2021 Toyota Avalon recalls

2 safety recalls, 27 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

202220212020
2Recalls
27Complaints
2Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Toyota Avalon is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Toyota Avalon recall list

Air Bags recall

23V-865
December 20, 2023 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Safety risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Air Bags recall

20V-734
November 25, 2020 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy and reduce injury during a crash, could have been damaged during production, possibly affecting the performance of the driver's air bag in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Safety risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not perform as designed can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB17/20TA17.

2021 Toyota Avalon owner complaints

27 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Air Bags18
Engine4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Service Brakes2
Seat Belts1
Power Train1
Tires1
Electrical System1
Back Over Prevention1

Recent complaints

April 9, 2026Air Bags

We have received a recall for the sensors and airbag on our car back in December of 2023. Every time we call the dealership they tell us they can't get a send because the parts are not available. I cannot seem to get any movement with this. I've tried to contacting Toyota corporate but their website leaves much to be desired to contact anybody about this. So I am here asking for you to help me. I think waiting for over 2 years for a safety recall is beyond reasonable. We need to find some remedies.

November 14, 2025Air Bags

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

August 5, 2025Air Bags

There is no remedy available to fix the OCS sensor in front passenger seat of our 2021 Toyota Avalon. We are scared to drive it. What are our options since Toyota will not help.

August 4, 2025Air Bags

My vehicle is under Safety Recall 23V865 (Toyota dealer reference 23TB15) due to potentially defective Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may prevent the airbag from deploying properly. The recall was issued in December 2023, and as of August 2025, there is still no available remedy. Toyota originally estimated a fix by Q3 of 2024, but it is now overdue. This unresolved issue puts passenger safety at risk in the event of a crash. I have contacted dealerships and checked for updates, but no solution has been provided. I believe this delay is unacceptable for a critical safety defect and request NHTSA to investigate the remedy timeline and pressure

May 7, 2025Vehicle Speed ControlForward Collision Avoidance

Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of 400.00

2021 Toyota Avalon crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Toyota AVALON 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 Toyota AVALON 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Toyota Avalon: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 10.5%.

2021 Toyota Avalon recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Toyota Avalon. The most recent, filed December 20, 2023, concerns the air bags.

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Avalon problems?

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is air bags (18 reports), followed by engine.

Is the 2021 Toyota Avalon safe?

The 2021 Toyota Avalon earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Toyota Avalon?

Contact any authorized Toyota dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.

This page combines NHTSA records for: Avalon, Avalon Hybrid.