2021 Toyota Avalon Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The airbag system is the most cited concern, with multiple recalls and a significant number of owner complaints.
- Engine issues, including a reported catastrophic failure at 69,000 miles due to low oil pressure, warrant careful inspection of the powertrain.
- Early-life failures have been reported for the instrument panel, hybrid system, and brakes, suggesting a need for thorough mechanical checks.
- While the overall safety rating is a strong 5 out of 5, specific recalls related to airbags and steering columns require verification of remedy completion.
2021 Toyota Avalon
The 2021 Toyota Avalon offers a comfortable and refined driving experience, but used car shoppers should be aware of its average reliability rating. With 6 recalls and 28 complaints logged with NHTSA, potential buyers need to be diligent. The most frequent complaints center on the airbag system, followed by engine and vehicle speed control issues. Given the number of recalls, potential repair costs for other wear-and-tear items could be a consideration. Its fuel economy is respectable for its class, achieving a combined 25 MPG.
Critical Failure Risk
Multiple recalls have been issued concerning the airbag system, including frontal airbags and occupant classification sensors. Prolonged remedy delays for certain recalls exacerbate risk.
Early detection can help you avoid a $2,000-$6,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing comfort and safety who are willing to conduct rigorous pre-purchase inspections.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a worry-free ownership experience.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2021 Toyota Avalon Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2021 Toyota Avalon.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Transmission
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Sedan
- EPA Combined MPG
- 25
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Most Common Issues
1. Airbags
Most reportedUsage: 11 reports
2. ENGINE
Usage: 4 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter)
Est. shop cost: $60 - $100
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FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2021 Toyota Avalon is 7.6/10. Reliability score is 7.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 6. Owner complaints: 28.
How practical is the 2021 Toyota Avalon for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.5/10. EPA combined economy is 25 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 456 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2021 Toyota Avalon is 7.2/10. Overall score is 7.2/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 5.9/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.5/10.
What is the MSRP range for the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Base MSRP is $37,000.
What engine is in the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.
What transmission does the 2021 Toyota Avalon use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Avalon, transmission is Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
EPA combined estimate is 25 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
14 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2021 Toyota Avalon?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Avalon, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Avalon, body style is sedan.
What drivetrain does the 2021 Toyota Avalon use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Avalon, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2021 Toyota Avalon is a large, comfortable sedan that prioritizes a smooth ride and fuel efficiency over outright performance.
What are the most common air bags problems on the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Top complaint category: air bags (11 reports, 39.3% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
This model year has 6 official safety campaigns listed.