2016 Toyota Avalon Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The primary ownership concern is unintended acceleration and hesitation, requiring thorough inspection.
- Airbag system recalls and complaints are significant; verify recall completion.
- Electrical system issues, including battery drains and potential fire risks, have been reported.
- While generally comfortable, the Avalon's reliability is below average for the brand.
2016 Toyota Avalon
Critical Failure Risk
Multiple recalls and customer complaints indicate potential issues with the occupant classification system, knee bolster fasteners, and the Air Bag Control Module (ECU). These can lead to airbags not deploying as intended in a crash.
Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$1,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Drivers prioritizing a comfortable, spacious sedan for daily commuting.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience or a vehicle with a 'Good' reliability rating.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2016 Toyota Avalon Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Toyota Avalon.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Sedan
- EPA Combined MPG
- 24
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Most Common Issues
1. ENGINE
Most reportedUsage: 4 reports
2. Airbags
Usage: 4 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Engine Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Inspect Fluids and Top Off - Inspect Tires and Reset Tire Pressures - Inspect Drive Axle Boots - Inspect Engine Belts and Hoses
Est. shop cost: $100 - $200
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Toyota Avalon reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Toyota Avalon is 8.7/10. Reliability score is 8.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 3. Owner complaints: 33.
How practical is the 2016 Toyota Avalon for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG.
What is the overall score for the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Toyota Avalon is 7.7/10. Overall score is 7.7/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.9/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Toyota Avalon?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, Engine Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Inspect Fluids and Top Off - Inspect Tires and Reset Tire Pressures - Inspect Drive Axle Boots - Inspect Engine Belts and Hoses at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $463. Repair prediction highlight: Airbag Control Module (ECU) (estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1000).
What engine is in the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.
What transmission does the 2016 Toyota Avalon use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Avalon, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
What body style is the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Avalon, body style is sedan.
What drivetrain does the 2016 Toyota Avalon use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Toyota Avalon, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2016 Toyota Avalon good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2016 Toyota Avalon, a comfortable full-size sedan, is not a primary target for aggressive engine tuning. Its 3.
What are the most common engine problems on the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
Top complaint category: engine (4 reports, 12.1% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
This model year has 3 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 Toyota Camry and 2016 Honda Accord.