The largest front-wheel-drive car produced by Toyota, a well-known automaker, the Toyota Avalon was unveiled in 1994. It represents one of its premier models on a global scale. That said are there Toyota Avalon years to avoid?
Avalon models from specific years have experienced serious issues. Many Toyota Avalon models have had complaints regarding their engines, interior accessory problems, and other problems.
You can decide what model years to stay away from and which model years are secure to buy using the knowledge in this post…
- Best Toyota Avalon
- Avalon Years To Avoid
- Toyota Avalon Problems
- Toyota Avalon Reliability
- Frequently Asked Questions
Toyota Avalon
Toyota has a rather impressive reputation for dependability, and they are renowned for being simple to maintain.
Mazda eventually overtook Toyota in 2021, after Toyota had appeared to consistently rank first among the most dependable brands for many years.
A used Toyota would be easier to purchase than some other makes. It turns out that Toyota owners are often really happy with their vehicles.
People have grown to have a certain amount of faith in the name Toyota because it has always been there at forefront of durable engineering.
The Avalon is not an exception to the reputation that Toyota has for dependability. Purchasing a used Avalon can be among the wisest choices you ever make.
According to Repair Pal, the Toyota Avalon has a four-out-of-five reliability rating and an average annual maintenance and repair cost of $463, which is pretty low among comparable vehicles.
We’ve distilled the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing an earlier generation Avalon versus going with one of the more recent models using Repair Pal’s general advice.
True Delta estimates that owning a Toyota Avalon from before 2010 will require 27% more repairs than one from 2013 or after.
Models from 2015 and later of the 4th generation Avalons appear to be more reliable.
Additionally, purchasing the most recent model is typically ideal in terms of new safety as well as infotainment features in addition to increased assurance.
Without any further ado, here is our list of suggestions for the top Toyota Avalon model years.
Best Year For Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is long considered one of the top sedans in its category.
Toyota has produced numerous successful models of the full-size automobile, just like the Avalon’s smaller brothers, the Toyota Corolla and the Camry.
Here are the Toyota Avalon’s top five years from each decade.
Toyota Avalon 2022 Model
The 2022 Toyota Avalon maintains its long history of being a very nice automobile, according to Consumer Reports.
With a 90 out of 100 overall rating, it did well across the board. For instance, Avalon’s estimated owner satisfaction score was 5 out of 5. Given that it is a Toyota, the Avalon’s expected dependability rating of 4 out of 5 was likewise excellent.
The Avalon uses very little fuel, getting roughly 27 mpg on the highway. Having said that, a new Avalon begins at around $36,000, though there are less expensive variants.
Toyota Avalon 2015 Model
The Toyota Avalon 2015 model is one of the less expensive options. Despite having a five-out-of-five reliability rating, it’s still a fantastic vehicle.
Additionally, owners gave their Avalon a grade of 4 out of 5 for owner satisfaction, demonstrating how happy they were with it.
Additionally, the 2015 Avalon’s engine is comparable to that of the most recent Avalon because it isn’t that old.
In actuality, Consumer Reports claimed that the 2015 Avalon’s combined fuel economy was around 25 mpg.
Despite this, a 2015 Avalon is indeed a significantly more affordable vehicle than an Avalon that is brand new, with used models starting at under $17,000.
Toyota Avalon 2012 Model
Despite not being much older than the 2015 model, the Toyota Avalon is in an entirely new generation. The third generation of the Avalon model ended with the 2012 Avalon, and it did so on a high note.
The 2012 Avalon has a reliability rating of 5 out of 5 from Consumer Reports, as well as an owner satisfaction rating of a 5.
A 2015 Toyota Avalon shares an engine with the 2012 Toyota Avalon, allowing the 2012 model year to maintain its 25 mpg overall rating
The starting price for a second-hand 2012 Avalon is around $13,000.
Toyota Avalon 2009 Model
The 2009 Avalon, which is still a member of the very same generation as that of the 2012 model year, is another excellent Avalon.
As a result, the 2012 Toyota Avalon, as well as the 2009 Toyota Avalon, are quite similar in many aspects.
The 2009 Toyota Avalon once more receives a dependability rating of 5 out of 5, even though its owner satisfaction rating is just a little lower at 4 out of 5.
