Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Avalon model year (2008–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 349 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 397
4 recalls · 159 complaints
21 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 213
4 recalls · 96 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Problem score: 128
Best Toyota Avalon Years to Buy
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: TIRES
Problem score: 8
3 recalls · 10 complaints
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 24
2 recalls · 20 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 26
Found the right year? Verify that specific Avalon with a free VIN report.
Toyota Avalon — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 6 | 8 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 2 | 20 | 26 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 3 | 10 | 24 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 4 | 63 | 85 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 24 | 38 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 14 | 74 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 23 | 36 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 2 | 52 | 64 | Good |
| 2014 | 4 | 96 | 128 | Good |
| 2013 | 4 | 159 | 213 | Caution |
| 2012 | 4 | 30 | 54 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 106 | 121 | Good |
| 2010 | 7 | 44 | 77 | Good |
| 2009 | 7 | 91 | 124 | Good |
| 2008 | 6 | 349 | 397 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Toyota Avalon Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2022Recent Avalon models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2022 stands out with just 8 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade Avalon units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Avalon should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2008 Toyota Avalon if possible. It has 6 recalls, 349 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. The overall problem score is 397 — 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 8. 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 across recall and complaint databases. 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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