2012 Toyota Avalon
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
20% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN AN 18 WHEELER COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELLING AT 65 MPH. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200306
ANOTHER DRIVER RAND A RED LIGHT AND I (T-BONED HIS PASSENGER SIDE) WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I WAS BREAKING AT THE TIME, BUT STILL IMAGINE I HIT HIM AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE FRONT END CRUMPLED AS EXPECTED BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191018
MY VEHICLES AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I WAS HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181217
17% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2ND COMPLAINT (FIRST COMPLAINT - #10522765) - ON JULY 2, 2013, AROUND 5:20 P.M., MY FOURTH INCIDENT OF BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 5 MILES AND APPLIED BRAKES. BRAKES FAILED AND ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS RACING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130702
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SCOOTER, A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE DOOR AND A WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130502
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014.
Campaign 13V442000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Toyota Avalon vehicles manufactured February 9, 2010, to October 22, 2012.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the audio system amplifier and install a protective cover around the sub-woofer, free of charge. The recall began on July 1,2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 15V047000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota Avalon vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the seat belt assembly to verify that it is properly detecting being unbuckled, replacing the inner seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2018.
Campaign 18V569000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020.
Campaign 20V024000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V442000 (air bags, electrical system, equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V047000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V569000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V024000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota Avalon is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Avalon?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Avalon have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.