Is the Toyota Avalon reliable?
50% of the 26 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 56/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
26
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections56/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10050%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 26 used Toyota Avalons we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 56/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
58%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
42%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
42%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
38%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
38%
Share of inspected Toyota Avalons where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 8%
Good 42%
Mediocre 23%
Poor 27%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
85%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
31%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Toyota
RAV4
52 cars · 79% good
Prius
60 cars · 67% good
Highlander
38 cars · 63% good
Tacoma
44 cars · 61% good
Corolla
106 cars · 60% good
Sienna
48 cars · 56% good
Tundra
48 cars · 56% good
Camry
98 cars · 53% good
4Runner
65 cars · 47% good
Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.
Straight from recent Toyota Avalon reports
2016 Toyota Avalon · 74k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fault codes recently cleared, worn brake rotors. Inspected Jul 7.
2013 Toyota Avalon · 175k mi — flagged: oil leaks, signs of recent repair, fault codes recently cleared. Inspected Jun 12.
The bottom line
The Avalon story here is cosmetic patch-ups hiding engine wear. With 85% showing repainted panels, assume bodywork history and inspect every panel closely yourself rather than trusting the shine. Start any check with the engine—oil leaks and out-of-range fuel trim dominate—then run a full electronics scan for active codes, because those stack up quickly into expensive fixes. Steering fluid leaks and tire wear come right after. Nothing reaches excellent shape, so treat every example as a project car: negotiate hard to cover the work ahead or walk if the inspection turns up more than surface issues.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Toyota Avalon?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (58%), active error codes (42%), fuel trim out of range (42%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 31% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Toyota Avalon? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 26 inspections · updated Aug 2, 2026
