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 lead to death.] note: not my car, my parents.
2017 Toyota Avalon engine problems
critical 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
10fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 5 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Toyota Avalon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Toyota avalon fails to have an ignition auto shut off which LED to death of two individuals. This design flaw did not prevent the car from idling indefinitely and filling the house with carbon monoxide' a toxic fatal gas. The car does not have proper external warnings like a honk to advise a driver they may have removed the key from the car.
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…
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 this death.
Toyota's failure to install an engine auto stop caused the carbon monoxide death of two people. Car was stationary. Failure to have proper outside warnings like a honk to warn the operator not to remove the key from the car LED to this death.
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Toyota Avalon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
It's a serious issue. 5 complaints have been filed and 10 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 17,515 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Toyota/Avalon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.