2018 Toyota Avalon: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Toyota Avalon has 25 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag transmission 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. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

25
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
7
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Toyota Avalon vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2018 a good year for the Avalon?

Across the 10 Avalon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2018) to 242 (2007). With 25 complaints, the 2018 Avalon sits belowthe model's median of 97.

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

air bags
6
steering
4
fuel/propulsion system
3
vehicle speed control
2
electrical system
2

Recalls affecting the 2018 Avalon

air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Campaign 20V024000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control u

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 20V012000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500,

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples. The Avalon is consistently praised as a durable, spacious, and smooth-riding sedan capable of exceeding 200,000 and…

  • Transmission 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical 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. Frequency: isolated.

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 $14,900–$28,044 across 2002 to 2021 model years.

Other Avalon model years

Compare every Avalon year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Avalon against its rivals