The 2009 Avalon gets roughly 25 mpg combined since it still uses the very same V6 engine which was also in it for the 2015 model year.
Drivers may locate the 2009 Avalon for a reasonable price, though, as it is almost ten years old. Currently, a used one costs under $9,000 on average.
Toyota Avalon 2003 Model
The Toyota Avalon again from the 2003 model year is yet another exceptional car. This Avalon belonged to a different generation, yet despite its age, it’s still a fantastic vehicle.
According to Consumer Reports, it scored 5 out of 5 in overall dependability as well as a 5 out of 5 for owner satisfaction.
Although it has a different engine from other Avalons previously discussed, its combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg makes it a respectably fuel-efficient vehicle given its size.
Given that it starts at around $4,000, it will also be an inexpensive, used vehicle.
Having stated that, even though these five Toyota Avalon model years were among the best, the majority of Avalon years are excellent.
Unfortunately, Toyota is ceasing production of the vehicle after the 2022 model year.
Toyota Avalon Years To Avoid
Since its debut in 1994, the Toyota Avalon has indeed been produced in a huge variety of different model years.
Nevertheless, every model year is distinct from the previous and differs in a variety of ways. Some have much higher customer satisfaction ratings and fewer problems.
Others, however, receive fewer reviews and complaints, but more importantly, the majority of their owners are satisfied.
If you intend to purchase an Avalon, we advise you to avoid the later model years because they are known to have a variety of issues.
The 2006 Toyota Avalon has among the lowest reliability scores when compared to previous model years. It is definitely one of the Toyota Avalon years to avoid.
Furthermore, statistically, it has had the worst response. That said, the 2014 Avalon’s problems proved to be the most costly to resolve.
Toyota Avalon Years To Avoid – Toyota Avalon 2006
In 2006, the third-generation Avalon made its debut.
There were so many complaints about this model that it badly hurt the manufacturer’s image. 2006 Toyota Avalon engine has been known to suddenly lose power.
Around 60,000 miles of use, customers started to complain that the Avalon’s engine may stop running suddenly and without warning. The Avalon’s engine replacement will be incredibly pricey.
Another frequent issue with the 2006 Toyota Avalon is large oil leaks, which in certain cases may have been the reason for the engine failure.
The model year additionally has the following issues: steering rack leakage, entire loss of engine oil, damaged dashboard, and engine knocking.
It is unquestionably one of the Toyota Avalon years to avoid as it is the first and worst model year for the Toyota Avalon.
Toyota Avalon Years To Avoid – Toyota Avalon 2007
The problems with the 2007 Toyota Avalon were uncannily similar to those with the previous generation.
It’s shocking the manufacturer didn’t do anything to fix these serious issues. However, the dashboards on the 2007 model were prone to cracking without no apparent reason.
The sunshade would also stop functioning. Oil leaks were also a problem with the 2007 model.
This approach has a slight benefit in that now the engine was able to detect the problem. The engine was rumbling, and the ignition coils were defective.
Customers also cited the following issues:
- Transmission had technical difficulties
- Cracks in the dashboard
This is another Avalon model that has not been warmly regarded by buyers and that is why it is on our list of Toyota Avalon years to avoid. It is better to avoid an alternate Avalon model year to be on the safe side.
Toyota Avalon Years To Avoid – Toyota Avalon 2008
After a year, you may expect things to become better. Well, Toyota didn’t appear to care all that much about improving this automobile. Also, the 2008 model was plagued by several issues.
It had engine issues, but they weren’t as bad as they had been the two previous years. For many customers, though, the lights ended up being a source of frustration.
They would disappear or swiftly burn up. The steering was also problematic with the 2008 model. In particular, the rack and pinion leakage raised questions.
The cost is extremely high because it is challenging to replace these seals. Customers also cited the following issues:
- Dash cracking
- Unexpected lighting failure
- Significant oil leaks
- Rack and pinion leaks
This is one of those Toyota Avalon years to avoid.
Toyota Avalon Years To Avoid – Toyota Avalon 2014
Even though there were more complaints about previous model years, the 2014 Avalon also has the most issues, and fixing them all was the most expensive.
Customers complained that they couldn’t discover a fix and that the car’s engine wouldn’t start for no apparent reason.
