Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Avalon model year (2000–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 238 complaints
22 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Problem score: 307
2 recalls · 175 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 211
4 recalls · 186 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 204
Best Toyota Avalon Years to Buy
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 5
3 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 14
2 recalls · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 19
Found the right year? Verify that specific Avalon with a free VIN report.
Toyota Avalon — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 2 | 13 | — | — | 19 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 3 | 5 | — | — | 14 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 3 | 46 | — | — | 55 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 16 | 7 | — | 36 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 23 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 3 | 22 | 6 | — | 43 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 18 | — | — | 24 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 3 | 57 | 2 | — | 70 | Good |
| 2013 | 4 | 106 | 17 | — | 152 | Caution |
| 2012 | 4 | 13 | 1 | — | 27 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 1 | 52 | 3 | — | 61 | Good |
| 2010 | 4 | 26 | 2 | — | 42 | Good |
| 2009 | 5 | 53 | 4 | — | 76 | Good |
| 2008 | 4 | 186 | 3 | — | 204 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 3 | 159 | 8 | 2 | 194 | Caution |
| 2006 | 5 | 238 | 22 | 2 | 307 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 7 | 148 | 8 | 1 | 190 | Caution |
| 2004 | 3 | 101 | 12 | 4 | 154 | Caution |
| 2003 | 2 | 175 | 15 | — | 211 | Avoid |
| 2002 | 1 | 79 | 17 | — | 116 | Caution |
| 2001 | 1 | 73 | 17 | 1 | 115 | Caution |
| 2000 | 2 | 116 | 16 | — | 154 | Caution |
All 23 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Avalon Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2022Recent Avalon models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2022 stands out with just 5 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Avalon units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Avalon models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Avalon should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Toyota Avalon if possible. It has 5 recalls, 238 owner complaints, and 2 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 307 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Avalon to buy?+
The 2022 Toyota Avalon is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 0 recalls and 5 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Avalon has the fewest problems?+
The 2022, 2020, 2021 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Avalon Research
Check a Specific Toyota Avalon VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →