Toyota Avensis recalls

29 official safety recalls for the Toyota Avensis from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Driver's airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported January 23, 2023Model years 2002–2006DVSA recall R/2022/34677,926 vehicles affected

    The driver's airbag inflator may rupture when deployed. The driver's airbag assembly will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    Driver's air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment.
    Defect
    Driver's air bag inflator may rupture upon deployment.�
    Remedy
    Replace the drivers air bag assembly.�

  2. EGR cooler may develop a coolant leak

    Reported May 31, 2021Model years 2015–2018DVSA recall R/2021/10496,964 vehicles affected

    The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may develop an internal coolant leak. The cooler will be replaced and, if necessary, the inlet manifold will also be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER COULD DEVELOP AN INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK
    Defect
    A possibility that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler could develop an internal coolant leak
    Remedy
    Replace the EGR cooler in all involved vehicles and if necessary replace the inlet manifold.

  3. Injector clamp bolt may be incorrectly tightened

    Reported February 25, 2019Model years 2015–2018DVSA recall R/2018/3781,284 vehicles affected

    An injector may have been reinstalled with incorrect tightening torque. The clamp bolt torque will be checked and parts replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    INCORRECT TIGHTENING TORQUE WAS POSSIBLY APPLIED DURING PREVIOUS INJECTOR REMOVAL OR REPLACEMENT
    Defect
    An incorrect tightening torque was applied at the moment of injector re-installation.
    Remedy
    Check the injector clamp bolt torque and replace the parts if necessary.

  4. Fuel tank emission control unit may crack

    Reported January 21, 2019Model years 2008–2015DVSA recall R/2018/340257,727 vehicles affected

    A crack in the fuel tank emission control unit could cause a fuel leak. The unit will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    A POTENTIAL CRACK COULD DEVELOP IN THE FUEL EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL UNIT MOUNTED IN THE FUEL TANK
    Defect
    Possible fuel leak from fuel tank.
    Remedy
    Replace the fuel tank emission control Canister.

  5. Passenger airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported December 17, 2018Model years 2001–2006DVSA recall R/2018/307398,352 vehicles affected

    Degraded propellant in the passenger airbag inflator may cause it to rupture when the airbag deploys, risking injury. The affected airbag assembly will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATORS CONTAINING DEGRADED PROPELLANT MAY RESULT IN AN INFLATOR RUPTURE
    Defect
    Passenger air bag may cause injury if activated.
    Remedy
    Replace affected air bag assembly.

  6. Airbag control module may cause inadvertent deployment

    Reported December 17, 2018Model years 2002–2006DVSA recall R/2018/306394,305 vehicles affected

    The airbag control module may short internally, causing an inadvertent airbag deployment. Replace the airbag sensor assembly.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO INTERNAL SHORTING
    Defect
    Possible inadvertent air bag deployment.
    Remedy
    Replace the airbag sensor assembly.

  7. Turbocharger exhaust-side bolts may be loose

    Reported January 29, 2018Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2017/3291,326 vehicles affected

    Bolts on the exhaust side of the turbocharger may not have been tightened correctly. They will be checked and the turbocharger replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    BOLTS ON THE EXHAUST SIDE OF THE TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY MAY BE INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    On affected vehicles check bolts. Where necessary replace the turbocharger.

  8. Right front seat side airbags may not deploy

    Reported June 5, 2017Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2017/0101,701 vehicles affected

    The right front seat side airbags may not deploy as intended in a collision. Dealers will replace them.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY
    Defect
    The subject vehicles are equipped with right front seat side airbags which may not deploy in a collision as intended.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right front seat side airbags.

  9. Passenger airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported October 26, 2016EU Safety Gate A12/1454/16

    If the front passenger airbag deploys, its gas inflator may rupture and project metal fragments. The product is recalled from end users.

