Is the 2018 Toyota AVALON reliable?

The 2018 Toyota AVALON has 31 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Toyota AVALON?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (6 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Toyota AVALON?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Toyota AVALON?

The 2018 Toyota AVALON gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Toyota AVALON?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Toyota AVALON is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Toyota AVALON

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Toyota AVALON has 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 35. The most common issue is air bags problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: 2018 toyota avalon. consumer writes in regards to air bags that did not deploy during auto accident. *ld *js. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

10 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

19%

• 2018 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAGS THAT DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. *LD *JS
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, A VEHICLE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND A REPORT WAS ISSUED. THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO TH
• TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECTED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) AFTER A VIN SEARCH WAS PERFORMED ONLINE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH NHTSA HOTLINE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 5 crashes

“2018 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAGS THAT DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. *LD *JS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Toyota AVALON

Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE17/01/2020

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Toyota AVALON

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Toyota AVALON

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota AVALON Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2018 AVALON, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 31 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: 2018 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAGS THAT DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. *LD *JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE LANE DEPARTURE BEEPING SIGNAL IS SO WEAK THAT I CAN HARDLY HEAR IT. NORMAL DRIVING NOISE SUCH AS TIRE NOISE, RADIO, CONVERSATION, ETC. USUALLY COMPLETELY DRIVES IT OUT. ON THE BUICK THAT I TRADED IN THE LDA SOUND WAS NORMAL AND ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS I DOZED OFF AND WAS SNAPPED OUT OF IT BY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: I WAS TRAVELING ON I-294 SOUTH IN THE VICINITY OF, SOUTH HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS NEXT TO THE MEDIAN. THERE WAS A CAR NEXT TO ME THAT WAS BEHIND AN 18 WHEELER, PULLING AN EXTRA TRAILER. THE 18 WHEELER SWERVED TO MISS A CAR AND AS A RESULT OF THE 18 WHEELER SWERV
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: CHECKING ON THE STATUS OF THE FUEL PUMP RECALL?? WAS SUPPOSED TO GET A NOTICE BY MAY BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE NOTICE YET. I ENTERED THE 17 DIGIT VIN NUMEBER IN YOUR FORM BUT GOT NO RESPONSE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)