MODEL
Toyota Avalon Safety
NHTSA safety across every Toyota Avalon model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Toyota Avalon we cover (2019 to 2022), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 84. 9 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size front-wheel-drive sedan aimed squarely at buyers who want a premium, spacious alternative to luxury-brand nameplates without crossing into luxury-brand pricing. Spanning the 2019 through 2022 model years in our coverage window, it sits at the top of Toyota's passenger-car lineup and competes against sedans like the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300, appealing to comfort-focused drivers who still expect a credible safety story.
The 2022 Toyota Avalon achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 90 out of 100. This strong performance anchors its position as a genuinely safe choice. Buyers will note the side-impact rating of 5 out of 5 stars, a perfect score for that test. Frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 out of 5 stars. While not the highest possible mark, these scores do not signal a significant concern. Across the 2019-2022 model years, the Toyota Avalon was subject to 9 recalls. Prospective owners, especially of pre-owned vehicles, should verify the status of these recalls through NHTSA's owner portal. Owner complaints for this generation total 105. These unverified reports include 7 alleged crashes, 6 alleged injuries, and 1 alleged death. MotorCaliber provides these figures as part of a complete safety overview. The 2022 model year stands as the safest option within this generation. Always confirm that all recall work has been completed before purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Avalon as one of the more refined and composed entries in the full-size sedan segment, praising its comfortable ride and well-appointed cabin. Most consider it a strong value relative to near-luxury alternatives. Handling and driver engagement receive more mixed assessments, with some reviewers noting the experience prioritizes serenity over sportiness.
- The 2022 model year earns the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this generation at 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - if you are shopping used, prioritizing a 2022 example gives you the strongest federal safety score in the lineup.
- Side-impact protection is the standout crash-test result, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars across the covered years, while frontal and rollover ratings hold at a solid but not perfect 4 out of 5 stars each.
- Nine recalls were issued across the 2019-2022 model years. Before purchasing any used Avalon, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov to confirm all outstanding safety campaigns have been performed.
- The 105 owner complaints on file include unverified allegations of 7 crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death. These are self-reported and unverified, but shoppers should review the specific complaint descriptions on NHTSA's database to understand which systems or conditions are most frequently cited.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Toyota Avalon with 4 recalls.