Last updated: 2026-07-26

2019 Toyota Avalon Reliability Report
The 2019 Toyota Avalon scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 68 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
68
Complaint Rate
24.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$463
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,300–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (XX50).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Refreshed in 2022.
- 5th generation Avalon (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.
2019: Fifth generation (XX50) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota Avalon?
At 69/100, the 2019 Toyota Avalon lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Its complaint rate of 24.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 19. The most common reports involve electrical system (15).
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (15). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Toyota Avalon, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2018 Toyota Avalon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$127 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize cars
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Malfunctioning fuel pumps (15 complaints)
Compare 2019 Toyota Avalon With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota Avalon. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
24.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 19
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Toyota Avalon Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota Avalon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
EQUIPMENT
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Buying a used 2019 Toyota Avalon? Check its history first
Every 2019 Toyota Avalon has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Toyota Avalon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.5%
Safety Technologies
Toyota AvalonRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$463
vs $590 avg for fullsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–26 MPG
Running cost: $2,750–$2,850/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 31–32 hwy MPG
Hybrid
43–44 MPG
Running cost: $1,800–$1,850/yr
Fuel + repair
43 city / 43–44 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon XLE 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Avalon 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,400 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Hybrid XLE 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 43 | 44 | 44 | $1,350 |
| Avalon Hybrid 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 43 | 43 | 43 | $1,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Toyota Avalon.
Check for fuel pump recall completion and inspect for stalling issues
Test climate control panel for functionality
Inspect for high-pitched noise from speakers at startup
Test transmission for jerking or hard shifting at low speeds
Verify blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert systems are functioning
Check for any warning lights or error messages on the dashboard
Inspect for any signs of water leaks or mildew smell in the interior
2019 Toyota Avalon Common Problems by Component
68 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon frequently report issues with the fuel propulsion system, particularly related to malfunctioning fuel pumps. Common symptoms include stalling while driving, failure to start, and an unusual continuous running of the fuel pump even when the vehicle is turned off. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at various mileages, with some vehicles having low mileage around 4,800 to 6,240 miles. Safety implications are notable, as two complaints involve crashes related to unexpected acceleration and stalling. Additionally, multiple owners describe a strong gasoline odor after refueling, suggesting potential fuel leaks or seal issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15 complaintsOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 Toyota Avalon, primarily involving the Telematics / Data Communication Module (DCM) and various warning systems. Complaints frequently mention DCM failures leading to severe battery drain, loss of emergency SOS functionality, and inoperability of connected features like Remote Connect. High-pitched noises from the speakers and malfunctioning climate control panels are also noted. Issues often occur around 40,000 to 77,000 miles, with some reports indicating problems soon after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of emergency communication and impaired driver awareness due to malfunctioning warning systems, such as blind spot monitoring and pre-collision alerts. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of potential costs and safety risks associated with these electrical issues.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon frequently report issues with the UA80 transmission, with symptoms including erratic and hard shifting, jerking, and grinding noises, particularly at low speeds. Complaints often mention transmission hesitation and stalling, with one owner experiencing a stall that nearly resulted in a collision. These problems typically arise after a few years of ownership, with some reports noting issues around 75,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted in instances where the vehicle unexpectedly stalls or fails to accelerate as expected, posing potential risks in traffic situations. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated repair costs, which can be significant.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2019 Toyota Avalon, particularly concerning the vehicle's electronic systems and air quality. A recurring problem involves the Bird's Eye system and backup camera, which display a "black screen" when reversing or using the forward camera, especially under adverse weather conditions like snow or rain. Additionally, multiple owners describe malfunction alerts for the blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems, often occurring in cold or wet conditions, with no resolution from dealerships. Another common complaint is a persistent, unpleasant odor from the air ducts when the AC is set to recycle cabin air, noted around 35,000 miles. These issues, particularly those affecting visibility and vehicle alerts, may have safety implications, as they compromise driver awareness and response capabilities.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon frequently report issues related to a fuel system recall, with multiple complaints indicating delays in recall repairs due to parts unavailability. Common symptoms described include vehicle stalling without warning and rough running at various speeds, sometimes accompanied by the check engine light. These issues are reported at mileage ranges from 10,000 to 40,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, the stalling and hesitation while driving could pose safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues and check the recall status and repair completion for this model year.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon frequently report issues with the vehicle's headlights, specifically noting inadequate illumination when driving in low light or total darkness. Complaints describe the low beam headlights as failing to project far enough to detect pedestrians or parked vehicles, especially on uneven roads, with one owner mentioning a projection limited to approximately 1.5 car lengths. Another common issue involves headlight discoloration, impairing nighttime visibility. These problems are noted at mileages as low as 4,500 and up to 14,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as owners express concerns about reduced visibility, which could pose a risk while driving at night.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon report issues related to the blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert systems. Complaints frequently mention malfunction alerts for these systems, with specific references to error codes C1AB4 and C1AB5. Some owners indicate that the sensors are not positioned correctly, leading to persistent problems. A service bulletin exists for this issue, but owners report mixed experiences with dealership support, with some being required to pay for repairs out of pocket. These issues are reported without specific mileage ranges, and no direct safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon report issues with the vehicle's adaptive cruise control system. Commonly described symptoms include the cruise control failing to disengage when the brake pedal is pressed, and the car braking suddenly and unexpectedly while driving with the adaptive cruise control engaged. These incidents occur both on highways and city streets. One owner reports a collision with a truck due to the system's failure to disengage, while another mentions multiple instances of unexpected braking. There is no specific mileage range reported, but the incidents are noted over a span of three years. These issues may have safety implications, including potential collisions or loss of vehicle control.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Avalon report issues with the suspension, specifically noting problems with vehicle stability while driving. Complaints frequently mention the car rolling or feeling unstable when cornering on uneven or bumpy roads, with one owner attributing improved performance to replacing the original tires. Another common issue described is the vehicle wandering or drifting on freeway surfaces, even after a wheel alignment check confirmed alignment was within specifications. These stability issues are noted at low mileage, as one complaint involves a new vehicle. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the described wandering and rolling could potentially impact safety.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners report two distinct engine-related issues with the 2019 Toyota Avalon. One complaint describes excessive oil consumption in a newly purchased Avalon XLE with a V6 engine, requiring the addition of two quarts of oil by 2,000 miles and triggering a "low oil" light at 3,100 miles. Another issue involves the hybrid model's keyless ignition system, where the car can remain silently on when parked, potentially leading the engine to start unexpectedly to recharge the battery, posing a risk of carbon monoxide buildup in enclosed spaces like garages. Safety implications are noted in the hybrid model, with the potential for carbon monoxide exposure due to the engine starting without warning, and the lack of an immediate software fix for existing vehicles.
When Do 2019 Toyota Avalon Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Avalon Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Toyota Avalon Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Toyota Avalon year is 2022 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2018 (77/100) and 2021 (76/100).
Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid
The worst Toyota Avalon year is 2019 with a score of 69/100, primarily due to electrical system (15) issues.
2019
(Current Model)
Toyota Avalon Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Avalon reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Toyota Avalon Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Avalon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Avalon?
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Avalon have?
Is the 2019 Toyota Avalon expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Toyota Avalon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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