Toyota Avalon Starter Motor Guide: 1995-2021 Models
If your Avalon just clicks or won't start, your starter motor might be the problem—here's how to choose a replacement.
- The most common symptom of a failing starter on an Avalon is a single click with no crank.
- No specific recalls or TSBs exist for the starter motor; failures are typically due to age and wear.
- New aftermarket starters from brands like ACDelco and MPA are reliable, cost-effective alternatives to expensive OEM parts.
- Replacement is a feasible DIY job for those with basic tools, typically taking around two hours.
Is Your Avalon's Starter Failing?
A failing starter is a common issue on many vehicles, including the reliable Toyota Avalon. Over time, the internal components simply wear out from use. The most frequent problem reported by Avalon owners is a single, loud 'click' when trying to start the car, with no engine crank. This often points to worn-out electrical contacts inside the starter solenoid. Don't get stranded; replacing a weak starter is key to keeping your Avalon dependable.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter in a Toyota Avalon
Before you buy a new part, make sure the starter is actually the problem. A weak battery can cause similar symptoms. If the battery is good and you experience the following, the starter is the likely culprit:
🎬 Watch: See and hear these common bad starter symptoms- Single Loud Click: You turn the key, hear one click from the engine bay, but nothing else happens.
- No Crank, No Start: The lights on your dashboard come on, but the engine doesn't turn over at all.
- Intermittent Starting: The car starts fine one day but refuses to crank the next. This can be an early sign of failure.
- Grinding Noise: A harsh grinding sound when you try to start the engine can mean the starter gear is not engaging correctly with the flywheel.
- Slow Cranking: The engine turns over very slowly, as if the battery is weak, even when it's fully charged.
Pro Tip: The "Tap Test"
On some older models, lightly tapping the starter motor with a hammer or wrench while a helper tries to start the car can sometimes get it to work one more time. This is not a fix, but it can confirm the starter is the issue and might get you home in an emergency.
Choosing a New Aftermarket Starter
When replacing your starter, you don't have to buy an expensive part from the dealer. New aftermarket starters offer a great balance of quality and value. They are built with 100% new components, so there are no worn-out parts from a previous life. This is different from a "remanufactured" starter, which is a used OEM core that has been rebuilt. While high-quality remanufactured parts are good, a new aftermarket part ensures every piece is fresh from the factory.
Available Aftermarket Brands:
- ACDelco: A well-known brand that produces parts for many makes and models, not just GM. Their new starters are manufactured to strict quality standards and are a reliable choice for a Toyota Avalon.
- MPA (Motorcar Parts of America): A large manufacturer that produces quality new and remanufactured parts. Their starters are computer-tested to ensure they meet or exceed original specifications, focusing on durability with features like high-quality bearings and lubricants.
Both ACDelco and MPA are solid choices for a new aftermarket starter that will provide reliable performance for your Avalon.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and other sources did not find any specific safety recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the starter motor on the 1995-2021 Toyota Avalon. While there are many TSBs for the Avalon, they relate to other systems. Failure of the starter is generally due to normal wear and tear over many years and miles.
Estimated Replacement Costs
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Starter | $78.19 - $214.74 |
| New OEM Toyota Starter | $155.00 - $240.00 |
| Shop Labor | $97.00 - $143.00 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket Part) | $175.00 - $358.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to replace the starter on a Toyota Avalon?
The difficulty is moderate. For most 1995-2012 models, the starter is located under the battery and air filter housing. You will need to remove these components to get access. It is a manageable job for a DIYer with basic hand tools and can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
🎬 See this step-by-step starter replacement walkthrough for 2005-2012 modelsShould I buy a new or a remanufactured starter?
This guide focuses on new aftermarket parts, which are made with 100% new components. A quality remanufactured starter is also a good option, where a used original part is rebuilt with new wear items. However, with a new aftermarket part, you can be sure that every component, including the housing itself, is brand new.
My mechanic said I only need to replace the starter contacts. Is this a good idea?
On older Toyota starters, the copper contacts in the solenoid are a common failure point and can be replaced separately for a very low cost. If you are on a tight budget and are willing to do the extra work, this can be a solution. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the internal copper contacts However, the starter motor itself has other parts like brushes and bearings that also wear out. Replacing the entire starter assembly with a new unit is often a more reliable long-term repair.
Do I need any special tools to replace my Avalon's starter?
No special tools are required. The job can be done with a standard set of metric sockets, wrenches, and extensions. For some generations, a universal joint socket can make accessing the bolts easier.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 28100-0A011 28100-03100 28100-0A010 28100-F0060 28100-0P130 28100-03070 28100-03090
The Toyota Avalon has used various starters across its generations, typically 12-volt units with a solenoid-actuated drive gear. Power ratings vary by engine, but most are in the 1.4kW to 1.6kW range. Fitment is specific to engine and year range, so always verify the part number for your vehicle.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Toyota Avalon:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Avalon's Starter Failing?
- Symptoms of a Bad Starter in a Toyota Avalon
- Pro Tip: The "Tap Test"
- Choosing a New Aftermarket Starter
- Available Aftermarket Brands:
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Estimated Replacement Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off