2012 Toyota Avalon Problems
Shopping for a used 2012 Toyota Avalon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 30 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Structural Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2012 Toyota Avalon has 30 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Toyota Avalon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2012 Toyota Avalon Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has 30 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Avalon
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Toyota Avalon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Toyota Avalon?
The 2012 Toyota Avalon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Toyota Avalon
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, such as body panel alignment or corrosion.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for electrical and acceleration-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and transmission before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for structural issues, such as body panel alignment or corrosion.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for electrical and acceleration-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system and transmission before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Toyota Avalon, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 30 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Toyota Avalon, issues appear concentrated in structural problems and airbag malfunctions, each with 6 complaints. Crash-related incidents account for 8 complaints, and there are 4 recalls. However, the low complaint volume limits confidence in these patterns.
- Structural Problems and Airbag Malfunctions each account for 6 complaints, the highest counts.
- Unintended Acceleration and Electrical Faults each have 4 complaints.
- There are 4 recalls for the 2012 model year.
- Structural Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2012 Toyota Avalon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Avalon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Avalon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While entering the highway on ramp, as I accelerated and turned on the left turn signal, the engine stopped. The steering became very hard. I stopped, put the transmission in park and started the engine, with no problems. This is the second time in3 months this has happened whe…
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while it was hot outside, or whenever there was direct sunlight on the dashboard, the dashboard would become very sticky. The contact stated that the glare on the windshield from the reflection of the dashboard made i…
There is a rear windshield shade that comes up automatically during a bright or hot day. It has a button to manually bring it up or down also. Just last month the gear inside the shade is broken and it does not come down. If I manually put it down it will come up automatically wh…
REAR SUNSCREEN REMAINS IN UP POSITION, WHEN LOWERED IN REVERSE, IT MAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. HAVING TO DRIVE AT NIGHT PRESENTS A PROBLEM WITH VISIBILITY WHEN THE SUNSCREEN REMAINS IN THE UP POSITION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN AN 18 WHEELER COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELLING AT 65 MPH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE HOSPITALIZED WITH SPI…
ANOTHER DRIVER RAND A RED LIGHT AND I (T-BONED HIS PASSENGER SIDE) WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I WAS BREAKING AT THE TIME, BUT STILL IMAGINE I HIT HIM AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE FRONT END CRUMPLED AS EXPECTED BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FIREFIGHTERS CUT POWER TO PREVENT THE AI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED ON ITS OWN. THE MOTOR WAS EXTREMELY LOUD AND WAS A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD TURN OFF THE ENGINE, IT WOULD SOMETIMES RESTART ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT CALLED BOWLING GREEN…
MY VEHICLES AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I WAS HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE HAD AT LEAST 2 REAR END HITS BY THIS 18 WHEELER ESTIMATED AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF 25 MILES PER HOUR FASTER THAN MINE (I WAS GOING AT 70MPH NORTHBOUND ON US 75, NINE MILES SOUTH …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED EXCESSIVE WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND CARPET. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A MOLD ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FREEDOM TOYOTA OF HARRISBURG (6060 ALLENTOW…
REAR DECK SUNSCREEN ACTIVATES AND COMES UP WITHOUT OPERATOR ACTIVATING IT. AND IT WILL NOT GO BACK DOWN WITHOUT MANUAL ASSISTANCE. WITH ASSISTANCE WHEN IT DOES GO DOWN THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THEN IT WILL COME BACK UP. TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF …
THE REAR WINDOW SUN SHADE SCREEN DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. STICKS IN UP POSITION BLOCKING SITE OUT REAR WINDOW. WITH SCREEN DOWN WHILE CRANKING CAR, PUTTING CAR IN REVERSE CAUSES A LOUD NOISE OF GEARS STRIPPING. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS ON THE INTERNET COMPLAINING OF THIS PROB…
AIR BAG ON PASSANGER SIDE OF VEHICLE IS DISABLED AND WILL NOT RESET/ACTIVATE. VEHICLE AIR BAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED. DEALER STATED WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING COMPLETED.
THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT HEADREST HAS BECOME A LIABILITY THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT HEADRESTS ARE SET AT SUCH AN ANGLE THAT IF I SIT CORRECTLY IN THE SEAT (BACK/SHOULDERS AGAINST THE SEAT BACK) MY HEAD IS POSITIONED SO THAT MY EYES ARE AIMED AT THE FLOOR AND NOT AT THE ROAD. I'VE ADJ…
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT SPEED LIMIT. LOUD EXPLOSION TYPE SOUND. SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED. DIDN'T THINK TO TAKE A PICTURE. WAS 1,000 MI FROM HOME, SO COVERED WITH PLASTIC AND CARDBOARD, AND DROVE HOME. PICTURES ARE FROM INSIDE VEHICLE, UNFORTUNATELY NOT SHOWING MUCH.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE …
THE SUBWOOFER RECALL IS BOGUS. WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE IS THAT THEY PUT A PLASTIC COVER AROUND THE SUBWOOFER TO PREVENT WIRES FROM TOUCHING THE CHASSIS; THEY INSTEAD REPLACE THE JBL AMPLIFIER. THE WORK DRASTICALLY ALTERS THE SOUND. I NO LONGER HAVE A PREMIUM …
2012 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RADIO SUB-WOOFER RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON TWO OCCASIONS, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE ISSUE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE DEALER STATED THE HAD NOT RECEIVED THE MEANS OR THE INFORMA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL R…
I ATTEMPTING TO PARK . THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A HANDICAP SIGN AND THEN STRUCK THE BUILDING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DISCONNECTED THE SUB-WOOFER AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE TO REPAIR …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Safety recalls
2012 Toyota Avalon recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Toyota Avalon. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Toyota Avalon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Toyota Avalon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 30 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Toyota Avalon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Avalon?▾
#1: Structural Problems (6 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Toyota Avalon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Toyota Avalon?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Toyota Avalon, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 30 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Toyota Avalon. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Toyota Avalon?▾
The 2012 Toyota Avalon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Avalon reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Toyota Avalon based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.