2002 Toyota Avalon Problems
Shopping for a used 2002 Toyota Avalon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 142 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2002 Toyota Avalon has 142 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2002 Toyota Avalon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2002 Toyota Avalon.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2002 Toyota Avalon Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Toyota Avalon has 142 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Avalon
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 142
- Crash-related complaints
- 35
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2002 Toyota Avalon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Unintended Acceleration
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Unintended Acceleration, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Toyota Avalon?
The 2002 Toyota Avalon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Toyota Avalon
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, acceleration, and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration or brake issues.
- Check for any steering defects during a test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, acceleration, and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration or brake issues.
- Check for any steering defects during a test drive.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Toyota Avalon, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2002 Toyota Avalon are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, unintended acceleration, and brake system issues. Crash-related complaints account for a notable portion of the total, but the data is limited to a single model year and consumer-submitted reports.
- Airbag Malfunctions is the most frequently reported component with 36 complaints.
- Unintended Acceleration accounts for 25 complaints.
- Brake System issues are reported in 20 complaints.
- Steering Defects are noted in 19 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Unintended Acceleration
- Brake System
Full breakdown
All 2002 Toyota Avalon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Avalon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 36 | 12 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 25 | 16 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Avalon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Airbag is pushing out of the passenger side dashboard and also on drivers side wheel. There is now a quarter inch gap where we can see behind it on the passenger side. There were VERY loud popping noises. There is a recall for this exact car model but for the following year, 2003…
Bosch ABS anti skid, anti lock brake moduled failed. No brakes. Toyota US has no replacements parts available. Bosch no longer produces. Called Toyota Customer Service three times. Got to the management end and Senior Advisor told me, warranty expired, norhing we can do. I said, …
Headlights failed to operate correctly, resulting in taking the car to fix problem , service advisor told me that this veh vin number shows this car should not havve automatly controled headlights, the car is being serviced at cedar rapids toyota , steve lemke is the servvice ad…
THE 2003-2004 MODEL AVALON'S HAVE A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAGS WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN FREQUENCIES AND NOISES. MY 2002 AVALON HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR AS WELL. I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS OUT OF THIS CAR EVER, BUT AS SOON AS IT HIT 140,000 MILES THE AIR…
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO SLIPPERY ROADS. I WAS EXITING I5 ON TO HIGHWAY 7 IN TACOMA WASHINGTON. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP, SLID AND HIT A CEMENT WALL ON HIGHWAY 7. UPON IMPACT I HIT MY HEAD ON WINDSHIELD AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT …
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CAR PUT ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF TWO LANES, THEN ACCELERATED TURN HALF ,I THINK, CRASHED (THE FRONT OF THE CAR)WITH A SMALL HILL SOME HOW DID NOT STOP AND ENDED UP SOMEHOW TURNING BACK AND CR…
WHILE AT THE STORE I FOUND I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY AND GET OU WHILE THE CAR IS STILL IN GEAR. IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL AWAY, CAUSING PERSONAL AND PROPERTY DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE.
AIR BAG FLASHES VSC OFF AND ENGINE FAILURE LIT.LOW MILES. TUNED REPLACING SPARK PLUGS. NO IMPROVEMENT.
MOVING MY CAR FROM A TO B PUT IT IN REVERSE IT JUST TOOK OFF BY IT SELF. IT WAS GOING SO FAST I COULD NOT STOP IT EVEN PRESSING THE BREAKS IT STILL WENT FAST ON IT ON. I STARTED SCREAMING WHY THIS CAR GOING SO FAST AND WHY I CAN'T STOP IT. IT STOPPED WHEN IT HIT THE CARPORT AND T…
AIRBAG ON WITH ERROR CODE B0113 ( SHORT INSIDE SQUIB HR CIRCUIT TO +B ) AND CAN NOT ERASE CODE.
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN LIKE IT GET STUCK CAN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.I WAS DRIVING A CITY STREET WHEN I NOTICE A FEW DAYS AGO. JUST SEEING THE RECALL NOTICE.HOW LONG DOES THE CONSUMER HAVE TO GET ASSISTANCE WITH RECALL.
I WAS LEAVING PARKING LOT @ 1-2 MPH TURNING RIGHT ONTO W TUOLUMNE RD IN TURLOCK CA. SUDDENLY CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A JET, BRAKES DIDN'T DEPRESS, HIT AN ISLAND THEN SLAMMED INTO TREE. I AM INJURED ANS CAR TOTALED. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ACCELERATION PEDAL PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE ELECTRICAL WIRE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SECOND…
1)STEERING-WHEN TRYING TO GO STRAIGHT CAR WILL TILT TO THE LEFT, HAVE TO KEEP WHEEL AT WEIRD ANGLE TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. 2)ACCELERATOR STICKS ACCELERATOR SEEMS STIFF AND STICKY AND CAUSES CAR TO LURCH WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP -WAS MAKING LEFT TURN THROUGH INTERSECTION O…
AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME . DEALER CANNOT FIX IT.
SRS WARNING LIGHT APPEARED FLASHING ON CAR. TOOK CAR TO HAVE CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THE SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. LIGHT NO LONGER FLASHED. 5 DAYS LATER THE SRS WARNING LIGHT IS FLASHING AGAIN. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE FUEL CAP AND FUEL LINE HOSE WERE REPLACED AT D…
DURING A FRONT-END COLLISION IN WHICH MY CAR WAS STOPPED AND RAMMED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THE AIR BAG INFLATION SENSOR WAS SHEARED OFF IT'S MOUNTING BRACKET. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO INFLATE BECAUSE THE SENSOR FAILED TO DETECT THE IMPACT.
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Toyota Avalon.
Safety recalls
2002 Toyota Avalon recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota Avalon. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Questions
2002 Toyota Avalon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Toyota Avalon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 142 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2002 Toyota Avalon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Avalon?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (36 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (25 complaints). #3: Brake System (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Toyota Avalon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Toyota Avalon?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Toyota Avalon, NHTSA complaints include 35 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 142 total complaints. 18 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2002 Toyota Avalon. A major recall area is STEERING. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Toyota Avalon?▾
The 2002 Toyota Avalon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Avalon reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Toyota Avalon based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.