On 12/7/2008 oil came out from bottom of the car. On monday 12/8 I had the car towed to a Toyota dealer--after looking at the car I was told it was a failure of something called a vvti oil hose--this part is on national back order by Toyota and wont be available until the end of december or mid january (according to Toyota)--there is a technical service bulletin about this and I was also told…
2006 Toyota Avalon engine problems
moderate 63 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
63
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 63 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Toyota Avalon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 7 model years of Toyota Avalon we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 63.
Owners have filed 63 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 Avalon has a well-documented defect in its VVT-i oil supply line that ruptures suddenly with no warning light, dumping all engine oil and risking catastrophic engine damage or fire. Multiple owners also report transmission hesitation from a stop and engine acceleration delays that dealers cannot fix, creating real safety risks on highways.
The dominant complaint across 63 narratives is catastrophic oil loss from a ruptured VVT-i (variable valve timing) oil line. Owners describe coming to a stop or pulling off the highway only to find the engine compartment and undercarriage soaked in oil—sometimes all five quarts gone in minutes. The oil pressure warning light does not illuminate before or during failure, leaving drivers with no indication of the problem until smoke, knocking, or burning smell alerts them. Multiple dealership technicians confirm this is a known, recurring defect; parts sit on national backorder for 4 to 8 weeks, and Toyota quietly replaced the line under warranty on some vehicles while issuing only a service bulletin, not a recall. Some owners face repair bills of $5,000-$6,900 when engine damage occurs from running without oil. A secondary complaint is transmission hesitation when accelerating from a stop or low speeds—a 2-4 second delay that dealers describe as a "characteristic" of the drive-by-wire system but cannot repair. A third group reports sudden acceleration or pedal stickiness early in ownership. Owners also cite slow timing cover leaks requiring $2,200+ in labor despite a $50 part cost, engine sludging at 140,000 miles, and head gasket failures. The pattern is consistent: dealers recognize these problems instantly, Toyota has issued technical bulletins but no recalls, and owners out of warranty face the full cost.
Same Toyota Avalon engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
VVT-i oil line rupture/leak
The variable valve timing oil supply line (VVTI or VVT-I line) ruptures or develops pinhole leaks, causing complete or near-complete oil loss within minutes to hours of driving. Owners report the line fails without warning and without triggering the oil pressure warning light.
When: Typically 40,000 to 78,000 miles; occurs across a wide range of mileages and use conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine oil with no warning light; Oil pouring or spraying from engine compartment; Burning oil smell inside cabin and at engine; Engine knocking or loud clicking noise under hood; Check engine light illuminating; A/C compressor shutting down; Engine hesitation or loss of power; Smoke from under hood; Oil trail under entire vehicle including wheels, brakes, trunk area
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Check oil light
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts are frequently on national backorder (4-8 weeks typical wait). Toyota redesigned the part (new metal tube replaces rubber hose on 2009+ models). When replaced under warranty, labor typically $200-$450. Toyota has issued a TSB on this failure. Parts needed: VVTI oil line (part number 1570731012 cited), timing chain cover, gaskets, oil pan, V-belt, brake components, sometimes complete engine rebuild if severe damage occurred. Some owners report Toyota covered 50-66% of repair costs out of warranty via regional manager settlement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin issued (referenced as TSB #01907 and NHTSA bulletin 10021531). Toyota has redesigned the part for later model years. National backorder of replacement parts acknowledged by dealers. Some owners received partial reimbursement or coverage after complaint escalation to regional management. No formal recall issued despite widespread reports. Toyota offered customer satisfaction settlements in some cases covering portion of costs.
Front timing cover oil leak
Slow oil leak from the front timing cover seals or gasket. Owners report oil droplets appearing under parked vehicle. Repair requires removal and resealing or replacement of the entire timing cover.
When: 70,000+ miles; occurs both in and out of warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Oil droplets under parked vehicle; Oil visible on undercarriage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership estimates $2,200 or more for labor-intensive reseal or replacement of timing cover, despite cover part cost of approximately $50. Owners have chosen to monitor oil level rather than repair. NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin 10021531 and Toyota Service Bulletin #01907 document this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin 10021531 and Toyota Service Bulletin #01907 issued describing this failure. No recall issued.
