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Discover real owner reviews of Toyota Avalon from 2013-2023. We analyze reliability, common issues like transmission failures, comfort, and fuel economy. Average rating 2.8/5 from 204 reviews—get pros, cons, and data-driven advice before buying.
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For better reliability in Toyota vehicles, check our Toyota Tacoma Reviews: Real Owner Insights & Top Upgrades 2024. Tacoma owners rave about durability and fewer breakdowns.
The Toyota Avalon has long been a staple in the full-size sedan segment, praised for its plush ride and roomy cabin. But with 204 owner reviews averaging just 2.8 out of 5 stars, plus 97 lemon law claims (well above the segment average of 36) and 13 recalls, it's clear reliability concerns dominate discussions. We've dug into feedback across model years 2013-2023 to give you a balanced, data-driven view.
Whether you're eyeing a used 2019 Avalon Limited or a newer 2023 trim, our analysis highlights comfort highs and transmission lows. Expect real-world mpg around 25-30 combined, spacious seating for five, and standard safety features like adaptive cruise control in later models. But costly repairs often sour the experience.
Explore more in our Ultimate Automotive Research Guide 2026: Top Cars, Repairs & Accessories for upgrade tips.
Here's a quick comparison table based on aggregated owner data, focusing on reliability scores (out of 5), common complaints, and mileage at failure:
| Model Year | Avg Rating | Transmission Issues % | Lemon Claims | Typical MPG | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2.5 | 45% | 12 | 24 | 2 |
| 2014 | 2.7 | 40% | 10 | 25 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2.9 | 38% | 9 | 26 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3.0 | 35% | 8 | 27 | 2 |
| 2017 | 2.6 | 50% | 11 | 28 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2.8 | 42% | 10 | 28 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2.4 | 55% | 13 | 29 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2.5 | 52% | 12 | 30 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2.9 | 30% | 7 | 30 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3.1 | 25% | 5 | 31 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3.2 | 20% | 0 (so far) | 32 | 0 |
Key Takeaway: Newer models (2021+) show improvement, but pre-2020 Avalons frequently report failures at 45,000-80,000 miles. Check service history before purchase.
Overall Reliability Score: 3/5. Great for comfort seekers willing to budget for maintenance.
Data shows 45%+ of negative reviews cite this. Symptoms start at 40,000-60,000 miles: hesitation, shuddering. Owners report Toyota awareness but no widespread recall. Pro Tip: Inspect fluid condition and service records.
15% mention excessive oil use (1 qt/1,000 miles in some 2013-2017s). Brakes fade early, costing $800-$1,200 to replace.
Comfort fans give 4-5 stars: "Smoothest ride ever" (2022 owner). Fuel savers note 30+ mpg real-world.
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Pre-purchase: Carfax, mechanic inspection. Warranty extensions available for $1,500-$2,500.
See the Best Automotive of 2026 for top-rated sedans.
Mixed bag—early models (2013-2020) score low due to transmissions, but 2021+ improves to 3.2/5 average. Expect 150,000+ miles with diligent maintenance.
Transmission failure tops the list (40-55% of complaints), followed by brakes and oil consumption. Repairs average $5,000-$8,000.
Gas models: 25-28 mpg combined; hybrids: 30-40 mpg. Owners confirm EPA figures in daily driving.
Yes—spacious, safe, comfortable. But check for recalls and service history.
Strong: 2019 models hold ~$20,000 after 5 years; better than competitors like Nissan Maxima.
Ready to decide? Dive into owner forums and test drive—reliability varies widely.
