The 2021 Toyota Avalon has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (12 reports).
2021 Toyota Avalon recalls
Passenger Front Airbag May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
A short circuit can develop in the occupant classification sensor, which may stop the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash.
Driver airbag may not deploy as designed in a crash
Some steering columns in these vehicles may have damaged breakaway pins, which are meant to absorb energy during a crash.
Most common 2021 Toyota Avalon problems
Problem areas named in the 21 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 12 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
What owners report
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.
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.
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.
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
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 questions
Does the 2021 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Toyota Avalon: Passenger Front Airbag May Fail to Deploy in a Crash; Driver airbag may not deploy as designed in a crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Avalon?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (12), Engine (4), Vehicle Speed Control (3).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Toyota Avalon has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.