Which Toyota Avalon years should you avoid?

The Toyota Avalon years to avoid are 2013, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2022. Graded from 23 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common Toyota Avalon problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are vehicle speed control (620 complaints), air bags (560 complaints), steering (309 complaints).

Toyota Avalon years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2013, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2022

23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 27 model years, the Toyota Avalon has 3,798 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 88 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and air bags. 2006 drew the most complaints (360), 2022 the fewest (8).

Model years tracked

3,798

Owner complaints

Recalls

120

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota Avalon vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,895–$27,579.

Which Avalon years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2022	8	0	tires
2021	27	2	air bags
2020	10	3	fuel/propulsion system
2019	71	5	electrical system
2018	25	2	air bags
2017	28	2	engine
2016	47	4	air bags
2015	103	2	service brakes
2014	209	4	forward collision avoidance
2013	295	4	structure
2012	30	4	structure
2011	106	1	steering
2010	46	7	vehicle speed control
2009	91	7	exterior lighting
2008	349	6	exterior lighting
2007	243	6	vehicle speed control
2006	360	7	vehicle speed control
2005	228	7	vehicle speed control
2004	205	3	air bags
2003	305	2	air bags
2002	142	1	air bags
2001	140	2	vehicle speed control
2000	186	2	steering
1999	97	2	air bags
1998	195	2	suspension
1997	132	1	steering
1996	120	0	engine and engine cooling

Highest: 2006 (360 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (8).

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control620

air bags560

steering309

service brakes278

electrical system268

What owners say

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples.

RecurrentTransmission shifting behavior/concerns (2019+ models)
Reports of sluggish acceleration, RPM flaring to 1500-2000 before shifting, delayed or non-smooth shifts, and owner concerns about long-term reliability of the UA80 8-speed automatic.
IsolatedElectrical system failure (Hybrid models)
Isolated but severe incidents of complete dashboard warning light illumination and system failure, leading to lengthy repair times and part delays.
IsolatedRodent damage to wiring
Knock sensor wire damage due to soy-based wire insulation attracting rodents, causing rough shifting and limp mode.
IsolatedKnown maintenance items for older generations (e.g., 2007 model)
Timing cover oil leaks, rack and pinion seal failure, VVTI oil cooler line failure, and transmission case sealant failure.
IsolatedAcceleration/power loss with check engine light
Instances of sudden power loss, system failure warnings, and limp mode, potentially related to fuel injectors or other faults.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Avalon. Individual model years are broken down above.

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