Toyota Avalon Common Problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners 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.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners 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.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Avalon frequently report issues related to unresolved airbag recalls, specifically concerning the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat. Complaints commonly mention that the airbag warning light illuminates intermittently and that the sensors fail to register passengers, potentially preventing airbag deployment. These issues are associated with recall notices issued in December 2023, with multiple owners expressing frustration over the lack of available parts for repairs even as late as August 2025. The unresolved nature of these defects raises safety implications, particularly regarding passenger protection in the event of a crash. This information may be pertinent for used car buyers considering this model, as it highlights ongoing safety concerns and potential repair delays.

POWER TRAIN

Owners 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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners report issues with the fuel/propulsion system of the 2020 Toyota Avalon, primarily involving fuel pump concerns and refueling problems. Complaints frequently mention difficulty starting the vehicle after refueling and instances of gasoline overflowing from the tank during refueling, which could pose a fire risk. Some owners describe their vehicles stalling or feeling like they are about to stall, particularly during turns or acceleration, with a few noting a warning light briefly appearing. These issues arise at various mileage points, with some owners referencing the vehicle's production date aligning with a known recall period, yet their VINs are not included in the recall. Safety implications include potential stalling while driving, which could increase the risk of a crash.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners 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.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Avalon report issues with air bags failing to deploy during collisions, with four out of five complaints involving crashes and three injuries noted. The incidents typically describe situations where the vehicle experiences significant impact, yet the air bags do not activate. One complaint also mentions a failure of the driver's side seat belt to lock during an accident, resulting in injury. The mileage at which these failures occur varies, with one report specifying approximately 9,300 miles. These reports indicate potential safety implications, particularly in crash scenarios, which prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Avalon report issues with electronic systems, including radios disconnecting phone calls and backup cameras displaying distorted views. Complaints frequently mention that the pre-collision detection system fails to operate as expected, with dealerships unable to confirm functionality through testing. Visibility issues are also noted, with glare on the rear windshield during sunny days and distracting reflections from headlights at night. Some owners describe the lane departure alert as too quiet to be effective in typical driving conditions. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges and can impact safety by reducing driver awareness and response capabilities.