Engine acceleration hesitation/lag
Throttle response delays of 2-4 seconds from pedal input to actual acceleration, or complete loss of power momentarily when accelerating from a stop. Toyota service personnel describe this as a 'characteristic' of the drive-by-wire throttle system, but owners report it creates serious safety hazard.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (as early as 1 week; reported at 10,000-23,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: 2-4 second delay in engine response when accelerating from stop; Engine cutting out or severe hesitation on acceleration; Transmission lag when accelerating from slow speed after turning; Vehicle lurching when transmission engages after hesitation; Sluggish acceleration under load; High idle at times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have stated inability to duplicate the problem on three to five separate visits. One dealer performed an adjustment procedure that temporarily resolved issue in one case, but problem later returned. No lasting repair identified by any dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported dealer performed Toyota-issued adjustment procedure that temporarily fixed problem but issue recurred. No permanent fix or recall identified.
Engine runaway/unintended acceleration
Accelerator pedal sticks or vehicle accelerates without driver input. Pedal continues to depress and vehicle accelerates rapidly even after driver removes foot from pedal. On one occasion, driver had to turn off ignition to stop acceleration.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; reported at under 7,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depresses on its own after driver's foot removed; Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Pedal takes 5 seconds to disengage after pressed hard; Vehicle unable to slow down by brakes or neutral engagement; Engine shutting off on its own in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or find problem. Floor mat was ruled out as cause by one owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to provide explanation. No repair documented.
Transmission hesitation/lag at low speed
Transmission hesitates or slips into gear slowly when accelerating from low speeds, particularly after turning or coming to a stop. Occurs with a jerking or lurching sensation.
When: Present from early ownership; reported at 10-15 mph acceleration scenarios
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission lag 10-15 mph when accelerating from turn or stop; Transmission disengages and then catches up; Transmission shifting with lurch or jerk
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer performed Toyota adjustment procedure that temporarily resolved issue but problem returned after about one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One Toyota-issued adjustment procedure performed; no permanent fix achieved.
Motor mount failure with engine damage
Motor mount boat detaches and fractures the engine axle when vehicle fails to accelerate properly at highway speed.
When: 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound under front end during acceleration; Vehicle failure to accelerate at 60 mph; Violent shaking of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Technician stated motor mount boat must be removed from engine and engine axles must be replaced. Vehicle was not repaired per complaint narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure but no further action documented.
Head gasket leaks
Head gasket failure on one or both cylinder banks, causing oil leaks and potential engine damage. Repair involves pulling engine for head gasket replacement.
When: Appears to occur at variable mileages; one case at 4,000 miles labor for initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaks from head gaskets; Engine oil loss
Repairs/costs cited: Engine removal required. One owner charged $4,000 initially but was reimbursed after one year. Another owner had external high-pressure oil lines replaced multiple times along with gasket replacements. Service personnel indicated this is a recurring problem on multiple Toyota products.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial warranty coverage denied, later reimbursed in one case. Multiple repeat failures reported.
Engine sludge and overhaul failure
Engine develops severe sludging requiring complete engine overhaul or replacement, despite regular dealer maintenance and adequate oil levels.
When: 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke pouring from exhaust while stationary; Sluggish acceleration with intermittent smoke
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $4,900 for engine overhaul or $6,900 for engine replacement. Owner chose independent mechanic overhaul at $4,000. Parts appear to be defective rather than wear-related despite age.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or acknowledgment of systemic defect.
Engine start failure
Engine fails to turn over or starter buzzes without engine starting, occurring intermittently over several months. No diagnostic trouble codes present.
When: Reported as recurring over several months; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel lock buzzes but engine does not turn over; Steering wheel lock buzzes, engine fires then dies; Intermittent failure to start
Repairs/costs cited: No codes found by dealer. No solution provided despite calls to zone and district offices.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Zone and district offices unable to provide solution.
Engine compartment explosion/smoking
Engine compartment experiences explosion with smoke at low speed driving. Independent mechanic unable to diagnose the failure.
When: 142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Explosion in engine compartment; Smoke under hood; Highway patrol called to scene
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired per complaint. Independent mechanic unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 63 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
This cars engine had to be pulled out for head gaskets. I was charged 4000.00 when it was covered under the warranty. A year later they gave me the money back. Then I had external high pressure oil lines replaced and the gaskets several times. This car is one of the worst cars I have ever owned.I take care of my cars to the exstreme.I am a diesel specialist for the state.I finally had to get rid…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 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 engine problem on the 2006 Toyota Avalon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 63 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 56 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 78,200 miles, with the median around 62,833. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 78,200. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2006/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.