2019 Toyota Avalon Safety Report

2019 Toyota Avalon: Strong Crash Ratings, but Fuel Pump Recalls and Electrical Glitches Raise Concerns

64Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
75/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Fuel/Propulsion System (14)Electrical System (7)Power Train (4)Unknown Or Other (3)Exterior Lighting (3)Lane Departure,Back Over Prevention (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)Fuel System, Gasoline (2)Fuel System, Gasoline,Engine (2)Engine (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Toyota Avalon

The 2019 Toyota Avalon presents a generally strong safety profile, earning an impressive 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in side crash tests and 4 stars in frontal and rollover tests. However, a total of 64 complaints, including 4 crashes and 5 injuries, highlight several areas of concern. A significant portion of these complaints, 14, are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, directly correlating with two major recalls concerning the fuel pump, which could lead to engine stalling and increased crash risk. This indicates a critical safety vulnerability that Toyota has acknowledged and is addressing through recalls. Beyond the fuel system, other notable complaint patterns include the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (4 complaints). Specific issues within these categories range from high-pitched noises from speakers, backup camera malfunctions, and issues with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind spot monitors and pre-collision systems, to transmission jerking and grinding. The recall for 'EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE' (airbag ECU) further underscores potential manufacturing or software-related issues that could impact safety, even if less frequently reported in complaints. The crash test performance is robust, particularly in side impacts, which is reassuring. However, the recurring nature of fuel pump failures, as evidenced by multiple recalls and numerous complaints, is a serious concern that buyers should be aware of. The ADAS malfunctions, while not leading to recalls in all instances, represent a potential degradation of safety features designed to prevent accidents. Overall, while the Avalon's crashworthiness is high, its reliability concerning certain critical components and safety systems, particularly the fuel pump and some electrical/software elements, warrants careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Toyota Avalon receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2019 Toyota Avalon

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Toyota Avalon:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Pump Failure
Multiple recalls (20V012000, 20V682000) issued for faulty fuel pumps that can cause engine stalling while driving, increasing crash risk. This is the most common complaint pattern.
High Common unknown miles
High-Pitched Speaker Noise
An extremely loud, high-pitched noise emitted from speakers upon vehicle start-up, causing discomfort and potential hearing risk.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Backup Camera/Parking Assist Malfunction
Backup camera or bird's eye view system displays a black screen or malfunctions inconsistently, impacting visibility during parking.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Blind Spot Monitor/Rear Cross Traffic Alert Malfunction
Recurring alerts for blind spot and rear cross traffic malfunction, sometimes requiring module reprogramming (TSB-0034-19).
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Transmission Jerking/Grinding
Vehicle experiences jerking and grinding noises, particularly at low speeds or during gear changes.
Medium Occasional low speeds miles
Telematics/Data Communication Module (Dcm) Failure
DCM module failure preventing communication with mobile apps, software updates, and potentially impacting safety features.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Pre-Collision System Malfunction
Pre-collision warning system light illuminates, or the system fails to function, including instances of unintended acceleration or abrupt braking.
High Rare 20000+ miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Toyota Avalon:

Fuel/Propulsion System 21% of complaints

Predominantly related to fuel pump failures leading to engine stalling, as addressed by two major recalls.

Electrical System 10% of complaints

Issues include high-pitched speaker noise, backup camera malfunctions, and problems with the Telematics/DCM module.

Power Train 6% of complaints

Reports of transmission jerking, grinding noises, and issues with gear changes at low speeds.

Lane Departure,Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

Malfunctions with blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and backup camera systems.

Engine 3% of complaints

Engine seizing and failure to start, sometimes linked to fuel system issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Toyota Avalon

Is the 2019 Toyota Avalon safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Toyota Avalon has an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with strong performance in crash tests (5-star side, 4-star frontal and rollover). However, it has 64 complaints, 4 crashes, and 5 injuries reported, primarily due to fuel pump failures and electrical system issues, which are addressed by multiple recalls.

What are common problems with the 2019 Toyota Avalon?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Toyota Avalon are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14 complaints), primarily concerning fuel pump failures that can cause engine stalling. Other common problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (7 complaints) like high-pitched speaker noise and backup camera malfunctions, and POWER TRAIN issues (4 complaints) such as transmission jerking.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Toyota Avalon?

Yes, the 2019 Toyota Avalon has 4 recalls. Two significant recalls (20V012000, 20V682000) address faulty fuel pumps that can lead to engine stalling. Another recall (19V877000) is for an airbag electronic control unit software issue, and a fourth (19V503000) is for incorrect load capacity labels.

How does the 2019 Toyota Avalon perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Toyota Avalon received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It performed exceptionally well in side crash tests with a 5-star rating, and received 4-star ratings for both frontal crash and rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the fuel pump recall?

Yes, the fuel pump recall is a significant concern as it can lead to engine stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota has issued two recalls for this specific issue (20V012000, 20V682000), and owners should ensure their vehicle has received the necessary repair.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2019 Toyota Avalon boasts excellent crash test ratings, prioritize verifying that all four recalls, especially the critical fuel pump recalls, have been completed before purchase. Be aware of potential electrical system glitches and transmission concerns, and consider an extended test drive to check for these issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Toyota Avalon

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Toyota Avalon. The data includes 64 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.