MotorDeets

Toyota Avalon problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Avalon from 1995 to 2022: 3,403 owner complaints and 84 recalls across 28 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (360), 2008 (349), 2003 (293). Best fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (2022).

Toyota Avalon
Photo: aneekr · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Speed control / throttle602
Airbags586
Steering360
Electrical294
Exterior lights291
Transmission & drivetrain211
Body & structure197
Engine & cooling196

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199508021
1996010921
1997112522
1998117822
199919222
2000217322
2001213421
2002111622
2003229322
2004320522
2005722822
2006736023
2007624323
2008634922
200979123
201074623
2011110623
201243022
2013413724
201449625
201524124
201632324
201721424
201822424
201947125
202031025
202122125
20220825

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Toyota Avalon.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Toyota Avalon?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (360), 2008 (349), 2003 (293).

How many recalls has the Toyota Avalon had?

Across 1995–2022, NHTSA lists 84 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).