Model year guide

2021 Toyota Avalon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Toyota Avalon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2021 Toyota Avalon — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Toyota Avalon at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints21
Combined25 mpg

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

2021 Toyota Avalon recalls 2

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #20V734000 · 25/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comp…

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification NHTSA Campaign #23V865000 · 20/12/2023

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, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploy…

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may co…

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.

2021 Toyota Avalon common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
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.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2021 Toyota Avalon MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

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

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Toyota Avalon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Fuel only$12,250
Per mile$0.16

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.

2021 Toyota Avalon trims & engines on record

Trims
XSE · Limited
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 301 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 176 hp

2021 Toyota Avalon vehicles on record

Other Toyota Avalon model years

2021 Toyota Avalon — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Avalon?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, vehicle speed control, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Avalon get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Avalon at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 31 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.