Owners report multiple brake failures in 2005 Avalons, ranging from soft or spongey pedal feel to complete loss of braking. Several describe scenarios where brake pedal depression had no effect, resulting in collisions at speeds between 5 and 60 mph. A few narratives mention the brakes requiring both feet to stop the vehicle or needing pumping action to restore pressure.
A recurring complaint involves unexpected engine revving or vehicle acceleration paired with brake system issues. One owner describes the car lunging forward at high speed after a recent service, while others report sudden acceleration requiring heavy brake application to stop.
Multiple owners received recall notice 10V499000 (master cylinder) but report delays—one dealer said parts weren't available for two months. One owner reports the recall repair itself was inadequate; another experienced brake failure *after* the recall service was completed.
Owners also report secondary symptoms: ABS and brake warning lights illuminating, brake pedal becoming soft, smoke from under the vehicle, and transmission fluid leaking during brake-related incidents. One owner cites sponginess alongside non-functioning air conditioning and temperature gauges, attributing these to a failed ABS control module costing roughly $1,500. A dealer reportedly charged $1,300 for brake repair. One complaint mentions potential brake pedal interference and variable valve timing issues.
Failure modes owners describe
Master Cylinder Failure
Brake master cylinder fails, rendering brakes inoperative or requiring heavy pedal pressure to stop vehicle.
When: Reported from 11,984 miles to 245,000 miles; commonly in 40,000–90,000 mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not respond to pedal depression; Soft or spongey brake pedal; Pedal must be pumped to restore pressure; Slow stopping response; Complete brake failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced master cylinder; parts shortage delayed repairs by approximately two months. One repair cost cited at $1,300. One owner reports master cylinder was repaired twice after initial recall service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V499000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder) issued. Manufacturer initially stated parts were not readily available. Manufacturer provided rental vehicle in at least one case.
Brake System Unresponsiveness
Brakes fail to engage or engage very slowly despite pedal depression, leading to collision.
When: Multiple incidents reported at 20–108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not catch in time during emergency stop; Inadequate stopping power at highway speeds (35–60 mph); Brakes slow to engage or nonresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported four separate crashes due to brake failure; vehicle was taken to dealer but not repaired. No documented repair cost.
ABS System Malfunction
ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminate; ABS control module fails, affecting brake performance and other vehicle systems.
When: Reported at 245,000 miles; also at lower mileages in context of recall service
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Brake warning light illuminated; Soft or spongey brake pedal; Air conditioning stops working; Temperature gauge stops working; Secondary issues post-repair: temperature gauge illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports ABS control module replacement cost approximately $1,500. One recall service (10V499000) failed to resolve ABS and brake light issues; a second dealer visit was required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicles serviced per NHTSA Campaign 10V499000; remedy did not repair failure in at least one case.
Unexpected Vehicle Acceleration with Brake Involvement
Vehicle suddenly accelerates to 75 mph despite driver not depressing accelerator; owner must apply brakes with both feet to regain control. Accelerator pedal reported as possibly catching under carpet.
When: Three incidents on 9/24/06, 10/09/06, and 12/23/06; mileage context unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected acceleration from 40–60 mph to 75 mph; Driver must apply both feet on brake pedal; Smoking brakes during prolonged braking; Transmission fluid leaking; Accelerator pedal possibly caught under carpet
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed to gas pedal catching under carpet but found nothing wrong during initial inspection. Vehicle later towed to another dealer with smoking brakes and transmission fluid leak.
Loss of Braking After Routine Service
Complete brake failure occurs immediately or shortly after oil change or routine maintenance service.
When: Reported at 5,000 miles during first service
Symptoms owners cite: No brakes after service completion; Engine revving at high speed while in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced master cylinder.
Engine Revving Noise with Soft Brakes
Engine revs without accelerator pedal being depressed, occurring when brake pedal is depressed. Related to ABS system malfunction.
When: Reported at 5,000 miles and 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ratcheting or revving noise from rear/ABS brake system when braking; Engine revving without accelerator pedal depression; Soft brake pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed computer reprogramming needed; issue recurred after reprogramming. Original dealer could not hear the noise during initial inspection.
Brake System Repair Failures and Inadequate Recalls
Recall repair (10V499000) fails to resolve brake issues; subsequent failures occur after repair completion.
When: Failures reported at approximately 71,200 miles post-repair and at unspecified mileage after February 24, 2010 recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls or drags abnormally after repair; Smoke from under vehicle post-repair; Brakes fail again after recall repair completion; Brake warning lights remain illuminated post-recall service
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer advised owner that a mechanical error during recall repair caused the failure; master cylinder was repaired a second time. Brake failure recurred after recall service in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V499000 repairs performed; remedy did not resolve issues in multiple cases.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.