2012 Toyota Avalon Problems
Compared with other Toyota Avalon years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
4/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Toyota Avalon year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 7 of its 30 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Air bags (6 complaints, median 56,100 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles, 23 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 19 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Toyota Avalon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2012 Toyota Avalon. The part named most often is air bags, with 6 complaints (20% of the total), followed by body and structure (6) and electrical system (4). 23 of the complaints include a mileage, and 65% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 33,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 292 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 9 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Body and structure complaints overlap with 67 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 8 Toyota Avalon model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 4 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags6 20%
- Body and structure6 20%
- Electrical system4 13%
- Brakes3 10%
- Other or unknown2 6.7%
- Engine1 3.3%
- Seat belts1 3.3%
Also reported: Seats (1), Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The car would not respond to the remote, so I had to use the key to get access, then I was able to lock and unlock doors and turn on ignition.I turned ignition on and saw display flash various icons after car was started. As I was driving the dash icons flashed again. The car did not stop, so I continued driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10694604, filed 2015-03, 42,200 milesBody and structure: “The trunk lid falls down even if lifted to highest point. Lid is not sufficiently counterbalanced. If on a slight incline with the nose up, the lid will not open. Dealer tells me (on two separate occasions) that it is operating as designed. Yeah, right, designed to fall on my head. Dealer refuses to do anything since nothing is broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10679893, filed 2015-01, 17,000 milesElectrical system: “2012 Toyota Avalon. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle radio sub-woofer recall notice issues. The consumer stated on two occasions, he took the vehicle to the dealer regarding the issue. On both occasions, the dealer stated the had not received the means or the information as to how to correct the sub-woofer problem but he would be contacted when the remedy was available. On may 13th, there was a loud crackling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle and the radio stopped working. …”
NHTSA complaint #10726044, filed 2015-06Vehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Avalon . The contact stated when she came to a sudden stop she was crashed into from the rear by another vehicle. The engine rpms then increased and the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle as the service brakes failed. There were no injuries. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10596345, filed 2014-06, 19,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
65% of the 23 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,000 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Toyota Avalon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon · sedan FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 11.1% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Toyota Avalon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V024000Jan 17, 2020Air bags › Air bag/restraint control moduleCovers: Toyota Avalon 2012–2018, Corolla 2011–2019, Avalon Hybrid 2013–2018 +1 more
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 unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly…
- 18V569000Aug 29, 2018Seat beltsCovers: Toyota Avalon 2012
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota Avalon vehicles. During a vehicle repair, the seat belt inner buckles may have been replaced with parts that may incorrectly tell the air bag management system that the seat…
- 15V047000Jan 28, 2015Electrical systemCovers: Toyota Avalon 2011–2012
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Toyota Avalon vehicles manufactured February 9, 2010, to October 22, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the sub-woofer speaker located in the trunk may experience an…
- 13V442000Oct 17, 2013Equipment › Appliance › Air conditionerCovers: Toyota Avalon 2012–2013, Camry 2012–2013, Venza 2012–2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air…
Recall details for the 2012 Toyota Avalon → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 292 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
Other model years of the Toyota Avalon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | — | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 21 | 1,650 | 2 | 5 | 25 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 10 | 4,000 | 3 | 5 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 71 | 5,116 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2018 | 24 | 10,500 | 2 | 5 | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2017 | 14 | 17,515 | 2 | 5 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 23 | 31,000 | 3 | 5 | 24 | — | Rising |
| 2015 | 42 | 42,500 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 96 | 13,625 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 137 | 17,522 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 30 | 33,000 | 4 | — | 22 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 106 | 34,950 | 1 | — | 23 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 46 | 13,000 | 7 | — | 23 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 91 | 47,010 | 7 | — | 23 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 349 | 52,000 | 6 | — | 22 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 243 | 40,650 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 360 | 45,000 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 228 | 47,850 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 205 | 67,886 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 293 | 82,500 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 116 | 91,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 134 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 173 | 83,837 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 92 | 53,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 178 | 72,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 125 | 99,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 109 | 116,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 80 | 99,500 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Toyota Avalon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Toyota Avalon have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 2012 Toyota Avalon as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Toyota Avalon is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 6 complaints (20% of the total), followed by body and structure with 6.
Has the 2012 Toyota Avalon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Avalon get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Toyota Avalon (Avalon, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Toyota Avalon reported?
Among the 23 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 33,000 miles and the middle half falls between 17,000 and 60,000 miles; 65% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.