The Lemon Index2013 Toyota Avalon.
The 2013 Toyota Avalon is about average by owner complaints: 95 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 110, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 24 to 40 mpg combined. The best Toyota Avalon year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 160 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Avalon year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 55K miles on the car (95 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 0K–7K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 1K–82K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2020
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.
- automatic emergency braking 2015
The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment.
- visibility 2013
In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit.
Show all 4 recalls
- electrical 2013
In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 511 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2013 Avalon vehicles are equipped with 2 front and 2 rear torque box holes located in the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenBrake actuator valve wear2023
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
- ClosedBrake actuator valve wear2019–2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Avalon 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Avalon Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1600–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The headliner is falling in my car. I have waited a month to get the problem fixed yet it has not been fixed. The back of my chair is also falling.
2013 Toyota Avalon owner · NHTSA complaint 10535698
More owner reports
While pulling into a head on parking place; suddenly the car accelerated, jumped the curb, crossed the sidewalk and the front wheels went a foot or so into the grass. Applied the brakes and the car stopped.
NHTSA complaint 10547120
While parking my car, the motor suddenly accelerated without the accelerator pedal having been depressed. The car surged forward and even after the brake was applied the engine continued to accelerate for several seconds.
NHTSA complaint 10846454
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Toyota Avalon reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 110; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Avalon year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2013 Toyota Avalon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (23%), speed control (18%) and visibility (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Avalon have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota Avalon get?
24 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Toyota Avalon safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Avalon problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,500 and 55,000 miles. The middle report was at 20,000 miles, from 95 complaints.
Does the 2013 Toyota Avalon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Toyota Avalon cost in fuel a year?
About $1600 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Toyota Avalon have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Avalon year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works