2017 Toyota Avalon Safety Report
2017 Toyota Avalon: Strong crash ratings overshadowed by significant carbon monoxide fatality risk and air bag recall.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Toyota Avalon
Reliability Score
The 2017 Toyota Avalon receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Toyota Avalon
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Toyota Avalon:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk (Lack Of Auto-Stop) Multiple fatalities reported due to carbon monoxide poisoning, attributed to the vehicle's design lacking an engine auto-stop feature and inadequate warnings, allowing the car to idle indefinitely. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Air Bag/Restraint Control Module Recall Recall (20V024000) for air bag/restraint control modules that may not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing injury risk. Owners have reported parts unavailability for repair. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Trunk Torsion Springs Weakness Weak trunk torsion springs causing the trunk lid to unexpectedly fall and hit occupants. |
Medium | Occasional | new-present miles |
| Transmission/Speed Sensor Issues Vehicle jumping out of gear, grinding noises, and check engine light, diagnosed as a speed sensor issue. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Unintended Acceleration Vehicle unexpectedly accelerating after stopping, leading to a crash. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Toyota Avalon:
The most frequently reported component, primarily linked to the carbon monoxide poisoning issue due to the lack of an auto-stop feature, but also includes general engine noise complaints.
Complaints related to the air bag recall, specifically regarding the unavailability of parts for the repair.
Issues including unintended acceleration and potential speed sensor failures.
Weak trunk torsion springs causing the trunk lid to fall unexpectedly.
Complaints about the brake assist system not working as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Toyota Avalon
Is the 2017 Toyota Avalon safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Toyota Avalon received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has a critical safety concern with 10 reported fatalities linked to carbon monoxide poisoning due to the lack of an engine auto-stop feature. There are also two recalls, one for air bags and another for spare tires, which could impact safety.
What are common problems with the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Toyota Avalon are related to the ENGINE (35.7% of complaints), primarily concerning the lack of an auto-stop feature leading to carbon monoxide risks. Other common problems include AIR BAGS (14.3%) due to recall-related issues, and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (14.3%) involving unintended acceleration or speed sensor failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
Yes, the 2017 Toyota Avalon has two recalls. One (NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V024000) is for AIR BAGS, where the air bag/restraint control module may not deploy as intended. The second recall is for TIRES (NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V295000), specifically for temporary/emergency spare tires that may not be inflated to the proper value.
How does the 2017 Toyota Avalon perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Toyota Avalon performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for side impact, and 4 stars for both frontal impact and rollover resistance.
What is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the 2017 Toyota Avalon?
There is a significant and concerning risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, with 10 fatalities reported to NHTSA. This is attributed to the vehicle's design lacking an engine auto-stop feature and insufficient warnings, which can allow the car to idle indefinitely, particularly when parked in enclosed spaces like garages.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2017 Toyota Avalon boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers must be aware of the critical carbon monoxide poisoning risk and ensure all recalls, especially the air bag recall, have been addressed. Exercise extreme caution regarding the engine auto-stop feature and always confirm the engine is off when exiting the vehicle.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Toyota Avalon
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Toyota Avalon. The data includes 14 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and 10 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Toyota Avalon an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.