2002 Toyota Avalon air bags problems
35 complaints about air bags have been filed for the 2002 Toyota Avalon, which is 24% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 35 24% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 160,000 miles 21 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 11 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 8 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When air bags problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 5 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 3 |
What the data shows
Of the 21 air bags complaints that report mileage, the median is about 160,000 miles, and 24% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 11 crashes, 8 injuries.
What owners wrote
At about 35 MPH, I broad sided a car that ran a stop sign. The entire front end of my vehicle was crushed to the point of pushing the radiator into the engine block. The crash also colapsed the upper and lower portions of the unibody frame on the front end ($11,500 in damage). The front airbags never deployed. The sensors were even pushed back and dislocated. Passenger sustained three broken bones and bruises. Driver has whiplash. If there is ever a case that airbags should deploy, this is one.
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 bags light came on. After doing a little research I seen that others were having the same issue. Please include this model year in the recall because this car is very dependable and I've had no issues until now.
Other problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Avalon
- Cruise control 25 complaints
- Steering 18 complaints
- Brakes 17 complaints