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: 56%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: 24%
More on Toyota
RAV4
54 cars · 79% good
Prius
61 cars · 67% good
Tacoma
52 cars · 65% good
Highlander
41 cars · 64% good
Corolla
113 cars · 61% good
Sienna
48 cars · 56% good
Tundra
56 cars · 55% good
Camry
110 cars · 53% good
4Runner
70 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
Most Avalons coming through look better than they are. Eighty-six percent have a repainted panel, but none of them had structural repairs, so treat the shine as ordinary bodywork and check gaps, overspray, and color yourself. Then ignore the paint and get under the hood: oil leaks dominate, fuel trim is often wrong, and steering leaks plus live error codes are common. Wet engine or a scanner full of codes means walk or crush the price. Tires are frequently worn too. Only buy if the engine is dry and the paint checks out honestly.
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 Oct 2, 2026
