replace oil line, cam, and crank pullies (1 reports)
2006 Toyota Avalon engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Toyota Avalon Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Jan 312016

Avalon Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

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

2/2/2016 Bought 2006 Avalon from dealer. One prior owner, elderly couple 102,000 miles. Loved the car itself but now after owning it for less than a year am forced to have to sell it. As a single mom I can't afford car repairs of $2700.00 for a front timing cover oil leak. Also at the same time the #2 coil went bad, $271.17 on top of the $2700.00. Green's Toyota Lexington, Ky also suggested to replace all plugs in the amount of $575.93.

I have always drove Toyota but after this my family and I are all just going to have to move away from them i guess. Otherwise I absolutely love this car and am heartbroken to have to separate from it as it it beautiful.

UGH!

- Candi G., Georgetown, KY, US

problem #20

Jul 172012

Avalon Limited 3.5L V6 (2gr-Fe)

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,360 miles

My wife was driving the car to the local mall (26 miles away). She parked and called me complaining of strange engine noise. When I got off work I drove there to look at it. Pulled the oil dipstick and it showed no level but there was some oil on the sides of the dip stick. Looked through the oil fill cap and there was some engine oil droplets visible. There was a puddle of oil under the car and the entire bottom of the engine on the passenger side was wet with oil but i couldn't see where it had come from. I put about 4 quarts of oil in and started the engine. There were no abnormal sounds and the engine appeared to run smoothly. when I walked to the from of the car I saw that oil was spraying out of the side of the engine.When I looked closer it was coming from the area of the VVTi Oil Hose. I had the car towed to the garage that I typically use (LDG Automotive in Owings MD) but then discovered that this could be a recall issue so then I had it towed to Bayside Toyota in Prince Frederick MD. Bayside Toyota Service said that it was indeed the VVTi oil hose and that the hose had been replaced in 2010 under the 90K recall (before I owned the vehicle). I spoke to Toyota Customer Service (800-331-4331) and they said that the part was replaced once for free under the recall and that Toyota was not responsible for and more action on the matter. I also found out that in 2008 Toyota went away from the rubber hose on the these engines and started using an all metal hose. The rubber hose "band-aid" fix is part number 15707-31030. The all metal hose is part number 15772-31030. The service guy at Bayside said that he could use the metal hose but there was no guarantee that it would work because Toyota didn't recommend it for that year engine. Toyota knows that this is a problem but it is not cost effective to fix it. there is a lot of information at this website: https://sites.google.com/site/toyotav6oillinescandal/

I don't know why but I just expect them to do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.

So, I'm going to pay for the repair because I need my car back. But I will keep fighting with Toyota because they need to own up and take care of this problem. I've been buying Toyota for a long time and currently have 4 of them...might be time for a change.

- Brendan B., Huntingtown, MD, US

problem #19

Feb 082012

Avalon Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,086 miles

As the other complaints regarding the sudden oil line rupturing, it occurred to us last night. We have 69,000+ on our Avalon and this was a surprise to find out it is a rather common problem. Thankfully, we were in town, not driving at interstate speeds, or we would have blown an engine. We never received a recall notice from Toyota about it, but many recalls regarding the accelerator issue.

Update from Feb 13, 2012: Toyota dealer picked the car up at local repair shop and fixed the part at no charge. Cleaned the engine compartment up and sent us on our way.

- Gordon W., Springdale, AR, US

problem #18

Oct 282011

Avalon XL 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,208 miles

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

Check engine light came on followed by oil light as I exited the expressway. The small rubber line connected on the metal oil line had ruptured and sprayed oil over the engine. I pulled into a Firestone service center near the exit and they said no oil in the engine. They called the Stone Mountain Toyota dealer who, I was told, said not covered by warranty per VIN number. Firestone charged $100 for the diagnostic and $330 for the repair including a hose from Toyota that cost me $117. Total charge was $430. Apparently this would have been covered by Toyota had I known about this problem but I never had any notice from Toyota or the dealer even though I have had regular service at the Stone Mountain Dealer and had just completed the 60,000 mile service which included some fluid changes.

