2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 27, 2025 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Avalon Hybrid years
Not enough data 4th of 10 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. That ranks 4th out of 10 Avalon Hybrid model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (6 complaints, 100%), typically at around 32,043 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags6 · ~32,043 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags6100%32,043——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 5 complaints
2024: 5202452025: 120251

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classificationDec 20, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Air Bags · received Jan 27, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11638832

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…

Air Bags · received Dec 11, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11630065

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 upon starting the vehicle, the SRS warning light was illuminated. Additionally, an…

Air Bags · received Nov 22, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11626835

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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…

Air Bags · received Oct 7, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11618412

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle in the left lane violently merged into the lane in front. In an effort to avoid crashing into the vehicle, the contact merged into the right lane however crashed into the rear driver's side of…

Air Bags · received Jun 4, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11592423

Other Toyota Avalon Hybrid years

← 2020 Avalon Hybrid · 2022 Avalon Hybrid →

See all Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems by year, every Toyota model, or the Toyota VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

Owners most often report air bags problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 6 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Avalon Hybrid model years, the 2021 has too little data to compare, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.