2020 TOYOTA Avalon

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

3RecallsNHTSA Verified10ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 Toyota Avalon displays several safety concerns, particularly in the airbag and fuel systems. Given the average failure mileage of only 8,937 miles, owners should be vigilant about potential issues that could affect passenger safety, especially for children in the back seat.

Key Factor:Safety concerns with airbags

📋Why This Matters

Airbags are a critical component of vehicle safety, designed to protect occupants during a collision. Any issues with airbag deployment can significantly increase the risk of injury or fatality, especially for vulnerable passengers such as children seated in the back. Additionally, problems within the fuel system could lead to hazardous situations like stalling or even fire risks, which underscore the importance of addressing these recalls promptly.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

The year-over-year safety trend for Toyota suggests a historically reliable brand; however, the current recalls indicate potential lapses in quality control affecting crucial safety features. While Toyota's reputation is typically strong, these recent issues warrant caution and further scrutiny from both current owners and prospective buyers.

Critical Component: Stall

Safety & Reliability Score

71/100
Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-0.5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 TOYOTA Avalon

Model Year2020
MakeTOYOTA
ModelAvalon
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

3 complaints (30% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 10 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(20%)
🟡Medium
4(40%)
🟢Low
4(40%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that most issues tend to arise early in ownership. For families, this is particularly alarming as it means that new vehicles may present unexpected risks shortly after purchase. Owners should monitor their vehicles closely within this mileage bracket to ensure all systems function correctly and safely.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 1 of 10 complaints (10% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEAIR BAGS

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Airbags

Issue: Potential failure of airbags due to damaged breakaway pins and occupant classification sensor short circuits.

✅

Contact your dealership immediately to check if your vehicle is covered under recall and get repairs done as soon as possible.

🔍

Request detailed service histories for any recalls related to airbags before purchasing a used Avalon.

Campaigns:20V86420V87220V873
2

Fuel Pump

Issue: The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, leading to stalling risks which can jeopardize passenger safety.

✅

Schedule an inspection with your dealer to address any fuel system concerns as soon as possible.

🔍

Inquire about any recall completions regarding the fuel pump before making a purchase decision.

Campaign:20V872
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your TOYOTA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 20V682000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

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 service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Campaign: 20V734000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Campaign: 23V865000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence

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 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 Avalon.

INV-2020-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Avalon performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 50,830

Consumer Complaints

10 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Avalon.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Stall30%
Warning30%
Leak10%
Check Engine Light10%
Noise10%
Fire10%
Acceleration Issues10%
Display10%
Shatter10%
Crash/Accident10%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

A couple of months ago, my car started running a little rough as it would sit in idle mode. When suddenly my check engine light came on. I checked the codes and they seemed to be P0445 Evaporitive emission system leak detected (large leak). And P0441 Evaporative emission system. Incorrect Purge Flow. P0505 Idle control system. And P0171 System to Lean Bank 1 and P0174 System to Lean. Bank 2 and P0172 System Too Rich and P1170 and P117B Manufacture Control. But other then just running a little rough at idle that was about all that I had noticed until I went to go fuel up back in October. My fuel was low so I went to fuel up and after wards, my car struggled really hard to start. And every time since that days it’s progressively gotten worse. Last week I kept my car running while I fueled up and as I drove away from the gas station, my car just stalled out completely. It took me about an hour and a half before my car would start again. I was waiting for the tow truck to come get me and thank God inc checked it one more time and it started. Now just recently, when I put my car in park the engine immediately Reva up super high. It started to wine really loud and rpm go through the roof. Until I shut the car off. So I am unable to sit in idle at all anymore. I decided to Google what could be going on with my car and then I seen this recall on the fuel pump off some Toyota Avalon 2019 & 2020 models. But much to my surprise, my Vin/Vehicle is not listed. Will Toyota still replace the fuel pump for free? Please contact me as soon as possible. I really need to address this issue. Thank You!