    Official EU Safety Gate text
    Component
    Injuries
    Defect
    null In the event that the front passenger air bag is deployed, the gas inflator may rupture projecting metal fragments.
    Remedy
    Recall of the product from end users
    Notes
    Notified by Malta

  10. Clutch fault may cause incorrect transmission operation

    Reported January 7, 2016Model years 2008DVSA recall R/2015/22528 vehicles affected

    Clutch pistons may be incorrectly manufactured, causing incorrect transmission operation and possible loss of power. Clutch operation will be inspected, and the clutch component or transmission unit replaced depending on the result.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    LOSS OF POWER
    Defect
    Internal cluctch pistons may have been incorrectly manufacturerd. This may cause incorrect transmission operation.
    Remedy
    On affected vehicles inspect clutch opertaion. Depending on out come either replace clutch component or transmission unit.

  11. Roof window glass may detach

    Reported September 8, 2015Model years 2013DVSA recall R/2015/16642 vehicles affected

    Incorrectly installed roof window glass may separate from its frame, first causing wind noise and potentially detaching with continued use. The roof glass will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    ROOF WINDOW GLASS MAY DETACH
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Replace roof glass.

  12. Passenger airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported June 15, 2015Model years 2001–2007DVSA recall R/2015/0967,598,514 vehicles affected

    Improperly manufactured propellant wafers may cause the passenger airbag inflator to rupture and the airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash, increasing injury risk and possibly causing a fire. The airbag will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY CORRECTLY
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

  13. Passenger airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported April 17, 2013Model years 2001–2003DVSA recall R/2013/048341,620 vehicles affected

    Improperly made propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash, increasing the risk of injury and possibly causing a fire. The airbag will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY CORRECTLY
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

  14. Steering shaft splines may wear and cause loss of steering

    Reported December 3, 2012Model years 2002–2008DVSA recall R/2012/145247,640 vehicles affected

    Incorrect hardening may cause the steering shaft splines to distort and wear, eventually resulting in loss of steering. The shaft will be checked and replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    LOSS OF STEERING
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall affected vehicles check and if necessary replace the shaft.

  15. Detachable tow ball may crack or fracture

    Reported October 26, 2012Model years 2003–2008DVSA recall R/2012/1026,307 vehicles affected

    Under severe mechanical stress, the detachable towing ball may crack and could fracture or fail. Dealers will replace the towing ball and housing at no cost to owners.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    TOW BALL MAY FRACTURE
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Lexus/Toyota dealers will replace the detachable towing ball and housing at no cost to vehicle owners.

  16. Rear suspension arm may fail

    Reported September 12, 2012Model years 2008–2011DVSA recall R/2012/085395,178 vehicles affected

    Adjustment during servicing may allow backlash and corrosion, causing the threads to deteriorate and the arm to fail, with possible loss of control. The remedy is to check the arm torque and replace the arm if needed.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    REAR SUSPENSION ARM MAY SEPARATE
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall all affected vehicles to check the torque on the arm. Where necessary the arm will be replaced.

  17. High-pressure fuel pipe or pump valve may leak

    Reported February 17, 2011Model years 2000–2008DVSA recall R/2011/00593,834 vehicles affected

    A fuel pipe may crack under pressure changes, or the fuel pump check valve may loosen as its gasket wears, causing a fuel leak. The fuel pipe, check valve and gasket will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL MAY LEAK
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the fuel pipe and fuel pump check valve plus gasket.

  18. Accelerator pedal may return slowly or fail to return to idle

    Reported February 6, 2010Model years 2008–2009DVSA recall R/2010/0101,220,982 vehicles affected

    Condensation on a worn part in the throttle pedal assembly may cause the accelerator pedal to return slowly or fail to return to idle. A steel reinforcing bar will be fitted to create clearance and strengthen the return spring.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    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.

  19. Towing hitch bolts may break

    Reported November 18, 2009Model years 2008–2009DVSA recall R/2009/08412 vehicles affected

    Over-tightened towing hitch installation bolts may break under certain conditions of use. The bolts will be replaced and tightened to the correct torque.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    TOWING HITCH MAY DETACH
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recalled vehicles will have the hitch installation bolts replaced and tightened to the correct torque.

  20. Wheel trim may damage tyre valve and cause deflation

    Reported November 21, 2006Model years 2006DVSA recall R/2006/16539 vehicles affected

    The wheel trim may rub the tyre sidewall and rotate, interfering with the valve. Continued driving could cause loss of tyre pressure. The standard steel wheels will be replaced with aluminium alloy wheels.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBILITY OF TYRE DEFLATION
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recalled vehicles will have the steel wheels (standard equipment) replaced with aluminium alloy wheels.

