Toyota Avalon 2013–2018 problems by year and mileage
4th generation (XX40) · GSX40 / AXXH40 (hybrid)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026391 complaints, 237 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2013 Toyota Avalon
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 160
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2013
- Body structure27 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise26 reports
- Throttle and speed control25 reports
Recall areas Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Forward collision avoidance — crash imminent braking · Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Toyota Avalon
Close- Median failure report
- 14,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 114
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2014
- Problems owners could not categorise26 reports
- Forward collision avoidance20 reports
- Body structure14 reports
Recall areas Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Forward collision avoidance — crash imminent braking · Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Toyota Avalon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 53
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2015
- Brakes14 reports
- Forward collision avoidance10 reports
- Airbag system8 reports
Recall areas Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Forward collision avoidance — crash imminent braking
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Toyota Avalon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 25
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2016
- Problems owners could not categorise5 reports
- Airbag system4 reports
- Engine4 reports
Recall areas Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Power train — driveline · Air bags — knee bolster
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Toyota Avalon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 14
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine6 reports
- Throttle and speed control3 reports
- Airbag system2 reports
Recall areas Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Tires — temporary/emergency spare tire
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Toyota Avalon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 25
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2018
- Airbag system6 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise5 reports
- Steering4 reports
Recall areas Air bags — air bag/restraint control module · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2013; earliest: the 2014, and the 2013 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 4 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2013–2018 Toyota Avalon reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 18,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 88,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 237
- Recalls
- 11
Most reported
- Problems owners could not categorise18.2% of complaints · median 26,000 mi
- Body structure12.5% of complaints · median 6,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control12.0% of complaints · median 21,000 mi
Owners filed 391 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013–2018 Toyota Avalon; problems owners could not categorise leads with 18.2% of them, and half of the 237 that record an odometer reading came by 18,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
39% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 1.4 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2013–2018 Toyota Avalon last?
On the 2013–2018 Toyota Avalon, half of the 237 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 18,000 miles and 90% by 88,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
5 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 4 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Avalon reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota Avalon 2013–2018 · 237 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 122 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 39% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 4 complaints (1.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 500
- 25%
- 4,500
- Median
- 18,000
- 75%
- 46,000
- 90%
- 88,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 122 | 51.5% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 41 | 17.3% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 22 | 9.3% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 18 | 7.6% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 20 | 8.4% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 7 | 3.0% |
| 120,000–140,000 | 2 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–180,000 | 1 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 4 | 1.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Avalon problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota Avalon 2013–2018
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Body structure49 reportsmedian 6,000middle half 500–14,000
- Electrical system42 reportsmedian 19,000middle half 6,500–66,000
- Throttle and speed control47 reportsmedian 21,000middle half 4,500–80,000
- Visibility/wiper32 reportsmedian 24,000middle half 1,000–60,000
- Problems owners could not categorise71 reportsmedian 26,000middle half 10,000–58,000
- Airbag system44 reportsmedian 31,000middle half 10,000–60,000
- Brakes38 reportsmedian 39,000middle half 6,000–75,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Problems owners could not categorise | 71 | 18.2% | 26,000 | 10,000–58,000 |
| Body structure | 49 | 12.5% | 6,000 | 500–14,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 47 | 12.0% | 21,000 | 4,500–80,000 |
| Airbag system | 44 | 11.3% | 31,000 | 10,000–60,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 44 | 11.3% | — | — |
| Electrical system | 42 | 10.7% | 19,000 | 6,500–66,000 |
| Brakes | 38 | 9.7% | 39,000 | 6,000–75,000 |
| Visibility/wiper | 32 | 8.2% | 24,000 | 1,000–60,000 |
| Engine | 23 | 5.9% | 18,000 | 15,000–57,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 18 | 4.6% | 14,000 | 2,000–28,000 |
Known problems with the 2013–2018 Avalon
Hybrid System 2013–2018
First Avalon hybrid; hybrid battery and inverter-related complaints appear here for the first time in the nameplate's history but at low rates for the era.
Infotainment 2013–2018
Entune head unit failures and screen delamination are among the highest-frequency owner complaints for this generation, well ahead of powertrain items.
