Best & Worst Toyota Avalon Years | Years To Avoid

Toyota has been manufacturing reliable vehicles for decades now, earning itself an enviable reputation in the process. For a more comprehensive picture, we delved into recall data, customer complaints, and ownership reviews for a clearer picture of the Avalon’s reliability. Discover which years are best for Toyota Avalon production, as well as which years to avoid.

Best Toyota Avalon Model Years For Reliability

Toyota Avalon History And Generations Overview

The Avalon was originally designed to replace the Cressida, which Toyota discontinued in the mid-1990s. First-generation models were based on stretched Camry platforms, which arrived for the 1995 model year. Since the Avalon was essentially a larger and more luxurious Camry, this made sense.

This generation of Avalon featured a 192-horsepower V6 engine; V6 engines would be available in subsequent generations. Six people could be accommodated inside the early Avalon. Although the central seat was not the most spacious, the front bench seat was a popular option for luxurious executive sedans at the time.

Toyota Avalon History And Generations Overview

With the second-generation models, the same platform was continued, but now with more power and more options. A focus on creature comforts was achieved through premium audio systems, powered front seats, and aesthetic tweaks. Avalon’s third-generation powertrain was upgraded for the 2004 model year.

The old four-speed automatic was replaced with a slicker six-speed, and the engine capacity was increased from 3.0 to 3.5 liters. Despite two facelifts, the third-gen model was still in production until 2012, when it needed to be modernized perhaps more than ever.

The Avalon joins Toyota’s hybrid lineup at this point, as the company has already established itself as an industry leader in hybrid technology. A 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid was also available, using Toyota’s then-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive system. In addition to a 2.5-liter inline-four gas-only option, five and final-generation cars kept these options, albeit tweaked a bit.

An eight-speed transmission, however, had been installed. Its production continued in the US until 2022, while in other markets, such as China, it is still available. Currently Toyota’s flagship sedan is the quirky Crown, which replaced the Avalon.

Toyota Avalon: Generations And Key Features
GenerationModel YearsEngine OptionsTransmissionsKey Features
1st Gen (XX10)1995 to 19993.0L V64-speed automaticIt used a 192-horsepower V6 engine and a modified Camry platform. Seating for six was available on the front bench.
2nd Gen (XX20)2000 to 20043.0L V64-speed automaticUsing the same platform, the second-generation Avalon boasted a 210-horsepower V6 engine. An optional JBL audio system and power front seats were also available.
3rd Gen (XX30)2005 to 20123.5L V65- and 6-speed automaticAfter two separate facelifts, the third-generation Avalon enjoyed the longest production run. For the first time, the engine capacity increased to 3.5 liters, and the old 4-speed automatic was replaced with a smooth 5-speed. Later, a 6-speed automatic was added.
4th Gen (XX40)2013 to 20183.5L V6, 2.5L I4 Hybrid6-speed automatic, CVTToyota’s Avalon now comes as a hybrid for the first time. A 2.5L I4 paired with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system was also available along with the 3.5L V6.
5th Gen (XX50)2019 to 20222.5L I4, 2.5L I4 Hybrid, 3.5L V68-speed automatic, CVTThe final generation of Avalon was only produced for three years in the US before it was discontinued. China, however, continues to offer the Avalon. Along with the 2.5L I4 gas-only model, Toyota continued to offer both hybrid and V6 models in the US market.

The Best Toyota Avalon Years

We have considered reliability data from a variety of sources, such as NHTSA recalls, J.D. Power reliability ratings, and Car Complaints complaint data to determine which Toyota Avalon years are most reliable. All model years, including this first generation in 1995 and the last in 2022, have been considered in this article since Toyota discontinued the American Avalon in 2022.

1997 Toyota Avalon XX10 Generation

A car’s recall data and complaints tell us a lot about how reliable it may be, and the 1997 Toyota Avalon has one recall listed by the NHTSA and just one complaint on Car Complaints. Despite the importance of that data, nothing beats the feedback of actual owners.

1997 Toyota Avalon XX10 Generation

Across all 18 reviews provided by CarSurvey, the ’97 Avalon earned an impressive 8.8 out of 10 for reliability. In addition, some owners have written reviews after covering over 200,000 miles, praising Toyota’s 1997 Avalon as one of the best models ever.

2017 Toyota Avalon XX40 Generation

Toyota

One of the reasons why the 2017 Toyota Avalon stands out is the small number of recalls and complaints associated with the model year. On Car Complaints, only two complaints are listed for this model year, one for loose grab handles and the other for an A/C problem – so nothing to be concerned about. Additionally, the hybrid model shows zero complaints, although the same two recalls apply:

2017 Toyota Avalon XX40 Generation
  • Pretensioners/airbags may not deploy
  • It is possible that the spare tire air pressure is incorrect

Our claims of impressive reliability are further supported by J.D. Power’s 87 out of 100 quality and reliability rating for the 2017 model year.

2022 Toyota Avalon XX50 Generation

Toyota

As expected, the last model year of Avalon production ranks among the best. Only a few years have passed for reliability data to accumulate, but everything suggests this will be a genuinely dependable model for many years to come.

2022 Toyota Avalon XX50 Generation

For both the gas and hybrid models, Car Complaints has logged zero complaints – perfect! Furthermore, J.D. Power gave the company an 85/100 quality and reliability rating.


Toyota Avalon: Years To Avoid

The following examples of unfortunate and costly concerns, such as impending engine failure without prior warning, leaking fuel pipes, and defective airbag systems, demonstrate the years to avoid when buying a Toyota Avalon.

2006 Toyota Avalon XX30 Generation

The 2006 Avalon proves that not all Toyota models are created equal, despite Toyota’s reputation for reliability. It stands out loud and proud as one of the years to avoid, with a comparatively high number of complaints on Car Complaints’ site.

2006 Toyota Avalon XX30 Generation

There were 170 complaints, of which 112 were related to engine issues, with the main concern being a loss of all engine oil without any warning light. An average repair cost of $2,050 is given along with an 8.8 severity rating.

2014 Toyota Avalon XX40 Generation

Car Complaints ranks the 2014 Avalon as one of the top 10 worst years to avoid despite fewer consumer complaints. There is a higher cost to fix reported complaints, and/or complaints occur at lower mileages. The interiors of premium-market Toyota sedans are generally poorly built, as you would expect.

2014 Toyota Avalon XX40 Generation

Moreover, both gas and hybrid models have been subject to recalls for this model year. During your ownership, there are only four outstanding, but they could prove to be more than just a nuisance if any of the following occurred:

  • Pretensioners/airbags may not deploy
  • Pre-collision system causes unexpected braking
  • It is possible for the left lower arm’s ball joint to separate
  • The fuel delivery pipe may leak fuel

You should definitely cross the 2014 Avalon off your shortlist if you want to avoid fuel leaks, failing ball joints, random braking incidents, and faulty airbags.


Summary: A Dependable Full-Size Sedan

Although the Avalon has had a few bad years and some concerning recalls, it continues to be a sought-after and trustworthy executive sedan despite some bad years and recalls. Just to be safe, it would be wise to stay away from the 2006 and 2014 model years, as well as neighboring models. As part of your pre-purchase checks, double-check to make sure all recalls have been carried out, and your Avalon ownership should be smooth.

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