Toyota Avalon hybrid problems
The Toyota Avalon (Japanese: トヨタ・アバロン, Hepburn: Toyota Abaron) is a full-size sedan produced by Toyota. It is Toyota's largest front-wheel drive sedan and serves as its flagship sedan in the United States, Canada, China and the Middle East. It was also produced in Australia from April 2000 until June 2005, when it was replaced in November 2006 by the Aurion. The first production Avalon rolled off the TMMK assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky, in September 1994, and subsequent generations have all been manufactured at the Kentucky location to date.
Toyota marketed the Avalon as a replacement for the Cressida, a model discontinued for the American market in 1992. While the Cressida was an upper-level mid-size rear-wheel drive car with a straight-six engine, the Avalon is front-wheel drive, powered by a V6 engine. In recent years, there has been considerable overlapping with its platform mates, the Camry V6 and the Lexus ES, although the third-generation and subsequent Avalon was distinguished by offering extra legroom due to its extended-length chassis. From 2013, the Lexus ES was moved to the extended platform to match the Avalon.
As of 2013, the Avalon was sold in the United States, Canada, China, South Korea and the Middle East. It was discontinued in the United States in 2022.
Avalon is a legendary island featured in the Arthurian legend, fitting it in with Toyota's tradition of naming their sedans the word for "crown" in various languages (Crown, Corona, Camry, Corolla), types of crowns (Tiara), or other things associated with royalty (Scepter).
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Toyota Avalon hybrid model years
Common Toyota Avalon hybrid problems
The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a popular car known for its luxurious feel and dependability. However, there have been some common problems reported by owners, primarily involving issues with the braking and acceleration of earlier models.
One issue that has been reported is unintended acceleration, which is usually caused by problems with the electronics controlling the car's powertrain. This most commonly happens when the car is shifting gears, when cruise control is disengaged, or when the brakes are engaged. If you experience this issue, it is recommended that you take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Another problem that has been reported is issues with the suspension. Signs of suspension issues include the car leaning back, nose-diving or leaning to one side, or the wear on the tires being uneven. A damaged suspension can mean a bumpy ride, so it is important to diagnose and catch the problem early before it becomes a major inconvenience.
There have also been complaints about problems with the interior accessories of the Avalon Hybrid. However, there have been no major problems reported for the most recent models, which have received great reviews so far.
In addition to these issues, the Avalon Hybrid has been subject to several recalls over the years, including recalls for the accelerator pedal and airbag inflator. It is important to check if any used Avalon you are considering purchasing is still subject to necessary repairs as a result of these recalls.
Overall, while the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a reliable and dependable car, it is important to be aware of these common problems and to have your car regularly serviced to prolong battery life and catch any early warning signs of problems.
How reliable are Toyota Avalon hybrids?
The 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the common issue with Toyota Avalon?
Engine stalling out at odd times or car not starting altogether. Electrical issues causing normal power functions to malfunction. Hearing unusual (often loud) sounds.
What year does Avalon Hybrid avoid?
Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota Avalon Years to Avoid
A: According to customer reports and complaints, the Toyota Avalon years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2014.
How long does battery in Toyota Avalon hybrid last?
approximately 3-5 years
Avalon Hybrid Battery Life
The average life of a Toyota Avalon hybrid battery is approximately 3-5 years or around 80,000 miles. The longevity of an Avalon Hybrid battery is a topic of great interest for prospective buyers. On average, an Avalon Hybrid battery is designed to endure approximately 80,000 miles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Avalon hybrid years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Avalon hybrid cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Avalon hybrid model years:
- Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Toyota Avalon hybrid 2014
- Toyota Avalon hybrid 2015
- Toyota Avalon hybrid 2016
- Toyota Avalon hybrid 2018
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Avalon hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Avalon hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Avalon hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Avalon hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Avalon hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Avalon hybrid model years
A total of 30 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Avalon hybrid model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Avalon hybrid model years
There were a total of 34 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 318 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Avalon hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Avalon hybrid vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB0EU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was pulling into a parking spot when my car suddenly accelerated to a very high speed. I traveled over a curb, on some pavement, through some bushes, knocked down a light pole and miraculously came to a stop. My foot was pumping the brakes to no avail. My entire car was damaged but miraculously no one was hurt. Car was towed to a mechanic who confirmed that the car accelerated with him as well. Front, back, underside, roof, tires and frames were all badly damaged.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-07
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB4DU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There is a very strong musty smell. 80% of the time it's when I turn on AC. 20% just at random driving times. Whenever car has sat longer then a few hours with all windows up. When open doors is has very musty smell. I have done everything to do with cleaning vehicle. This is a hybrid I'm a lil scared when it comes to electrical fire . Do to this musty smell. That means there is some type of fluid gathering somewhere. So what does Toyota plan on doing?
