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2016 Toyota Avalon Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis·3 Critical Recalls
2016 Toyota Avalon Report

Overall Score

7.7/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

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.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Toyota Avalon

The 2016 Toyota Avalon offers a comfortable ride and ample interior space, positioning itself as a large sedan focused on comfort rather than sport. Its V6 engine provides adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising. However, potential buyers should be aware of a concerning number of customer complaints and recalls, particularly those related to the vehicle's control systems and safety features. While Toyota's reputation generally leans towards reliability, this specific model year warrants careful inspection.

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.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls3
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

33
Engine4
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
24
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
30
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.7/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

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.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
24

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. ENGINE

Most reported

Usage: 4 reports

2. Airbags

Usage: 4 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

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

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
3 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

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.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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