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Toyota · Known Issues

2014 Toyota Avalon Problems: 6 Known Issues

2014 model year · 1,880+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,880+ owner reports, the 2014 Toyota Avalon has 6 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Pre-Collision System Radar False Activation - Unexpected Hard Braking (Recall 15V-728) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Water Pump Leak and Failure (2GR-FE) with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $2,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Avalon Safety/Recalls1
  • Avalon Cooling1
  • Avalon Transmission1
  • Avalon Electrical1
  • Avalon Steering1
  • Avalon Suspension1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ
Get Started
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Cooling1
  • Transmission1
  • Electrical1
  • Steering1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005

When Issues Typically Appear

6-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder
30K-40K
Front Strut Mount Bearing Noise and Clunking
60K-80K
Water Pump Leak and Failure (2GR-FE)
80K-120K
Power Steering Rack Seal Leak
80K-120K
038K75K113K150K mi

On the 2013-2015 Toyota Avalon, on XX40 Avalons equipped with the optional Pre-Collision System, the millimeter-wave radar can misread a fixed metal object in the road surface - an expansion joint, a steel bridge plate, a construction plate - as a stopped vehicle in the path. The PCS then pre-charges and applies the brakes hard with no obstacle present, sometimes at highway speed with traffic behind. NHTSA campaign 15V-728 covers roughly 30,800 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles built October 19, 2012 through October 27, 2015 that carry the PCS option. Owners also report the same behavior triggering the pre-collision warning chime and seatbelt pretension without a full brake event.

Common Symptoms

  • Brakes apply hard on their own with no vehicle ahead
  • Pre-collision warning buzzer and dash alert over bridge joints or steel road plates
  • Seatbelt pretensioner cinches unexpectedly
  • Momentary loss of speed / lurch at highway speed

How to Fix

Check the VIN against NHTSA campaign 15V-728000; covered cars get certain PCS components replaced free of charge at a Toyota dealer (remedy launched July 28, 2016). If the recall is already closed on the VIN and false activations persist, the dealer should verify radar aim and mounting after any front-end work or bumper repair - a mis-aimed or mis-shimmed radar sensor reproduces the same symptom. The PCS can be switched off from the settings menu as an interim measure while waiting for the appointment.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
1,100 owners

On the 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon 2GR-FE, the water pump on the 3.5L 2GR-FE fails prematurely between 80,000-120,000 miles, developing a coolant leak from the weep hole or gasket surface. If not addressed, complete pump failure causes overheating and potential head gasket damage.

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant leak from front/center of engine
  • Coolant level dropping
  • Overheating at idle or low speeds
  • Whining noise from water pump area
  • Sweet coolant smell

How to Fix

Replace water pump (Toyota 16100-09515 or Aisin WPT-190). Replace thermostat (Toyota 16031-31011) at the same time. Use Toyota SLLC or equivalent coolant. The pump is driven by the serpentine belt, so inspect the belt and tensioner during replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Aisin WPT-803 mechanical water pump

    confirmed mechanical pump leak or bearing-failure branch Fitment/availability: 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L 2GR-FE mechanical water-pump application; confirm VIN and production date Fitment/availability: direct product page and cart cont…

    YotaShop
  • Genuine Toyota 90916-A3002 thermostat

    thermostat branch when due, diagnosed or deliberately replaced during overlapping cooling-system service Fitment/availability: 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon 3.5L; replaces 90916-03133, 90916-03140 and 90916-A3001; confirm VIN Fitment/availabil…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 00272-SLLC2 50/50 Super Long Life Coolant

    correct coolant for refill and bleed after mechanical pump service Fitment/availability: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant maintenance/refill branch; verify total system quantity and never mix incompatible coolant Fitment/availability: Add …

    North Park Toyota Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 1,100 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,100 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
780 owners

On the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon, the Aisin U660E 6-speed automatic develops torque converter lockup shudder at 25-50 mph under light throttle. The lockup clutch material degrades, causing vibration during cruising. Fluid degradation accelerates the problem.

