Toyota Avalon: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Toyota Avalon years to approach with the most caution are 2006. The strongest years in our data are 2010, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2022), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Toyota Avalon year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2022 Recommended 8 Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).; On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.; Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).; On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.; Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).; On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.; Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 7 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014. Full report ↗
2016 Recommended 7 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014. Full report ↗
2012 Recommended 6 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2010 Recommended 6 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).; On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.; Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 4 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 4 Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 4 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 4 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗
2006 Avoid 3 Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.; Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).; Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models. Full report ↗

Toyota Avalon problems by year

2022 Toyota Avalon Recommended

Final-year Avalon and the most refined of the run: quiet, plush, roomy V6 sedan with strong Toyota reliability, low repair costs and very few complaints.

  • Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).
  • On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.
  • Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults.

2021 Toyota Avalon Recommended

Mature fifth-gen Avalon with proven reliability and comfort; only a small airbag-related recall and minor complaints mar an otherwise dependable luxury-leaning sedan.

  • Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).
  • On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.
  • Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults.

2020 Toyota Avalon Recommended

Settled fifth-gen year after the 2019 launch: the 8-speed calibration improved and complaints dropped sharply on a comfortable, reliable, well-equipped V6 cruiser.

  • Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).
  • On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.
  • Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults.

2019 Toyota Avalon Caution

Fifth-gen launch year, roomy and refined but flagged for 8-speed transmission hesitation, a low-pressure fuel-pump stalling issue and early electronics bugs.

  • Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).
  • On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.
  • Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults.

2018 Toyota Avalon Recommended

End of the fourth generation and one of its best: comfortable, quiet, spacious and reliable with very few owner complaints.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.
  • Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

2017 Toyota Avalon Recommended

One of the most trouble-free Avalon years: a quiet, roomy, near-luxury V6 sedan with excellent reliability and low ownership costs.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.
  • Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

2016 Toyota Avalon Recommended

Mid-cycle-refresh year that runs clean: comfortable and quiet with strong reliability and minimal complaints.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.
  • Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

2015 Toyota Avalon Caution

Solid fourth-gen Avalon, though owners report Entune infotainment glitches, speaker distortion and Takata airbag recalls; comfortable and otherwise dependable.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.
  • Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

2014 Toyota Avalon Caution

Comfortable and well-built, but drew notable sudden-unintended-acceleration and pre-collision false-braking complaints that make a careful inspection worthwhile.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.
  • Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

2013 Toyota Avalon Caution

Fourth-gen launch year with the most complaints of its generation: body/structure, electronics and early unintended-acceleration reports on an otherwise comfortable car.

  • Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.
  • Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

2012 Toyota Avalon Recommended

Final third-gen year and one of the most reliable: a roomy, quiet, powerful V6 cruiser with few complaints once the early-gen issues were behind it.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2011 Toyota Avalon Caution

Dependable late third-gen Avalon, but commonly cited for roof and sunroof paint peeling plus electric-steering and electrical complaints.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2010 Toyota Avalon Recommended

One of the better third-gen years: complaint volume dropped sharply after the unintended-acceleration era on a comfortable, durable V6 sedan.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2009 Toyota Avalon Caution

Improving late third-gen year with fewer engine problems than 2005 to 2008, though some steering and exterior-lighting complaints remain.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2008 Toyota Avalon Caution

Third-gen Avalon marred by widespread HID headlight and exterior-lighting failures and melting, plus electrical complaints; comfortable but inspect the lighting closely.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2007 Toyota Avalon Caution

Early third-gen year still in the unintended-acceleration complaint era, with VVT-i oil-hose and powertrain issues; comfortable but needs careful inspection.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2006 Toyota Avalon Avoid

The Avalon to avoid: catastrophic engine oil loss from a failing oil hose, steering defects, dash cracking and seven recalls make it the worst year of the run.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

2005 Toyota Avalon Caution

First third-gen year with high unintended-acceleration and steering complaint volume; a comfortable cruiser but the least-proven year of the generation.

  • Sudden unintended acceleration and vehicle-speed-control complaints across 2005-2008, from the floor-mat and sticky-accelerator-pedal recall era.
  • Catastrophic engine oil loss on 2006-2007 cars from a ruptured rubber VVT-i oil supply hose, which can destroy the engine with little warning (recalled).
  • Widespread HID/exterior headlight failures with melting or scorching of the headlight housing and wiring on 2008 models.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Toyota models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.