2017 Toyota Avalon problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 14 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2017 Toyota Avalon has 14 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 5 complaints, typically surfacing around 17,515 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Avalon | 96 | 1 |
| 2015 Avalon | 53 | 1 |
| 2016 Avalon | 23 | 1 |
| 2017 Avalon (this page) | 14 | 0 |
| 2018 Avalon | 24 | 0 |
| 2019 Avalon | 68 | 1 |
| 2020 Avalon | 10 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Toyota Avalon 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 Toyota Avalon? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 17,515 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged critical on this model , showing up around 17,515 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 Toyota Avalon
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The torsion springs for the rear trunk are very weak. They have been that way since car was new. I have had multiple occasions where I opened the trunk and had it come down and hit me on the head. This has also happened to my wife.
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…
2017 Toyota brake assist system does not work. This is a safety feature that needs to be addressed and corrected by Toyota. Asked my dealer about this and they could not provide an answer. Please refer to the Toyota owners website it has several complaints on this issue.
Toyota's failure to install an auto-stop caused the carbon-monoxide poisoning of two (more) people, many dozens of such deaths reported. (detail: they had likely stopped the engine, but the wireless fob can re-start; and this model has an auto stop/start function that can also…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Toyota Avalon is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
The 2017 Toyota Avalon is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Toyota Avalon?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 5 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 17,515 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 14 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 17,515 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 5 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 17,515 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 17,515 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota Avalon has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Toyota Avalon?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 14 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.