Before you buy a 2013–2018 Avalon: the 3-minute check
Generated from 237 mileage-tagged complaints, 11 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check hybrid system on 2013–2018 (hybrid) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check infotainment on 2013–2018 cars.
- Years differ here: from 14 to 160 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Avalon problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi78% below | At 90k mi91% below | At 120k mi97% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Problems owners could not categorise | 10,000–58,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 500–14,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 4,500–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 10,000–60,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 6,500–66,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 6,000–75,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility/wiper | 1,000–60,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota Avalon 2013–2018 · 237 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2013–2018 Toyota Avalon recalls (11)
NHTSA records 11 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (3), the fuel system (2), the transmission and driveline (1) (why one area can repeat).
Jan 2020 · 2013–2018 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of…
Jan 2020 · 2018 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota…
What can happen. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service…
Jul 2017 · 2016 · Power TrainA front driveshaft separation would result in a loss of propulsion while driving, and if the driver exits the…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The front drive shaft may separate.
What can happen. A front driveshaft separation would result in a loss of propulsion while driving, and if the driver exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle may roll. Both scenarios can…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the serial number of the vehicle's drive shaft, replacing any that are affected, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2017. Owners may…
May 2017 · 2017 · TiresA spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not…
What can happen. A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States…
Dec 2016 · 2016 · Air BagsIf the air bag was installed with incorrect fasteners, the fasteners may become loose over time, affecting…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument…
What can happen. If the air bag was installed with incorrect fasteners, the fasteners may become loose over time, affecting the air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fasteners, and if necessary, replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket and reattach the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall…
Apr 2016 · 2016 · Air BagsAir bags that do not deploy as intended during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon and Camry vehicles manufactured November 30, 2015 to March 4, 2016. The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the front passenger seat…
What can happen. Air bags that do not deploy as intended during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the OCS, free of charge. The recall began by May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for…
Nov 2015 · 2013–2015 · Forward Collision AvoidanceA vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6…
What can happen. A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this…
Nov 2014 · 2014 · SuspensionBecause of the insufficient clamping force, the lower arm may separate from the ball joint, increasing the…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Camry, Camry HV, Avalon, and Avalon HV vehicles equipped with 16-inch and 17-inch rims. In the affected vehicles, the left-side front suspension lower arm may have…
What can happen. Because of the insufficient clamping force, the lower arm may separate from the ball joint, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left side lower arm, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Sep 2014 · 2014 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…
Oct 2013 · 2013 · VisibilityA short circuit could cause inoperative windshield wipers, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, model year 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV and model year 2014 Corolla vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper…
What can happen. A short circuit could cause inoperative windshield wipers, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Oct 2013 · 2013 · EquipmentA short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air…
What can happen. A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative…
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 391 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 45 (11.5%)
- Fires
- 4
- Injury reports
- 31
- Fatality reports
- 5
Avalon problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 160, most of them about body structure, and the 2016 the fewest among the 5 years with at least 20 complaints, 25. A typical year drew about 53.
That makes the 2013 stand out at roughly 3.0 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 160 | 95 | 20,000 | Body structure (27) | 4 |
| 2014 | 114 | 75 | 14,000 | Problems owners could not categorise (26) | 4 |
| 2015 | 53 | 27 | under 30 reports | Brakes (14) | 2 |
| 2016 | 25 | 19 | under 30 reports | Problems owners could not categorise (5) | 4 |
| 2017 | 14 | 6 | under 30 reports | Engine (6) | 2 |
| 2018 | 25 | 15 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (6) | 2 |
What Avalon owners reported
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission shuddered. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure did not occur once the…
2015 · 165,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, the contact noticed that the title listed the mileage at 133,510, with the note " Not the Actual Mileage" next to the mileage. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The…
2015 · 252,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, drove over the curb, and crashed into bushes. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. There was no police report filed. The contact was able to drive the…
2015 · 109,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Avalon equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: CS5 Ultra Touring, Tire Size: 215/55/R17, DOT Number: U93R1CU1820. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking abnormally without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop and…
2016 · 85,000 miles · Tyres
Built from 237 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Avalon generations
- Avalon 1995–1999 136 reports with mileage, most about the steering
- Avalon 2000–2004 479 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Avalon 2005–2012 1,178 reports with mileage, most about throttle and speed control