- carole13, Tucker, GA, US

problem #17

May 312010

Avalon Limited 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

No problem at the beginning of the drive, by the time i got home as i back up into the garage i see an oil trail. i looked under the car and it was dripping oil. I slid a pan under and went to bed. Morning came and there was less than 2 tablespoon of oil in the pan. I checked the engine and the stick is dry. i am waiting for a tow truck as i am doing this. the most disconcerting thing is that there was no oil warning light. i told the service rep and voiced my concern of driving the thing without oil since no light came on. he assured me that there could be oil left in the engine and the stick won't show it. WTF. if it was leaking oil, how does it stop by itself. it must have have some carbon based clotting factor that i don't know of. i was thinking of getting a Lexus after this car but F that. I am not going near Toyota products anymore. one thing to have a defective product, it's another entirely to have the rep be condescending and insulting to me. i will buy a freaking Hyundai before Toyota

- minh, Royersford, PA, US

problem #16

Oct 192009

Avalon 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I was driving my 2006 Toyota Avalon (72000miles) on Coney Avenue in Brooklyn on October 19, 2009 I heard noise coming from my engine, It sounds like metal hitting on metal so I stop and checked, I noticed oil was dripping from under the car so I took the car to my mechanic, he fixed the problem but It cost me $180.00. He said, "The hose for the oil pump burst." After he changed the hose, he suggested to me, it is imperative that I get a different hose because this hose will burst again.

Then it happened again for the second time in North Carolina, I smelled oil burning then I heard metal knocking against metal, I looked behind me and I saw the whole road was fill with smoke, and it was coming form my car, while all this was happening no warning light come on about low oil . I checked the oil crank case it was completely dry. It happen about twelve O' clock on January 3, 2010.

We were traveling from Alpharetta, GA to Brooklyn, New York on the I-77 North EXIT 23B about 300 miles (14hours 28minutes-870.30 miles) into our destination. I smelled oil burning and I heard noise like metal knocking on metal. So I looked in my review mirror and to my surprise, I saw a cloud of blue smoke trailing behind my car, so I asked my wife, "is this smoke coming from our car?" sadly she said "sorry to disappoint you but the smoke is coming from our car." We pulled into a gas station, it happened on Sunday, January 3, 2010, about twelve O' clock. We called about 15-20 garages, not one was opened on Sunday. So we asked the gas station attendant, if she knew a local garage that open on Sunday, she told us that her father-in-law is a mechanic. She called him, and he came and he towed the car back to his garage and changed the hose, The repair cost $403.00 he brought the car to us the following morning, Monday, January 4, 2010 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Dobson, North Carolina, by the way, it's a very nice hotel, it cost us $102 for the night.

The bursting of the hose affects my vehicle in three ways I could identify. Before the incident, I used to get 19 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, but now I get about 13MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The car idle rough and I hear a noise coming from the engine when I press the accelerator slowly. I guessed: Toyota vehicle is the only vehicle I know, I could drive without oil and no warning light to tell you the oil is low.

I am disappointed in Toyota for not fixing the problem and making a national recall on this particular hose problem and sending out letters informing Toyota owners about this problem because I never receive a letter about this problem. The problem is not just the hose but the warning light that tells you the oil in the crankcase is low.

- potent368, Orlando, FL, US

problem #15

Feb 152010

Avalon Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

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

5th toyota that I have owned. Purchased brand new at Carlock Toyota in Tupelo, MS. Car was at the dealership being seviced on 9.17.09. On 10.1.09 a recall was issued on the V V Y I oil line .. I was not notified by Carlock Toyota of this recall. On 2.15.10 my wife's avalon breaks down .. oil line has busted in the carport and she has driven 60 miles with no oil in the engine. Oxford Toyota in Oxford, MS. is attempting to repair the damage to the engine .. starting with the cam gears .. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH CARLOCK TOYOTA for not contacting me about the recall .. an oil line is 5 bucks .. now toyota is looking at new engine

- scottramsey, Tupelo, MS, US

problem #14

Feb 082010

Avalon Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,120 miles

After fixing the oil hose leak in November '09, which turned into a RECALL, 6 months later my timing chain cover leaked. I brought it in for service and $2,100 later a new timing cover gasket. Now Toyota is telling me that was Normal. BS You can't tell me that when you run out of oil in your engine that doesn't cause seals and gaskets to dry and crack. Again, BS. Also, they have a Service Bulletin on the replacement of the Timing Cover. You don't just put out a Service Bulletin on a part that has to be fixed like one in a million. This replacement didn't just include the timing cover gasket it included other gaskets and a whole list of O rings along with an Oil Pan gasket. I'm sure there is a Service Bulletin on the "Gas Pedal" up grade and the Oil Line Replacement which are on RECALL. You know, I've owned a lot of Toyota's in my time. But I'm so disappointed with the Corporate handling of this Recall and my situation, that my next car will NOT be a TOYOTA.

