2018 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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Common 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2018, several common problems have been reported:
- Limited Storage Space: Owners have mentioned that the glove box and center console compartment lack sufficient room for storage, which can be inconvenient for storing personal items.
- Seat Back Adjustment Issue: A specific problem reported is the automatic seat back adjustment feature that can make it challenging for some drivers to reach the brake pedal comfortably, affecting the ease of starting the car.
- Fuel Efficiency Discrepancy: While the car is advertised to achieve 38-39 mpg, some owners have noted that the actual fuel efficiency falls slightly short of this range, averaging around 34-35 mpg. This discrepancy in mileage has been noticeable to some drivers.
- Hybrid Oil Burning: Hybrid models with the 2.5-liter engine have been known to experience oil burning issues. This problem has been highlighted in multiple complaints, indicating a recurring concern with the hybrid system .
- Electrical Problems: Issues related to the electrical system have been mentioned, including problems with the pre-collision system and radio. These electrical malfunctions can impact the overall functionality and safety features of the vehicle .
- Transmission Fluid Burning and Shifting Issues: Complaints have been made regarding transmission fluid burning, solenoid problems, and shifting issues in the Avalon Hybrid. Resetting the transmission memory has been suggested as a potential solution for some of these transmission-related problems .
- Suspension and Chassis Concerns: Leaking struts, squeaking noises from the front due to sway bar bushings, and other chassis-related issues have been reported. These problems can affect the driving experience and overall comfort of the vehicle .
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid 2018, potential buyers and current owners can be better informed about the issues they may encounter with this particular model.
How long does the hybrid battery last in an Avalon?
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.
What is the common problem of Toyota Avalon?
Acceleration Issues
Often thought as the worst Toyota Avalon problem to arise over the years revolves around speed control. Although most reports simply detailed that their Avalon would accelerate out of control at random times, some reports went into more specifics.
How much does it cost to replace an Avalon hybrid battery?
Buy New Toyota Avalon Hybrid Battery- From $2690 - 4/yr-Warranty.
Is the 2018 Toyota Avalon a reliable car?
How Reliable Is the 2018 Toyota Avalon? The 2018 Toyota Avalon has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
Is the 2018 Toyota Avalon a reliable car?
How Reliable Is the 2018 Toyota Avalon? The 2018 Toyota Avalon has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
How long does battery in Toyota Avalon hybrid last?
approximately 3-5 years
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.
Are there any problems with the Toyota Avalon?
One of the more serious Toyota Avalon problems on the list revolves around the airbag system. A notable number of owners reported that their Avalon's airbags failed to deploy when needed. Several owners that were involved in crashes mentioned that they sustained serious injuries due to the airbag's failure.
How much does it cost to replace an Avalon Hybrid battery?
Buy New Toyota Avalon Hybrid Battery- From $2690 - 4/yr-Warranty.
2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Avalon hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The contact stated that the navigation system, the radio, and the upper third brake light was not functioning properly. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the EMU in the computer on the air bag that was malfunctioning to be replaced. The dealer replaced the radio but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000. The VIN was not available.
2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid.
- 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.
Negative 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid car reviews
Positive 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid car reviews
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We recently purchased our third hybrid from Toyota, starting with a Highlander Hybrid, then a Prius, and now the Avalon Hybrid. I have been driving it for about three months and I am extremely pleased! When we bought the Highlander, the mileage was rated higher than it should have been until the EPA lowered it shortly after our purchase as 27/24 was more realistic and obtainable. The Prius was tough to get to 50 mpg as we live in a hilly area in Michigan and between that and the weather the smaller power plant fought for mpg. The best was 54 mpg in Ohio and the worst was 42 in deep snow as the average was probably year around about 46.5. I stated all this as my expectations for the Avalon Hybrid needed to be realistic to be happy with the purchase. I am 6 tank fulls in and averaging approximately 38.5 mpg. Considering I do not baby it much driving and the hilly area, I am quite pleased. The ride is comfortable and quiet as you are up to speed and you don't even realize it half the time. As another reviewer stated, I know I will own this one for a long while as I drive almost 50 miles each way to work and visit a lot of family out of state. Oh, and yes, as the other reviewer stated, get the limited model!
