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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Toyota Avalon engine problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Toyota Avalon in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: THE VEHICLE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START OR HAVE AN ABNORMALLY LOW OR ROUGH IDLE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED OR POWER TO THE ENGINE ECM HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant issue across these complaints is rupture of the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing) oil supply hose. Owners describe the hose bursting without warning, draining the engine completely in minutes. One owner at 67,700 miles had the engine blow up; another at 101,000 miles discovered an oil-soaked engine bay. Multiple owners report the oil warning light coming on and finding the crankcase bone dry.
Toyota issued a Limited Service Campaign for this defect on 2007 Avalons and other V-6 models, but the coverage has a critical problem: many owners' VINs are excluded even though they experience the identical failure. One owner whose case was closed had the exact defect described in the campaign, received no recall notice, and watched the engine damage cost $6,500. Another appealed to Toyota explaining why his VIN should be covered; the case closed without resolution. Repair costs range from $307 for the hose alone to $6,400 for full engine rebuilds after oil starvation. Toyota later redesigned the part as a solid metal line in 2009+ V-6 engines, confirming knowledge of the defect.
A secondary complaint describes timing cover oil leaks affecting roughly 20% of Avalons after seven years, with repair estimates around $2,464. One owner also reports engine seizure while parked, attributed to valve failure and requiring engine replacement.
Same Toyota Avalon engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
VVT-i Oil Hose / Line Rupture
The VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) oil supply hose or line ruptures or bursts without warning, causing rapid oil drainage from the crankcase. Owners report sudden loss of oil pressure, illuminated oil warning lights, and complete engine oil loss within minutes. In some cases, oil sprays across the engine bay and onto roadways. The failure mode appears to stem from a defective rubber hose that Toyota later replaced with a solid metal line in 2009+ V-6 engines.
When: Occurs at various mileages; reported between 67,700 and 101,000 miles; timing unpredictable during normal driving or highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light illumination; Sudden oil leak from engine bay; Complete oil loss from crankcase (drained in minutes); Loss of engine power; Rotten egg / hydrogen sulfide odor (one report); Check engine light, VSC and TRAC lights; Oil spraying onto engine and roadway
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite hose replacement cost $307–$450; one owner paid $2,527 in labor after Toyota covered most parts; another paid $339 at dealer; aftermarket repair of all-metal replacement part quoted at $240; one repair estimate reached $6,400 but Toyota covered most parts after discussion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued a Limited Service Campaign (LSC) for 2007 Avalons and 2005+ V-6 models with VVT-i oil line defects; however, many owners report their VIN was excluded from the campaign despite having the identical problem. Toyota replaced the defective rubber hose with solid metal lines in 2009+ V-6 engines. One owner received a recall notice in November 2014 requiring replacement by December 31, 2021, but was later denied warranty coverage. Some owners report Toyota repair was free under warranty; others were told the issue was not covered under recall or was outside their VIN parameters.
Timing Cover Leak
Oil leaks from the timing cover. One service manager estimated 20% of Avalons experience this leak, with repair costs around $2,464.
When: After 7+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from timing cover area
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimate: $2,464
Engine Valve Failure / Engine Seizure
One owner reports the engine froze while parked, attributed by Toyota service to a bad valve. Engine replacement was required.
When: While parked
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seized / frozen
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Toyota Avalon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 61,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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 $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/2007/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.