Research · Midsize Cars

2014 Toyota Avalon HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 113 owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (20) and structure (14). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
40mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jan 2020
Owner complaints
113
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$1,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: air bag

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. 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.

Air bagsReported Jan 17, 2020NHTSA 20V024000

Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.

Forward collision avoidanceReported Nov 3, 2015NHTSA 15V728000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 14, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

113 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2014 – Nov 2024
  1. Forward collision avoidance20
  2. Structure14
  3. Electrical system12
  4. Visibility/wiper9
  5. Vehicle speed control8
  6. Air bags7
  7. Service brakes6
  8. Steering6
  9. Seats6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Avalon Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2013135
2014113
201550
201624
201714
20181
20191
20216
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
11
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 14, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

20 reports
“The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH for 20 miles, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was parked and then towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,917.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2023Forward collision avoidance, SteeringODI 11518025

Structure

14 reports2 crashes
“Dash board is melting which causes it to get shiny which causes it to reflect onto the windshield. This reflection makes it very difficult to see other vehicles, road lines, and traffic direction sighns.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2023Structure, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11510757

Electrical system

12 reports2 fires
“PRE COLLOSION SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE A COMPUTER IN THE SYSTEM AT A COST OF OVER $1000. WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY OR MY EXTENDED WARRANTY.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2019Electrical systemODI 11267586
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Avalon Hybrid
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
403940$1,500223
  • Avalon Hybrid
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    40 city · 39 hwy · $1,500/yr
    40
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Toyota Avalon HYBRID 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 14, 2026Vehicle 8576
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2014 Avalon Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 14, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (20), structure (14), electrical system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 14, 2026