repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
2021 Toyota AvalonProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2021 Toyota Avalon, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-865 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Toyota Avalon has problems
21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Air bags
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
3Vehicle speed control
2Forward collision avoidance
2Service brakes
1Electrical system
1Tires
1Back over prevention
1Seat belts
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 12 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 Toyota Avalon recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Air bags: frontal
Risk. In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Avalon year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Avalon median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Toyota Avalon safety ratings
2021 Toyota AVALON 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Avalon owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
We have received a recall for the sensors and airbag on our car back in December of 2023. Every time we call the dealership they tell us they can't get a send because the parts are not available. I cannot seem to get any movement with this. I've tried to contacting Toyota corporate but their…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. 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 air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted.…
There is no remedy available to fix the OCS sensor in front passenger seat of our 2021 Toyota Avalon. We are scared to drive it. What are our options since Toyota will not help.
Own a 2021 Avalon?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.