2021 Toyota Avalon problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Avalon, filed between 2021-01-22 and 2026-04-09. The most common problem areas are the air bags (18, 67%), engine (4, 15%) and vehicle speed control (3, 11%). Owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Toyota Avalon complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 18 | 67% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 15% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 18 complaints
- 18 complaints of 27 (67%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Toyota Avalon; the latest, campaign 23V865000, says: “A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.”
Engine: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 27 (15%) name the engine.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Avalon covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 27 (11%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 2 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Avalon covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 2 complaints
- 2 complaints of 27 (7%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 2 of them also name the vehicle speed control; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Avalon covers this system.
Service brakes: 2 complaints
- 2 complaints of 27 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Avalon covers this system.
Back over prevention: 1 complaint
- 1 complaint of 27 (4%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Avalon covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 1 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names AVALON, AVALON HYBRID, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Toyota Avalon recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Toyota Avalon's most common problem areas are the air bags (18 of 27 complaints), engine (4 of 27 complaints) and vehicle speed control (3 of 27 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Avalon, including 2 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota Avalon's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Avalon; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.