2021 Toyota Avalon: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Toyota Avalon has 27 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. 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 2021 model year

27
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Toyota Avalon vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
18
engine
4
vehicle speed control
3
forward collision avoidance
2
service brakes
2

Recalls affecting the 2021 Avalon

air bags:frontal

Campaign 20V734000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy …

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 23V865000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybri…

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 even 400,000 miles with r

  • 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.
  • Oil consumption (Older 4-cylinder Toyota engines referenced, not Avalon-specific) — Mentioned as a known issue for some Toyota models, but not specifically cited for the Avalon's V6. Frequency: N/A for Avalon V6.
  • Rodent damage to wiring — Knock sensor wire damage due to soy-based wire insulation attracting rodents, causing rough shifting and limp mode. Frequency: isolated.
  • Known 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. Frequency: isolated (specific to detailed owner report).

Owner insights cover all generations of the Avalon.

Typical used price

Used Avalon listings typically run $14,900–$28,044 across 2002 to 2021 model years.

Other Avalon model years

2018 Avalon2017 Avalon2015 Avalon2012 Avalon2010 Avalon2007 Avalon2005 Avalon2004 Avalon1999 Avalon
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