2009 Toyota Avalon Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 27%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,421miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Toyota Avalon, 27% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,421 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on an unlighted texas highway at night my hi-beam lights went out. When I checked them later , both sides the bulb had shattered. I was driving the speed limit of 70 at that time counting on those hi-beams to spot wildlife around the road area. After I lost the use of the high beams I had to lower my speed and the area which I could safely see had greatly decreased.”
NHTSA complaint #11020628, filed 2017-08, 74,399 miles“The headlights go out when operating the car without warning. This happens when driving on residential, highways and interstate roads. Cannot drive the car at night for fear that they will go out when I am driving. Dealer wanted $2,900 to replace the headlights. This is a safety issue which the manufacturer should address and be responsible for. The limited TSB which they issued would not have helped me. Was not covered under extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10862953, filed 2016-05, 80,000 miles“My high beam and daytime running lights are both not working. The Toyota dealer acknowledged the problem and stated I need to replace the light assemblies along with a new type bulb. I see where this is a common problem with many Toyota cars and Toyota will not cover my car due to it being over their extended warranty period of 5 years by just over a month. I also have a Toyota platinum extended warranty but was told it does not cover my problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10614689, filed 2014-07, 51,000 miles“March 2011 notice high beam light out on my 2009 Toyota Avalon. Went to replace it & found no bulb just electrical connection. After review of bulb area I noticed the bulb had disappeared within its confinement area. Bulb must have melt away.”
NHTSA complaint #10405439, filed 2011-06, 35,000 miles“No high beam headlights just low beam. Hard to see. We got this used car 1 1/2 yrs ago without highbeams. Toyota wants to chg me 500$ to fix the problem and I have the extended warranty for and extra 2000$. I found a letter to the previous owner that these headlamps may have a short life and they will be replaced with new assembly and new bulb. I called Toyota customer service and got only aggravation. No satisfaction on helping me to replace this expensive bulb problem which occurred. I think Toyota should have rectified this before selling it to us. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671966, filed 2015-01, 31,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10150009Sep 11, 2018Dealer Package: September 11, 2018 A watermark has been added to the Dealer Letter to indicate that ZTR expired on September 10, 2018. The High Beam and Daytime Running Light…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 4% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 9% |
| 2009 | 25 | 27% |
| 2008 | 209 | 60% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2009 Toyota Avalon
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Toyota Avalon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology