Is the Toyota Avalon reliable?
50% of the 28 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 55/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
28
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections55/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10050%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%Across 28 used Toyota Avalons we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 55/100 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
61%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
46%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
39%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
39%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
39%
Share of inspected Toyota Avalons where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 7%
Good 43%
Mediocre 21%
Poor 29%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
86%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
29%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Toyota
RAV4
54 cars · 79% good
Prius
61 cars · 67% good
Tacoma
47 cars · 64% good
Highlander
40 cars · 63% good
Corolla
110 cars · 61% good
Tundra
49 cars · 57% good
Sienna
48 cars · 56% good
Camry
105 cars · 53% good
4Runner
68 cars · 47% good
Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.
Straight from recent Toyota Avalon reports
2000 Toyota Avalon · 109k mi — flagged: oil leaks, battery condition, fuel trim out of range. Inspected Sep 2.
2017 Toyota Avalon · 112k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fuel trim out of range, sway bars. Inspected Aug 16.
The bottom line
Standing in front of an Avalon, do not let the paint job distract you. Eighty-six percent have a repainted panel, so make the engine the decision. Oil leaks show up on 61 percent of them, frequently paired with fuel-trim problems and live error codes, so get under the hood, look for wetness, and scan before you talk money. Check the hydraulic steering for leaks and the tires for wear right after. Structural repairs are not the issue here, but a respray plus a messy engine or recently cleared codes is your cue to negotiate hard or walk away.
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 (61%), fuel trim out of range (46%), tires condition & wear (39%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 29% 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 28 inspections · updated Sep 11, 2026
