This page covers 4 recalls, 30 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota Avalon.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The dominant pattern in 2012 Avalon complaints centers on structural and interior components, with the rear window sunshade drawing the most attention. Owners report the motorized sunshade getting stuck in the raised position, producing grinding noises during operation, and blocking the rear view, particularly when backing up or driving at night. A related but separate structural complaint involves the dashboard surface becoming tacky in hot or sunny conditions, with owners noting the resulting glare on the windshield makes forward visibility difficult. On the electrical side, a handful of owners describe the engine stalling unexpectedly, in at least one case appearing linked to turn signal activation, with the auto-dimming headlight warning light illuminating during the event. Airbag complaints are also present in this dataset, though at lower volume. The sunshade failure and sticky dashboard are the clearest repeat themes across this complaint set.
30
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota Avalon has 4 recalls, the most serious being a clogged air conditioning drain hose that lets water pool inside the unit and short-circuit the airbag system, either disabling the airbags or causing them to deploy without warning.
A separate electrical issue involves the subwoofer speaker in the trunk, where an intermittent short can damage the audio amplifier's internal circuitry and allow continuous current to flow, causing the subwoofer to overheat and raising the risk of a fire in the trunk area. On the restraint side, two recalls address the same underlying problem: seat belt buckles that were replaced during prior service may contain a faulty switch that constantly signals the airbag control system that the belt is fastened, even when it is not. Because the system believes the occupant is already belted, the airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash, reducing protection for the driver or front passenger. These buckle recalls cover both driver and front passenger positions and stem from replacement parts installed during vehicle repairs, not the original factory buckles.
At a glance
What can fail
A replacement seat belt buckle may constantly signal that the belt is buckled, even when it's not. This could prevent airbags from deploying properly in a crash, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will check the seat belt switch signal and replace the inner seat belt assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt inner buckle may have been replaced with a part that falsely signals to the air bag system that the seat belt is always fastened, even when unbuckled.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the seat belt assembly to confirm it properly detects when unbuckled, and replace the inner assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sub-woofer speaker in the trunk may short electrically, damaging the audio amplifier's circuit. The damage can cause constant current to flow to the sub-woofer.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the audio amplifier and install a protective cover around the sub-woofer at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air conditioning condenser drain hose may clog, allowing water to pool in the housing. Water can leak through a seam onto the airbag control module, potentially causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser housing and install a protective cover over the airbag control module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