  21. Steering connections may loosen

    Reported September 13, 2006Model years 2003–2005DVSA recall R/2006/103196,860 vehicles affected

    Connections at the steering column’s intermediate shaft and sliding yoke may loosen. If symptoms are ignored, steering control could be lost. The intermediate shaft will be replaced, and the sliding yoke and shaft extension inspected and replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING MAY FAIL
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    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

  22. Fuel tank pipes may leak from corrosion

    Reported May 9, 2005Model years 2001–2002DVSA recall R/2004/2171,737 vehicles affected

    Corrosion may cause a pinhole in the fuel tank inlet pipe or breather tube, allowing fuel to leak. The pipes will be checked for corrosion and replaced as necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    INLET PIPE AND BREATHER TUBE MAY LEAK
    Defect
    The fuel tank inlet pipe and breather tube may leak due to a pin hole caused by corrosion
    Remedy
    Recalled vehicles will have the fuel tank pipes checked for corrosion and replaced as necessary

  23. Rear suspension arm bracket bolts may loosen

    Reported December 6, 2004Model years 2004DVSA recall R/2004/1921,372 vehicles affected

    Incorrectly applied paint on the rear suspension arm bracket clamping area could cause the bolts to loosen over time. The paint will be checked and removed if needed, and the bolts retorqued.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBILITY THAT SUSPENSION ARM BRACKET BOLTS MAY LOOSEN
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall the potentially affected vehicles. Check and if necessary remove the incorrectly applied paint then re torque the bolts.

  24. Yaw rate sensor may disconnect and disable stability control

    Reported October 11, 2004Model years 2004DVSA recall R/2004/163321 vehicles affected

    A yaw rate sensor may disconnect, disabling vehicle stability control, sometimes without a warning light. Normal braking is unaffected. The sensor will be inspected and replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    VSC WARNING LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE AND THE SYSTEM STOP WORKING
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall vehicles that are likely to be affected and inspect. If necessary replace the Yaw rate sensor.

  25. Steering shaft splines may wear prematurely

    Reported May 5, 2004Model years 2003DVSA recall R/2004/06621,254 vehicles affected

    Incorrect assembly may cause premature wear of the intermediate steering shaft splines. This may cause abnormal noise and make steering difficult or impossible. The shaft will be inspected and replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING - WEAR OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SPLINE
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Inspect and if necessary replace the intermediate steering shaft.

  26. Brake pipes may cause braking imbalance

    Reported August 26, 2003Model years 2003DVSA recall R/2003/1261,537 vehicles affected

    Brake pipes leading to the ABS actuator may be incorrectly positioned, causing uneven braking under heavy braking. They will be checked and repositioned if needed.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBLE IMBALANCE UNDER HEAVY BRAKING.
    Defect
    The brake pipes leading into the ABS actuator may have been incorrectly positioned. This could cause an imbalance in performance under heavy braking.
    Remedy
    Check and reposition the brake pipes if necessary.

  27. Curtain airbag may not fully deploy

    Reported August 26, 2003Model years 2003DVSA recall R/2003/12531 vehicles affected

    An incorrectly assembled inflator connector may prevent the curtain airbag from fully deploying when activated. The curtain airbag will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION OF CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Replace the curtain shield airbag.

  28. Rear spoiler may come loose or detach

    Reported September 30, 2002Model years 1999–2000DVSA recall R/2002/024916 vehicles affected

    The spoiler may become loose or detach. Its fixing method will be revised to use bolts.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    CAR SPOILER MAY BECOME DETACHED
    Defect
    There is a possibility that the car spoiler may become loose or detached.
    Remedy
    Recall affected vehicles to revise spoiler fixing method to bolts.

  29. Fuel pump check valve may leak

    Reported July 11, 2002Model years 2000–2001DVSA recall R/2002/0993,088 vehicles affected

    Residual stress on the fuel pump check valve may cause it to leak fuel. The check valve is retightened and the relevant fuel pipe is replaced to protect against stress fracture.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBILITY OF FUEL LEAK
    Defect
    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.
    Remedy
    Recall affected vehicles to re-tighten the fuel pump check valve and replace the relevant fuel pipe to protect against stress fracture.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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