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The Limited trim level's seats may be too firm for some, and the head restraints may be intrusive. Additionally, the back seat may not be suitable for those who are claustrophobic. However, the model boasts excellent handling and cabin comfort, as well as stellar fuel economy. Safety and technology features are abundant and function well. While the 'Almond' interior color scheme may not be to everyone's taste, the mixed and matched materials do not detract from the overall calming and well-thought-out space that one expects in an upper-level, semi-luxury vehicle. Although the poor visibility and seat comfort, along with intrusive head restraints, may be deal-breakers for long-distance travellers, this car still scores well on many fronts.
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If you're looking to purchase a Toyota Avalon hybrid Limited 2018, I would highly recommend negotiating the price to avoid paying list price. This car is incredibly comfortable to ride in, with top-notch AC and heating controls and a better-than-average navigation system. While it is missing Apple Play or Android Auto, the controls are well-placed and easy to reach. The exterior of the car looks fantastic, especially without the 2019 grill. In terms of handling, it performs like most front-wheel drive cars, with the weight of the engine falling on the driving wheels during sharp turns. However, it is still a great car overall. The CVT is invisible and works behind the scenes to give you the best MPG. While it may be slightly underpowered, it is still capable of getting you where you need to go. The interior of the car is very attractive, with wonderful heated and cooled front seats. Despite the batteries being in the trunk, there is still plenty of room for your belongings. While it may be missing some of the newer safety features like auto-stop and 360° cameras, my wife loves the car as it is and I believe most passengers will too.
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If you're looking for a car with comfortable riding and handling, this is the one for you! However, I must admit that I wasn't too impressed with the navigation system in this model. Additionally, I found the collision avoidance system to be lacking when not in cruise control.
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I love this car! This is my second Toyota vehicle, and I am more than pleased. I bought this Avalon used from a great dealer, and I am super pleased with the way it drives, the attention to detail, and the gas mileage. I have a hybrid, and I am very pleased with my choice. This car is a pleasure to drive.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid problems:
2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Buying Guide - YouTube
Oct 6, 2020 ... A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician goes over common problems and things you need to know when buying or owning a 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon ...
Not sure I'd buy another Avalon Hybrid | Toyota Nation Forum
Feb 2, 2018 ... The 40/39 MPG ratings are nonsense of course, but I get high 30's generally so that's fine. The problem with this car is the hybrid power train ...
2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Buyer's Guide - Reliability & Common ...
Dec 16, 2023 ... I bought my Avalon Limited with 62k, for 13k, in New York so far it runs great I had no issues so far (KNOCK ON WOOD) Love this car drives ...
2013 Avalon common issues | Toyota Nation Forum
Feb 1, 2021 ... 2018 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium (V6), Blizzard Pearl (73,000 mi) Audio System: FiiO M11 Plus LTD DAP via S/PDIF (bypass stock head unit) to ...
2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid review - YouTube
Jun 20, 2017 ... 27:17 · Go to channel · 2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Buyer's Guide - Reliability & Common Problems. Meyn Motor Group•10K views · 24:52 · Go to ...
Other years of Toyota Avalon hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2018 Toyota Avalon hybrid?
Austen Rodriguez 2025-02-11
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.
Jameson Bartoletti 2024-09-02
I hope you don't mind me saying, but I think the price of this vehicle is a bit high and it may look a bit outdated. Have you considered the 2019 model? Also, the interior electronics may not be as up-to-date as some of the newer models out there.
Kenyon Gulgowski 2024-07-25
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.
Ephraim Heidenreich 2024-06-29
I was recommended the Toyota Avalon, which is supposed to be a luxury vehicle similar to the Lexus brand. However, I found that the comfort and convenience did not match up to a true luxury vehicle, and the price seemed too high. Additionally, the Toyota line's use of 'Entune' instead of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay was a disadvantage, although they are moving away from this decision on 2020 models. The proprietary mapping system was also inferior to what is available on smartphones today. Despite this, I have not received any communication from Toyota about my lease ending or purchasing the vehicle, although I have received offers on my previous vehicle, a Toyota Highlander, which I turned in three years ago. I would recommend exploring other options instead of the Avalon.