The Lemon Index2016 Toyota Avalon.
The 2016 Toyota Avalon is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 31, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 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 25 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Avalon year. 2016 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 12K to 60K miles on the car (19 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- 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.
- airbags 2016
The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect fasteners.
- airbags 2016
The occupant classification system (OCS) that activates or deactivates the front passenger seat air bag system may have been improperly calibrated.
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 281 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- To minimize battery discharge during transportation and storage, the short pin has been removed
- While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its…
- To minimize battery discharge during transportation and storage, the Short Pin has been removed
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
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
Engine hesitates for a few seconds when starting from a stop or a slow speed in city traffic. The dealer said it was a computer learning process and it should go away. Problems has been around since new in 2016.
2016 Toyota Avalon owner · NHTSA complaint 11276855
More owner reports
Transmission slips under normal acceleration bucking vibration very high rpm(4500-5500) jerks not pick up engine power properly .vehicle not accelerating properly
NHTSA complaint 10837276
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 31; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Avalon year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota Avalon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (25%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and body structure (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Avalon have?
3 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 2016 Toyota Avalon get?
24 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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.
Does the 2016 Toyota Avalon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Avalon cost in fuel a year?
About $1600 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Toyota Avalon have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Avalon year is better than the 2016?
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