2016 Toyota Avalon Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2016 Toyota Avalon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 23 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Uncategorized Issues the most reported area.

201523 years2017

Before you buy

This 2016 Toyota Avalon has 23 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Uncategorized Issues.

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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23
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
3
Recalls

2016 Toyota Avalon Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2016 Toyota Avalon trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

40
MPG City
21–40 range
39
MPG Hwy
30–39 range
40
MPG Combined
24–40 range
223
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
πŸ’°Saves $3,250 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2016 Toyota Avalon Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

10.7% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

10.7% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Toyota Avalon has 23 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2016 Toyota Avalon β€” key reliability facts
Make
Toyota
Model
Avalon
Model year
2016
NHTSA owner complaints
23
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Uncategorized Issues
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
40
EPA MPG city / highway
40 / 39
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2016 Toyota Avalon problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
5
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

#2
4
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
4
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1

Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems. 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 2016 Toyota Avalon?

The 2016 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 2016 Toyota Avalon

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for airbag and engine components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for airbag and engine components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2016 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 23 complaints for the 2016 Toyota Avalon, issues appear concentrated in uncategorized problems, airbag malfunctions, and engine problems. With only two crash-related complaints and three recalls, the data suggests potential concerns in these areas, though the low complaint volume limits confidence.

Key Findings
  • Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints at 5.
  • Airbag Malfunctions and Engine Problems each have 4 complaints.
  • There are 3 recalls for the 2016 model year.
Top Concerns
  • Uncategorized Issues (5 complaints)
  • Airbag Malfunctions (4 complaints)
  • Engine Problems (4 complaints)
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. With only 23 complaints and low confidence, patterns may not be representative. The 'Uncategorized Issues' category lacks specific component details.

Full breakdown

All 2016 Toyota Avalon complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Avalon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Uncategorized Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions41β€”β€”
Engine Problems4β€”1β€”
Electrical Faults311β€”
Structural Problems31β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure2β€”β€”β€”
Brake System21β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration21β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain2β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”

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 2016 Toyota Avalon. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 23 most recent complaints

VisibilityOct 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof glass shattered. The contact stated that there was no glass inside the vehicle because the sunroof shade was in the closed position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 12, 2024

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 everywhe…

Tire IssuesMay 8, 2023

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 contac…

Brake SystemFeb 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the center console was extremely hot, and the driver's si…

Lane DepartureJan 2, 2023

Clear

Electrical Faults CrashOct 1, 2020

TRAVEL ON THE STREET AND MAY HIT AN OBJECT (COULD BE AN EMPTY TRASH CONTAINER. VEHICLE LEFT THE TRAVEL LANE, GOING UP ON THE SIDEWALK, STUCK 2 GARBAGE CANS AND THROUGH THE NUMEROUS BUSHES.

Uncategorized IssuesJun 2, 2020

THERE ARE TWO PIECES OF ACCORDIAN SHAPED TRIM THAT CONTINUALLY FALL FROM INSIDE THE SUNROOF. I HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP REINSTALL THEM - AND THEY CHARGED ME. HOWEVER, THEY CONTINUED TO FALL FROM THE SUNROOF AND THEY ARE NOW STORED IN THE TRUNK. POOR DESIGN. PLUS, NOT TOO SAFE HAVI…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 29, 2020

RECALL OF 1/2020 STILL HAS NO REMEDY FROM MANUFACTURER AND NO ANTICIPATED DATE OF REMEDY AVAILABILITY (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 20V024).

Uncategorized IssuesJan 6, 2020

MY CAR HAS AN SOS SYSTEM THAT NOTIFIES TOYOTA OR THEIR CONTRACTOR IF THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, SUMMONS LAW ENFORCEMENT, TOW TRUCK, ETC. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT OTHER SAFETY ISSUES ARE WRAPPED INTO IT. IT HAS A RED WARNING LIGHT THAT GOES ON WHEN IT STOPS WORKING. IT HAS BEEN IN…

Engine ProblemsOct 29, 2019

ENGINE HESITATES FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR A SLOW SPEED IN CITY TRAFFIC. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A COMPUTER LEARNING PROCESS AND IT SHOULD GO AWAY. PROBLEMS HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE NEW IN 2016.

Structural ProblemsApr 1, 2019

THE MOON ROOF GLASS EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH ALL WINDOWS SHUT.

Structural Problems CrashMar 17, 2019

ON OCTOBER 1, 2018, AT 8:25 A.M.I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WORK IN MY 2016 AVALON (12,141 MILES). I WAS 'RIDING THE BRAKE' TO PULL ALL THE WAY INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THE CAR TOOK OFF INTO LANDSCAPE, CROSSED A ROAD AND WENT DOWN A HILL. I HIT THE PARKING LOT AND WAS…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 9, 2019

THE FRONT TO BACK SIDE RUBBER WEATHERSTRIPPING THAT MOVES WITH THE SUNROOF AS IT OPENS AND CLOSES CONTINUES TO FALL OFF. THERE ARE TWO PIECES LIKE THIS, ONE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THE OTHER ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE TWO PIECES, EACH ABOUT 18 INCHES LONG AND TWO INCHES WIDE, LO…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 24, 2019

"TAKATA RECALL" AIRBAG. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH MY AIRBAG LIGHT AND YELLOW TRIANGLE LIGHT COMING ON WHILE DRIVING FOR 3 DAYS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING THE AFTERNOON AFTER DEALERSHIP HOURS. 2ND TIME WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I I…

Electrical Faults FireMay 24, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 TOYOTA AVALON. APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER PARKING AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, FLAMES WERE DISCOVERED COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CARPET. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO …

Engine ProblemsApr 28, 2018

MY WIFE'S AVALON HESITATES FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS INTERMITTENTLY DURING ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE YELLOW TRIANGLE LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH BOARD DURING THE HESITATION. I SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE OFTEN AFTER TURNING LEFT AND ACCELERATING. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HER SAFETY WHEN ENTERIN…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 4, 2018

INTERMITTENTLY THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT FROM LOW GEAR. WHEN PLACING THE GEARSHIFT IN THE D POSITION IT WILL INDICATE EITHER D1 AND WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR. ONCE THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP THE INDICATOR WILL BY ITSELF CHANGE TO D AND WILL SHIFT NORMALLY.

Visibility/WiperAug 25, 2017

REAR WINDOW IS DISTORTED. THE DISTORTION APPEARS ESPECIALLY ACUTE WHEN HIGHWAY DRIVING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH AVALONS OVER MORE THAN ONE MODEL YEAR.

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA AVALON. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND AND SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY INTERMITTENTLY. …

VisibilityFeb 16, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, A LOUD BOOM NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF FAILED AND NEEDED…

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Toyota Avalon.

Safety recalls

2016 Toyota Avalon recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Toyota Avalon. 3 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.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER

#16V906000AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER16/12/2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#16V215000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION14/04/2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

#20V024000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE17/01/2020

Across model years

Compare Toyota Avalon model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2016 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2016 Toyota Avalon buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2016 Toyota Avalon reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 23 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 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 2016 Toyota Avalon?β–Ύ

#1: Uncategorized Issues (5 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (4 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (4 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Toyota Avalon?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Toyota Avalon?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Toyota Avalon, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 23 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Toyota Avalon. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER. 3 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 2016 Toyota Avalon?β–Ύ

The 2016 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 Uncategorized Issues 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 2016 Toyota Avalon based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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.