Is Toyota Avalon expensive to repair?

Context: The Toyota Avalon is a full‑size sedan that has long been part of Toyota’s mainstream lineup, but U.S. sales ended after the 2022 model year. This article examines whether repairing an Avalon tends to be costly, how costs break down, and what owners can expect for routine maintenance and major repairs.

In short, Avalons are not generally expensive to repair when compared with many luxury brands, thanks to widespread parts availability and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. However, as with any aging vehicle, major repairs—especially on hybrids or high-mileage units—can be pricey, and actual costs depend on model year, drivetrain (gas vs. hybrid), mileage, and local labor rates.

The rest of this article dives into the cost landscape for Avalons, how drivetrain and model-year factors influence prices, and practical steps to manage repair expenses.

Cost landscape for the Avalon

Below are typical repair and maintenance cost ranges you might encounter with an Avalon, spanning routine service to major powertrain work.

• Routine maintenance and wear items (oil changes, filters, brakes, tires): roughly 300–800 per year, depending on mileage, tire wear, and local labor rates.


• Common non-maj or repairs (alternator, water pump, A/C compressor, wheel bearings, battery for non-hybrid models): typically 200–1,000 per repair, depending on part and labor.


• Major engine or transmission repairs (engine work, transmission rebuild/replace, or hybrid powertrain work): commonly 2,500–6,000 or more, highly dependent on scope and regional labor costs.


• Hybrid-specific components (high‑voltage battery replacement, inverter, or power electronics): typically 1,500–3,500 installed, with broader variations based on year and warranty coverage.

Costs vary widely by model year, mileage, local labor rates, and whether you use a dealership or an independent shop. Hybrids add nuance due to high‑voltage systems, but many Avalon parts are shared with other Toyota models, which can help keep prices competitive.

Drivetrain and model-year considerations

Avalon used a 3.5-liter V6 engine for many years, with hybrid variants pairing the same gas engine with electric motors. In the U.S., the Avalon nameplate was discontinued after the 2022 model year, which can affect parts availability and specialized repair options for older units. Gas models and hybrids have different maintenance needs and potential failure points, particularly around the hybrid battery and power electronics as the vehicle ages.

Gas vs Hybrid cost implications

Gas Avalons tend to follow typical Toyota maintenance patterns, with most repairs centered on standard components like timing chains, water pumps, and suspension parts. Hybrid models introduce additional considerations—most notably the high‑voltage battery, inverter/actuator components, and cooling systems—where failures can be more expensive to fix. Routine service intervals are similar, but the cost profile shifts upward for major hybrid‑specific repairs when they occur. Overall, hybrid reliability remains solid, but owners should be prepared for battery-related costs if the vehicle is older or has high mileage.

Ways to keep repair costs manageable

To minimize the impact of repairs over the life of an Avalon, consider these practical strategies.

• Follow the official maintenance schedule and address recalls promptly to prevent avoidable wear and failures.


• Choose quality parts and competitive labor rates by comparing quotes from dealers and qualified independent shops familiar with Toyota hybrid systems.


• Budget for major repairs with an emergency fund or consider extended warranties or maintenance plans that cover high‑cost components (be sure to read coverage details and exclusions).


• Maintain tire condition, brakes, and battery health proactively; addressing wear items early can prevent more expensive collateral damage.

By planning ahead and selecting a trusted service provider, Avalon owners can keep unexpected repair costs in check and maintain overall reliability.

Bottom line

The Toyota Avalon generally offers moderate repair costs relative to many premium brands, thanks to widely available parts and strong reliability. Routine maintenance is predictable and affordable, while major repairs—especially on hybrids or high‑mileage examples—can be costly. Since the Avalon was discontinued in the U.S. after 2022, owners should be mindful of aging components and potential parts availability, and they should compare service options to strike a balance between cost and quality.

Summary: For most owners, the Avalon is not inherently expensive to repair, but like any aging car, major, battery-related, or drivetrain work can be costly. Staying on a regular maintenance schedule, choosing reputable repair shops, and planning for larger expenses will help keep ownership costs under control.

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. 

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 car has the highest repair cost?

The most expensive cars to repair typically include high-end European brands like Porsche, BMW, and Land Rover, due to their complex parts, specialized technology, and higher labor costs. Specific models like the Tesla Model S, Porsche 911, and various high-performance or luxury SUVs and trucks from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Ram, and Ford are also frequently cited as being costly to repair. 
Luxury and high-performance brands

• Porsche: Frequently cited as having the highest repair and maintenance costs, with an average 10-year cost exceeding $22,000. 
• BMW: Often comes in second, with the 10-year maintenance cost for models like the 328i averaging around $17,800. Repair costs for BMWs tend to rise significantly after seven years. 
• Land Rover: Has a reputation for high maintenance costs, with some sources placing its 10-year cost as the highest of any brand. 
• Mercedes-Benz: Also consistently ranks among the most expensive to maintain, with costs rising sharply after the first few years. 
• Jaguar: Ranks high on lists for expensive maintenance, with a high chance of needing serious repairs after about eight years. 

Specific models and other expensive vehicles

• Tesla Model S: Considered one of the most expensive to repair after an accident due to its unique and complex electric components. 
• Porsche 911: A high-performance luxury sports car with specialized parts that drive up repair costs. 
• Luxury SUVs: Models like the Land Rover Range Rover, BMW X7, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are expensive to maintain due to their features and components. 
• Heavy-duty trucks: Despite being less luxurious, vehicles like the Ram 2500 and Ford Super Duty series appear on lists for expensive maintenance due to the high cost of repairs for their complex components. 

Are Toyota avalons expensive to fix?

The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Toyota Avalon ranges from $105 to $3087, with an average of $376.