2021 Toyota Avalon: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. Few owner complaints for this year.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2021 Toyota Avalon
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2021 Toyota Avalon recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Airbags
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Details 23V865000
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.
Fix: 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.
- Airbags
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Details 20V734000
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."
Fix: 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.
2021 Toyota Avalon safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Cooling: Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience.
- Engine: The specific condition covered by this program is for a small engine coolant leak that can occur from the flow shut-off valve that can allow coolant to drip on other parts of the vehicle.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2021 Toyota Avalon safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
21 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is few.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2021 Toyota Avalon is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $22,900 |
| 120,000 mi | $21,600 |
Other Toyota Avalon years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator