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Toyota · Luxury · 2013–2018 Custom Search

Toyota Avalon XX40

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Avalon XX40 is available with 2 engine variants — from 155 to 295 hp.

3.5L V6 · Petrol· 268 PS
2013 2018

3.5L V6 — Toyota's universal six-cylinder for midsize through SUV. Cam tower oil leak like the Tundra V8, but less common. Budget for water pump around 80k miles. Overall one of the most reliable V6 engines on the market, 250k+ mile lifespans documented.

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Avalon Hybrid · Petrol Hybrid· 200 PS
2013 2018

Atkinson-cycle engine in the hybrid system with good basic reliability. Elevated oil consumption due to weak oil rings is the most common issue, especially with long oil change intervals. Prophylactic water pump replacement at higher mileage is advisable.

  • !! Elevated oil consumption from piston rings from 120,000 km

    Under-tensioned oil control rings can cause significant oil burning on the 2AR-FXE. The problem occurs noticeably more often with extended oil change intervals (>10,000 km).

    Symptoms: Lower oil level between changes, bluish smoke after extended idle, oil top-up needed every 2,000–3,000 km
    1,500–4,000 $
    Ad 2AR-FXE piston ringsToyota 2.5 Hybrid piston rings
  • !! Water pump leaking from 100,000 km

    The water pump is prone to leaks from bearing or seal wear. Since the engine often stays cold in hybrid operation, the seals age faster through thermal cycling.

    Symptoms: Pink coolant spots under the vehicle, dropping coolant level, bearing noise from the engine bay
    350–700 $
    Ad 2AR-FXE water pumpToyota RAV4 Hybrid water pumpToyota 16100-09561
  • !! High-voltage battery degradation from 180,000 km

    The high-voltage battery loses capacity with age, reducing electric range and overall system efficiency. Inverter failures are also documented.

    Symptoms: Reduced fuel efficiency, combustion engine starting more frequently, hybrid system warning lamp, reduced power output
    2,000–6,000 $
    Ad RAV4 Hybrid HV batteryRAV4 XA40 HV battery

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: Pre-Collision System false braking (F0V)

2013–2015 Avalon with optional Pre-Collision System (PCS): the radar can misidentify steel road joints as obstacles and apply the brakes automatically. Toyota replaced PCS components on ~24,700 US vehicles at no charge (Toyota internal recall F0V/F1V).

Symptoms: Unexpected automatic braking, PCS warning on dash, seatbelt pretensioners activate without collision
 Low
✖Recall: Airbag control unit fault (NHTSA 20V-024)

2012–2018 Avalon and 2013–2018 Avalon Hybrid: the airbag ECU can receive incorrect signals due to electrical interference, failing to deploy airbags in a crash. NHTSA campaign 20V-024 — Toyota installs a noise filter free of charge.

Symptoms: Airbag warning light, airbags may not deploy in a collision
 Low
✖Recall: A/C condenser drain clog — water on airbag module (13V-442)

2013 Avalon: clogged A/C condenser drain hose allows water to accumulate and leak onto the airbag control module, potentially causing a short circuit. Risk of inadvertent airbag deployment or airbag failure. Free dealer repair — drain sealed and module shielded.

Symptoms: Wet passenger footwell, airbag warning light, A/C dripping inside cabin
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
68 complaints · 2013–2018
  1. 01 Vehicle Speed Control
    22 ⚠ 2
  2. 02 Brakes
    18 ⚠ 3
  3. 03 Airbags
    10 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Vehicle Speed Control (22 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (18 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (10 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Avalon XX40 (2013–2018) — 10 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Brakes, Interior, HVAC. Considered reliable: 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid).

Avalon (2GR-FE, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: VVT-i oil line rupture (engine damage risk!), Cam tower RTV sealant ages — oil leak at front of engine, Water pump with plastic impeller wears out. Power: 268 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Avalon? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Avalon XX40 have? +
The Toyota Avalon XX40 has 10 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Avalon XX40? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid). The most reliable engine is the 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).
Which Toyota Avalon XX40 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota Avalon XX40. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Toyota Avalon XX40 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Avalon XX40 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The 2GR-FE in the XX40 spins a little more freely than in the predecessor and makes the Avalon a relaxed long-distance companion. Strong, quiet, and completely unstressed at highway speeds.
Is the Toyota Avalon XX40 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Avalon XX40 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Avalon XX40? +
The Toyota Avalon XX40 is available with engine variants from 155 to 295 hp. Petrol: 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid), 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee