NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost to you.
This page covers 2 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Toyota Avalon.
25–43 mpg combined
5.5–9.4 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
The 2021 Toyota Avalon has two recalls, both involving airbag systems that may fail to perform correctly in a crash, raising the risk of injury to the driver or front passenger.
The driver's airbag concern centers on breakaway pins inside the steering column that can be damaged during production. These pins are designed to absorb crash energy and help the airbag deploy properly, but if they are compromised, the airbag may not perform as intended when it is needed most. The second recall involves the passenger seat occupancy sensor, which reads whether the front passenger seat holds an adult, a child, or no one, and uses that information to decide whether and how forcefully the front passenger airbag deploys. If the sensor does not function correctly, the airbag may fail to deploy in a crash, leaving the front passenger without that protection.
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Breakaway pins in the steering column that normally absorb crash energy may have been damaged during manufacturing, which could reduce how well the driver's air bag works in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire steering column at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.