1996 Toyota Avalon
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 80 |
| 1996 | 109 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 178 |
| 1999 | 92 |
| 2000 | 173 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 293 |
| 2004 | 205 |
| 2005 | 228 |
| 2006 | 359 |
| 2007 | 242 |
| 2008 | 349 |
| 2009 | 91 |
| 2010 | 44 |
| 2011 | 106 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 137 |
| 2014 | 96 |
| 2015 | 40 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 66 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE PULLING UP TO A CURB, THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP, BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091109
DRIVING INTO PARKING LOT; STARTED TO TURN VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED SUDDENLY & HIT POST IN FRONT OF STORE; BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970314
AFTER RECEIVING A JUMP, I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, THE GAS PEDAL SEEMED TO STICK. THEN WHEN DRIVING THE SPEED BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130303
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970527
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
ENGINE SEIZURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Toyota Avalon is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Toyota Avalon?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota Avalon have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.