Toyota Avalons are built to last. But here’s the truth: Every car has weak spots, and ignoring them turns a minor repair into a major breakdown. Oil leaks, transmission failures, peeling paint, electrical problems—these issues creep in quietly, then hit hard.
At M & R Auto in Menlo Park, we don’t just repair Avalons. We prevent disasters. We see the problems before they leave you stranded, before the check engine light flashes, before the repair bill skyrockets. If your Avalon has one of these five common issues, now is the time to act.
1. Oil Leaks: The Problem That Destroys Engines
If you think a small oil leak is no big deal, think again. Oil isn’t just a lubricant—it’s the lifeblood of your engine. When it starts leaking, metal grinds against metal, heat builds, and suddenly, your engine seizes. The 2005-2007 Avalon models are infamous for failing VVT-i oil lines and camshaft tower leaks.
The worst part is you won’t always see the damage. Slow leaks go unnoticed until your engine overheats, your oil light flickers, and suddenly, you’re facing a total engine failure.
At M & R Auto, we don’t just top off your oil and send you on your way. We replace failing oil lines with upgraded metal components, seal camshaft leaks, and make sure your Avalon holds every drop of oil it needs. Catch it early, and you save thousands. Ignore it, and you’re buying a new engine.
2. Transmission Hesitation: The Warning Sign Drivers Ignore
A smooth-shifting transmission should be silent, responsive, and predictable. If your Avalon hesitates, jerks, or lags when shifting, you have a problem. 2005-2007 models suffer from failing throttle position sensors, faulty solenoids, and worn valve bodies.
Let this go unchecked, and shifting delays turn into full transmission failure. What starts as a hesitation becomes a system-wide failure, forcing an expensive rebuild or replacement.
At M & R Auto, we pinpoint the issue before it destroys your transmission. We run advanced diagnostics, reprogram the transmission control module, and replace failing solenoids before they take the entire system down.
3. Cracked Dashboards: Not Just An Eyesore
A cracked dashboard isn’t just ugly. It’s dangerous. 2005-2008 Avalon dashboards are prone to splitting and deteriorating in the heat, exposing fragile internal components.
You might think, “It’s just cosmetic.” It’s not. A cracked dash weakens the structure around your passenger airbag, increasing the risk of failure in a crash. Worse, electrical wiring inside the dash can be damaged, leading to unpredictable electronic failures.
Toyota’s extended warranty for this issue expired years ago, but at M & R Auto, we have a solution. We replace cracked dashboards with heat-resistant materials, ensuring your Avalon stays both safe and stylish.
4. Paint Peeling: Rust Is Waiting Underneath
If you own a 2011 Avalon, you’ve probably seen the clear coat start to fail. First, a few chips and then, you’ll notice full sections peeling off. Once the paint is gone, your Avalon is at risk for corrosion—and rust spreads fast.
Toyota’s factory paint on these models was too thin, making them more vulnerable to peeling. Once it starts, it doesn’t stop. If the exposed metal isn’t treated, rust begins eating through the body.
M & R Auto doesn’t do quick touch-ups. We strip failing paint, treat rust-prone areas, and apply high-quality paint that won’t peel within a year. Your Avalon will look as good as new—and stay that way.
5. Unintended Acceleration: The Problem You Can’t Ignore
Imagine pressing the gas and your Avalon surging forward—more than you expected. Some 2014 models experienced unintended acceleration, usually caused by throttle control failures.
It’s a terrifying issue. One second, you’re in control. The next, your Avalon has a mind of its own. If your throttle sticks, hesitation isn’t an option.
At M & R Auto, we don’t take chances. We inspect the electronic throttle control system, recalibrate sensors, and replace any failing components. Your Avalon should respond only when you command it.
Does Your Avalon Have These Problems? Fix Them Now.
A Toyota Avalon runs forever—if you take care of it. At M & R Auto in Menlo Park, we fix oil leaks before they ruin engines, repair transmissions before they fail, and restore your Avalon before rust takes over.
Think your Avalon might have one of these issues? Don’t wait. Every mile you drive with an existing problem brings you closer to an expensive repair. Call M & R Auto today.