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-12
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB4DU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have a smell of moldy old water what is going on ? Why is water filling up in my trunk? What do my head lights bulb keep going out? WHY HAVEN'T YOU GUYS DONE ANYTHING? For real I have a darn battery in my trunk come on. I already had to purchase a battery .
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-12
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB7GU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The manufacturer is no longer producing OEM windshield that comply with the a DAS features which are now in operable because my windshield will not calibrate after replacement because there is not an OEM windshield available. I have contacted Toyota. I have also searched everywhere in the states for an OEM windshield Toyota has tried to calibrate the replacement which is aftermarket, as well as the Auto Glass installer to no avail. Toyota is no longer manufacturing the OEM windshield which is needed for the safety features to function properly. The car should be recalled for a manufacturer defect.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-25
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB5DU
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Rear window shade stuck in 'UP' position, cannot see out the rearview mirror, especially at night. Makes for very dangerous driving.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-19
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB2DU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SIDEWALL TIRE FAILED AFTER 3 MONTHS. NO HAZARD ON ROADWAY, SIDEWALL SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH CAUSING CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL WITH NEAR ACCIDENT. AFTER INSPECTING TIRE IT APPEARS TO HAVE VERY LITTLE MATERIAL DEPTH INDICATING A DEFECT BY MANUFACTURER.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 4T1BK1EB7DU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I recently took my car in for maintenance and I was offered a complimentary car wash. 1 week after the wash, I noticed there were cloth fibers stuck between the rear side body panels. When i pulled them out, there was evidence of rust and corrosion right underneath. I suspected the cloth fibers were from the dealership's car wash so i contacted them. They confirmed the fibers are from their machine but claimed the rust is caused by a pre-existing problem (there is a small gap between the side body that was noted in the pre-inspections), when asked if the rust was noted during pre-inspections as well, they refused to answer my question. There was no evidence of rust or corrosion on the car before this incident and there are other fibers stuck in the side body panels as well which i haven't taken out yet. I have previously taken my car through car washes but this incident has never happened before. Toyota's service center refuses to look into the matter further.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-07
- VIN: 4T1BK1EB0DU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: I have a tacky dashboard which has a glare on the dashboard hindering vision while driving. I understand is a recall however not for 2013 avalons. I’m a senior which make more difficult for to drive my care comfortably. I would like Toyota to approve the repair for my car. I’ve been a loyal customer for 25 years Sincerly
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-07
- VIN: 4T1BK1EB9DU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The Cylinder head gasket in the engine has failed and is now leaking coolant under the body of the car. This has been inspected by a certified Toyota Dealership and has been maintained by one since we bought the car. There were no warning signs or problems with the car other than feeling off (sounding slightly different than normal) so we went to get an oil change and inspection done on the vehicle. This car was just serviced three months prior for regular maintenance and the vehicle had no indicated issues at that time and was inspected again by the same Toyota Dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection. This issue seems to have started very suddenly without warning and will cause severe engine damage in my vehicle if not replaced soon.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-03
- VIN: 4T1BK1EB2FU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I have tire size P225 / 45 R 18. Michelin Primacy mxm4. The compalint tire exploded at 65 MPH (the speed limit). The falure caused the car to swerve into the next lane which was occupied by another car at the time. My safety was at risk when I momemtarily lost control of the vehicle and others were at risk when I enetred an occupied lane. Problem was inspected and confirmed by Mavis (formerly NTB) in Keller TX. The only warning was that a couple of weeks prior to the incident while rotating my tires the Mavis location found a bubble in the sidewall of another tire (not the one that exploded) that was in the same lot as the one that exploded. It was replaced under the warranty. I now beleive that the entire lot of tires are defective and have asked for a completely new set of tires.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-21
