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2021 Toyota Avalon problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Toyota Avalon is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Avalon model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
21
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
17010 warranty
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
25-44mpg

The worst 2021 Toyota Avalon problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    12
  • Engine
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Brakes
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    12
  • Engine
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

Air bags: sensor: occupant classificationReported December 20, 2023 · 999,901 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Recall number 23V865000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported November 25, 2020 · 161 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

Recall number 20V734000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Avalon

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Toyota Avalon 170

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 170 bulletins for the 2021 Toyota Avalon

2021 Toyota Avalon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cyl HybridFWD4343-4443-44
2.5L 4‑cylAWD253428
3.5L 6‑cylFWD21-2230-3225-26

What 2021 Toyota Avalon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Airbags · UT

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 corporate but their website leaves much to be desired to contact anybody about this. So I am here asking for you to help me. I think waiting for over 2 years for a safety recall is beyond reasonable. We need to find some remedies.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Airbags · UT

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Airbags · CO

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.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Airbags · CA

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 August 2025, there is still no available remedy. Toyota originally estimated a fix by Q3 of 2024, but it is now overdue. This unresolved issue puts passenger safety at risk in the event of a crash. I have contacted dealerships and checked for updates, but no solution has been provided. I believe this delay is unacceptable for a critical safety defect and request the federal safety agency to investigate the remedy timeline and pressure Toyota to provide a fix or alternative solution.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · IN

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 to spend a total of 400.00

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Airbags · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 8, 2025 · Airbags · DC

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.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Airbags · TN

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 solution. This delay has left me feeling unsafe, not only for myself but also for my [XXX] and [XXX] children. The safety of my family is at risk, and I can no longer accept this situation. For more than a year, I have been forced to use a loaner vehicle, which is both financially draining and time-consuming. This has caused significant disruptions in my personal and professional life, taking time away from my work and family. It is unacceptable that I have had to continue using a loaner vehicle for this extended period, especially when the issue remains unresolved. Furthermore, my attempts to resolve this matter with Toyota have been met with rude and unhelpful responses from your service agencies. The lack of support and professionalism has only intensified my frustration. Given that it has been over a year without any solution, I no longer find it acceptable to simply wait for a fix that may or may not come in a timely manner. At this point, I am requesting that my 2021 Toyota Avalon be replaced immediately. The ongoing delay and lack of resolution have made it clear that repairing the vehicle is no longer a satisfactory solution. The safety of my family is my top priority, and I demand a prompt and appropriate resolution to this matter. Please consider this an urgent request for action. I expect a response and a clear plan of action within the next [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 5 business days]. If this matter is not resolved, I will be forced to explore further actions, including seeking legal counsel. Thank you for your immediate attention to this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Airbags · VA

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Engine · MO

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 prevented oil reaching the top engine ultimately collapsing the rocker arm. Oddly enough the technician shared it was not low on oil nor were there any signs of le. We were informed the engine must be replaced. We purchased the vehicle with 56K and just hit 69K. We've been responsible with routine maintenance and have service reports to support services performed from the original owner and us. When contacting Toyota to report the issue, the advocates and resolution team did not offer any service campaigns or good will programs to cover any out of pocket expenses. They acted as if we should hold the dealership who sold us the car liable ignoring any possibility of a defective engine. There is NO good reason why any engine with only 69k miles should fail this sudden. There are similar reports of class action suits currently against Toyota on other engines and they ignore all accounts of owning any portion of the repair due to the car not being sold from a Toyota dealership and being over the 60k power train warranty. Regardless of the warranty the manufacturer name is on the vehicle and all accounts of this issue are indicators of a defect. Our voices may have not be strong enough for them to make us whole at this moment. Not only was this a dangerous situation for my family, but the expenses to replace the engine in such a short time is ridiculous. A company with such a high reputation not to mention high revenue and EBITA should not ignore the voice of the customer. My hope is other customers unite and voice any similar concern similar to ours. This experience has changed my mind how much I value Toyota.There are core principles & expectations car manufacturers should stand by.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Toyota Avalon before you buy

Compare the 2021 Toyota Avalon

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2021 Toyota Avalon

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon reliable?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2021 Toyota Avalon, fewer than a typical Avalon model year.

What is the 2021 Toyota Avalon year score?

The 2021 Toyota Avalon scores 92 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Avalon: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota Avalon?

Airbags, with 12 complaints. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?

2 recalls, covering air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Toyota Avalon airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 23V865000, 20V734000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Avalon have bad airbags?

The Toyota Avalon model years with the most airbags complaints are 2003 (184 complaints), 2004 (127 complaints) and 2002 (35 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Avalon get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Toyota Avalon range from 25 to 44 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 43 city and 43-44 highway.

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