2018 Toyota Avalon Problems
- Complaints
- 24filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 10,500miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Toyota Avalon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 2018 Toyota Avalon. The part named most often is air bags, with 6 complaints (25% of the total), followed by other or unknown (5) and steering (4). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 10,500 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 178 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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 25%
- Other or unknown5 21%
- Steering4 17%
- Fuel system3 13%
- Brakes2 8.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 8.3%
- Electrical system1 4.2%
- Exterior lighting1 4.2%
- Lane departure1 4.2%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Involved in a 2 vehicle accident on October 26th. My car is totaled and so is the other car. No airbags deployed and my drivers side seat belt failed to lock in the accident. I was injured and taken by ambulance to hospital.”
NHTSA complaint #11701511, filed 2025-11Other or unknown: “I have been having trouble with my radio hanging up phone calls and several other things. After taking my car several time I was told it will be replaced. I took my car and left it over night march 18th and march 19th. It had a charging light on so they said it's best if it says over night. When contacted the satellite radio company to give the new radio id, the said it was the id. I called apple to see if there were any issues with my iphone, there was none and we even went through resetting the phone, just in case case the radio was still dropping calls and other things. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405151, filed 2021-03, 33,000 milesSteering: “When driving on the interstate speed between 60-70 MPH the car suddenly jerks to the right. I had the car checked because it felt scary (as if I would hit the car in the next lane) I had the problem checked through a reputable service center- the torque steering was off; car jerked with acceleration”
NHTSA complaint #11271236, filed 2019-10, 34,836 milesFuel system: “Checking on the status of the fuel pump recall?? Was supposed to get a notice by may but have not received the notice yet. I entered the 17 digit VIN numeber in your form but got no response.”
NHTSA complaint #11341599, filed 2020-07, 18,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 4,000 and 33,000 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 2018 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 | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 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 | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
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…
- 20V012000Jan 13, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Toyota Avalon 2018–2019, Lexus GS 350 2013–2015, 2018–2019, IS 350 2014–2015, 2018–2019 +27 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota…
Recall details for the 2018 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. 178 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…
- 11022964Aug 20, 2025Electrical system. Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.
- 11020657Jun 13, 2025Electrical system. The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in…
- 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…
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 2018 Toyota Avalon have?
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 2018 Toyota Avalon as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Toyota Avalon is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 6 complaints (25% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 5.
Has the 2018 Toyota Avalon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Toyota Avalon do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Toyota Avalon 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Toyota Avalon get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Toyota Avalon (Avalon, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Toyota Avalon reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 10,500 miles and the middle half falls between 4,000 and 33,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.