This page covers 4 recalls, 25 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2016 Avalon are spread across several systems with no single dominant pattern, the complaint volume is low enough that most categories have just two or three reports. Engine and airbag complaints each account for the most filings, though the narratives don't point to a single repeating failure mode across either system. Visibility-related complaints include a report of a sunroof spontaneously shattering at highway speed with the shade closed, and a separate issue where an aftermarket windshield replacement couldn't be calibrated to work with the driver assistance system due to unavailability of a compatible OEM windshield. A single report describes the brake pedal failing to stop the vehicle promptly while also noting an overheating center console and a detached seat panel cover, though that combination appears in only one complaint.
25
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota Avalon has 4 recalls, the most serious affecting Hybrid models only, where the front driveshaft can separate and cause a sudden loss of power while driving, leaving the vehicle at risk of rolling if the parking brake is not set.
Three of the four recalls involve the airbag system. The passenger seat sensor that determines whether to activate or suppress the front passenger airbag may have been incorrectly calibrated, meaning the airbag could deploy when it should not, or stay off when it should fire, in a crash. The front passenger knee airbag may have been installed with the wrong fasteners, which can loosen over time and cause that airbag to deploy improperly when needed. There is also a concern with the airbag control module itself: during certain crash events, the module can malfunction and cut off the signal to the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, leaving both systems inactive at the moment of impact and preventing the seatbelts from locking tight against occupants.
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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Driver Assistance
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 front drive shaft may separate, potentially causing loss of power to the front wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will check your drive shaft serial number and replace affected shafts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger knee air bag module may be attached to the instrument panel with incorrect fasteners that could fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fasteners and replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket if needed, then reattach the air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The occupant classification system that controls front passenger air bag deployment may have been incorrectly calibrated. This could prevent the front passenger and knee air bags from inflating properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the occupant classification system at no cost to restore proper air bag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