- William L., Van Nuys, CA, US

problem #13

Jan 172010

Avalon STD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

I have the same problem of a faulty defective oil line on my 2006 Avalon with 49,000 miles. Cost $300 to repair. This could have ruined the engine because the oil was gushing out.

Here are the addresses to write to:

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 19001 South Western Ave. Dept. WC11 Torrance, CA 90501

Office of Safety Recommendations and Advocacy 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20594

I'm going to ask for a complete refund.

Steve

- Steve -., --, --, US

problem #12

Jan 012010

Avalon Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

Same problem as others. My husband drove our Avalon home from a trip. No problems on the drive home, no warning lights/indicators. The next morning oil was on the driveway under the car. Checked the oil level..totally dry. I googled the problem and found this website. Called the dealer today and they immediately new of the problem and told us to have the car towed at their expense and if the problem is what they think it is, then they'll pay for repairs. Hopefully the engine has not been damaged, but we don't know yet. The car is at the dealer now and they claim they'll have it fixed today.

I emailed Toyota last night asking what they plan on doing about this widespread problem and what they are going to do to restore my confidence in Toyota. After all, I bought a Toyota because it's a Toyota.

Update from Jan 3, 2010: All repairs and towing costs were paid for by the dealer.

- Julie L., Rockledge, FL, US

problem #11

Nov 162009

Avalon XLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,400 miles

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

I had the same problem with a broken oil line. My repairs were covered under the 60k miles warranty, I had 56400 miles on the car so I was lucky. I tried to get customer service to extend my warranty, but they refused. Interesting that the guy on the other end of the phone gave no indication that this was a known problem. The service manager let me know that it definitely was. I'm wondering how we can organize a class action suit, especially for those who had out-of-pocket expenses. Any lawyers out there who can help organize such a suit. I would appreciate an extension to my warrenty

- Bob M., Dayton, OH, US

problem #10

Nov 062009

Avalon Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

why hasn't Toyota identified this as a REAL problem and issued a recall? because I am not the only one with this oil leak. I took it in for oil change and was told that they saw the problem. I guess I should consider myself lucky further damage didn't occur and nothing else is wrong. I am still waiting for the car as this is taking longer than they thought. parts aren't available.

- superep, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, US

problem #9

Oct 312009

Avalon LTD 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,577 miles

Thanks, everyone, for confirming that mine was not a unique case. I drove about a dozen miles and noticed only that the air conditioning wasn't cooling the car well on a particularly warm and muggy October day. After reaching my destination, my husband called to say he'd noticed a small oil leak on our garage floor under my parking space. Since it was a Saturday afternoon and no garage was open, a friend added two quarts of oil, and the gauge that had registered nothing came into the normal range. Based on what others have written, I guess my case was caught early on. I attempted to drive to our service guy, but before I could reach there, I noticed a "hot" smell and turned off the highway as soon as possible and asked to park the car at a deli until I could arrange for a tow truck.

Again, no warning whatsoever on the instrument panel. The only thing vaguely resembling a red flag was a flickering of the AC light. No engine trouble light appeared for even a minute.

It took our mechanic several hours to diagnose the problem. Final result: an updated timing belt cover, rear engine cooler line, gaskets, serpentine belt, and an updated timing belt cover for which our mechanic had to call Toyota twice. They stated that there was oil all the way to the muffler and it took them an hour to clean the various parts of the engine. Fortunately, they strained the oil while draining for an oil change and no obvious engine damage was found. Now I get to hold my breath and wait for the signs.

Five hundred dollars later, I'm wondering HOW TO GET TOYOTA TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR? ANY SUGGESTIONS APPRECIATED.

Ironically, a friend who knew of my problem last week received a recall notice for his Avalon (purchased within two weeks of mine) two days after my incident. Timing is everything.

- Sue A., Holly Springs, NC, US

problem #8

Aug 262009

Avalon XLS 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

driving ona hot day and noticed that the A/c was not working well and the A/s light was flashing. Upon arrival at home found a pool of oil under the front right of the car. it was a Sunday and had to car AAA for a tow to the dealer. On Monday they fixed an oil line failure without charge but I had to call for a tow on a Sunday, go with the tow to the dealer, get back home. check with the dealer on Monday about problem, have no car on Monday and then get to the dealer to pcik up the car at teh end of the day.

