Is 2014 a good year for a Toyota Avalon?

Yes—2014 is a good year to consider for a Toyota Avalon, especially if you want a comfortable, reliable, and roomy midsize sedan at a reasonable price.

The 2014 Avalon sits in the fourth generation (2013–2018), delivering a refined ride, spacious cabin, and a choice between a smooth V6 and a high-efficiency hybrid. It remains a strong contender in the used-car market for buyers seeking reliability and long-term value.

Why the 2014 Avalon stands out

Key strengths that make the 2014 Avalon a compelling used choice include ride quality, interior space, available hybrid efficiency, and solid safety and reliability.

• Smooth, comfortable ride with a quiet cabin


• Powerful and refined 3.5L V6 option


• Fuel-efficient hybrid variant for better mileage


• Spacious interior and generous trunk space


• Solid reliability history and resale value

These attributes contribute to overall value and owner satisfaction in the used market.

Performance and efficiency

Engine options and performance characteristics for the 2014 Avalon include V6 power and hybrid efficiency, along with typical fuel economy figures.

Engine options

• 3.5-liter V6 engine (268 horsepower) with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission (front-wheel drive)


• A Avalon Hybrid pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for about 200 total horsepower


• Fuel economy: V6 typically around 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (roughly 25 mpg combined); Hybrid targets around 40 mpg city / 39 mpg highway (~40 mpg combined)


• Handling emphasizes comfort and stability; not a sport sedan, but composed on highways and city streets

In short, Avalon offers a choice between strong performance and impressive efficiency depending on the drivetrain you pick.

Interior and features

Interior highlights, materials, seating comfort, and available tech define the 2014 Avalon’s value proposition.

Comfort and space

• Roomy front and rear seating with supportive seats


• Large trunk and ample cabin storage


• Upper-trim materials feel upscale for a Toyota

Overall, the interior is designed for long trips and daily commuting alike, with a quiet cabin and user-friendly controls.

Technology and features

• Available Toyota Entune infotainment system with touchscreen


• Optional navigation and premium audio options


• Bluetooth connectivity, voice controls, and convenient cabin controls

In short, the Avalon offers a well-rounded set of interior features for its class.

Safety and reliability

Safety features and reliability history for the 2014 Avalon are among its strongest selling points.

Safety features

• Standard Toyota Star Safety System (traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes)


• Backup camera and multiple airbags across trims


• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert


• Strong crash-test performance in many categories (ratings vary by year and test)

These features support solid safety ratings and confident ownership over time.

Buying considerations for a 2014 Avalon

When shopping used, consider these practical points to maximize value and minimize risk.

• Check maintenance history and ensure timely service, especially for tires, brakes, and fluids


• Verify recall completions; the era overlapping Takata airbag recalls affected many vehicles and should be addressed


• Inspect for wear on tires, suspension, and steering components; listen for unusual noises during a test drive


• Compare pricing between V6 and Hybrid models, including insurance and maintenance costs


• Have a trusted mechanic inspect the hybrid battery and related electrical systems in hybrids

A careful inspection and complete history help ensure long-term satisfaction with a 2014 Avalon.

Summary

The 2014 Toyota Avalon remains a strong used-car pick for buyers who value a quiet ride, interior space, and reliable performance. It offers a choice between a potent V6 and a highly efficient hybrid, with comfortable seating, solid safety features, and proven Toyota reliability. As with any used car, the key is to assess the specific vehicle’s maintenance history, check for recalls, and have it inspected before purchase.

How long does a 2014 Toyota Avalon last?

A typical Toyota Avalon will last around 200,000 miles, surviving at least 150,000 miles until you, the driver, run into serious troubles.

What is the best year to buy a used Avalon?

The best years for a used Toyota Avalon are generally 2017, 2021, and 2022, with earlier reliable options including 2003 and 2011. These models are praised for their reliability, comfort, and modern features, though the 2017 and 2021 models offer a strong balance of modern tech and refined driving experience, while the 2022 is noted for having zero recalls. Avoid years like 2005-2008, 2011, and 2013-2014 due to specific reported issues like transmission and engine problems. 
Best model years

• 2003: Considered a good and reliable option, especially for its affordability. 
• 2011: The last year of the third generation, it's known for resolving issues from earlier models and offers a smooth ride with high reliability. 
• 2017: A strong choice for its improved technology, such as standard active safety features, and high reliability scores. 
• 2021: Seen as the peak of the Avalon's formula, offering modern tech and the option of a V6 or hybrid engine. 
• 2022: The final model year is a dependable option with zero recalls and a high quality and reliability score. 

Years to approach with caution

• 2005-2008: These years have a higher incidence of reported issues, including engine problems and cracked dashboards. 
• 2013-2014: Some issues were reported with these models, such as a rougher ride with larger tires and multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for some years. 

Was 2014 a good year for Toyota Avalon?

Among the 262 owners who provided feedback on the 2014 Toyota Avalon for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 77% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and quality to be its strongest features and performance to be its weakest.

What year to stay away from Toyota Avalon?

The Toyota Avalon years to avoid are primarily 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2014 due to reports of issues like cracked dashboards, engine oil leaks, premature brake wear, transmission problems, and faulty VVTi oil lines. Specifically, the 2006 model is known for several significant problems, including an oil leak issue that could lead to engine damage, and the 2013 and 2014 models are criticized for a rougher ride and electrical issues.
 
This video discusses the best and worst Toyota Avalon years to own: 51sCar MavenYouTube · Jul 23, 2025
Specific years to approach with caution

• 2005: Has been associated with numerous recalls and issues, particularly concerning brakes, electrical accessories, and other components. 
• 2006: Noted for multiple problems including engine oil leaks (potentially from a faulty oil line), excessive oil consumption, transmission hesitations, and dashboard cracks. 
• 2007: Owners report issues like cracked dashboards, exhaust system problems, and paint delamination. 
• 2008: Has been subject to recalls and complaints about exhaust issues, dashboard cracks, paint defects, and wheel bearing wear. 
• 2011: Is listed as a model year with higher reported issues. 
• 2013: Has a high number of complaints related to engine, transmission, and electrical steering problems. 
• 2014: Faced complaints about a less luxurious ride compared to previous generations, early suspension wear, and infotainment system glitches. 

This video provides a buyer's guide for the Toyota Avalon, including potential issues with 2013-2018 models: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Dec 16, 2023
Key issues to look for

• Engine and Oil Leaks: The 2006 model is especially notorious for a VVTi oil line that can rupture and cause engine damage. 
• Dashboard Cracks: This is a common complaint across several model years, including the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 models. 
• Transmission Problems: Some 2013 and 2015 models reported transmission issues, with some sources noting transmission rebuilds are common for 2015 models. 
• Suspension and Ride: The 2014 model was noted for trading plushness for a sharper ride, with some early wear reported in the suspension. 
• Electrical Issues: Problems have been reported in various years, including headlight issues in 2013, a problematic blind spot monitor system in 2013, and infotainment glitches in 2014.