2002 Toyota Avalon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Toyota Avalon: 1 recall, 116 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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. 2 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (35): the most common themes are warning light on (17), fails to deploy (9).
- Speed control / throttle (25): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (8).
- Steering (18): the most common themes are steering problems (17), noise or vibration (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
The 2002 Toyota Avalon has 116 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 28 Avalon model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 122). Complaints peaked in 2010 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 91,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (134 complaints, 2 recalls), 2003 (293 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 2002 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 2002 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 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 2002 Toyota Avalon problems?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (35), speed control / throttle (25), steering (18).
What gas mileage does the 2002 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 2002 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.