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder at 25-50 mph during light acceleration
  • Vibration disappears on harder acceleration
  • Transmission fluid dark or burnt smelling
  • Rough shifts between 3rd and 4th gear

How to Fix

Perform triple drain-and-fill with Toyota WS ATF (08886-02305). If shudder persists, torque converter replacement is needed. Some owners report success with Lubegard Instant Shudder Fixx additive as a temporary fix. Regular ATF changes every 30,000-40,000 miles prevent the issue.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota Genuine ATF WS one-quart bottle

    correct-spec drain/refill consumable after diagnosis, not a guaranteed shudder repair Fitment/availability: 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon gasoline V6 with confirmed U660E only; excludes Hybrid eCVT and requires VIN/manual quantity confirmation…

    Toyota South Atlanta Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,800

Research This Issue

Based on 780 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence780 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon, the Fujitsu Ten-built Entune / Entune Premium head unit fitted to the XX40 Avalon fails in a recognizable pattern: the screen freezes with audio still playing, the unit cycles through the Toyota logo and restarts itself repeatedly, or the display goes completely black while the radio audio and the backup camera keep working. Owners trace it to a combination of head-unit firmware bugs and internal hardware degradation; heat-soaked cars and cars stored outdoors seem to fail sooner.

Common Symptoms

  • Screen freezes and touch input is ignored while audio continues
  • System restarts itself in a loop at the Toyota logo
  • Display goes black but radio and backup camera still function
  • Bluetooth pairing drops or will not reconnect
  • No sound from some or all speakers (JBL-equipped cars)

How to Fix

Try the documented resets first: hold the power/volume knob about 5 seconds for a soft reboot, or disconnect the battery for 15 minutes for a hard reset. Then have the dealer check for an available Entune software update - Toyota issued updates that resolved a share of the reboot cases. If the unit still cycles or the display is dead with audio present, the head unit is the failed part; a used or refurbished OEM unit is the cost-effective route but the part number must match the exact option set (navigation vs. non-nav, JBL vs. base) or it will not work.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $1,400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon, the hydraulic power steering rack on 2005-2018 Avalon models (pre-2019, which switched to electric power steering) develops internal seal leaks. Fluid weeps from the input shaft seal or the rack boots, causing a gradual loss of power steering fluid. As the fluid drops, the power steering pump whines and groans, and steering effort increases. In severe cases, the rack leaks enough fluid to drip on the garage floor and the steering can become dangerously heavy at low speeds. The issue typically develops after 80,000-120,000 miles.

Common Symptoms

  • Power steering fluid on garage floor
  • Whining or groaning noise when turning
  • Steering effort increases, especially at low speed
  • Power steering fluid level dropping
  • Wet or oily steering rack boots
  • Fluid spray on undercarriage near steering rack

How to Fix

Replace the power steering rack with a remanufactured unit ($250-$500 for parts). Labor is 3-5 hours ($400-$800) including a required four-wheel alignment after installation. A new OEM rack costs $600-$1,200. As a temporary measure, power steering stop-leak additive (Lucas Stop Leak, $10-$15) can slow a minor leak. Top off the reservoir with Toyota-specified ATF/power steering fluid and monitor the level weekly. The 2019+ Avalon uses electric power steering and is not affected by this issue.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Steering Pros remanufactured OEM Toyota Avalon steering rack

    confirmed internally leaking hydraulic-rack branch Fitment/availability: 2005-2012 Toyota Avalon hydraulic steering, associated with OEM 44250-07101 and obsolete 44250-07100; confirm VIN, ports and steering option Fitment/availability: i…

    Steering Pros

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipNever let the power steering fluid run dry. A pump running without fluid will destroy itself within minutes, turning a $500 rack repair into a $1,500 rack and pump repair. Check the fluid monthly.
Typical repair cost:$250 - $2,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2005-2022 Toyota Avalon, the front strut mount bearings on the Avalon wear out and develop a popping, creaking, or clunking noise when turning the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds and when turning while stationary (like parking maneuvers). The bearing allows the strut to rotate as the wheels turn — when it wears, metal-on-metal contact creates the noise. The noise is most noticeable in cold weather and first thing in the morning. The issue affects all generations of the Avalon but is most common after 60,000-80,000 miles.

Common Symptoms

  • Popping or clunking noise when turning steering wheel
  • Creaking sound during slow-speed turns
  • Noise from front of vehicle when parking
  • Steering feels rough or catches during turns
  • Noise worse in cold weather or first drive of the day

How to Fix

Replace the front strut mounts and bearings ($80-$150 per side for parts). The strut must be removed and disassembled using a spring compressor to access the mount bearing — this is a job for a shop unless you have spring compressor experience ($300-$500 labor for both sides). Most shops recommend replacing the struts at the same time if they have over 80,000 miles, since the labor overlaps. A complete strut assembly with pre-assembled mount and spring ($200-$350 per side) eliminates the need for a spring compressor and simplifies the repair. A wheel alignment ($100-$150) is required after strut work.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Toyota 90903-63014 front strut mounting bearing

    front bearing branch for the third- and fourth-generation range Fitment/availability: 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon front, both sides; confirm VIN and production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days and Add to Cart live when r…

