Own a Toyota Avalon in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Toyota Avalon for model years 2005 to 2022. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Avalon owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,961 owner complaints on file for the Avalon and 30 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control (406), exterior lighting (271), electrical system (198).
Most-Reported Toyota Avalon Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Avalon (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 406 | 20% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 271 | 13% | |
| Electrical System | 198 | 10% | |
| Steering | 184 | 9% | |
| Structure | 158 | 8% | |
| Power Train | 152 | 7% | |
| Air Bags | 147 | 7% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 99 | 5% |
Vehicle Speed Control
406 of the 1,961 complaints (20%) mention vehicle speed control (throttle and cruise control). Speed control complaints involve the throttle, cruise control and related sensors. We scan for stored codes and test the throttle system and sensors to find the actual cause instead of guessing. See our check engine light diagnostics and auto repair pages.
Exterior Lighting
271 of the 1,961 complaints (13%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Electrical System
198 of the 1,961 complaints (10%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Toyota Avalon Complaints by Model Year
The Avalon model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2008, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 228 | |
| 2006 | 360 | |
| 2007 | 243 | |
| 2008 | 349 | |
| 2009 | 91 | |
| 2010 | 46 | |
| 2011 | 106 | |
| 2012 | 30 | |
| 2013 | 160 | |
| 2014 | 114 | |
| 2015 | 53 | |
| 2016 | 25 | |
| 2017 | 14 | |
| 2018 | 25 | |
| 2019 | 72 | |
| 2020 | 10 | |
| 2021 | 27 | |
| 2022 | 8 |
Toyota Avalon Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Avalon, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Toyota.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Avalon? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Toyota Avalon Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 30 recall campaigns for the Avalon in these model years, most often involving air bags, fuel system, gasoline, equipment. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2023 recall, Air Bags (campaign 23V865000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250,...
- 2020 recall, Air Bags (campaign 20V024000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
- 2020 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 20V012000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L,...
- 2020 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 20V682000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020...
- 2020 recall, Air Bags (campaign 20V734000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles.
- 2020 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 20V064000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Avalon, 251 involved a crash, 18 involved a fire, 179 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Toyota Avalon Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Toyota will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Avalon that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Avalon owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Toyota Avalon, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Toyota Avalon Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Toyota Avalon repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Toyota Avalon FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Avalon?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Toyota Avalon are vehicle speed control (406), exterior lighting (271), electrical system (198). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Avalon model years have the most complaints?
The Avalon model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2006, 2008, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Toyota Avalon. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Toyota Avalon have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 30 recall campaigns for the Toyota Avalon across model years 2005 to 2022. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Toyota Avalon in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Toyota vehicles including the Avalon, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Toyota Avalon?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Toyota Avalon in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Toyota Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.