CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Toyota Avalon has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA, including 49 crashes, 2 fires, 28 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (184 reports).
2003 Toyota Avalon recalls
Air bags may deploy unexpectedly while driving
A component in the air bag control module can fail due to electrical noise.
Most common 2003 Toyota Avalon problems
Problem areas named in the 293 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 184 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 51 |
| Steering | 19 |
| Electrical System | 18 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 |
| Suspension | 11 |
| Structure | 7 |
| Engine | 7 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Seat Belts | 6 |
What owners report
March 13, 2026, I was on a road trip from CA to AZ and while driving around 75-80mph (speed limit), something in the driver's side seat belt or the shoulder holster exploded, the belt tightened, and something metal or plastic flew off. Shortly after (within 30 seconds or so), the passenger's side seat belt did something similar where something in the seat belt mechanism exploded and another part went flying. There was an electrical buzzing noise. I was looking for a place to pull over when the air bags went off. There was no bump in the road or a dip and I did not hit anything. I don't remember the order the air bags exploded but it was one after the other. The driver's side air bag explodin
I was driving back home, out of no where my car went out of control, went left, then right, hit something and flipped over twice to end in a hill against the traffic with 4 flat tires. The air bag did not deployed. I did hit the windshield. The car was total.
Purchased car used 11/2020 Jan 14 2021 had 2 open recalls steering casting defect and wire harness filter to deflect noise from ecm . I lost control of communication of operations. 12/2022 steering lock bar The past 2 years uncovered everything on my own. Learned somebody died in 2003 Avalon in Texas about steering locking up. Plan to talk to class action lawyers over airbag and steering. And arrange my own lawyer with settlement lawyers to make this repair and all tsb to be performed. I will never buy a car unless I can find all tsb problems associated with that car. I hope recalls can be opened especially when you guys in government state safety ,compliance and emissions do not exp
turn off the lights inside panel. The level of heat all the way up, the same with the gasoline level. The internal lights blink. Loss of power.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle started smoking and the engine stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
2003 Toyota Avalon questions
Does the 2003 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Toyota Avalon: Air bags may deploy unexpectedly while driving; Steering. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Avalon?
Based on 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (184), Vehicle Speed Control (51), Steering (19).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Toyota Avalon has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.