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2020 Toyota Avalon Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20268 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2020 Toyota Avalon Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Toyota Avalon has 13 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve fuel/propulsion system and forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.3/ 10

Based on 13 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 38.5%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 15.4%

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 7.7%

SERVICE BRAKES

1 7.7%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 7.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, accounting for 38.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 8 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Toyota Avalon

The 2020 Toyota Avalon has 13 owner complaints in this dataset. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 38% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Toyota Avalon are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (2), VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY (1).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 8 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Toyota Avalon?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2019 Avalon complaints2021 Avalon complaints2018 Avalon complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 8 of 8 systems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports38% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

RECALL# 20V-682,IF A VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING,THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TOYOTA IS TALKING ABOUT THE RECALL FOR A LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH MAY STOP OPERATING.THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONDITION WHICH COULD ENDANGER THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF.THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN REPORTED TO ME IN NOVEMBER 2020 WITH NO REMEDY IN SIGHT.ALL I WANT IS FOR TOYOTA TO FIX MY PROBLEM ASAP,OR TELL ME TO PARK MY VEHICLE AND USE A LOANER FROM TOYOTA TILL SERIOUS CONDITION IS FIXED.THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION SUITS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMPS MADE IN CHINA FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

2/12/2021

ON OCTOBER 28, 2020, TOYOTA ANNOUNCED IT WAS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING CERTAIN TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JULY 2017 THROUGH DECEMBER 2019 DUE TO THE SAME FUEL PUMP ISSUE FOR WHICH THEY ANNOUNCED A SAFETY RECALL IN JANUARY 2020. THE REFERENCED VEHICLE DOOR STICKER SHOWS A PRODUCTION DATE OF 12/19, WHICH IS WITHIN THE PRODUCTION PERIOD ANNOUNCED ON 10/28/2020. HOWEVER, THE VIN ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT APPEAR ON ANY RECALL LIST AND THE DEALER TELLS ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. NONETHELESS, I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO STALL: WHEN MAKING A TURN OR DRIVING ON CITY STREETS; IN SOME INSTANCES (INCLUDING TODAY) IT IS WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT; OTHER TIMES IT IS WHEN ACCELERATING. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAPPENED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. IN ONE SUCH INSTANCE, A YELLOW TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED MOMENTARILY ON THE VEHICLE'S DISPLAY. THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE SELLING DEALER DURING THE LAST ROUTINE MAINTENANCE VISIT ON MAY 4, 2021. IN REFERENCE TO THIS COMPLAINT, THE DEALER WORK ORDER REPORTED TECHNICIAN "WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CUSTOMERS CONCERN AT THIS TIME VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING WITHIN ALL MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS".

5/13/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I represent the family of a fatally injured rollaway victim. It is on their behalf I am reporting the circumstances of this incident and to strongly urge that NHTSA update the rollaway requirements specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114. On August 22, 2020, It is believed that while attempting to retrieve the key fob, the driver inadvertently bumped the gear selector forward into Neutral, releasing the torque to the wheels that had kept it stationary on their sloped driveway. (Unlike shifting out of the Park position, which requires application of the brake pedal and depressing the lock button on the shift selector, the shift selector can be moved from Drive forward into the Neutral position, without a secondary interlocking action.) The drivers wife, who was behind the vehicle. was pinned by the car and dragged under to her death. The position of the transmission gear selector was not documented by any witnesses or first responders when the vehicle eventually came to rest on the opposite side of the road, not is it documented in the extensive data stored within the vehicle. However, the data retrieved from the subject vehicle during a subsequent inspection revealed that the Vehicle Control History (VCH) included a field for “Driver Exited Vehicle When Shift Position Wasn’t P” which showed that at the time of the incident that is exactly what happened. Finally, there is ample evidence to support the need for an upgrade of the rollaway provisions within FMVSS 114 – as the facts above show. It’s not enough for a safety agency to simply allow manufacturers to do so voluntarily. . Instead, the Toyota was content to collect the data and blame the driver for an event that it clearly knows occurs and has extensive information about, but fails to prevent. The public needs to rely on NHTSA to promulgate updated regulations that meet the safety needs presented to drivers of modern vehicles.

7/28/2021

on 3 lane expressway (US422)about 1/4 mile from where the lanes split( see attached). No cars in front of me but cars in the lane to my left slowed. My car suddenly braked causing the car behind me to swerve to my right to avoid a collision. The adaptive breaking (incorrectly) determined that there was a collision hazard, thus creating an actual collision hazard

7/31/2022

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, WHEN THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT ANY OBJECT CAUSING THE IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER HERITAGE TOYOTA OWINGS MILLS (9801 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117: (844) 202-9429), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUNROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,937.

