2021 Toyota Avalon VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Toyota Avalon has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (12), Vehicle Speed Control (3), Engine (1).
Avalon reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Toyota Avalon before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Toyota Avalon issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Air Bags12
- Vehicle Speed Control3
- Engine1
- Power Train1
- Tires1
- Electrical System1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Toyota Avalon
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for unresolved airbag recall and verify if parts are available for repair
- Inspect cruise control functionality and check for any dashboard warning lights
- Test vehicle acceleration and ensure there are no stalling issues at low mileage
- Examine tires for tread separation or splitting, especially if original equipment
- Verify that all warning signals, especially rear cross traffic alerts, are audible and functional
2021 Avalon recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Avalon. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023
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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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 BAGS, STEERINGNHTSA 20V734000Nov 25, 2020
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."
Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
2021 Toyota Avalon on the road
18,280 2021 Toyota Avalon units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Toyota Avalon stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Toyota Avalon
The 2021 Toyota Avalon scores a 76 out of 100, slightly above the segment average, indicating solid reliability. With two recalls, the recall activity is limited, suggesting no widespread systemic issues. However, the complaint data reveals a concentration in the airbag system, which accounts for over half of the reported issues. This focus suggests a potential area of concern, although it doesn't overshadow the overall reliability.
Complaints about vehicle speed control, back over prevention, service brakes, and the engine are minimal and broadly distributed, which implies these are isolated incidents rather than systemic problems. As the third year of its generation, the Avalon benefits from a matured production cycle, typically reducing unexpected issues.
Overall, the 2021 Avalon presents a low to moderate risk level for buyers, with its reliability slightly above average for its segment.
What you get in a 2021 Toyota Avalon report
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2021 Toyota Avalon — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?
The 2021 Toyota Avalon scores a 76 out of 100, slightly above the segment average, indicating solid reliability. With two recalls, the recall activity is limited, suggesting no widespread systemic issues. However, the complaint data reveals a concentration in the airbag system, which accounts for over half of the reported issues. This focus suggests a potential area of concern, although it doesn't overshadow the overall reliability.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Avalon problems?
The most-reported 2021 Toyota Avalon problem areas are: Air Bags (12), Vehicle Speed Control (3), Engine (1).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Toyota Avalon, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.