2021 Toyota Avalon Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Toyota Avalon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 21 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Toyota Avalon has 21 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2021 Toyota Avalon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 Toyota Avalon trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Toyota Avalon Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Toyota AVALON 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.5% 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 2021 Toyota Avalon has 21 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Avalon
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 21
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 43
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 43 / 43
- 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 2021 Toyota Avalon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration. 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 2021 Toyota Avalon?
The 2021 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 2021 Toyota Avalon
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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
NHTSA complaint data for the 2021 Toyota Avalon shows a concentration of issues related to airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Other concerns include engine problems, unintended acceleration, and forward collision avoidance system issues. With only 21 complaints and 2 recalls, the data is limited and may not represent the full ownership experience.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most reported component, with 12 complaints.
- Engine problems account for 4 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 3 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
Full breakdown
All 2021 Toyota Avalon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 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 2021 Toyota Avalon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
We have received a recall for the sensors and airbag on our car back in December of 2023. Every time we call the dealership they tell us they can't get a send because the parts are not available. I cannot seem to get any movement with this. I've tried to contacting Toyota corpora…
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 air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local de…
There is no remedy available to fix the OCS sensor in front passenger seat of our 2021 Toyota Avalon. We are scared to drive it. What are our options since Toyota will not help.
My vehicle is under Safety Recall 23V865 (Toyota dealer reference 23TB15) due to potentially defective Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may prevent the airbag from deploying properly. The recall was issued in December 2023, and as of…
Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About t…
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 reca…
SAFETY DEFECT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NOT REMEDIED IN OVER ONE YEAR. TOYOTA IS CLEARLY NOT GOING TO FIX SAFETY PROBLEM AS IT WILL COST MORE TO REMEDY THAN THE COST OF DEATHS AND INJURIES.
I am writing to formally express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the unresolved airbag recall on my 2021 Toyota Avalon. It has now been over a year since this recall was issued, and despite my repeated efforts to resolve the issue, Toyota has yet to provide a viable…
See attached document for complaint.
While driving our 2021 Avalon on a busy interstate,the engine failed on us unexpectantly. This cathostrophic failure without warning startled my finance and ruined xmas holidays. The car was towed to a local Toyota dealership who diagnosed the issue as low oil pressure which prev…
SEATS ARE NOT REGISTERING FOR AIR BAG AND THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT BELT ALARM GOES OFF SAYING TO PUT SEAT BELT ON, BUT NO ONE IS SITTING IN BACK SEAT. SO WHILE I'M DRIVING I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND PLUG SEAT BELT IN TO GET THE SEATBELT WARNING SOUND TO STOP. THE SEATBELT IS NOT REGISTE…
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 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 reaso…
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 reca…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate and stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle drove as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle…
Stopped working with a message ' radar control in not available'
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while diving approximately 50 MPH, the engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the windshield had detached from the frame. The contact stated that the rear doors were failing to clo…
Bridgestone Turanza EL440BW 235 45R18 94V is original equipment on my 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Mileage at the time of the incident was 11398. I saw what appeared to be splitting or separation of the lower depth of the tread. No loss of pressure. I brought it to the Toyota Deal…
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, …
The Rear Cross Traffic Warning signal is installed behind rear head rest, which muffles the alert sound to barely audible, even when setting is on high. Vanandergriff Toyota dealership in Arlington, Tx., verified this information to me after bringing my car in four times for se…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Avalon.
Safety recalls
2021 Toyota Avalon recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Toyota Avalon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 21 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Toyota Avalon?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (12 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Avalon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Avalon?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Toyota Avalon, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 21 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Toyota Avalon. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 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 2021 Toyota Avalon?▾
The 2021 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 Airbag Malfunctions 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 2021 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.