According to one buyer, the issue first surfaced after the car had just covered about 2,500 miles.
The greatest issue with it was the erratic acceleration it experienced.
It accelerated on its own in many cases, causing automobiles to crash.
Mechanics were unable to find the problem when the car was sent to a manufacturer.
Additionally, the owners of this model year complained about the following issues:
- Interior Squeaking
- Sudden Acceleration
- Off-Flavor
The 2014 model year is among the Toyota Avalon years to avoid and avoiding this model year of the Avalon might save a lot of money on service.
Toyota Avalon Problems
The Toyota Avalon has experienced issues while being one of the brand’s flagship vehicles. The following are a few of the most typical problems with this model:
1. Faulty Rear Window Sunshade
Some Toyota Avalon owners who bought their cars between 1995 and 2016 frequently complain about faulty rear window sunshades.
The sunshade reportedly made grinding sounds and required occupants to physically push it down, according to owners of the concerned model years.
The standard solution to this problem is to replace the whole sunshade assembly. Another typical solution to get rid of the grinding noise is to remove the fuse.
2. Infotainment System And Speaker Issues
Several owners of the 2015 Avalon redesign have reported that when the radio’s lower bass tones were playing, their speakers made buzzing noises.
The issue persisted even after other drivers installed more padding to fix it. Owners have been urged to repair the door panel after being informed that it’s a design defect.
In select 2015 Avalon models, a faulty infotainment system has also been reported.
Radio, GPS, as well as other applications would sometimes restart, which drivers found to be quite annoying.
Sometimes the screen will freeze, leaving the caller ID information visible.
3. Shifting Issues
Many automatic gearbox Avalon owners from 1995 to 1998, 2000 to 2007, 2009, as well as 2015 have reported that their cars won’t shift properly.
When traveling at slow speeds, their transmission would stutter when changing from second to third gear.
There have also been instances where a bad throttle position sensor, as well as shift solenoid, would cause the transmission to jolt or remain in neutral before shifting into gear.
While the price of a new shift solenoid might range from $100 to $500 plus labor costs, the cost of changing the throttle position sensor can range from $150 to $400.
4. Faulty EVAP Vapor Canister
Charcoal pellets that may clog the vent valve have been released from the vapor canister in some 1995–2004, 2006–2011, and 2015 Avalon vehicles.
The afflicted models’ check engine lights came on as a result of this problem, and the engine’s underside began to smell like fuel vapor.
5. Unexpected Acceleration
Several 2014 Avalon owners have complained frequently about sudden acceleration.
There have been accusations that people’s cars would accelerate suddenly, going from 700 to 3600 RPM in about 1.5 seconds.
Some people have also claimed that in less than a second, their accelerator pedal moved from 27% to 79.5%.
Toyota, however, asserts that no problems with the impacted cars have been found.
Typically, sudden unplanned acceleration happens when a technical fault in a car causes the throttle to open without the driver pressing the gas pedal.
When the driver applies the brakes, engages the cruise control, or changes gears, the vehicle may also accelerate suddenly in some circumstances.
6. Engine Misfire
Owners of the 2012 Avalon redesign and the years 1995 through 2010 have reported numerous instances of engine misfiring.
A bad ignition coil caused their cars to lurch and hesitate. In addition to labor charges, replacing this component may cost anywhere from $5 to $50.
However, keep in mind that there could be additional factors causing an engine to misfire, such as a broken control module, crankshaft sensor, or fuel injector.
The engine’s misfiring may also be a result of mechanical issues.
It is advisable to have your car examined by a qualified mechanic if the engine is misfiring to receive an accurate diagnosis.
7. Oxygen Sensor Issues
Some owners of 1996–2008, as well as 2012 Avalon remodels, have complained that a malfunctioning oxygen sensor has resulted in low gas mileage, and harsh engine operation, and may have contributed to their vehicles failing an emissions test.
A new oxygen sensor usually costs between $30 and $150 including labor costs.
8. Peeling Paint
Many drivers have complained about the 2011 Toyota Avalon’s roof paint peeling off
Owners have mentioned that the paint on their cars’ roofs and in the space between the sunroof and windshield bubbled.
There were also instances where painting without using a primer resulted in the paint peeling off in sheets.
