Is this towards the back, where it meets the glass?

 

Hi,

Has anyone else experienced an issue with the headliner in their new Avalon?

As an FYI, when I took deliver of the car. I noticed where the top of rear glass and the headliner meets, the headliner was starting to droop and come to a point in the center. I returned the car to the dealer and they attempted a repair with double sided tape, but that lasted all of 20 minutes. Plan two was to replace the headliner, and that was supposed to be installed today.

However, another Avalon owner showed up this morning at my dealer with the exact same issue. Based on two 2013 Avalons with the same issue in their shop. They contacted Toyota for assistance. My dealer stated they learned Toyota is aware of the problem, and they are redesigning the Headliner for the 2013 Avalon.

While I was at my dealer the last time after the initial repair, there also was another new Avalon on his lot with the same issue. Just something I wanted to share, and for others to be aware that if your Avalon's headliner seems to have a point in the center, it is not intentional.

Thanks for the heads-up JamesJ. I checked my headliner and this does not seem to be issue that some other Toyota models have where the fabric becomes unglued from the headliner but where the headliner does not lay flush against the rear glass (the gap between the headliner and rear glass is not consistent across the entire length). If this is the case, mine is slight bowed and only noticeable because I was looking for it. Only time will tell if this will become an issue.

Is this what you are experiencing?

 

Interesting, I had the exact same issue with a 2007 Avalon. The dealer attempted the fix with two-sided tape, with the same result as you experienced. I found out that to R & R the headliner required gutting the interior to provide enough space to maneuver it out and back in. I ended up drilling three equally spaced holes across the back of the headliner near the glass where there is a hollow strengthening member and used three trim 'keepers' with a half inch head, and just pushed them in. I spray painted the top of the keepers to match the headliner...it ended up looking like they were suppose to be there and the problem was fixed. I could not believe the dealer didn't think of it.

 

we need pics of an affected Avalon!

I will check mine as head out of the office today, haven't noticed an issue, but haven't looked, specifically...

 

I bought my new Avalon Limited Hybrid less than 2 months ago and found the headliner creased and slightly sagging at the center after a few weeks. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced it a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I picked up my car from the service department (they repaired a curb scrape on one of the wheels - can't seem to get a feel of just where this car ends - if not for the back-up camera I'd be bumping into everything). The service rep mentioned that they were just notified of this headliner problem by Toyota.

As I drove away, I was looking in my rear view mirror and noticed a sag and a crease at the left corner on the new headliner. I'll be contacting the dealer again to see when (and if) Toyota will have a permanent fix or replacement for this. When I find out anything worthwhile, I'll let you all know. Anyone else have any inside info?

Good grief.

 

I bought my new Avalon Limited Hybrid less than 2 months ago and found the headliner creased and slightly sagging at the center after a few weeks. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced it a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I picked up my car from the service department (they repaired a curb scrape on one of the wheels - can't seem to get a feel of just where this car ends - if not for the back-up camera I'd be bumping into everything). The service rep mentioned that they were just notified of this headliner problem by Toyota.

As I drove away, I was looking in my rear view mirror and noticed a sag and a crease at the left corner on the new headliner. I'll be contacting the dealer again to see when (and if) Toyota will have a permanent fix or replacement for this. When I find out anything worthwhile, I'll let you all know. Anyone else have any inside info?

Good grief.

That crease is between the rear dome light and the rear window? I checked mine and it's fine at 1800 miles and six months of ownership.

 

Okay, I didn't notice any creasing or visible sagging, thank goodness, but there is definitely a lot of play in the headliner where it meets the back glass, like a quarter to a half inch of play there. It is certainly not affixed to anything...will inquire next time it's in the shop.

 

Mine's looking good; however I appreciate the heads up and will pay attention to it now....in case it has a problem.....

 

Headliner sagging as well.

My Avalon is showing a sag of the headliner as well. It's on the rear driver's side, though the sag is not that pronounced, maybe a finger's width. I fear over time, it'll get worst.

view from outside: http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r743/OpticsZ/fromoutside-DSC09187_zps298996a9.jpg

view from inside: http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r743/OpticsZ/frominside-DSC09186_zps256ec587.jpg

I'll bring it up at the next service in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the heads up.

 

My Avalon is showing a sag of the headliner as well. It's on the rear driver's side, though the sag is not that pronounced, maybe a finger's width. I fear over time, it'll get worst.

view from outside: http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r743/OpticsZ/fromoutside-DSC09187_zps298996a9.jpg

view from inside: http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r743/OpticsZ/frominside-DSC09186_zps256ec587.jpg

I'll bring it up at the next service in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the heads up.

Optics,

Is that a spot drooping at a seam on the outside view pic??

 

Headliner

I also have the headliner in my car falling down. I also have the back of my seat falling apart. I also think the door handles are becoming loose. I think my car was made on a Friday.

 

I also have the headliner in my car falling down. I also have the back of my seat falling apart. I also think the door handles are becoming loose. I think my car was made on a Friday.

I can tell you are having some serious issues there. Has the dealer been of any help?

