The 2016 Toyota Avalon is associated with 25 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Other / Uncategorized, accounting for 4 reports (16% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 3.5l 6-cyl and 2.5L 4-Cyl hybrid configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 24 to 40 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 25 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Other / Uncategorized (4 / 16%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 2 crash / 1 fire / 2 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 24–40 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Avalon | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 30 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Avalon Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 40 MPG | 39 MPG | 40 MPG | — | $1,550 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 10.7% |
| HYBRID 4 DR FWD | | | | | 10.7% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Toyota Avalon models.
View complete 2016 Toyota Avalon crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Toyota Avalon problems & component breakdown (17 categories) →
Affected Component: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Defect Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Defect Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The front drive shaft may separate.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the serial number of the vehicle's drive shaft, replacing any that are affected, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0M.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Defect Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect fasteners.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fasteners, and if necessary, replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket and reattach the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G05.
View all 2016 Toyota Avalon recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →