Avalon (XX20)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Toyota Avalon Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2GR-FE
3.5L 6-cyl / 268 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Toyota Avalon regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 AVALON VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF THE STEERING LOCK BAR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A MINUTE CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON THE SURFACE OF THE LOCK BAR. SUCH A CRACK MAY EXPAND OVER A LONG PERIOD OF REPEATED LOCK AND UNLOCK OPERATIONS, AND EVENTUALLY THE LOCK BAR COULD BREAK.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT, THE REAR AXLE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE STRENGTH IN SOME AREAS.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon problems?
The 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon has accumulated 929 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Steering, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Toyota Avalon engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon a good used car?
The 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 929 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon have?
The 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon has 929 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Avalon?
Before buying a used Toyota Avalon, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Steering, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Avalon have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 929 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.