2021 Toyota Avalon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Toyota Avalon: 2 recalls, 21 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #20V734000 · 2020 · 161 vehicles
What's wrong: Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #23V865000 · 2023 · 999,901 vehicles
What's wrong: A short circuit May develop in the occupant classification system (ocs) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (4): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Speed control / throttle (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Toyota Avalon has 21 owner complaints, ranking #25 of 28 Avalon model years for complaints (well below the 122 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 1,650 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (10 complaints, 3 recalls), 2022 (8 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
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 2021 Toyota Avalon.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Avalon problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (12), engine (4), speed control / throttle (3).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Avalon get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Toyota Avalon repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.