Is there any recalls on Toyota Avalon?

Yes—there have been recall campaigns affecting Avalon models across multiple generations. Whether your specific car is affected depends on its model year, production region, and its vehicle identification number (VIN). Checking official sources is the best way to confirm current status.

How to check if your Avalon is under a recall

The following steps help you verify recall status for your exact vehicle. Use your VIN and consult official safety databases and manufacturer notices.

• Gather your vehicle’s VIN from the dashboard plaque, door jamb, or your registration documents.


• Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database at safecar.gov and enter your VIN or search by make/model to pull up active recalls.


• Check Toyota’s official Owners site for recall notices and any required actions tied to your VIN.


• Consider signing up for recall alerts or notices from NHTSA and Toyota so you receive updates if new campaigns involve your Avalon.


• If an active recall is found, contact your local Toyota dealer to schedule the free repair as soon as possible.

Using these channels ensures you receive accurate, model-year–specific information. If no recalls appear for your VIN, your Avalon may not be affected by current campaigns, but it’s still wise to monitor official sources for future notices.

What to know about active recalls and past campaigns

Recall campaigns are vehicle-specific and can change over time. While not every Avalon is affected, some model years and regions have been included in safety campaigns. Here is a general look at how recalls have affected Avalon owners in the past, and how they typically proceed.

Common themes in Avalon-related recalls historically

Note: The items below reflect broad recall patterns seen across various Toyota models, including Avalon, and do not guarantee that every Avalon is impacted. Always verify with VIN-specific data.

• Airbag inflator recalls (including Takata-related campaigns) that prompted repairs or replacements across many Toyota vehicles, including Avalon in certain years.


• Fuel system issues (such as fuel pump-related recalls) that could affect engine performance or stall risk in some model years.


• Electrical or software-related recalls affecting engine or transmission control modules, throttle control, or related wiring harnesses.


• Other safety-related items such as braking components or seat belt pretensioners that have appeared in broader campaigns affecting multiple Toyota models over time.

Because recall campaigns are tightly tied to model year and VIN, owners should verify status using official databases. If a recall is active, Toyota covers the repair at no cost, typically through a dealer appointment.

Where to find official information and take action

Rely on authoritative sources to confirm current recall status and arrange repairs if needed. The two primary channels are federal safety databases and the vehicle manufacturer’s notices.

• NHTSA’s safety recall database (SaferCar.gov) for VIN-based recall results and campaign details.


• Toyota Owners official website for recall notices specific to your VIN and for scheduling service.


• Your local Toyota dealer, which can run a VIN check and perform any needed repairs free of charge if a recall is active.


• Newsletters or alert services from NHTSA or Toyota to stay informed about newly announced recalls affecting your Avalon.

By using these sources, Avalon owners can stay ahead of recalls and ensure any required repairs are completed promptly and at no cost.

Summary

Recalls have affected various generations of the Toyota Avalon, with status tied to model year and VIN. To determine whether your specific car is affected, check the VIN against NHTSA and Toyota’s recall databases and contact a dealer for an inspection and repair if needed. Stay vigilant for new campaigns, as recall lists can evolve over time. Keeping your contact information up to date with Toyota and signing up for recall alerts helps ensure you don’t miss critical notices.

What is the bad year for the 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. 

What is the common problem of Toyota Avalon?

Common problems for the Toyota Avalon include ignition coil failures, especially after 100,000 miles, and leaking valve cover gaskets. Other issues include problems with the automatic transmission, such as rough shifting, and issues with the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) (like a faulty canister or purge valve) which can cause a check engine light. Some model years have also reported specific issues like unintended acceleration and peeling paint.
 
This video discusses some of the common problems found in Toyota Avalons, including the engine and ignition coils: 56sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
Engine 

• Ignition Coils: May fail after 100,000 miles, leading to misfires and a check engine light.
• Oil Leaks: Valve cover gaskets are a common source of oil leaks.
• EVAP System: Issues with the EVAP canister or purge control valve can trigger the check engine light.
• Oxygen Sensor: A failed oxygen sensor can cause the check engine light to turn on.
• Sludge Buildup: Can occur with infrequent oil changes and cause engine problems. 

Drivetrain and transmission

• Automatic Transmission: Some owners report the transmission not shifting correctly at higher mileages. 
• Unintended Acceleration: A serious problem reported in some models, particularly the 2014 model year, where the gas pedal may become stuck. 

Other common issues

• Rear Window Sunshade: This feature has been reported to fail and make a grinding noise. 
• Peeling Paint: A problem reported on certain model years, often on the roof and around the sunroof. 
• Infotainment System: Some owners have complained about distorted speakers and issues with the infotainment system. 

This video provides a buyer's guide for the 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon, including information on reliability and common problems: 59sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Dec 16, 2023

What is the recall on the Toyota Avalon?

Toyota Avalon recalls have been issued for several model years due to issues including airbag problems, a faulty fuel pump, and other safety concerns. Recent recalls for models like 2020-2021 vehicles involve potential issues with the steering column's breakaway pins affecting airbag performance. Older models have had recalls for fuel pump failures and problems with the airbag control unit or occupant classification system. 
Recent recalls

• 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon: A recall was issued for vehicles where a production defect in the steering column's breakaway pins could compromise the driver's airbag performance in a crash. 
• 2019-2020 Toyota Avalon: Some models were recalled for an issue with the fuel pump inside the fuel tank, which could fail and cause the engine to stall while driving. 
• 2020 Toyota Avalon: Recall due to a malfunction in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) which could prevent air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. 

Older recalls

• 2012 Toyota Avalon: Recalls were issued due to seat belt inner buckles potentially being replaced with incorrect parts. 
• 2016 Toyota Avalon: Recalls were issued for the front passenger knee air bag module being attached with incorrect fasteners and for the occupant classification system (OCS) being improperly calibrated. 
• 2011-2018 Toyota Avalon: Some models were recalled for an airbag ECU that may malfunction and prevent airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. 
• 2003-2004 Toyota Avalon: Recalls were issued because the supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits could short, potentially causing an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners. 

How to check and address recalls

• To find out if your specific vehicle is affected, you can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or Kelley Blue Book by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Once confirmed, take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have the recall repairs completed for free.
• Toyota dealers are obligated to complete recall repairs at no cost to you. 

What Toyota models are being recalled?

Recent Toyota recalls affect models including the 2022-2024 Tundra, 2022-2024 Lexus LX, 2024 Lexus GX (engine debris issue) and a broader recall covering the 2023-2025 Crown, GR Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, Venza, and 2024-2025 Tacoma and Grand Highlander (potential driving blind issue). Other models with past or separate recalls include the 2019-2020 Corolla, CH-R, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, and various 2020-2021 models like the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4. It is recommended to check the specific VIN on the Toyota USA Newsroom or NHTSA website to see if your vehicle is affected. 
Current and recent recalls

• Engine debris: 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, 2022-2024 Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX vehicles. 
• Driving blind issue: 2023-2025 Toyota Crown, GR Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, and Venza; 2024-2025 Tacoma and Grand Highlander. 
• Other affected models: 2025 Camry, Crown Signia, and RAV4 PHEV, along with the 2024-2025 Lexus TX and 2025 Lexus RX. 

Older or separate recalls

• 2019-2020: Corolla, Corolla Hybrid, and C-HR. 
• 2020-2022: Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and various Lexus ES and RX models. 
• 2021: Sienna Hybrid. 

How to check your specific vehicle

• Visit the Toyota recall website.
• Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.
• You can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.