    ToyotaPartsNow
  • Genuine Toyota 48609-07020 front suspension support/strut mount

    early third-generation mount branch Fitment/availability: 2005-2007 Toyota Avalon catalog branch; confirm VIN, production date and side before purchase Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days and Add to Cart live when reviewed

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Genuine Toyota 48609-06190 front suspension support/strut mount

    later third-generation mount branch Fitment/availability: 2006-2012 Toyota Avalon catalog branch; 2006-2007 overlap requires VIN and production confirmation Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days and Add to Cart live when reviewed

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Genuine Toyota 48609-06270 front suspension support/strut mount

    fourth-generation mount branch Fitment/availability: 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon catalog branch; confirm VIN and plant/option details Fitment/availability: ships in 1-2 business days and Add to Cart live when reviewed

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Genuine Toyota 48619-06010 front strut mounting bearing

    fifth-generation bearing branch Fitment/availability: 2019-2022 Toyota Avalon front, both sides; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days and Add to Cart live when reviewed

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Genuine Toyota 48609-06380 front suspension support/strut mount

    fifth-generation comfort-trim mount branch Fitment/availability: 2019-2022 Toyota Avalon Limited/XLE and listed hybrid or AWD catalog branches; confirm VIN because trim and drivetrain split the mount Fitment/availability: ships in 1 busi…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Genuine Toyota 48609-06390 front suspension support/strut mount

    fifth-generation sport-trim mount branch Fitment/availability: 2019-2022 Toyota Avalon Touring/XSE catalog branch; confirm VIN and drivetrain Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live when reviewed

    ToyotaPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipBuy complete strut assemblies (Monroe Quick-Strut or KYB Strut-Plus) with the mount, bearing, and spring pre-assembled. They bolt right in without a spring compressor and cost only slightly more than mount-only replacement. Much safer for DIY.
Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V68200004/11/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #20V734000
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Avalon problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,880+ owner reports, the 2014 Toyota Avalon has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Pre-Collision System Radar False Activation - Unexpected Hard Braking (Recall 15V-728), Water Pump Leak and Failure (2GR-FE), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Avalon reliable?

The 2014 Toyota Avalon has 6 known issues documented across 1,880+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Pre-Collision System Radar False Activation - Unexpected Hard Braking (Recall 15V-728). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Avalon problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Avalon issues range from $0 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Pre-Collision System Radar False Activation - Unexpected Hard Braking (Recall 15V-728), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2015 Toyota Avalon Pre-Collision System Radar False Activation - Unexpected Hard Braking (Recall 15V-728)?

On XX40 Avalons equipped with the optional Pre-Collision System, the millimeter-wave radar can misread a fixed metal object in the road surface - an expansion joint, a steel bridge plate, a construction plate - as a stopped vehicle in the path. The PCS then pre-charges and applie… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon Water Pump Leak and Failure (2GR-FE)?

The water pump on the 3.5L 2GR-FE fails prematurely between 80,000-120,000 miles, developing a coolant leak from the weep hole or gasket surface. If not addressed, complete pump failure causes overheating and potential head gasket damage. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,880+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

25/11/2020

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Campaign #23V86500020/12/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V01200013/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check. If this occurs, the ECU may not deploy the airbags as intended, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Campaign #18V68500004/10/2018

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Shudder?

The Aisin U660E 6-speed automatic develops torque converter lockup shudder at 25-50 mph under light throttle. The lockup clutch material degrades, causing vibration during cruising. Fluid degradation accelerates the problem. Repairs typically run $200-$2,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Entune Head Unit Reboot Loop, Frozen Touchscreen and Black Display?

The Fujitsu Ten-built Entune / Entune Premium head unit fitted to the XX40 Avalon fails in a recognizable pattern: the screen freezes with audio still playing, the unit cycles through the Toyota logo and restarts itself repeatedly, or the display goes completely black while the r… Repairs typically run $150-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2018 Toyota Avalon Power Steering Rack Seal Leak?

The hydraulic power steering rack on 2005-2018 Avalon models (pre-2019, which switched to electric power steering) develops internal seal leaks. Fluid weeps from the input shaft seal or the rack boots, causing a gradual loss of power steering fluid. As the fluid drops, the power… Repairs typically run $250-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2022 Toyota Avalon Front Strut Mount Bearing Noise and Clunking?

The front strut mount bearings on the Avalon wear out and develop a popping, creaking, or clunking noise when turning the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds and when turning while stationary (like parking maneuvers). The bearing allows the strut to rotate as the wheels tu… Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: low.