Research · Midsize Cars

2014 Toyota AvalonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 96 owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Avalon. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (18) and structure (12). The EPA rates it 24–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
24–25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Jan 2020
Owner complaints
96
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 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

Suspension: lower arm

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Camry, Camry HV, Avalon, and Avalon HV vehicles equipped with 16-inch and 17-inch rims. In the affected vehicles, the left-side front suspension lower arm may have been incorrectly manufactured. As a result, the left side lower arm may not have enough clamping surface area for one of the bolts that secures the lower arm to the lower ball joint.

SuspensionReported Nov 7, 2014NHTSA 14V715000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

96 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2014 – Aug 2025
  1. Forward collision avoidance18
  2. Structure12
  3. Electrical system11
  4. Visibility/wiper9
  5. Air bags7
  6. Service brakes6
  7. Steering6
  8. Fuel/propulsion system6
  9. Vehicle speed control5

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996113
1997128
1998186
199994
2000183
2001139
2002142
2003305
2004205
2005228
2006360
2007243
2008349
200991
201046
2011106
201230
2013160
201496
201554
201623
201714
201824
201971
202011
202121
20228
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

18 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

12 reports1 crash
“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

11 reports1 fire
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to AAA Auto Repair facility and the contact was informed that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase the vehicle mileage was 93,326, and after AAA retrieved the Carfax Report, it was discovered that the mileage was 362,712.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2025Electrical systemODI 11683520
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (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 8, 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
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
213025$2,500361
Avalon
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, 3-mode (Power/Normal/Eco) Transmission · Front-Wheel Drive
213024$2,600365
  • Avalon
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Avalon
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, 3-mode (Power/Normal/Eco) Transmission
    21 city · 30 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 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 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 8, 2026Vehicle 8575
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 questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Toyota Avalon have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 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 problems?

Owners filed 96 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (18), structure (12), electrical system (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Toyota Avalon get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Toyota Avalon at 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Toyota Avalon?

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

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026