Most common 2017 Toyota Avalon problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Avalon complaints by model year
Best Avalon years: 2017, 2020, 2022. Years to avoid: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 1998. Compare all years →
2017 Toyota Avalon recalls (2)
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
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.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Remedy: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 Toyota Avalon:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2017 Toyota Avalon owners say
Engine & cooling
Leaving a parking lot, the car jumped out of gear. Thought maybe I had bumped the gear selector but attempts at putting the car in gear resulted in grinding noises and the only option was to put it in PARK. Check engine light came on. Mechanic diagnosed a speed sensor. Had this happened on the freeway or while trying to pass another car on a two lane and a speed sensor disable the entire car to me is dangerous and should be addressed. Had the check engine light come on, I would have had the sensor replaced right away. I now feel this is an unsafe situation that could arise in other 2017 Toyota cars
Toyota's failure to install an engine auto stop caused the carbon monoxide death of two people. Failure to have proper outside warnings like a honk to warn the operator not to remove the key from the car LED to these deaths. Vehicle was stationary in a garage. People were inside the home. Https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=james-livingston&pid=192908732 https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=sherry-penney&pid=192908731
Speed control & acceleration
Leaving a parking lot, the car jumped out of gear. Thought maybe I had bumped the gear selector but attempts at putting the car in gear resulted in grinding noises and the only option was to put it in PARK. Check engine light came on. Mechanic diagnosed a speed sensor. Had this happened on the freeway or while trying to pass another car on a two lane and a speed sensor disable the entire car to me is dangerous and should be addressed. Had the check engine light come on, I would have had the sensor replaced right away. I now feel this is an unsafe situation that could arise in other 2017 Toyota cars
I reported noise when I made turns to the left or right. I bought the car into the dealership and advised of the issue. I was told that they would check all components of the car and change the oil and rotate the tires. This was at 19,611 miles. I was told that the power steering sound I heard was electric and that it was fine. I returned to the dealership on 3/10/18 and the car was checked again at 24,650 miles. The car was reported fine. Then on 4/26/18 I have an accident because of unintended acceleration. The brakes didn't work or any of the computer safety features. I was stopped in a parking lot waiting for another car to back out. The car passed and I tapped the accelerator to pull into the space. The engine started making accelerating noises and the brakes wouldn't work. I ran over the yellow concrete block and out of the parking lot into the vacant lot next door. …
2017 Toyota Avalon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 40 / 39 / 40 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Avalon rates better than average: 83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Avalon at the same age. It is one of the best Avalon years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (3) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Avalon have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, the most recent from January 17, 2020 (air bag/restraint control module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Avalon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2020 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 1998. See the full Toyota Avalon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota Avalon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.