1999 Toyota Avalon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Toyota Avalon: 1 recall, 92 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V278000 · 1998 · 1,960 vehicles
What's wrong: In the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A percentage of the female terminals used in the alarm connector were found to be defective, causing an 'open circuit' condition when mated to the male ignition switch terminals.
Why it matters: This condition can cause intermittent performance of the vehicle's electrical components such as the dash warning lights and/or HVAC fan speed controls. Also, the vehicle May not run smoothly and could stall.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: rav4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; sienna - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and avalon - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98,…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Electrical Equipment recall #98E035000 · 1998 · 1,960 vehicles
What's wrong: Equipment description: aftermarket theft deterrent systems used on 1998-1998 Toyota rav4, avalon, and sienna model vehicles distributed by southeast Toyota distributors, Inc. in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A…
Why it matters: This condition can cause intermittent performance of the vehicle's electrical components such as the dash warning lights and/or HVAC fan speed controls. Also, the vehicle May not run smoothly and could stall.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: rav4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; sienna - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and avalon - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (22): the most common themes are warning light on (7), fails to deploy (6).
- Speed control / throttle (20): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (7), warning light on (2).
- Suspension (14): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), fire / smoke (2).
The 1999 Toyota Avalon has 92 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 28 Avalon model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 122). Complaints peaked in 1999 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 53,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (178 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (173 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Toyota Avalon.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 Toyota Avalon, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Toyota Avalon problems?
Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (22), speed control / throttle (20), suspension (14).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Toyota Avalon get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Toyota Avalon repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.