TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Avalon brakes problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
7crashes
1fire
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 18 brakes complaints filed for the 2005 Toyota Avalon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 9 model years of Toyota Avalon in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair manual and TIS publications for specific repair instructions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
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.
Same Toyota Avalon brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
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.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota avalon. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 10v499000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder) and contacted the manufacturer to inquire. The manufacturer advised that the parts needed to make recall repairs were not readily available and the vehicle would be in the possession of the dealer for…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Toyota avalon. The contact stated that he received a recall notice on november 19, 2010 stating that he should contact Toyota in regards to his service brakes. After calling the manufacturer they informed him that there are no parts available to actually start the recall repair. The contact was concerned about the safety risk since it had been over a month since he…
Had brakes trouble with your 2005 Toyota Avalon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Toyota Avalon?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 45,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Avalon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.