1998 Toyota Avalon XLS from North America - Comments

I just purchased a 96 Toyota Avalon XLS with 51,000 miles on it. I had two mechanics check it out prior to completing the purchase. After two days it would not start immediately like it had been. When I turn the key it does nothing. After a few minutes, I try again and it starts right up. The alternator, starter and battery have all been evaluated and are in good shape. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. P.S. I did not see all of the sludge postings prior to the purchase. Although the car is not smoking, I am very concerned about that as well.

2001 Avalon- I bought this car with 70K miles or so 3 years ago. My thought was to drive until the wheels come off. I never buy new cars so I take my time looking for a car. 2-3 months ago I started having blue smoke upon start up. It was burning a quart of oil every week or two. I took it to the local dealer and included the documentation backing from Toyota. The mechanic called me that day and said Toyota will pay for a new new engine and all of the labor. I will have the car back in a week and will see how it runs.

I need to replace my 2002 Avalon steering wheel. Will a 2003 wheel fit my car?

I have a 1997 Avalon - bought it before I knew about the problem. The guy I purchased from showed me all the invoices where he had his oil changed at the dealer. I mean he actually had a binder filled with all his service invoices from the dealer.

I am an ASE certified technician and have been for several years. I removed the valve cover and what I saw was absolutely stunning!!! For a car that had proof of oil change at the dealer for several years every 3k miles. I am definitely convinced that Toyota has produced an engine with a problem. I am sure that there are some Avalons and Solaras, and Lexus's out there that are fine, but Toyota most definitely produced a bad engine and thousands of them!!!

Toyota has publicly admitted to the problem, but has placed an 8 year from original date of purchase limit and unlimited mileage. Anybody know of anybody getting assistance from Toyota that is out of the 8 year range? Or if anybody can help me please email me at completeaquaticsolutions@gmail.com

As a tech I have seen the dealer do what ever it takes to deny things that I felt are morally wrong, and if anybody could help it would be greatly appreciated.

My mother has a 2003 toyota avalon with 240k miles on it and no problems.

I bought an Avalon XL two years ago with 98000 miles on the odometer. Currently has 143000 miles without a single problem except for a bad spark plug coil.

All routine servicing done at specified intervals, tires, brakes, etc. Synthetic oil and quality filters every 5000 miles.

This has been a great car, as have all the other Toyota's I have owned including a 2004 Sienna my wife currently drives. I would not hesitate to recommend any Toyota, new or used, as long as regular service can be proved.

Hi, 2 1/2 years ago, we bought a 2003 Toyota Avalon, (actually it's on monthly payments) and it has just started doing this blue-smoke business upon start-up and at extra acceleration, and "missing" etc. We have changed all the oils, the oil filter, replaced the platinum spark-plugs with new ones, all to no avail. I have been reading all of the comments on this. Did I understand correctly that if we take our Avalon back to Toyota, that they will fix the problem (which seems to be a known problem by Toyota) free of charge?

Regards

Theresa.

I have a 1998 Avalon XLS that I’ve owned since 2002. When I bought the car, it had 39,000 miles on it. Now I have over 214,000. I’ve had no problems with the car. No sludge buildup, blowing smoke, or engine malfunctions and I change the oil myself every 5,000 miles with 5W-30 motor oil and FRAM filter. Was I lucky? I don’t know. I really love the car and drive it daily.