Selling a broken-down Toyota Avalon

Toyota built the Avalon in Georgetown, Kentucky, from the 1995 model year until US production stopped in August 2022. NHTSA holds 3,466 complaints and 37 recall campaigns on it. Here is what they show.

Trouble spots by generation

1995-1999: a stretched Camry

The first Avalon rode on a stretched Camry platform, came from the same plant and had a 192-hp 3.0-liter V6 with a four-speed automatic. Recall 97V156 covered 1997 cars sold or registered in cold states, where moisture could freeze in the brake vacuum hose and cut power assist; its 18,746 vehicles include Camry and Lexus ES sedans.

That V6 sits on the list for Toyota's engine sludge settlement, which named the "Avalon 6 cylinder from 1997-2002" and allowed claims for eight years plus 120 days after the purchase date. Every one of those deadlines has passed.

2000-2004: steering locks and air bag computers

The second generation kept the 3.0-liter, now with VVT-i and 210 hp. Its most serious recall is 10V345. On 372,593 Avalons from 2000-2004, a poorly cast steering lock bar can crack; if it breaks, the wheel locks and the driver cannot steer.

Air bags dominate the 2003 and 2004 files: 177 of the 2003's 293 complaints and 125 of the 2004's 205. On the 2003, most were filed between 2014 and 2016. Recall 15V043 covers 2003-2004 Avalons built from June 5, 2002 to December 20, 2004 whose air bag control module can fire the bags or belt pretensioners when it shouldn't. Its 1,006,849 vehicles also include Corolla, Matrix and Pontiac Vibe cars.

2005-2012: a bigger V6 and a stack of programs

The third generation brought the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6, first rated at 280 hp and then at 268 hp from 2006 under a new SAE test, with a five-speed automatic and a six-speed from the 2008 facelift. The 2006 has the most complaints of any Avalon, 360.

• Pedals. 2005-2010 Avalons are in both of Toyota's accelerator recalls, 09V388 (floor mats) and 10V017 (sticking pedals). Speed control is the top complaint category on the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. The campaign totals of 4,445,056 and 2,230,661 count every Toyota and Lexus model they covered.
• VVT-i oil hose. The rubber part of the hose that feeds oil to the V6's VVT-i actuator can wear out. Oil leaks, the engine gets noisy and the oil pressure light comes on. Limited Service Campaign 90K replaced the hose on 2005-2009 Avalons, and the extended offer ended December 31, 2021. Engine and cooling complaints rank second on the 2006, with 50.
• Headlights. On 2008-2010 cars a single bulb works as both high beam and daytime running light, and owners report it failing early. Exterior lighting makes up 181 of the 2008's 349 complaints. Program ZTR swapped both headlamp housings for ones taking a different bulb.
• Dashboards. Program ZE6 covered cracked or melting dashboards on 2005-2010 Avalons at any mileage until May 31, 2017, then for 10 years from first use.

2013-2018: a hybrid, and electronics recalls

The fourth generation offered the V6 or a 2.5-liter hybrid that the EPA rated at 40 mpg combined for 2013. Recall 13V442 covers 2012-2013 Avalons whose clogged A/C condenser drain hose can let water reach the air bag control module; a short there could disable the bags or set them off. That campaign's 802,769 vehicles include the Camry and Venza. Forward collision avoidance leads the 2014's complaints, and recall 15V728 replaced Pre-Collision System parts on 2013-2015 cars that could brake on their own. Recall 20V024, for air bag computers that may not deploy the bags properly in some crashes, reaches 2012-2018 Avalons; its 2,891,976 vehicles also include Corollas and Matrixes.

One caution about the 2017 in NHTSA's data: its 10 reported deaths come from five complaints filed in June and July 2019. Each describes two carbon monoxide deaths, in nearly the same words, from a keyless-ignition car left running in a garage. They may be repeat filings rather than ten separate deaths.

2019-2022: the last Avalons

The fifth generation came with a 3.5-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic, a 2.5-liter hybrid, or a 2.5-liter four with all-wheel drive. A TRD version arrived for 2020. Fuel and propulsion complaints lead the 2019 and 2020, years covered by Denso's low-pressure fuel pump recalls (20V012, 20V682), whose pumps can make the car stall at speed. On the 2021, 18 of 27 complaints concern air bags; recall 23V865 covers a passenger seat sensor on 2020-2021 cars that can short so the passenger air bag doesn't deploy.

Complaints and recalls for each model year

Figures come from the bulk data NHTSA publishes, as it stood on October 10, 2026. Because a single campaign often names several model years, the right-hand column totals more than 37. "Unknown or other" is left out of the middle column.

Worth fixing?

The Toyota programs that once paid for Avalon repairs, ZTR, 90K and ZE6, have all run out. Recalls work differently, since an open one is still repaired by a Toyota dealer, so start with a VIN search on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Then weigh the shop's written estimate against what the same Avalon fetches in running order near you. If the engine itself is damaged, our blown engine guide explains how to judge it. For what changes an offer on a non-runner, see what a junk car is worth.

Selling your Avalon as it sits

1. Note the VIN and mileage and what is wrong, in plain words.
2. Get an offer online, or phone (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe the spot and whether the wheels turn. Pickup is free anywhere in the US, from a carport, a curb or a repair shop's lot.
4. Keep it complete. Wheels, battery and the catalytic converter stay on. If a part is gone, say so up front.
5. Title and ID: the driver needs to see both. Missing title? Read our no-title guide. For plates and insurance, see after you sell.

Other Toyota sedans and vans: the Camry and Sienna, or every Toyota we cover.