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB4DU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I have a electrical issue going on with the driver side headlight. I have had to change the headlight over 3 times now . Seems to go out with in a month or two. While doing my own research Toyota has also changed the light bulb for the old owner more then 3 times. It has only been the driver side headlight that is being affected. I'm a lil worried that at any time a electrical fire or something else bad will happen. So at this time i haven't had new bulb installed. I'm just to nervous. So it's hard at times to see at night fall when driving. The contact stated there is some water buildup underneath the tire in the trunk. The water is entering somehow near the back top right inside and ending in the very bottom of my truck under the tire. There is water damage on the top right corner of of the panel on the inside.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-21
- VIN: 4T1BD1EB4DU
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Water is filling up in my trunk not sure how it is getting in . Have noticed a lil water stains along back top of lining. I started smelling a stail water smell when I found a puddle of water under my spare tire . Im extremely worried with winter coming again . Not to mention there is a battery locate in truck as well. So I feel completely unsafe. I have recently had noticed hybrid battery going from high to low then all of sudden died. Had to purchase a new battery. Please is this normal?someone help before it rains again and something terrible happens
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-08
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BK1EB6FU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, drove over the curb, and crashed into bushes. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. There was no police report filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where she informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,400.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-08
- VIN: 4T1BK1EB6EU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My 2014 Toyota Avalon transmission failed with only 98,000 miles on it. I have always maintained this car flawlessly. I got a check engine light 07/07/23 and immediately had it towed to a certified mechanic. Was told the car needs a transmission replacement.
Toyota Avalon hybrid 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-08
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Avalon equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: CS5 Ultra Touring, Tire Size: 215/55/R17, DOT Number: U93R1CU1820. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle was shaking abnormally without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a tire shop and was informed that the tread on the driver’s and passenger’s side tires were separating. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the original tire shop where the tires were purchased and was offered a store credit for the replacement tires. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The tire was a replacement tire. The tire failure mileage was approximately 6,000, and the vehicle failure mileage was 84,575.
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Avalon hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Toyota Avalon hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Avalon hybrid 2014
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
- Model: Toyota Avalon hybrid 2015
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
- Model: Toyota Avalon hybrid 2013
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
- Model: Toyota Avalon hybrid 2018
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
- Model: Toyota Avalon hybrid 2016
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
Latest negative Toyota Avalon hybrid car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Avalon hybrid car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2013
Hey there! I just wanted to share my thoughts on the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Touring model that I've been driving for the past three days. Let me just say, I absolutely love this car! It's huge - about the size of the Jaguar XJ VDP s/c it replaced, with an even bigger trunk. And the best part? It's the quietest car I've ever driven! I'm still amazed at how Toyota manages to get 40 mpg out of a car this size, while still making it so speedy. Plus, it's got gobs of low-down electric torque, which makes it feel even quicker than its 0-60 time of around 8 seconds. In-gear passing is stupendous - no waiting for engines or turbos to spool up, just mash the throttle and watch the mph climb. And let's not forget about the styling - all subjective, of course, but I personally really like the new design. It has a bit of Audi A7 in the rear. Overall, I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a spacious, fuel-efficient, and stylish ride. Thanks for reading!
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Vehicle year: 2013
After owning this car for one year and 16,000 miles, I must say that it is the best car I have ever owned. I have owned many cars, including a Corvette, Lexus, Mercedes, and several BMW's. Although each has their own claim to fame, the Avalon Hybrid Limited is the best overall. Its comfort, quietness, interior and exterior styling and quality, handling, power and features, and best of all, mileage, put this car in a league of its own. I consistently meet or beat EPA mileage estimates, even at freeway speeds of 80 mph plus. I can easily travel for several hours without stopping and in complete comfort. My next car in three or four years will likely be another Avalon Hybrid or the Lexus variant.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I am thrilled with owning this car. The fuel economy has been fantastic for a full-size upscale model, averaging between 38 to 40 miles per gallon. It is as comfortable and roomy as my mom's Lexus LS450. The car has been super reliable, requiring only periodic maintenance. I plan on keeping this car for many more years. Update: I continue to enjoy driving and owning this car. No problems whatsoever, and it's approaching 55000 miles and still like new.
