2009 Toyota Avalon

The 2009 Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reputation for reliability. It was offered with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Avalon for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and overall dependability. Common dislikes include its somewhat bland styling and less engaging driving experience compared to some competitors.

Engine

3.5L V6 (2GR-FE)

• Oil Leak from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common as the valve cover gaskets age. Signs include oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and visible oil around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leak from Timing Cover
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common as the timing cover ages. Signs include oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and visible oil around the timing cover.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing cover and reseal with new gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VVTi Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Can lead to reduced engine performance and potentially trigger the check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty VVTi actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (U660E)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration, especially at lower speeds. May also experience harsh shifting or slipping.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll when cornering, and decreased handling. Visible fluid leaks from the struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per corner.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezes, unresponsive touch controls, inability to load maps, or complete system failure.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on repair vs. replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of one or more power door locks. The door may not lock or unlock with the remote or door switch.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350 per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracked Windshield
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or chips in the windshield, often starting from small impacts.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing, or only opening/closing partially. Can also be stuck open.
  • Solution: Sunroof motor replacement or track realignment
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Toyota Avalon, while generally reliable, can experience several common issues. The most prevalent relate to oil leaks from the engine, potentially requiring valve cover gasket or timing cover replacements. The transmission can suffer from torque converter problems, leading to shuddering. Suspension components like struts and sway bar links wear over time, impacting ride quality. Electrical issues can arise with the navigation system and power door locks. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, engine and transmission work can be costly. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and perform regular maintenance to minimize the risk of major repairs.