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Model year record

2021 Toyota Avalon recalls & problems

The 2021 Toyota Avalon has 2 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (12 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints21filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2021 Toyota Avalon in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsDec 20, 2023

Sensor › Occupant classification

Recall 23V865000999,901 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Air bagsNov 25, 2020

Frontal

Recall 20V734000161 vehicles

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

Components: Air bags › Frontal; Steering › Column

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Toyota AVALON 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Toyota AVALON 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Toyota Avalon NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2021 Toyota Avalon NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Avalon AWD

28mpg combined
City / highway25 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Avalon XLE

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Avalon

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Avalon TRD

25mpg combined
City / highway21 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bags12000—
Engine41002,500 mi
Vehicle speed control3000—
Forward collision avoidanceAdaptive cruise control; Automatic emergency braking3000—
Service brakes2000—
Back over preventionRearview system braking1000—
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel1100—
Tires1000—
Power trainAutomatic transmission1000—
Seat belts1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.