This page covers 3 recalls, 159 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Toyota Avalon.
24–40 mpg combined
5.9–9.8 L/100km
Midsize 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. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2013 Avalon cluster most heavily around structural issues and vehicle speed control. On the structural side, owners frequently describe the passenger-side airbag system not behaving as expected, the passenger seat occupant detection sensor is a recurring topic, with multiple owners reporting that the "Passenger Airbag OFF" indicator stays lit even with an adult properly seated, suggesting the airbag might not deploy in a crash. Vehicle speed control draws a similar complaint volume, with owners describing unintended or unexpected throttle behavior. Visibility and wiper complaints make up the third-largest group, with rear window shade failures appearing across several reports. A smaller number of owners describe a persistent musty odor coming from the HVAC system, most often when running the air conditioning after the car has sat for a few hours.
159
Total Complaints
18
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Toyota Avalon has 3 recalls, the most serious involving two separate airbag concerns: a clogged air conditioning drain hose that lets water accumulate and short-circuit the system, triggering an unintended airbag deployment or disabling the airbags entirely, and a faulty airbag control unit that can prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash.
There is also a recall affecting vehicles equipped with the optional Pre-Collision System, where the automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly, bringing the car to a sudden stop without warning and raising the risk of a rear-end collision.
At a glance
What can fail
During certain crashes, the air bag control unit may malfunction, which could prevent air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag control unit and install a noise filter on the wiring, if needed, at no cost.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Pre-Collision System radar may mistake a steel joint or plate in the road for an object and unexpectedly activate the brakes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace certain Pre-Collision System components at no cost to you.
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.
