2017 Toyota Avalon Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2017 Toyota Avalon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 14 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.

201623 years2018

Before you buy

This 2017 Toyota Avalon has 14 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine 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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14
Complaints
2
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Injuries
10
Fatalities
2
Recalls

2017 Toyota Avalon Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2017 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 CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
💰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.

2017 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

✓Stability Control: Standard○Forward Collision Warning: Optional○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 2017 Toyota Avalon has 14 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2017 Toyota Avalon — key reliability facts
Make
Toyota
Model
Avalon
Model year
2017
NHTSA owner complaints
14
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Engine Problems
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
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Common problems

Most common 2017 Toyota Avalon problems

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

#1
6
complaints

Engine Problems

#2
3
complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#3
2
complaints

Electrical Faults

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration, 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 2017 Toyota Avalon?

The 2017 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 2017 Toyota Avalon

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the engine and check for any service history related to engine problems.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components like engine and acceleration system.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the engine and check for any service history related to engine problems.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components like engine and acceleration system.
  • 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 2017 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

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

Based on 14 complaints for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, issues are concentrated in the engine, with 6 complaints, and unintended acceleration, with 3 complaints. Two crash-related incidents were reported. The data suggests potential concerns with the engine and acceleration systems, but the low complaint volume limits confidence.

Key Findings
  • Engine Problems account for 6 of 14 complaints.
  • Unintended Acceleration is the second most reported issue with 3 complaints.
  • Two crash-related complaints were filed.
Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Unintended Acceleration
  • Electrical Faults
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Only 14 complaints for one model year provide a small sample size. Confidence level is Low, so patterns may not be representative.

Full breakdown

All 2017 Toyota Avalon complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Toyota Avalon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems6———
Unintended Acceleration31——
Electrical Faults2———
Airbag Malfunctions2———
Structural Problems1———
Fuel/Propulsion System11——
Brake System1———
Uncategorized Issues1———

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 2017 Toyota Avalon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 14 most recent complaints

Structural ProblemsDec 12, 2022

The torsion springs for the rear trunk are very weak. They have been that way since car was new. I have had multiple occasions where I opened the trunk and had it come down and hit me on the head. This has also happened to my wife.

Electrical FaultsOct 24, 2022

Leaving a parking lot, the car jumped out of gear. Thought maybe I had bumped the gear selector but attempts at putting the car in gear resulted in grinding noises and the only option was to put it in PARK. Check engine light came on. Mechanic diagnosed a speed sensor. Had thi…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 4, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPA…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 24, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS). THE NHTSA HOTLINE WAS CONTACTED AND AN INQUIRY WAS MADE IN REGARD TO THE STATUS OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE …

Engine ProblemsJul 20, 2019

TOYOTA'S FAILURE TO INSTALL AN AUTO-STOP CAUSED THE CARBON-MONOXIDE POISONING OF TWO (MORE) PEOPLE, MANY DOZENS OF SUCH DEATHS REPORTED. (DETAIL: THEY HAD LIKELY STOPPED THE ENGINE, BUT THE WIRELESS FOB CAN RE-START; AND THIS MODEL HAS AN AUTO STOP/START FUNCTION THAT CAN ALSO LE…

Fuel/Propulsion System CrashJun 20, 2019

I WAS PULLING OUT OF A CHURCH PARKING SPOT VERY SLOWLY. ONCE OUT OF THE SPOT I STOPPED AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED AS IF IT SHIFTED INTO CURSE CONTROL. WE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET BEFORE HITTING A TREE. IT ALL HAPPENED SO SUDDENLY THAT THERE WAS NOTHING I …

Engine ProblemsJun 14, 2019

TOYOTA AVALON FAILS TO HAVE AN IGNITION AUTO SHUT OFF WHICH LED TO DEATH OF TWO INDIVIDUALS. THIS DESIGN FLAW DID NOT PREVENT THE CAR FROM IDLING INDEFINITELY AND FILLING THE HOUSE WITH CARBON MONOXIDE' A TOXIC FATAL GAS. THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE PROPER EXTERNAL WARNINGS LIKE A H…

Engine ProblemsJun 14, 2019

TOYOTA'S FAILURE TO INSTALL AN ENGINE AUTO STOP CAUSED THE CARBON MONOXIDE DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE. FAILURE TO HAVE PROPER OUTSIDE WARNINGS LIKE A HONK TO WARN THE OPERATOR NOT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE CAR LED TO THESE DEATHS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A GARAGE. PEOPLE WERE INSIDE…

Engine ProblemsJun 14, 2019

TOYOTA'S FAILURE TO INSTALL AN ENGINE AUTO STOP CAUSED THE CARBON MONOXIDE DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE. FAILURE TO HAVE PROPER OUTSIDE WARNINGS LIKE A HONK TO WARN THE OPERATOR NOT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE CAR LED TO THIS DEATH.

Engine ProblemsJun 14, 2019

TOYOTA'S FAILURE TO INSTALL AN ENGINE AUTO STOP CAUSED THE CARBON MONOXIDE DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE. CAR WAS STATIONARY. FAILURE TO HAVE PROPER OUTSIDE WARNINGS LIKE A HONK TO WARN THE OPERATOR NOT TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE CAR LED TO THIS DEATH.

Unintended Acceleration CrashJun 13, 2018

I REPORTED NOISE WHEN I MADE TURNS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I BOUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED OF THE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CHECK ALL COMPONENTS OF THE CAR AND CHANGE THE OIL AND ROTATE THE TIRES. THIS WAS AT 19,611 MILES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE POWER STEERING…

Electrical FaultsJan 10, 2018

FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE (08/14/2017) I NOTICED A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE ANALOG SPEEDOMETER AND THE CENTER DIGITAL DISPLAY OF THE SPEED (MPH). CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED. HE ADVISED THERE IS NO FIX. I NOTED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM…

Brake SystemSep 23, 2017

2017 TOYOTA BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED BY TOYOTA. ASKED MY DEALER ABOUT THIS AND THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ANSWER. PLEASE REFER TO THE TOYOTA OWNERS WEBSITE IT HAS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE.

Uncategorized IssuesMay 23, 2017

SCOUT NAVIGATION SYSTEM WORKS WITH MY ANDROID PHONE. WHEN THE PHONE ENTERS TIME-OUT MODE, THE NAVIGATION ON THE VEHICLE IS FROZEN. TO RESTORE SERVICE, THE DRIVER HAS TO PICK UP THE DEVICE AND SWIPE THE SCREEN IN ORDER TO RE-ESTABLISH THE SCOUT APPLICATION. REMOVING YOUR EYES FROM…

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Avalon.

Safety recalls

2017 Toyota Avalon recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Toyota Avalon. 2 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: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

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

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

#17V295000TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIREFeb 5, 2017

Across model years

Compare Toyota Avalon model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2017 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

20222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

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

All Toyota reliability statsSafest car brandsBest value carsMost accident-prone carsVIN check by stateAll vehicle stats

Questions

2017 Toyota Avalon buying FAQ

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

Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon reliable?▾

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 14 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

#1: Engine Problems (6 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (3 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (2 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

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

How safe is the 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Toyota Avalon, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 14 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2017 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?▾

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Toyota Avalon. A major recall area is AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. 2 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 2017 Toyota Avalon?▾

The 2017 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 Engine 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 2017 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.