2017 Toyota Avalon Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2017 Toyota Avalon has a complaint index of 47, ranking 10th out of 18 model years, and earns a Good verdict relative to other Avalon years. It carries 14 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #10 of 18 Avalon years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 10
Top 2017 Toyota Avalon problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (57%)
- Airbags2 (14%)
- Electrical System2 (14%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Fuel System1 (7%)
- Other1 (7%)
- Structure & Body1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe a power steering noise heard when turning left or right, first noticed around 19,611 miles.
- Some report the car unexpectedly lurching forward as if cruise control engaged, in one case causing a crash into a tree at low speed.
- Drivers say the brake assist system failed to activate as expected, with dealers unable to explain the issue.
- Multiple complaints describe carbon monoxide buildup in an attached garage after the engine kept idling with no auto shut-off and no audible warning that the key had been removed.
- Owners note delays getting the Takata airbag recall part, with some saying replacement parts were unavailable for an extended period.
- One owner reported the car jumping out of gear with grinding noises and a check engine light, tied to a speed sensor issue.
- Another described weak trunk torsion springs that let the trunk lid drop unexpectedly.
2017 Toyota Avalon recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V024000Jan 17, 2020Airbags2,891,976 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
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.
- NHTSA 17V295000May 2, 2017Suspension, Wheels & Tires409 vehicles
Tires:temporary/emergency spare tire
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.
Risk: A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2017 Toyota Avalon fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 Avalon a complaint index of 47 and a Good verdict, ranking 10th out of 18 model years for the Avalon. It has fewer reported problems than many older Avalon years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
- Engine issues make up 57% of complaints (8 of 14), including reports of unusual noises and carbon monoxide concerns tied to the lack of an auto engine shut-off. Airbags and electrical system complaints each account for 14%.
- Does the 2017 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Avalon: a Takata airbag control unit recall (20V024000) and a spare tire pressure recall (17V295000) issued by Gulf States Toyota. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2017 Avalon compare to other Avalon years?
- The 2017 model's complaint index of 47 is much lower than 2005-2008 models, which scored between 82 and 100 and are rated Avoid. However, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Avalons score lower and earn a Best verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
- The 2017 Avalon gets 24 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 according to EPA data.