2003 Toyota Avalon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Toyota Avalon: 2 recalls, 293 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V043000 · 2015 · 1,006,849 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module May fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac vibe owners will be notified by gm. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 28 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (184): the most common themes are warning light on (36), fails to deploy (9).
- Speed control / throttle (51): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (18).
- Steering (19): the most common themes are steering problems (15).
- Electrical (18): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (2).
The 2003 Toyota Avalon has 293 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 28 Avalon model years for complaints (2.4× the average Avalon year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (88 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 82,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (116 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (205 complaints, 3 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 2003 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Toyota Avalon problems?
Owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (184), speed control / throttle (51), steering (19).
What gas mileage does the 2003 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 2003 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.