The Lemon Index2017 Toyota Avalon.
The 2017 Toyota Avalon is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 12 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 30, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 24 to 40 mpg combined. It's the best Toyota Avalon year we track.
One of the most reliable. 3.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2008
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 14 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Avalon year. 2017 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 1K to 17K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- 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.
- tires 2017
The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
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 221 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
- SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- 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
Toyota's failure to install an engine auto stop caused the carbon monoxide death of two people. Failure to have proper outside warnings like a honk to warn the operator not to remove the key from the car led to this death.
2017 Toyota Avalon owner · NHTSA complaint 11220211
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 30; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2017 Toyota Avalon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (42%), speed control (17%) and airbags (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Avalon have?
2 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 2017 Toyota Avalon get?
24 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Toyota Avalon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Toyota Avalon cost in fuel a year?
About $1600 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Toyota Avalon have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
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