2001 Toyota Avalon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Toyota Avalon: 2 recalls, 134 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
_GXi_sedan_(15317572886).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #01V072000 · 2001 · 545 vehicles
What's wrong: The front sub frame assembly has not been adequately welded.
Why it matters: This condition could cause failure of the assembly following long-term usage, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front sub frame, if necessary. Owner notification began April 9, 2001.
Steering Vehicle recall #10V345000 · 2010 · 372,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to improper casting of the steering lock bar, there is a possibility that a minute crack May develop on the surface of the lock bar. Such a crack May expand over a long period of repeated lock and unlock operations, and eventually the lock bar could break.
Why it matters: Should the steering lock bar break, the steering wheel would lock and the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering interlock device free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (24): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (12).
- Airbags (21): the most common themes are fails to deploy (11), warning light on (4).
- Engine & cooling (14): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), door / lock issues (4).
The 2001 Toyota Avalon has 134 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 28 Avalon model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 122). Complaints peaked in 2002 (25 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (173 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (116 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | 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 2001 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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2001 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Toyota Avalon. 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 2001 Toyota Avalon problems?
Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (24), airbags (21), engine & cooling (14).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Toyota Avalon get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 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.