2016 Toyota Avalon: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Mid-cycle-refresh year that runs clean: comfortable and quiet with strong reliability and minimal complaints. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Toyota Avalon ranged from $32,650 to $40,450 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10

Strong track record

Mid-cycle-refresh year that runs clean: comfortable and quiet with strong reliability and minimal complaints.

Sources (3)

carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/toyota-avalon-reliability-and-common-problems/
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/avalon
cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/toyota/avalon

Known issues

Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect.

occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · other
Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced.

commonly reported · 14 NHTSA complaints · other
Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014.

occasional · 18 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Entune infotainment glitches and speaker distortion reported on 2015 models (screen freezing, buzzing on low bass).

occasional · 11 NHTSA complaints · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=avalon…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=avalon…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=avalon…
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/toyota-avalon-reliability-and-common-problems/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Comfortable, quiet, near-luxury cabin with a smooth ride
Available hybrid powertrain delivers strong real-world fuel economy
Proven reliability, especially the settled 2016 to 2018 cars
Roomy interior and a large trunk for a midsize-to-full-size sedan

Cons

Soft, comfort-tuned handling that is not engaging to drive
Early 2013-2014 cars drew unintended-acceleration and false-braking complaints
Entune infotainment feels dated and can be glitchy

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
XLE	$32,650	discontinued	—	—
XLE Plus	$34,400	discontinued	—	—
XLE Premium	$35,850	discontinued	—	—
Touring	$37,050	discontinued	—	—
Limited	$40,450	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-toyota-avalon-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $450–500/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/avalon

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2016 Toyota Avalon have?

Documented issue patterns include: Reports of sudden unintended acceleration on 2013-2014 models, with engine RPM surging without driver input; Toyota investigations found no mechanical defect; Takata airbag inflator recall spanning the early fourth-gen years; affected inflators can rupture and must be replaced; Pre-collision / forward-collision system false activations causing unexpected braking on early fourth-gen cars, concentrated on 2014; Entune infotainment glitches and speaker distortion reported on 2015 models (screen freezing, buzzing on low bass). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2016 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Mid-cycle-refresh year that runs clean: comfortable and quiet with strong reliability and minimal complaints.

How much did the 2016 Toyota Avalon cost new?

Between $32,650 and $40,450 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Toyota Avalon expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.