5/13/2021

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I represent the family of a fatally injured rollaway victim. It is on their behalf I am reporting the circumstances of this incident and to strongly urge that NHTSA update the rollaway requirements specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114. On August 22, 2020, It is believed that while attempting to retrieve the key fob, the driver inadvertently bumped the gear selector forward into Neutral, releasing the torque to the wheels that had kept it stationary on their sloped driveway. (Unlike shifting out of the Park position, which requires application of the brake pedal and depressing the lock button on the shift selector, the shift selector can be moved from Drive forward into the Neutral position, without a secondary interlocking action.) The drivers wife, who was behind the vehicle. was pinned by the car and dragged under to her death. The position of the transmission gear selector was not documented by any witnesses or first responders when the vehicle eventually came to rest on the opposite side of the road, not is it documented in the extensive data stored within the vehicle. However, the data retrieved from the subject vehicle during a subsequent inspection revealed that the Vehicle Control History (VCH) included a field for “Driver Exited Vehicle When Shift Position Wasn’t P” which showed that at the time of the incident that is exactly what happened. Finally, there is ample evidence to support the need for an upgrade of the rollaway provisions within FMVSS 114 – as the facts above show. It’s not enough for a safety agency to simply allow manufacturers to do so voluntarily. . Instead, the Toyota was content to collect the data and blame the driver for an event that it clearly knows occurs and has extensive information about, but fails to prevent. The public needs to rely on NHTSA to promulgate updated regulations that meet the safety needs presented to drivers of modern vehicles.

7/28/2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

on 3 lane expressway (US422)about 1/4 mile from where the lanes split( see attached). No cars in front of me but cars in the lane to my left slowed. My car suddenly braked causing the car behind me to swerve to my right to avoid a collision. The adaptive breaking (incorrectly) determined that there was a collision hazard, thus creating an actual collision hazard

7/31/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

on 3 lane expressway (US422)about 1/4 mile from where the lanes split( see attached). No cars in front of me but cars in the lane to my left slowed. My car suddenly braked causing the car behind me to swerve to my right to avoid a collision. The adaptive breaking (incorrectly) determined that there was a collision hazard, thus creating an actual collision hazard

7/31/2022

STEERING

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TIE ROD LOOSE I heard a clunking noise while turning the steering wheel to the left at very low speeds. Took car in for service Service Mechanic found left outer tie rod end "with play, loose" Safety issue: potential loss of steering ability while driving Vehicle has been inspected and repaired - (my cost $1308.94) - images attached No warning messages / appeared about a month before I went in... it became progressively worse with time

7/15/2024

AIR BAGS

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint to report Right Toyota in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Toyota Motor Corporation for their mishandling of a critical airbag safety recall (23TA15) on my 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The lack of transparency, misleading information, and failure to provide a remedy has left me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive and has caused significant financial hardship. 1. Right Toyota never informed me of the recall, despite multiple service visits throughout the year. I only discovered this issue through my insurance company in August 2024. 2. I scheduled service appointments with Right Toyota on August 23rd and October 15th, 2023, after learning about the recall. Each time, I was told that there was no remedy available, and I was not offered any alternative solutions or a loaner vehicle. Toyota’s Brand Engagement Team later confirmed that a remedy for my specific vehicle is not expected until March 2026. 3. I called Right Toyota back after the manufacturer told me the dealership was meant to solve this issue by offering me a loaner vehicle or buying my car off me. I spoke to Jason Murdoch who informed it was preposterous to think they would offer me a loaner vehicle until 2026 and that the only option he could offer is buying my car off me 8K negative on what I still owe on my car loan. He told me the dealerships hands were tied unless NHTSA or the manufacturer gave specific instructions for me. 4. I have since relocated to Hawaii, where I cannot use the vehicle due to safety concerns. I am still making loan payments on a car that I cannot drive, and Right Toyota’s refusal to offer any assistance has placed me in a difficult situation. I request that Toyota and Right Toyota either: Repurchase the Vehicle: Take back the vehicle and pay off the remaining loan balance. Provide an Immediate Solution: If repurchasing is not possible, arrange for a free airbag repair or provide a rental vehicle until the remedy is available.

11/18/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Avalon?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Toyota Avalon is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, with 5 owner reports. That is about 38% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY.

Are complaints about the 2020 Toyota Avalon a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 8 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Toyota Avalon?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Toyota Avalon severe?

8 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Avalon: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
13
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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