Last updated: 2026-10-10

Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid

5 scored model years (2018–2022) · model average 75/100

Skip the 2019 model year. Owners report stalling tied to the fuel pump, a run of electrical and driver-assist faults, and harsh low-speed shifting. The 2022 is the year to buy, with no federal recalls and very few complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 69/100
Buy
2022 80/100
Model average
75/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Avalon average of 75/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201969/100Good468Electrical System (15)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Toyota Avalon

Stalling is the main complaint, often in turns or at intersections, as if the car is starved of fuel. Owners also describe waiting on a fuel pump repair while dealers say no part is available. Blind spot alerts, telematics trouble, and rough shifting under 35 mph add to it. Federal records list four recalls.

4 recalls68 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (15), Fuel Propulsion System (15), Power Train (9), Unknown Or Other (5), Fuel System, Gasoline (4), Exterior Lighting (3)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Avalon Problems?

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

23 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: Stalling while driving is the main pattern, often during turns or at intersections, with the car acting as if it is starved of fuel.

AIR BAGS

17 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2018

2021: The front passenger airbag may not detect an occupant, and some owners see the airbag warning light come on intermittently.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: Driver-assist warnings and module faults make up most of these complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: This is a mixed group.

POWER TRAIN

9 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: Jerky, harsh shifting at low speed is the common complaint, mostly below 35 mph in stop-and-go city driving.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2019, 2018

2021: Cruise control stops working while driving.

Best Toyota Avalon Year to Buy Instead

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Toyota Avalon

The 2022 has no federal recalls and only 8 owner complaints, against 68 for the 2019. It shows none of the fuel pump, electrical, or shifting patterns that mark the weaker year. Its one noted pattern is two tire blowouts. It has also been on the road long enough for that low count to mean something.

Score: 80/100 (Excellent)0 recalls8 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Toyota Avalon has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota Avalon Years by Generation

Toyota Avalon Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota Avalon year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019. The site's analysis puts it well below the model's own average. Owners report stalling that feels like fuel starvation, electrical and driver-assist faults, and rough low-speed shifting. It also has four federal recalls, the most of any year tracked.
Which Toyota Avalon years have transmission problems?
The 2019 is the year with shifting complaints. Owners describe hesitation before the car takes gear, rough downshifts, shudder, and grinding, mostly below 35 mph in city traffic. One owner reports a transmission replacement at 75,146 miles. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault.
Is the 2020 Toyota Avalon a good year?
It is acceptable but not a top pick. The 2020 rates good and is not on the avoid list, with only 10 owner complaints. It is among the lowest-rated years on the site, though, and has three recalls. Fuel system complaints are the most reported.
Which Toyota Avalon year is best instead of the 2019?
Buy the 2022 instead. It rates excellent, has no federal recalls, and has only 8 owner complaints. It avoids the stalling, electrical, and shifting problems of the 2019. The 2018 is a second choice, but check its recall history and air bag and steering complaints.
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have problems?
The 2021 is not flagged, but check its air bag history. Twelve of its 21 owner complaints involve air bags. It also has two federal recalls, so confirm that any recall work was done before you buy. The rest of its complaints are scattered.

How we score every Toyota Avalon model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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