Dec 8, 2025Open
Safety Systems🔵 Low
AIR BAGS

To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint to report Right Toyota in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Toyota Motor Corporation for their mishandling of a critical airbag safety recall (23TA15) on my 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The lack of transparency, misleading information, and failure to provide a remedy has left me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive and has caused significant financial hardship. 1. Right Toyota never informed me of the recall, despite multiple service visits throughout the year. I only discovered this issue through my insurance company in August 2024. 2. I scheduled service appointments with Right Toyota on August 23rd and October 15th, 2023, after learning about the recall. Each time, I was told that there was no remedy available, and I was not offered any alternative solutions or a loaner vehicle. Toyota’s Brand Engagement Team later confirmed that a remedy for my specific vehicle is not expected until March 2026. 3. I called Right Toyota back after the manufacturer told me the dealership was meant to solve this issue by offering me a loaner vehicle or buying my car off me. I spoke to Jason Murdoch who informed it was preposterous to think they would offer me a loaner vehicle until 2026 and that the only option he could offer is buying my car off me 8K negative on what I still owe on my car loan. He told me the dealerships hands were tied unless NHTSA or the manufacturer gave specific instructions for me. 4. I have since relocated to Hawaii, where I cannot use the vehicle due to safety concerns. I am still making loan payments on a car that I cannot drive, and Right Toyota’s refusal to offer any assistance has placed me in a difficult situation. I request that Toyota and Right Toyota either: Repurchase the Vehicle: Take back the vehicle and pay off the remaining loan balance. Provide an Immediate Solution: If repurchasing is not possible, arrange for a free airbag repair or provide a rental vehicle until the remedy is available.

Nov 18, 2024Resolved
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING

TIE ROD LOOSE I heard a clunking noise while turning the steering wheel to the left at very low speeds. Took car in for service Service Mechanic found left outer tie rod end "with play, loose" Safety issue: potential loss of steering ability while driving Vehicle has been inspected and repaired - (my cost $1308.94) - images attached No warning messages / appeared about a month before I went in... it became progressively worse with time

Jul 15, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When refueling vehicle, gasoline backs up immediately, doesn't shut off gas hose and pours out all over vehicle and feet of person refueling. Today is the 4th time it's happened. It's been to Gettle Toyota of Lakewood in Bradenton FL for this exact complaint and was told there's nothing wrong with the vehicle.

Nov 25, 2023Resolved
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

on 3 lane expressway (US422)about 1/4 mile from where the lanes split( see attached). No cars in front of me but cars in the lane to my left slowed. My car suddenly braked causing the car behind me to swerve to my right to avoid a collision. The adaptive breaking (incorrectly) determined that there was a collision hazard, thus creating an actual collision hazard

Jul 31, 2022Resolved
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This has happened 3 times now. When putting gas in and the pump kicks off fuel gushes out of the tank. I only had a quarter of a tank at the time. Only got $1 worth in the last time this happened. If you try to put more fuel in pump will kick off then it just pushes fuel out all over the ground, which could easily cause a fire. Took to the dealer today to get this on record, had a full tank so they did not not try to gas it up. Get no warning that this is going to happen. On all 3 occasions I was able to gas up without an issue the next day.