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Vehicle year: 2014
As a long-time Toyota owner, I have unfortunately noticed a decline in my experience with Toyota and my Avalon. I have encountered more issues with this car than with all my other Toyotas combined. Let me start with the issues. Firstly, the Bridgestone Turanza tires were the worst tires I have ever had. They were noisy, had poor traction, and provided a very harsh ride. I was not aware of these poor quality tires until I drove this car for a few weeks. I replaced them with Pirelli P7s, which are much better tires for this car. Secondly, the headliner started falling down around the rear of the sunroof. The dealer attempted the first fix from Toyota, but unfortunately, they left fingerprints all over the headliner. The second time I took it back, Toyota had come up with another fix, which worked. Thirdly, the chrome trim at the bottom of the rear passenger driver's side window started lifting up. The dealer said they would call when they get the replacement, but I haven't heard from them in over a month. Lastly, the vinyl on the armrest is cracking on a corner. Toyota uses vinyl all over on these leather interiors, and the cracking is occurring on a sharp wrap-around surface where you don't even touch it. Others on the TN website are reporting the same issue, but much worse in some cases. Toyota did replace the armrest under warranty. Despite these issues, I still appreciate Toyota and their commitment to customer satisfaction.5) Have you experienced the radio dying in AM or FM mode? Moving from station to station as if in mute but with no sound? If you stop the car and re-start it, it's fine. Unfortunately, the dealer is unable to help since it only happens once in a while. Here's a list of issues at 20,000 miles that you may want to consider before purchasing this car: 1) The ride can be harsh, but better tires can help. Toyota seems to think people want a car that rides harsh and handles so-so instead of a car that rides nice and handles so-so. 2) The seats are pretty firm and as time goes on, you may feel like you are riding on the seat frames. Poor design for comfort. 3) The power lumbar is very poor, the adjustment is very limited and it's hard to find a comfortable position. My 2012 Camry was much better. 4) The NAV unit is absolutely horrible. Unfortunately, Toyota sticks you with this NAV and mediocre stereo. The NAV updates are near $200 and only available once a year. If you ask the dealer, they don't seem to know much about it. I use my iPhone most of the time; it's much more intuitive, roads are updated constantly, and the GUI is much simpler. 5) The Entune firmware is like something from the early 2000s. It's horribly slow, and the Bluetooth setup needs to be re-paired every now and then since it gets messed up. Toyota has really fallen behind with this firmware, the apps are ancient and my iPhone blows it away, yet my iPhone can't interface with the display. There are all these harassing screen warnings that I eventually figured out to disable for the most part, but I now rarely use it since it's so dated compared to phone apps. However, there are some great features that you may like: 1) The MPG is incredible. For a full-size car, it's hard to believe you can get 40-45mpg with a little finessing and attention to MPG increasing techniques. 2) The drivetrain is great.The Toyota Hybrid Drive System is working flawlessly so far, and the transitions between Electric and ICE drive are hard to notice. The ECVT transmission has no shift points, making it smooth as butter. The drive power delivery is quiet and smooth. I particularly like the brakes, which have a balanced amount of effort and stopping power. The steering is precise and well-balanced, with just the right amount of effort and road feel for a car this size. The steering wheel design is also great, making it very comfortable to drive. The exterior and interior are both attractive, in my opinion, with great aesthetic design. Overall, the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Touring is a very nice looking car inside and out, with an excellent proven Hybrid drive train that delivers excellent MPG for a car this size. Although it falls down in some areas such as the harsh ride, firm seat bottoms, and poor interior quality material (vinyl), it still remains a pretty good car that could have been great if the design issues above were not present. The Entune system is poorly supported and worthless, but the car is very reliable and has great gas mileage. I got rid of the terrible OEM Bridgestone tires and put Goodyear assurance comfortreads on about 28k miles ago, which has resulted in much better wear and comfort. At 38k, there were no additional problems, and at 50k, there were still no additional problems. Since new Fuelly, it has been trouble-free and has achieved 44.9mpg.
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Vehicle year: 2014
We absolutely love this car! It's a roomy sedan with luxurious finishes both in the front and back. The actual mileage per gallon is impressive and we've been very pleased with it on long distance trips. The only downside is that the trunk is a bit smaller than non-hybrid big sedans, but that's a minor issue. The chrome bezel on the dash can be a bit distracting when the sunlight hits it just right, but that's a small complaint. The ride can be a bit rough on bad roads, but as city drivers with frequent extended long distance freeway trips, we've found it to be perfectly comfortable. Although, we do wish it was a bit softer like our old Avalon. The GPS system could be more intuitive, but we absolutely love the backup camera!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Avalon hybrid?
