Toyota Avalon common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Toyota Avalon is known for (2012–2014), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Toyota Avalon
Fuel pump failure causing stalling
Safety risk
2013–2020 · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Drive it, restart it fully hot, and feel for rough idle, hesitation or stalling, and ask for the fuel pump recall record.
Why it matters: Both the US and Australian recall documents describe a fuel pump that may stop operating, with warning lights, rough running, stalling and a possible failure to restart. A car that stalls on a test drive with a retail customer aboard costs you the sale, and the campaign fix is free at a Toyota dealer if the VIN is covered.
What to look for: Check the airbag warning light comes on at key-on and then goes out, and ask for the airbag recall record.
Why it matters: Toyota's recall states that during certain crashes the airbag electronic control unit may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners. The remedy is a dealer inspection of the ECU and a noise filter fitted between the airbag control module and its wire harness at no charge, so an open campaign on a car you are buying is a cost-free fix you should book before you…
What to look for: Check water drips under the front after running the air con, and feel under the front carpet edges for damp.
Why it matters: Toyota's recall describes a clogged A/C condenser drain hose letting water accumulate in the condenser unit housing and leak through a seam onto the airbag control module, potentially shorting it. NHTSA records the consequence as airbags becoming disabled or deploying inadvertently, and power steering assist becoming inoperable.
What to look for: Check every wiper speed, each intermittent step, the washer and rear wiper work at the right speed with the screen wet.
Why it matters: Toyota recalled these because the windscreen wiper switch assembly may short circuit, which NHTSA records as a non-conformance with the US windscreen wiping standard; the remedy is a free switch replacement. Wipers that do not work across all settings are a warrant of fitness item, so this becomes your cost between purchase and retail.
Got a question about a Toyota Avalon? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.