MODEL
Toyota Avalon
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.
MotorCaliber rates the 2019-2022 Toyota Avalon as a genuinely strong safety performer, anchored by a best NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 for the 2022 model year - a score that lands in our Exceptional band. Crash-test geometry tells a nuanced story: the side-impact rating is a clean 5 out of 5 stars, which is the kind of number that should reassure buyers, while frontal and rollover protection each come in at 4 out of 5 stars. Neither is a red flag, but shoppers who prioritize frontal-crash margins should note that perfect marks are not on the table here. Across the four model years covered, Toyota issued 9 recalls on the Avalon. That figure is worth tracking on NHTSA's owner portal before any purchase, particularly on pre-owned examples where recall repairs may not yet be completed. Owner complaints total 105 across the covered range, a moderate count for a model with this kind of production volume. Within those unverified allegations, 7 involve reported crashes, 6 involve reported injuries, and 1 involves a reported death. These figures are allegations only and have not been adjudicated, but they are part of the transparency picture MotorCaliber believes every shopper deserves. Bottom line: the 2022 Avalon represents the safest entry point in this generation, and the side-impact excellence is a genuine selling point. Verify open recalls before signing.
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.