The 2017 Toyota Avalon is associated with 14 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 5 reports (36% 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: 14 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (5 / 36%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 2 crash / 0 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 2017 Toyota Avalon models.
View complete 2017 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 2017 Toyota Avalon problems & component breakdown (9 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: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Defect Summary: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
View all 2017 Toyota Avalon recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →