2021 Toyota Avalon Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 1,650miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 22 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Toyota Avalon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. The part named most often is air bags, with 12 complaints (57% of the total), followed by engine (4) and vehicle speed control (3). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 1,650 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 170 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the occupant classification and 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 26 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 bags12 57%
- Engine4 19%
- Brakes2 9.5%
- Electrical system1 4.8%
- Seat belts1 4.8%
- Tires1 4.8%
Example complaints
Air bags: “Seats are not registering for air bag and the middle back seat belt alarm goes off saying to put seat belt on, but no one is sitting in back seat. So while I'm driving I have to pull over and plug seat belt in to get the seatbelt warning sound to stop. The seatbelt is not registering in the back seat and the front seat is not registering someone is sitting there for the airbag. It doesn't register my grandson or my son, which is dangerous. Kids are involved.”
NHTSA complaint #11626075, filed 2024-11Engine: “While driving our 2021 Avalon on a busy interstate,the engine failed on us unexpectantly. This cathostrophic failure without warning startled my finance and ruined xmas holidays. The car was towed to a local Toyota dealership who diagnosed the issue as low oil pressure which prevented oil reaching the top engine ultimately collapsing the rocker arm. Oddly enough the technician shared it was not low on oil nor were there any signs of le. We were informed the engine must be replaced. We purchased the vehicle with 56K and just hit 69K. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635159, filed 2025-01Vehicle speed control: “Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of 400.00”
NHTSA complaint #11659486, filed 2025-05Brakes: “On every Avalon 2021 I have driven or the dealership has driven there is a thunk when braking. Every car every time. A tech case was opened at wesley chapel Toyota and Toyota of tampa bay 01- 21-2021 new car was purchased 01-13-2021”
NHTSA complaint #11389353, filed 2021-01, 20 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 800 and 2,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 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 AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.5% risk |
| Avalon · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: 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 2021 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 | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Avalon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Avalon TRD FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 21 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Avalon XLE FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
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
- 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Toyota Avalon 2020–2021, Camry 2020–2022, Lexus ES Hybrid 2020–2022 +11 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry…
- 20V734000Nov 25, 2020Air bags › FrontalCovers: Toyota Avalon 2020–2021, RAV4 2020, RAV4 Hybrid 2020 +1 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash…
Recall details for the 2021 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. 170 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037186Aug 11, 2026Engine. Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership…
- 11029896Feb 27, 2026Engine. OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
- 11028726Jan 30, 2026Electrical system. OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
- 11028722Jan 28, 2026Electrical system. Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest…
- 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…
- 11022949Aug 7, 2025Engine. The specific condition covered by this program is for a small engine coolant leak that can occur from the flow shut-off valve that can allow coolant to drip on other parts of the vehicle. This can…
- 11020670Jun 25, 2025Electrical system. Some 2021 – 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 – 2024 Camry, 2019 – 2025 model year Corolla, 2022 – 2025 model year Corolla Cross, and 2019 – 2025 model year RAV4 vehicles with A25A-FKS and M20A-FKS…
- 11020668Jun 19, 2025Engine. Some 2018 – 2021 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, or M20A-FKS engine may exhibit a condition in which an “Engine Maintenance Required” message is displayed in the…
- 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…
- 11019332Apr 2, 2025Electrical system. To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve 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 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 2021 Toyota Avalon as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Toyota Avalon is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 12 complaints (57% of the total), followed by engine with 4.
Has the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Avalon do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Toyota Avalon 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Avalon get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Avalon (Avalon, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Toyota Avalon reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 1,650 miles and the middle half falls between 800 and 2,500 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 27, 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.