2021 Toyota Avalon: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Mature fifth-gen Avalon with proven reliability and comfort; only a small airbag-related recall and minor complaints mar an otherwise dependable luxury-leaning sedan. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Toyota Avalon ranged from $36,125 to $43,125 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Mature fifth-gen Avalon with proven reliability and comfort; only a small airbag-related recall and minor complaints mar an otherwise dependable luxury-leaning sedan.
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
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Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall).
commonly reported · 15 NHTSA complaints · fuel
-
On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit.
commonly reported · 9 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults.
occasional · 13 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…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/toyota-avalon-reliability-and-common-problems/
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/toyota-highlander-avalon-sienna-lexus-transmissio…
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
- Quiet, plush, near-luxury ride that rivals or beats some entry Lexus models
- Smooth, powerful 3.5L V6 with good highway fuel economy
- Strong Toyota reliability, low repair costs and excellent resale value
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance suite across the range
- Spacious cabin that comfortably seats five adults with generous head and legroom
Cons
- Discontinued after 2022, so parts and resale reflect the end of the line
- Front-wheel-drive only and comfort-tuned; not a sport sedan despite the TRD trim
- The 2019 launch year can shift abruptly and hesitate, and drew a transmission class-action
- Top trims approach luxury-brand prices when bought new
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | $36,125 | discontinued | — | — |
| XSE Nightshade | $39,360 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited | $42,425 | discontinued | — | — |
| Touring | $42,825 | discontinued | — | — |
| TRD | $43,125 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-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 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
Documented issue patterns include: Low-pressure fuel-pump failures on 2019 models can cause rough running, no-start and engine stalling while driving (covered by a Toyota recall); On 2019 launch cars the 8-speed automatic can hesitate and shift harshly or jerkily, especially at low speed and off the line; the subject of a 2018-2020 class-action lawsuit; Early fifth-gen electronics and infotainment glitches reported on 2019 cars, including screen and connectivity faults. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Mature fifth-gen Avalon with proven reliability and comfort; only a small airbag-related recall and minor complaints mar an otherwise dependable luxury-leaning sedan.
How much did the 2021 Toyota Avalon cost new?
Between $36,125 and $43,125 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. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
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.