VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Avalon Hybrid years?

Avalon Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted30 complaints2013: 30 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 19 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 0 complaints
Avalon Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalon Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags6100%

Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle in the left lane violently merged into the lane in front. In an effort to avoid crashing into the vehicle, the contact merged into the right lane however crashed into the rear driver's side of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 26, 2024 · crash

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Avalon Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalon Hybrid years to avoid are 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Avalon Hybrid years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.