2018 Toyota Avalon Safety Report

The 2018 Toyota Avalon presents a generally strong safety profile, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with excellent scores in side impact (5 stars) and respectable performance in frontal (4 stars) and rollover (4 stars) tests. However, an analysis of NHTSA complaint data reveals concerning patterns, particularly regarding airbag deployment failures. Out of 24 total complaints, 7 involved crashes, with 4 resulting in injuries and zero fatalities. Multiple complaints explicitly detail instances where airbags failed to deploy in significant front-end collisions, leading to vehicle total loss and occupant injuries. This directly correlates with one of the two recalls issued for this vehicle, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V024000, which addresses a potential defect in the air bag/restraint control module that could prevent proper deployment. Beyond airbag issues, another significant concern is the fuel pump recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 20V012000), which affects the 2018 Avalon and could lead to engine stalling while driving, increasing crash risk. Several complaints mention experiencing engine hesitation or stalling, with some owners explicitly referencing the fuel pump recall and difficulties in obtaining timely repairs due to part unavailability. Other recurring issues, though less frequent, include problems with the pre-collision braking system not responding as expected, steering failures at highway speeds, and various electrical system glitches affecting features like lane departure warnings and auto high beams. While the 2018 Toyota Avalon's crash test ratings are commendable, the consistent reports of airbag non-deployment in actual crashes, coupled with the critical fuel pump recall, suggest that real-world safety performance might be compromised for some owners. The 24 total complaints, with 7 involving crashes and 4 injuries, highlight specific areas where the vehicle's safety systems have reportedly failed to perform as intended. The presence of two safety recalls, particularly the one addressing airbag deployment, underscores these critical safety vulnerabilities.

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Toyota Avalon has strong crash test ratings, thoroughly verify that both the airbag and fuel pump recalls have been completed, and be aware of potential issues with advanced safety features like pre-collision braking.