- Ed M., Delmar, NY, Pacific Islands (US)

problem #7

Sep 012009

Avalon 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Clearly a defect in the product. Toyota did agree to pay half but seems to me that they should pay the entire cost.

- Tom M., Green Bay, WI, US

problem #6

Aug 292009

Avalon XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

2006 Avalon complete loss of engine oil with no warning light. Pulled into driveway after short errand. Car smelled hot. Pulled it out of the garage and oil all over the garage floor and driveway. Parked in street. Oil emptied. Towed to dealer. Tech says it's a problem they are seeing more of and recently one customer had oil loss while at Hoover Dam and car had to be towed back to dealership over a 100 miles away. Called dealership and spoke with service manager who listened but couldn't tell me anything positive about changes they should make to let customer know on this model in mileage range of 50-70k miles this has been showing up as a problem. My husband spoke with General Manager and Sales Manager and will follow up when car is ready. I called Toyota corporate in Torrance and they took my complaint to pass on to engineers but again seemed like it might be covered under special warranty arrangement with dealer but that was that. No concern for the possible DANGER of such a problem. Filed NHTSA complaint through link on this website and copied all your complaints. Also article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this year about this and other problems which necessitate Consumer Reports downgrade to average on quality rating. I am furious. I am going to pursue this to the highest levels of Toyota Corporate including headquarters in Japan. I, too, have been a loyal customer for over 15 years and have bought 4 vehicles from Toyota. No more. If there's a class action suit, sign me up. The terrifying possibilities of serious damage and death from an engine/oil service malfunction is enough to set anyone's hair on fire. Fortunately, this happened at home and I got the car out of the garage. Spent the day cleaning up oil. What else do they know that they aren't telling us? I would have paid to have this checked at service appointment 4 weeks ago before leaving on a trip that took me across and back along the Mojave Desert (113 degrees). I'd have a glass of wine or more but frankly cake sounds better so off I go. Thanks for listening.

- Carolyn B., Prescott, AZ, US

problem #5

Aug 042009

Avalon XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Almost identical to others- weird noise, check a/c light came on, a/c stopped working, then was working, then oil leaking all over the place. Had it towed to the dealer that day. Repair needed was a new v v t? line and replacement of serpentine belt damaged by the oil leak. Cost was not covered by dealer since mileage is over 60k. Called Toyota Experience line and they are "looking into it". I am hopeful that due to the widespread reporting of this same problem they will help with cost. This is our 5th Toyota due to high quality, low cost of repairs over life of vehicle. Have 98 Avalon with 150k that is still running great. Hope Toyota owns up to the problem and recalls for oil line issue.

- toyota5, 2752 Greene Ln, MD, US

problem #4

Jun 192009

Avalon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

We just had our 60,000 mile checkup several days ago. My wife noticed an occasional fluttering sound from the engine this morning. I drove it and noticed the same sound. Check engine light was not on; no indicator lights whatsoever. Checked the oil dipstick and was shocked to find it completely dry. Immediately added 4 quarts of oil and drove it to the nearest car shop to see if the filter or drain plug got loose somehow; while driving to the shop I heard a squealing noise from the engine; the AC stopped working shortly afterward (AC light started blinking).

At the shop they discovered a massive oil leak from the right side of the engine (which was incidentally dumping oil on the AC compressor belt, thus causing the AC to stop working). Currently the car is sitting in the shop until Monday; on Monday we'll have to get it towed to our Toyota dealer to figure out the next step.

I am crossing my fingers and hoping this has not damaged the engine. I am very disturbed that 1) this is apparently becoming a common problem on Avalons and 2) that the check engine light didn't come on at all. I'm not sure if I'll be able to trust this car for longer trips even after the repair. If the dealership hands me a giant bill, I am calling Toyota and telling them that this will be our last Toyota.

- Tim B., Chicago, IL, US

problem #3

May 292009

Avalon XL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

With all the posted oil line failures, I am curious about the frequency of oil changes as related to oil line failure. Is it possible that infrequent oil changes is a possible contributor (I understand there is a small filter in this oil line that is failing). Can we get updates from previous posters on this subject?

- pops, Oxford, MS, US

problem #2

Apr 082009

Avalon XLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

The engine oil line (rubber hose) ruptured without warning. The car is with my mechanic. He doesn't think the engine is damaged, however, he won't know until he replaces the oil line, tops off the oil, and starts the engine.

Toyota is aware of the problem. However, they haven't issued a recall. Toyota may be the new GM/Chrysler.

- James E., Woodbridge, VA, US

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