2002 Toyota Avalon: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Avalon years.
142 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2002 Avalon?The 2002 Toyota Avalon has 142 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Toyota Avalon vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Avalon years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Avalon?
Across the 27 Avalon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 8 (2022) to 360 (2006). With 142 complaints, the 2002 Avalon sits above the model's median of 120.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Avalon
steering
Campaign 10V345000TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 AVALON VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF THE STEERING LOCK BAR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A MINUTE CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE LOCK BAR. SUCH A CRACK MAY EXPAND OVER A LONG PERIOD OF REPEATED LOCK AND UNLOCK OPERATIONS, AND EVENTUALLY THE LOCK BAR COULD BREAK.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Avalon. See the full Avalon owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Avalon listings typically run $12,895–$27,579 across 2003 to 2021 model years.
Other Avalon model years
Compare every Avalon year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Avalon against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy