The 2003 Toyota Avalon has 4 recalls, with two distinct serious issues: airbags and seatbelt pretensioners that can deploy without a crash, startling the driver and potentially causing an accident, and a steering lock bar that can crack and break, locking the steering wheel and causing sudden loss of steering control.
The airbag and pretensioner issue appears across multiple filings but describes the same underlying defect, where the restraint system triggers on its own outside of any impact. The steering concern involves a lock bar that develops hairline cracks over time through repeated use of the ignition lock, and if the bar eventually breaks, the steering wheel freezes in place with no warning while the vehicle is being driven.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical noise can damage the air bag control module, causing front air bags, side air bags, and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag control module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag control module can malfunction and trigger the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy unexpectedly when the vehicle is not in a crash, potentially startling the driver.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the airbag control module and may install an inline jumper wiring harness to fix the problem.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The supplemental restraint system may trigger the front airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s) without a crash. This unexpected deployment can startle the driver, potentially causing a crash, and may injure occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the supplemental restraint system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering lock bar was improperly cast and may develop a surface crack that expands with repeated locking and unlocking, eventually breaking.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering interlock device at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