9. Engine Oil Loss
A common issue with numerous 2006 Avalon models has been engine oil loss.
Due to a faulty oil pipe that allows engine oil to leak, owners have complained that their cars would make odd engine noises.
Some drivers have also complained that a large gap just on side of the engine block required towing their cars to a repair facility.
10. Blocked Idle Air Control Valve
Some 1995–2004 and 2006 Avalon owners have frequently reported experiencing problems with blocked idle air control valves.
Owners of the impacted models have noted that it took longer for their cars to idle down.
Additionally, there have been instances where a buildup of gunk inside the air control valve has prevented the engine from accelerating below 2000 rpm.
Although the Toyota Avalon generally is dependable, issues will eventually crop up as it travels farther.
You may anticipate your daily driver to survive for a very long time by being familiar with the model’s most typical problems plus keeping track of its maintenance requirements.
Toyota Avalon Reliability
Even while it may not be Toyota’s most well-liked sedan, the Avalon has a lot of things going for it. It has enough of space, is really fun to drive, and has a reasonable price.
However how many miles could a Toyota Avalon realistically last? Nobody wants to purchase a new car just to discover that it isn’t capable of making the journey.
The Toyota Avalon Is Dependable
First things first: The Toyota Avalon is a respectable option if you’re looking for a dependable sedan.
Unfortunately, the 2021 Avalon received a rather average expected reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
The 2019 Avalon received an unblemished dependability score.
In truth, Consumer Reports gave the majority of Avalon models a reliability rating of five out of five, except for a limited number of model years.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota Avalon?
It turns out that maintaining the Toyota Avalon isn’t that pricey either. Repair Pal estimates that the average cost of repairs and maintenance for an Avalon is $463 annually.
Paying $463 a year to maintain an Avalon in excellent condition doesn’t sound all that bad when compared to the typical $590 for full-size automobiles and $652 for all models.
How Many Miles The Toyota Avalon Is Expected To Last
The Toyota Avalon will undoubtedly go long distances as well.
To determine which automobile models have the largest proportion of vehicles that have traveled 200,000 miles, iSeeCars recently examined more than 15.8 million vehicles sold in 2019.
The Avalon was the large sedan within the segment with the longest lifespan, according to data from iSeeCars.
And that’s not all.
2.6% of the Toyota Avalon cars that were sold in 2019 have traveled 200,000 miles, according to iSeeCars.
On iSeeCars’ list of Longest-Lasting Cars to Reach 200k Miles, the Avalon appeared as the only sedan.
According to iSeeCars CEO Phong Ly, “The Toyota Avalon is well-known for its outstanding reliability ratings as well as being regularly in the top of its class for car rankings.”
For individuals who want a dependable family vehicle but don’t need the vast cargo space of either a large SUV or minivan, the Avalon offers a roomy cabin and is a capable as well as comfortable choice.
Reaching that 200,000-mile mark is going to take some effort.
There are many explanations for why 2.6% of all Toyota Avalon cars sold in 2019 managed to travel 200,000 miles. And besides, the Avalon is trustworthy, secure, and reasonably well constructed.
However, those aren’t the only factors that allowed some Avalon models to travel more than 200,000 miles.
Because of this, how do you get your Avalon’s odometer to register 200,000 miles? In that case, you must adhere to regularly planned maintenance.
Regular planned service is the simplest method to guarantee that your Avalon achieves the 200,000-mile mark, even though procedures like changing oil and tire rotations aren’t always the most convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toyota Avalon A Good Car
The Toyota Avalon is a fantastic full-size car for 2022. It dazzles with a spacious, elegant interior, supportive seats, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and an abundance of safety features.
Is Toyota Discontinuing The Avalon
Due to the widespread adoption of crossovers by American families, the once-dominant large sedan class has become obsolete. Only the Toyota Avalon and the identical Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger models remain in the market. And Toyota already has stated that the Avalon would no longer be produced after 2022.
Who Makes The Avalon
The 2022 Avalon, Toyota’s flagship sedan, has an intimidating exterior but is quite soft on the inside. The full-size Avalon, which is modeled on the mid-size Camry, has either a V-6 or hybrid version, front-wheel drive, as well as a roomy interior that is comfortable all day.