 

I went out and checked, my headliner is starting to sag as well just like the pictures" optics" has posted.. It is coming down on the driver's side by the rear window. Approx ten to twelve inches from the pillar. I see a TSB coming soon...

 

Mine is having the same problem in the back towards the middle of the rear window. It's also sagging where the sun roof is as well. Funny, I brought my car back today and the service manager had another Avalon reporting the same issue on the same day. This is at Fremont Toyota So far no other issues but I had it only 1 week They said they are going to order a new head liner. 2013 Avalon Limited

 

Mine is having the same problem in the back towards the middle of the rear window. It's also sagging where the sun roof is as well. Funny, I brought my car back today and the service manager had another Avalon reporting the same issue on the same day. This is at Fremont Toyota So far no other issues but I had it only 1 week They said they are going to order a new head liner. 2013 Avalon Limited

Here is the problem.... they will have to virtually gut everything touching the headliner and replace it...these cars are not meant to come apart like that.... You have only had it a week? I would be livid!! I would DEMAND my money or trade etc back.... or a new car without the problems.... that car will never be the same....

 

Just noticed that my headliner is sagging too, probably going to have the dealer look at it


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Dealership recommends replacement

So I took the Avalon in for the 5K service. Had a problem with moldy smell from AC and the headliner sagging.

The service tech recommended the headliner be replaced. Definitely sounds like major surgery since they have to have the "glass guy" work on it as well. I'm concerned they won't put it back together correctly.

Service tech said there was another Avalon in with the same problem.

I know the recommendation on here is to wait. Anyone have experience with declining the service and then getting them to fix the problem later?

 

:facepalm:

So I took the Avalon in for the 5K service. Had a problem with moldy smell from AC and the headliner sagging.

The service tech recommended the headliner be replaced. Definitely sounds like major surgery since they have to have the "glass guy" work on it as well. I'm concerned they won't put it back together correctly.

Service tech said there was another Avalon in with the same problem.

I know the recommendation on here is to wait. Anyone have experience with declining the service and then getting them to fix the problem later?

That's just terrible for your brand new car. I can't speak directly about the complications in removing the headliner from the new 13 Avalons, but for what it's worth, I've had the entire headliner removed from my old 2012 Camry that was fully loaded, and I can say-- it is a rather big job (2 full days minimum for me). There are a lot of things up there including the side air bags, sensors, moonroof rack, wiring for lights and Safety Connect, microphone, auto-dims, rear antenna and glass defrost, etc, etc. I systematically spent an extra 30 minutes after my car was serviced to check every single feature that I could, to make sure that it worked-- and some of the things I couldn't check like the air bags and Safety-Connect, I just prayed it will work when I need it to.

At the end of the day, all the features luckily worked, but I did notice there were parts of the headliner that was no longer taut and there were now visible gaps in certain sections between the liner and the rest of the car. There are actually more stories of headliner removal issues with worst outcomes on the Camry forum.

I don't know if this helps, but just wanted to share my experience in removing the headliner off of a car that I am guessing is a little less complicated than our Avalons. GL.

Edit: Oh I forgot to say-- after all of this, Toyota still couldn't fix the original moonroof popping issue which was the whole reason why they had to take down my headliner in the first place :facepalm:

 

Interesting....after following this thread for awhile, and noting that, as of now, my headliner on my 4/2013 build (took delivery 4/26) TAH Touring is OK, I just received a call from our salesman (the dealerships fleet manager) asking me if I had a problem with our headliner as they have had two Avalons come in recently with the problem. No Hybrids at this point, but he wanted to call and check. I directed him to this forum and he was grateful for the information. They've sold dozens of new Avalons and he was trying to get ahead of the curve. In our discussion, I asked about build month and type of Avalon sold and the two that came in were both ICE Limiteds. He wasn't sure of the manufacture month; however, was going to check into it. I'm wondering if this issue is cropping up because of the heat (I'm in Arizona)....

Interesting to follow what, if anything, is the cause behind this defect

He said he'll get back to me if he finds anything more out and I'll post his comments....

 

My build date was 3/2013. Took delivery on 4/9/2013. No headliner issues.

 

Factory may be applying a fix: My TAH, built 06/2013, has three plastic trim bolts evenly spaced holding up the rear of the headliner. Exactly the same as the owner fix posted by mikewo6o earlier in this thread.

This is a reason why I was reluctant to purchase the first model year of a major redesign, hopefully purchasing late in the year will help a bit.

 

Do you happen to know what your production sequence number is (last 6 of vin)?
Assuming those numbers are sequential, everything after your sequence number should have the fix.
I'm trying to figure out if this car I'm looking at online has the fix or not without having to go 50 miles to that dealer. I almost bought a car with a 5/13 build date and 0436xx production number that had the headliner issue. Looking at one now with a sequence number of 0568xx. Thanks

 

2013 avalon headliner

I too have this problem. I took delivery on 6/5. Had the headliner replaced on 7/2. In addition to the dirty fingerprints on my "new" headliner, it is sagging and is creased on the drivers side. Several messages were left with the Nalley Toyota in Roswell without a return call.