Ladarius Jacobs 2025-06-14
Vehicle year: 2015
With 74,000 miles and 4 years, 8 months of ownership, I can confidently say that my 2014 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring is a reliable car. Although the driver's seat was initially too firm for my liking, I took the initiative to have additional foam padding added to it at a reputable upholstery shop, and now it is very comfortable. The car provides a smooth and quiet ride on the highway, and while the suspension can be harsh on rough paved streets in the city, it still handles bumps well. Recently, I experienced a loud interior rattle, which turned out to be a defective moonroof. However, I was able to have it repaired for $1859.00. Overall, I am confident in the quality and performance of my car.
Arden Carter 2025-05-04
Vehicle year: 2014
Since 1969, I have only purchased new vehicles, but unfortunately, this Toyota has been the worst experience. The Service Department even admitted that Toyota knew about a manufacturer's defect in the Headliner but failed to disclose it. Only four months after purchasing it, the headliner around the sunroof came loose. Toyota initially suggested tearing apart the car, keeping it for a week, and installing a new one. Then, they came up with a 'fix' using a magnet that only lasted four more months. After waiting 12 days for the parts to arrive from 3M, Toyota decided not to honor it and insisted on taking out the seats, disconnecting all the electrical, and installing a new headliner. What's next? I will never buy a Toyota again. They need to buy the car back. In 2017, I found out that the hands-free charger for my cell phone, which was supposed to be a 'feature,' never worked. They said it needed a special adapter, which they do not sell. Then, when I inquired about why the e-mail function stopped working, they blamed it on Apple since I have an iPhone. They told me it won't work, and I have to buy a phone to fit the car or vice versa. The dialing function has also become very cumbersome. I am counting the days until I trade this vehicle and get something else. On a positive note, the fuel efficiency is great, and the car is comfortable, but it is not what it was cracked up to be. In 2020, other than the initial woes leaving a bad taste, I must say the car has served me well, and the service department is good. However, I just would not trust the dealer again to buy a new vehicle. In 2021, I am getting ready to trade.It's great to hear that your vehicle has been reliable for you! However, I understand that you may have some negative feelings towards Toyota as a company. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
Israel Langosh 2025-03-24
Vehicle year: 2018
The car handles big bumps pretty well, but the ride can feel a bit unsettled and jiggly. In comparison, I find the ride of the Hyundai Sonata, Genesis, and Kia Optima to be more solid, settled, and premium feeling. The front seat bottoms of the Avalon are small and thinly padded, which is unexpected for a car in this class. Interestingly, I've noticed that Toyota's little Corolla S with sport seats actually has larger, more thickly padded seat bottoms, making it more comfortable on longer drives than the front seats in the Avalon. On hot days, the air conditioner fan can feel weak, and I have to keep it on high speed, which can make for a noisy driving experience. Additionally, the roof of the Avalon XLE is very thinly padded and has almost no insulation, so on hot days, you can really feel the heat of the sun radiating through. This detracts from the premium comfort experience that a car in Avalon's size and price class should deliver. The 4-cylinder engine/continuously variable transmission combination is powerful enough, but it can be quite noisy during acceleration, which contributes to an economy car-like driving experience. The only time the car felt premium was while driving around town at low speeds when the ride was quiet due to the acoustic windshield and side glass. At higher speeds, road and tire noise can be fairly high, about the same as a Camry.
Austen Rodriguez 2025-02-11
Vehicle year: 2018
I purchased a 2018 Hybrid and received several incentives. However, while driving on a steep hill in the NW, a rookie driver in front of me suddenly slammed on her brakes on a rainy morning. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to stop the car, and unfortunately, the auto sensor and brakes did not work either. The car was totaled due to the airbags deploying at just 15 miles per hour.
Pierre Pfannerstill 2025-01-20
Vehicle year: 2014
With 74,000 miles and 4 years, 8 months of ownership, I can confidently say that my 2014 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring is a reliable car. Although the driver's seat was initially too firm for my liking, I took the initiative to have additional foam padding added to it at a reputable upholstery shop. Now, it is incredibly comfortable. The ride is smooth and quiet on the highway, but can be a bit harsh on rough paved streets in the city. Recently, I experienced a loud interior rattle which turned out to be a defective moonroof. However, I was able to have it repaired for $1859.00. Overall, I am confident in the quality and reliability of my car.