NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota Avalon Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota Avalon scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has three recall campaigns, all with available remedies, that present the primary caution. The model scores 85/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash protection is high, and its avoidance technology is fully standard, making for a well-supported safety profile in its segment.
The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota Avalon ranks 64 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 64 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota Avalon?
The 2020 model year represents a one-point gain over the 2019 Avalon Hybrid, moving from 84 to 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is modest but consistent. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 drives the bulk of the index, anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side result. The avoidance technology sub-score reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment on this trim configuration. The weaker element in the index is the defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20, pulled down by three active recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns center on air bag components, which is a safety-critical system category that warrants attention. The fuel pump recall adds a second system concern. For a vehicle now circulating in the used market, the combination of strong crash scores and standard avoidance tech is a genuine positive, but the open recall picture requires direct verification before purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota Avalon perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side-impact crash test, marking its strongest individual safety performance. Its overall rating stands at 5 out of 5 stars. In other assessments, the Avalon Hybrid received 4 out of 5 stars for both frontal impact and rollover resistance. The rollover risk was measured at 11 percent, and the vehicle produced a No Tip result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14719
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Avalon Hybrid. Two involve air bag systems: one targeting the occupant classification sensor and one addressing the frontal air bag inflator. A third covers the fuel pump on the gasoline delivery system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the DATA block for this model year, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL20V734000
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.
Reported 2020-11-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota Avalon?
Ten owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Avalon Hybrid, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Fuel and Propulsion System, cited in 5 reports. Forward Collision Avoidance accounts for 2 additional allegations. Air Bags, Steering, Vehicle Speed Control, and Service Brakes each appear in 1 report.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota Avalon?
Before finalizing a purchase of a 2020 Avalon Hybrid, prospective buyers should verify its recall status. All three of the model's federal recall campaigns, which address air bag sensors, frontal air bags, and the fuel pump, require confirmation of completed remedies. An open recall, particularly one pertaining to safety-critical systems like air bags, represents a significant unresolved safety concern that merits immediate attention.
- The 2020 Avalon Hybrid carries three NHTSA recall campaigns, two targeting air bag systems and one targeting the fuel pump, making VIN-specific remedy verification a necessary step for any used-market transaction.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year a 5-star overall crash rating, with a perfect 5-star side-impact result and 4-star scores in both the frontal and rollover categories, including an 11 percent rollover risk.
- The avoidance technology sub-score reached 10 out of 10 for this model year, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment.
- Ten unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA include allegations involving the Fuel and Propulsion System in 5 reports and Forward Collision Avoidance in 2 reports, with 1 alleged fatality noted among the unverified filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota Avalon places
The 2020 Toyota Avalon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota Avalon safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota Avalon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota Avalon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Toyota Avalon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Toyota Avalon earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Avalon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Toyota Avalon. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota Avalon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota Avalon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Avalon years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14719), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Avalon 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 64 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.