In the full-size sedan segment, the Toyota Avalon has been a consistent proposition that reeks of versatility. It comes with all the bells and whistles you would generally expect from a vehicle in its class, which include a capacious cabin, high-quality materials, and a potent list of standard and optional features. While its ride quality is not its biggest strength, the Avalon has been known for its reliability. Over the past few years, the sedan’s performance has improved considerably, with the number of complaints reducing consistently. In the current iteration, it has just 18 complaints, 3 recalls, and a single investigation, most of which primarily deal with its airbag system. What are the 2016 Toyota Avalon complaints and how does the vehicle fare against the likes of the Nissan Maxima, the Chevrolet Impala, and the Honda Accord? Let’s find out.
2016 Toyota Avalon User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Hesitant acceleration: Buyers of the 2016 Toyota Avalon have reported the vehicle’s hesitation during acceleration. Despite the pedal being depressed, the sedan does not accelerate instantly. There is a visible lag in response, which is frustrating for the buyers and can increase the chance of a crash. In one listed case, the Toyota Avalon’s hesitation problems were followed by the vehicle lurching forward violently, which made it almost difficult for the driver to control the vehicle.
Structural Complaints
- Problems with the sunroof: Among the 2016 Toyota Avalon problems, buyers of the sedan have reported two distinct issues with the vehicle’s sunroof. The first problem relates to the random explosion of the sunroof, without impact or incidence, which can increase the chance of injury to the occupants. The second issue, however, has been reported by a couple of buyers and is concerned with the two pieces of rubber strapping that move with the sunroof, falling and separating repeatedly.
Interior Complaints
- Uncomfortable seats: Among the Toyota Avalon issues, some buyers on the unofficial forums have reported the vehicle’s seats lacking leisure. As per the complainants, the seats on the sedan are not suited for tall people, making traveling on long journeys a substandard experience. However, since comfort is subjective, you and your family might not have a similar opinion.
- Improper functioning of the rear sunshade: The Toyota Avalon rear window shade problems have been a common concern for a couple of model years. Buyers have reported that the rear sunshade of the sedan functions intermittently. It randomly loses power and sometimes when in operation, it makes a grinding noise. While the reasons for the recurrence are not known, around 200 complaints have been registered on unofficial forums.
Safety Complaints
- Malfunctioning OCS: In several complaints, buyers of the 2016 Avalon have reported the airbag warning light illuminating randomly. This problem occurs due to an error in the Occupant Classification System (OCS), which does not recognize a person in the front passenger seat. As a result, the airbags might not deploy correctly in case of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. To deal with the issue, Toyota has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID: 16V215000. A similar problem has been also reported by the buyers of the Camry sedan.
2016 Toyota Avalon Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
17th Jan 2020 |
20V024000 |
Non-deployment of airbags and seat belt pretensioners |
Due to an error in the airbag electronic control unit (ECU), the airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in case of a crash. |
Upon inspection, dealers will install a noise filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. |
|
2. |
16th Dec 2016 |
16V906000 |
Improper deployment of airbags |
Due to incorrect fasteners that may be used to attach the front passenger knee airbag module to the lower instrument panel, the airbags might not deploy correctly. |
Upon inspection of the fasteners, dealers will replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket and reattach the airbag assembly, free of cost. |
|
3. |
14th Apr 2016 |
16V215000 |
Malfunctioning OCS |
Due to improper calibration, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) might not activate/ deactivate the passenger airbag, which can result in improper deployment. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will recalibrate the OCS, free of cost. The recall began on 13th May 2016 |
Should you buy the 2016 Toyota Avalon?
Despite minor changes to the current iteration, the 2016 Toyota Avalon delivers impressively. It bestows a comfortable and opulent experience and adds to its likability with its high efficiency. While there are some who might the ride quality to be on the stiffer side of the spectrum, the Avalon builds its reputation with its reliability. It has a constricted number of complaints and none of its listed issues have a widespread or concerning impact on the vehicle’s performance. So, by benefiting from the brand’s proactive approach and its rich Japanese history, the full-size sedan proves to be an enticing proposition.