Dec 21, 2021Resolved
Brakes⚠️ High
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I represent the family of a fatally injured rollaway victim. It is on their behalf I am reporting the circumstances of this incident and to strongly urge that NHTSA update the rollaway requirements specified in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114. On August 22, 2020, It is believed that while attempting to retrieve the key fob, the driver inadvertently bumped the gear selector forward into Neutral, releasing the torque to the wheels that had kept it stationary on their sloped driveway. (Unlike shifting out of the Park position, which requires application of the brake pedal and depressing the lock button on the shift selector, the shift selector can be moved from Drive forward into the Neutral position, without a secondary interlocking action.) The drivers wife, who was behind the vehicle. was pinned by the car and dragged under to her death. The position of the transmission gear selector was not documented by any witnesses or first responders when the vehicle eventually came to rest on the opposite side of the road, not is it documented in the extensive data stored within the vehicle. However, the data retrieved from the subject vehicle during a subsequent inspection revealed that the Vehicle Control History (VCH) included a field for “Driver Exited Vehicle When Shift Position Wasn’t P” which showed that at the time of the incident that is exactly what happened. Finally, there is ample evidence to support the need for an upgrade of the rollaway provisions within FMVSS 114 – as the facts above show. It’s not enough for a safety agency to simply allow manufacturers to do so voluntarily. . Instead, the Toyota was content to collect the data and blame the driver for an event that it clearly knows occurs and has extensive information about, but fails to prevent. The public needs to rely on NHTSA to promulgate updated regulations that meet the safety needs presented to drivers of modern vehicles.

Jul 28, 2021Resolved
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ON OCTOBER 28, 2020, TOYOTA ANNOUNCED IT WAS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING CERTAIN TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JULY 2017 THROUGH DECEMBER 2019 DUE TO THE SAME FUEL PUMP ISSUE FOR WHICH THEY ANNOUNCED A SAFETY RECALL IN JANUARY 2020. THE REFERENCED VEHICLE DOOR STICKER SHOWS A PRODUCTION DATE OF 12/19, WHICH IS WITHIN THE PRODUCTION PERIOD ANNOUNCED ON 10/28/2020. HOWEVER, THE VIN ON THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT APPEAR ON ANY RECALL LIST AND THE DEALER TELLS ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. NONETHELESS, I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO STALL: WHEN MAKING A TURN OR DRIVING ON CITY STREETS; IN SOME INSTANCES (INCLUDING TODAY) IT IS WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT; OTHER TIMES IT IS WHEN ACCELERATING. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO INSTANCES WHERE THIS HAPPENED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. IN ONE SUCH INSTANCE, A YELLOW TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED MOMENTARILY ON THE VEHICLE'S DISPLAY. THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE SELLING DEALER DURING THE LAST ROUTINE MAINTENANCE VISIT ON MAY 4, 2021. IN REFERENCE TO THIS COMPLAINT, THE DEALER WORK ORDER REPORTED TECHNICIAN "WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CUSTOMERS CONCERN AT THIS TIME VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OPERATING WITHIN ALL MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS".

May 13, 2021Resolved
Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA AVALON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, WHEN THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT ANY OBJECT CAUSING THE IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER HERITAGE TOYOTA OWINGS MILLS (9801 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117: (844) 202-9429), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUNROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,937.

May 13, 2021Resolved
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

RECALL# 20V-682,IF A VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING,THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TOYOTA IS TALKING ABOUT THE RECALL FOR A LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH MAY STOP OPERATING.THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONDITION WHICH COULD ENDANGER THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF.THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN REPORTED TO ME IN NOVEMBER 2020 WITH NO REMEDY IN SIGHT.ALL I WANT IS FOR TOYOTA TO FIX MY PROBLEM ASAP,OR TELL ME TO PARK MY VEHICLE AND USE A LOANER FROM TOYOTA TILL SERIOUS CONDITION IS FIXED.THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION SUITS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMPS MADE IN CHINA FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

Feb 12, 2021Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

'What should I know about the safety features of the 2020 Toyota Avalon?'

'The 2020 Toyota Avalon includes advanced safety technologies; however, recent recalls related to airbag functionality highlight areas needing attention. Always check if any required repairs have been completed on potential purchases.'

'How do I ensure my family's safety in a recalled vehicle?'

'If you own or are considering buying a recalled vehicle like the Avalon, it's essential to stay informed about open recalls and get them addressed promptly. Regular maintenance checks are also recommended to catch any potential issues early.'

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official TOYOTA records to ensure no 3 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in TOYOTA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.