Toyota Avalon: which model years draw the most owner complaints?
2,818 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Avalon, model years 2000 to 2022. One model year stands out for the engine or transmission: 2006 (engine 6.8×, transmission 5.2×). Quietest mature years by complaint count: 2016, 2018, 2012. Counts of unverified owner reports, compared only with other years of the same model; not failure rates.
Complaints by model year
| MODEL YEAR | COMPLAINTS | VS OTHER YEARS | STANDS OUT | RECALLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Avalon | 172 | — | 2 | |
| 2001 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 134 | — | 2 | |
| 2002 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 116 | — | 1 | |
| 2003 Avalon | 293 | — | 2 | |
| 2004 Avalon | 205 | — | 3 | |
| 2005 Avalon | 227 | — | 7 | |
| 2006 Avalon | 360 | engine 6.8×, transmission 5.2× | 7 | |
| 2007 Avalon | 243 | — | 6 | |
| 2008 Avalon | 349 | — | 6 | |
| 2009 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 91 | quiet: 7 of 19 | 7 | |
| 2010 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 46 | quiet: 5 of 19 | 7 | |
| 2011 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 106 | — | 1 | |
| 2012 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 30 | quiet: 3 of 19 | 4 | |
| 2013 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 137 | — | 4 | |
| 2014 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 95 | — | 4 | |
| 2015 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 42 | quiet: 4 of 19 | 2 | |
| 2016 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 23 | quiet: 1 of 19 | 3 | |
| 2017 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 14 | — | 2 | |
| 2018 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 24 | quiet: 2 of 19 | 2 | |
| 2019 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 71 | quiet: 6 of 19 | 4 | |
| 2020 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 11 | — | 3 | |
| 2021 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 21 | — | 2 | |
| 2022 AvalonFEW REPORTS | 8 | — | 0 |
"Stands out" = 40 or more complaints naming that system and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share seen across every vehicle of that model year. Newer years have had less time on the road. "Quiet" ranks only years with 7+ years on the road and 20+ complaints. NHTSA data through November 2026.
Check your Avalon at your mileage
The verdict depends on where your mileage sits against the mileages owners reported. Pick your year and mileage: free, no sign-up.
Other Toyota models
Toyota 4Runner · Toyota C-HR · Toyota Camry · Toyota Camry Hybrid · Toyota Camry Solara · Toyota Celica · Toyota Corolla · Toyota Corolla Cross · Toyota Corolla Matrix · Toyota Echo · Toyota FJ Cruiser · Toyota Grand Highlander · Toyota Highlander · Toyota Highlander Hybrid · Toyota Matrix · Toyota Prius · Toyota Prius c · Toyota Prius v · Toyota RAV4 · Toyota RAV4 Hybrid · Toyota RAV4 Prime · Toyota Sequoia · Toyota Sienna · Toyota Sienna Hybrid · Toyota Tacoma · Toyota Tundra · Toyota Venza · Toyota Venza Hybrid · Toyota Yaris. All makes and models.
Source: NHTSA public complaints, recalls, service bulletin and investigation databases, data received through November 2026. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not failure rates: sales volumes are unknown, so a model year is only compared with other years of the same model. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Year pages: 2000200320042005200620072008