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
3 recalls · 238 complaints
22 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Problem score: 301
2 recalls · 175 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 211
3 recalls · 186 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 201
Best Toyota Avalon Years to Buy
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 11
1 recall · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 16
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 | 6 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 13 | — | — | 16 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 11 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 47 | — | — | 53 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 16 | 7 | — | 33 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 20 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 1 | 22 | 6 | — | 37 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 18 | — | — | 18 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 57 | 2 | — | 61 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 106 | 17 | — | 146 | Caution |
| 2012 | 2 | 13 | 1 | — | 21 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 52 | 3 | — | 58 | Good |
| 2010 | 4 | 26 | 2 | — | 42 | Good |
| 2009 | 4 | 53 | 4 | — | 73 | Good |
| 2008 | 3 | 186 | 3 | — | 201 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 3 | 160 | 10 | 2 | 199 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 3 | 238 | 22 | 2 | 301 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 4 | 148 | 8 | 1 | 181 | 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 | 1 | 116 | 16 | — | 151 | 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 6 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2015Mid-decade Avalon units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2015 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 3 recalls, 238 owner complaints, and 2 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 301 — 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 6. It has only 0 recalls and 6 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
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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.
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