2020 Toyota Avalon recalls and problems

The 2020 Toyota Avalon has 3 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
11
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Toyota Avalon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Toyota Avalon recalls

Recall 23V-865: Air Bags

Reported Dec 20, 2023 · 999,901 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-734: Air Bags, Steering

Reported Nov 25, 2020 · 161 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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."

Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-682: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2020 Toyota Avalon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Visibility1
Service Brakes1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Steering1
Air Bags1
Wheels1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Toyota Avalon complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Wheels · reported Oct 30, 2026
I brought my vehicle for a suspension realignment service. They performed the realignment service, but informed me that the side wall of the front right wheel was cracked. I took a look crack and it seemed like an attempted man made cut to up sell a replacement. The tire is only 2 years old according to the DOT code, so the environment is unlikely to be the cause. The tire was also brought it to another tire shop for re-balance around 2000 miles ago and they did not try to sell me a replacement tire. The cut looks like something that a blade could replicate, not a curb. I suspect that this…
Air Bags · reported Nov 18, 2024
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…
Steering · reported Jul 15, 2024
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
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 25, 2023
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.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jul 31, 2022
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

Other Toyota Avalon years

Compare all Toyota Avalon years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Avalon: 23V-865 (air bags), 20V-734 (air bags, steering), 20V-682 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Toyota Avalon?

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (5 reports), followed by forward collision avoidance (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.