1996 Toyota Avalon problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 1996 Toyota Avalon get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Toyota Avalon at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway).

Q: How much is a 1996 Toyota Avalon worth?

Comparable 1996 Toyota Avalon listings run roughly $600–$1,700, typically around $1,300 (from 13 vehicles).

1996 Toyota Avalon at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints120

Combined21 mpg

Typical price$1,300

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1996 Toyota Avalon recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1996 Toyota Avalon.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1996 Toyota Avalon common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1996 Toyota Avalon MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg

City18 mpg

Highway26 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1996 Toyota Avalon worth?

Low

$600

Typical price

$1,300

High

$1,700

From 13 comparable 1996 Toyota Avalon listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Toyota Avalon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750

Fuel only$14,750

Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.