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2017 Toyota Avalon Report

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

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis·1 Critical Recall
2017 Toyota Avalon Report

Overall Score

8.0/ 10
Our Verdict
Recommended

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Toyota Avalon is a comfortable and spacious sedan with a capable V6 engine and good fuel economy for its class.
  • A critical recall for the airbag control module requires verification of repair.
  • Owner complaints frequently cite engine and vehicle speed control issues, suggesting potential areas for inspection.
  • The Avalon boasts excellent NHTSA safety ratings, providing peace of mind.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2017 Toyota Avalon

The 2017 Toyota Avalon presents itself as a comfortable and well-appointed large sedan, aiming for a blend of luxury and practicality. It's powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 200 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Fuel economy is respectable, rated at 21 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Safety is a strong suit, with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating. However, used car shoppers should be aware of two recalls, including a significant one concerning the airbag control module, and a number of owner complaints, particularly related to the engine and vehicle speed control systems. The Avalon's reliability is considered good, but these specific issues necessitate a thorough inspection.

Critical Failure Risk

Complaints related to the engine, including potential design flaws regarding automatic engine shut-off.

Early detection can help you avoid a $300-$1,200 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls2
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

17
Engine6
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
200HP
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
24
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
30
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.2/ 10

Practicality

5.4/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing comfort, a quiet ride, and a spacious interior in a sedan.

+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Shoppers seeking a sporty driving experience.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2017 Toyota Avalon Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2017 Toyota Avalon.

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

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Horsepower
200
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
24

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Most Common Issues

1. ENGINE

Most reported

Usage: 6 reports

2. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Usage: 3 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Check - Tire Inspection - Drive Axle Boot Inspection - Engine Belt and Hose Inspection

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 (6 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
2 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2017 Toyota Avalon is 9.2/10. Reliability score is 9.2/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 17.

How practical is the 2017 Toyota Avalon for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.4/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 453 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2017 Toyota Avalon is 8.0/10. Overall score is 8.0/10 (Strong). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.7/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.4/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Check - Tire Inspection - Drive Axle Boot Inspection - Engine Belt and Hose Inspection at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $498. Repair prediction highlight: Air Bag Control Module (estimated cost Min: $0 (Recall repair)).

What is the MSRP range for the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

Base MSRP is $33,000.

What engine is in the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.5. Output is 200 hp.

What transmission does the 2017 Toyota Avalon use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

13 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2017 Toyota Avalon use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2017 Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan prioritizing comfort and a smooth ride. While its 3.

What are the most common engine problems on the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

Top complaint category: engine (6 reports, 35.3% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.

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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