Research · Midsize Cars

2015 Toyota Avalon HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 50 owner complaints for the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Most complaints involve service brakes (14) and forward collision avoidance (9). 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
50
Top: service brakes
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 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

50 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2015 – May 2025
  1. Service brakes14
  2. Forward collision avoidance9
  3. Air bags8
  4. Vehicle speed control7
  5. Electrical system6
  6. Engine4
  7. Tires3
  8. Structure3
  9. Fuel/propulsion system3

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
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

14 reports3 crashes
“While driving the pre-collision system (PCS) turns on unexpectedly, without any warning lights or sounds, and applies the brakes. This happens when I am driving in traffic with plenty of space between the car in front of me. I typically drive between 3-6 seconds behind the car in front of me to allow for at least 300 feet in space when driving at highway speeds. Despite leaving plenty of room for cars in front of me, on multiple occasions the car has started braking abruptly while going anywhere between 50, 40, 30, or 20 miles per hour. This can be verified for inspection upon request. Despite there being a recall for my specific year, make, and model car (2015 Toyota Avalon) for this exact issue my VIN number is not covered. Toyota is requiring me to pay out of pocket for them to 1) determine if its malfunctioning and 2) replace the system, which is a huge conflict of interest. Even though the Driver's Manual says that I can disable the PCS by clicking on the PCS on/off button within the driver's glovebox, there is no such button, only a blank button cover. Not having the ability to disable the PCS system, or worse, allowing it to continue braking while I'm…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 25, 2023Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11518883

Forward collision avoidance

9 reports
“05/04/2025 First of all, we love our Avalon. However, for the last 6 months or so, water is getting in the car and ends up soaking the carpet on the left front floorboard carpet. We have checked everything we can think of to find the source of the leak but was uneasily. We had to have some scratches fixed and took the car to a body shop to see if they could find the source of the leak. They sprayed water on the sunroof for about an hour but no water leaked inside. We have also taken the car to the local Toyota Dealership (Sheehy Toyota in the Fredericksburg area, they could not find the source of the leak. It rained here (Fredericksburg, VA last night and the left front floorboard was soaked. I need help finding the source of the leak(s) so we can continue enjoying our Avalon. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] Phone number [XXX] (cell phone)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2025Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11658794

Air bags

8 reports5 crashes
“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2023Air bags, Service brakesODI 11510448
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 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 12, 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 12, 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 12, 2026Vehicle 9120
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

2015 Avalon Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (14), forward collision avoidance (9), air bags (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026