2012 Toyota Avalon

2012 Toyota Avalon

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and spacious interior. It’s available with a 3.5L V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 3.5L V6 hybrid powertrain with an electronically controlled CVT.

People appreciate the Avalon’s refined ride, roomy cabin, and advanced safety features. However, some issues have been reported with certain aspects of the vehicle.

Engine

• 3.5L V6
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace piston rings and oil seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant System
  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating engine, and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 6-Speed Automatic
  • Shifting Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough shifting, slipping gears, or difficulty shifting.
    • Solution: Replace transmission control module (TCM) or solenoid pack.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• CVT (Hybrid)
  • Transmission Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, grinding noises, or inability to engage gears.
    • Solution: Replace CVT.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Strut Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises over bumps, reduced handling.
    • Solution: Replace struts and/or mount assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Premature Battery Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shortened battery life, difficulty starting the vehicle.
    • Solution: Replace battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlights
  • Dim Headlights
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced visibility at night due to dim headlights.
    • Solution: Replace headlight bulbs or check electrical connections.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Cluster
  • Gauges Not Working
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning speedometer, tachometer, or other gauges.
    • Solution: Replace instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control
  • AC Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced cooling efficiency, no air conditioning.
    • Solution: Replace AC compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2012 Toyota Avalon is a reliable vehicle overall, it has experienced some issues with certain components. Engine oil consumption and CVT transmission failures can be serious and expensive problems. However, many of the other issues reported are relatively minor and less costly to repair. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues vary, and it’s important to weigh the potential risks against the vehicle’s positive attributes when making a purchasing decision.