7/17 the dealership called me finally. Car is going back in 7/18. I will post my results, good or bad.

 

As requested here are pictures of the rear of the headliner on my TAH built 6/13, showing the three trim bolts and a close-up of one of them. I have never done this before so let me know if this link does not work.

 

Link works fine.... yup, looks like a updated fix.... I have the ebony interior with the grey upper.... this appears to be a tan headliner issue.... likely putting those plugs on all of them though.... pretty unsightly... I bet they will build them in and hide them (like door cards) some point in the future.... although a much better remedy that ripping out the original..:thumbsup:

 

Thanks for the pictures. Out of curiosity, has anyone checked to see if the headliner is different in different models" Thicker, stiffer, different material, etc.? Mine is very stiff and seems to be more than 1/8" thick.

 

Thanks for the pictures. Out of curiosity, has anyone checked to see if the headliner is different in different models" Thicker, stiffer, different material, etc.? Mine is very stiff and seems to be more than 1/8" thick.

I have wondered the same thing.... ours is very stiff and sagging would be unlikely... I bet there was/is either a manufacturing issue with some of them or they are creasing them on installation...

 

2013 Avalon Headliner Issue

I picked up my Avalon Touring vehicle 5-25-13. On 6-15-13 noticed the headliner was sagging exactly like the pictures posted by JamesJ, brought it back on 6-17-13 and have been in contact with Toyota since that date. On 7-23-13 the service center "performed a good will repair to temporarily hold the headliner awaiting TSB for actual repair for issue". Initially, I thought it looked a little better. The big dip was gone. Unfortunately, the repair is starting to look worse than the original problem. Now it sags in 2 places and is held up by clips in the middle. Still awaiting an honored warranty and customer satisfaction regarding this defect. Toyota must have a solution as they are still selling Avalons. What's taking so long for the repairs?

 

I've noticed mention of "build Date". How do I find this info for my TAH Limited? Sorry if not posted in correct location.

 

I've noticed mention of "build Date". How do I find this info for my TAH Limited? Sorry if not posted in correct location.

There is a plate on the backside of the driver's door frame....look on the top of the plate and it will say the month/year of manufacture.

 

Thanks, mine was built 3/13.

I contacted my dealer and told them that the replacement headliner is also defective. They said to hang in there until Toyota contacts them with a permanent fix - I think he said they were working on a new headlined design to replace the defective ones. But he said Toyota has committed to coming up with something that will satisfy their customers. It's unclear if it will involve the clips I've seen pictured on this thread. I will try to remain patient. At least it doesn't look like it will get bad enough to interfere with the safe operation of my car.

 

2013 Avalon Headliner

Mine has a May, 2013, date.

 

When I took my Avalon in for the 5K service in mid-July, the dealership was going to order a replacement headliner.
Got a call from the service advisor today and he said they got an email from Toyota saying the headliner won't be available until mid-August, at the earliest.

Here's hoping it's the "fixed" headliner. I'm willing to wait for a proper fix.

 

When I took my Avalon in for the 5K service in mid-July, the dealership was going to order a replacement headliner.
Got a call from the service advisor today and he said they got an email from Toyota saying the headliner won't be available until mid-August, at the earliest.

Here's hoping it's the "fixed" headliner. I'm willing to wait for a proper fix.

Optics:

I just took mine in for the 5k service and the service manager specifically came out to check my headliner. He said he was fixing two at this time and had just gotten in the replacement headliners and both had holes for the button tabs, with instructions on how to retro-fit. Unfortunately, he also added that neither came with the button tabs and he had to contact Toyota for an emergency ship as they had already removed the headliners on the two vehicles in for the repair....yikes! Toyota was having to track down those button tabs and he hadn't heard back....in the meantime, he had two Avalons in his service bays without headliners.......and two 'not-too-happy' owners....:facepalm:

Reminds me of when I worked, years ago, at a lube shop and ordered the pit tech to NEVER drain the oil out until we knew the fill cap would come off.....:hi:

 

Hi, I just joined so I could share my headliner experiences. In May I did purchase the 2013 Avalon Hybrid. We did and still do have the headliner droop, after two replacements.I noticed it the day after i purchased when looking in the rearview mirror, but I thought it was the compartment for a fin-like antenna. Two weeks later my husband decided to have a closer look. Yep, a defect. We went straight to the dealer who identified it as a defect and ordered a new headliner. The headliner was installed. We we picked up the car we noticed the headliner was torn (don't ask me why they decided to install it anyway)and improperly fit. Now the droop was relocated to the front driver's side. We had not even left the dealership. A second headliner was ordered. When it finally came in, the dealer said it was also torn and they would need to order another. Later, we received a call from the dealer that there was a "National Problem" with the the design of the headliners for the Avalon and the Camry and that they would call when the new design came in. There is more, but just wanted share what I was finally told by the dealer. Oh, the design cut on the front of the headliner is like an unfinished hem so that too would eventually fray. Hope this helps anyone considering a purchase. As for the mpgs, does what it says; although I was getting 47.9 mpg and after the repair I get 41.2 mpg. Not sure what that could mean.