2021 Toyota AVALON
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Toyota AVALON has 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 35. The most common issue is air bags problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 toyota avalon. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 23v865000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the deale. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.
29
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
12 complaints- • The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The deale
- • The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time
- • Dec 20,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number23TB15 NHTSA Recall Number23V865 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available When will this be resolved? Can Toyota inspect my vehicle now?
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The deale”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (2)
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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Toyota AVALON
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Toyota AVALON
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Toyota AVALON Service Intervals
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
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 2021 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 29 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The deale
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: Stopped working with a message ' radar control in not available'
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon HV. The contact stated that while driving, all the instrument control panel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer eight or nine times where it was diagnosed there was moisture in the brakes, the brake assembly, sensor harness, sens
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: ON EVERY AVALON 2021 I HAVE DRIVEN OR THE DEALERSHIP HAS DRIVEN THERE IS A THUNK WHEN BRAKING. EVERY CAR EVERY TIME. A TECH CASE WAS OPENED AT WESLEY CHAPEL TOYOTA AND TOYOTA OF TAMPA BAY 01- 21-2021 NEW CAR WAS PURCHASED 01-13-2021
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)
Toyota AVALON — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 35
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Toyota AVALON