Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Toyota Avalon HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 6 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Most complaints involve air bags (6). The EPA rates it 43–44 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
43–44mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2023
Owner complaints
6
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$1,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: occupant classification

Remedy pending

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Air bagsReported Dec 20, 2023NHTSA 23V865000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2024 – Jan 2025
  1. Air bags6

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

6 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2025Air bagsODI 11638832
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions 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 13, 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 XLE
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
434444$1,350201
Avalon Hybrid
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
434343$1,400203
  • Avalon Hybrid XLE
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    43 city · 44 hwy · $1,350/yr
    44
    mpg comb.
  • Avalon Hybrid
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    43 city · 43 hwy · $1,400/yr
    43
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 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
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 15819
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

2021 Avalon Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 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 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid at 43–44 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026