What years of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2013, 2014, and 2015 as the Avalon Hybrid years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 88, and 75 respectively — the three highest in the model's history.

Is the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid reliable?

The 2013 model has the highest complaint index (100) among all Avalon Hybrid years, with 23 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries, and its top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras.

Does the Toyota Avalon Hybrid have airbag recalls?

Yes. A recall campaign (20V024000) covers 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles for an airbag electronic control unit issue that can affect deployment during certain crashes.

Which Toyota Avalon Hybrid year is best?

No year is marked as a best year in this data, but 2016 through 2020 show much lower complaint index values (13 to 50) and far fewer complaints than 2013-2015.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid a caution year?

Yes. 2021 is marked as a Caution year with a complaint index of 63, 6 complaints, and 1 crash, with Airbags as the top problem area.

Toyota Avalon Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2013–2021)

Toyota Avalon Hybrid years to avoid are 2013, 2014, and 2015, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 88, and 75 (the highest in the lineup). No year is flagged as best, but 2016-2020 show far fewer complaints and lower complaint index values.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Avoid 2015

Model years: 9; 2013–2021
NHTSA complaints: 63
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Engine

Avalon Hybrid Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	100	23	4	0	3	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	40	5★
2014	Avoid	88	18	1	1	2	Engine	40	5★
2015	Avoid	75	12	1	0	2	Brakes	40	5★
2016	No verdict	50	2	0	0	2	Steering	40	5★
2017	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	40	5★
2018	No verdict	25	1	0	0	1	Electrical System	40	5★
2019	No verdict	38	1	0	0	3	Fuel System	43.5	5★
2020	No verdict	13	0	0	0	3	—	43.5	5★
2021	Caution	63	6	1	0	1	Airbags	43.5	5★

Avalon Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Index 100 · 23 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2013 Avalon Hybrid has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in the lineup, with 23 complaints, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries reported. Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Structure & Body issues each made up 22% of complaints, followed by Engine problems at 17% and Airbags at 13%. Owners reported unintended acceleration incidents and airbags failing to deploy in crashes. The median mileage at failure for Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues was 18,537 miles. The year carries 3 recall campaigns covering airbag control units, pre-collision system components, and wiper switches.

2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Index 88 · 18 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2014 model has a complaint index of 88, with 18 complaints, 1 crash, and 1 fire reported. Engine problems led complaint categories at 22%, followed by Electrical System, Structure & Body, and Suspension/Wheels/Tires each at 17%. Owners reported a fire linked to smoke from under the hood near 16,000 miles, tire tread wear exposing wire at 30,579 miles, and a warm/cold center console malfunction. Two recall campaigns apply, covering airbag control units and pre-collision system components.

2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Index 75 · 12 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2015 Avalon Hybrid has a complaint index of 75, with 12 complaints and 1 crash reported. Brakes dominate the complaint mix at 50% of reports, with a median mileage at failure of 19,000 miles for that category. Owners described airbags failing to deploy in a broadside collision, a sunroof that shattered while driving, and the hybrid powertrain switching abruptly between electric and gas operation causing jerking. Two recall campaigns cover airbag control units and pre-collision system components.

Most common Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine11 (17%)
Airbags10 (16%)
Other10 (16%)
Electrical System9 (14%)
Brakes8 (13%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (13%)
Structure & Body8 (13%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (6%)
Fuel System3 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2013, 2014, and 2015 as the Avalon Hybrid years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 88, and 75 respectively — the three highest in the model's history.
Is the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid reliable?: The 2013 model has the highest complaint index (100) among all Avalon Hybrid years, with 23 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, and 3 injuries, and its top problem area is Collision Avoidance & Cameras.
Does the Toyota Avalon Hybrid have airbag recalls?: Yes. A recall campaign (20V024000) covers 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles for an airbag electronic control unit issue that can affect deployment during certain crashes.
Which Toyota Avalon Hybrid year is best?: No year is marked as a best year in this data, but 2016 through 2020 show much lower complaint index values (13 to 50) and far fewer complaints than 2013-2015.
Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid a caution year?: Yes. 2021 is marked as a Caution year with a complaint index of 63, 6 complaints, and 1 crash, with Airbags as the top problem area.