VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Avalon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Avalon — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply 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.

29

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Avalon years?

Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted449 complaints1995: 92 complaints1996: 121 complaints1997: 155 complaints1998: 205 complaints1999: 113 complaints2000: 220 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 148 complaints2003: 353 complaints2004: 252 complaints2005: 303 complaints2006: 449 complaints2007: 311 complaints2008: 417 complaints2009: 110 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 130 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 187 complaints2014: 123 complaints2015: 63 complaints2016: 33 complaints2017: 17 complaints2018: 31 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 13 complaints2021: 29 complaints2022: 13 complaints
Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Avalon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1241%
Driver Assistance414%
Engine414%
Speed Control310%
Brakes27%
Electrical System13%
Seat Belts13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

20V734000AirbagsNovember 25, 2020 · 161 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

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 received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 11, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon HV. The contact stated that while driving, all the instrument control panel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer eight or nine times where it was diagnosed there was moisture in the brakes, the brake assembly, sensor harness,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2020 · crash

“Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 1, 2025

“Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 1, 2025

“ON EVERY AVALON 2021 I HAVE DRIVEN OR THE DEALERSHIP HAS DRIVEN THERE IS A THUNK WHEN BRAKING. EVERY CAR EVERY TIME. A TECH CASE WAS OPENED AT WESLEY CHAPEL TOYOTA AND TOYOTA OF TAMPA BAY 01- 21-2021 NEW CAR WAS PURCHASED 01-13-2021”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 13, 2021

2021 Toyota Avalon — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Avalon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (12 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Avalon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalon years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2003, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2000, 1998, 2013. The cleanest record among Avalon years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Avalon?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota Avalon 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.