2020 Toyota Avalon

The 2020 Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reputation for reliability. It offers a blend of luxury and practicality. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid powertrain is also available, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Owners often praise the Avalon’s smooth ride, quiet cabin, and user-friendly technology. Common dislikes include somewhat uninspired styling, and some find the handling less engaging than some competitors.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Oil Leak from Timing Cover
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the front of the engine, near the timing cover. Low oil level and oil spots under the car.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing cover gasket or resealing the timing cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, and a whining noise from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Water pump replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

• Hybrid Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, decreased acceleration, and error messages related to the hybrid system.
  • Solution: Hybrid battery replacement or reconditioning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Inverter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, warning lights, and potential inability to start the vehicle.
  • Solution: Inverter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (3.5L V6)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable harsh or jerky shifts between gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Software update of the transmission control module (TCM). If that doesn’t resolve the issue, valve body replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $1,500+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT (2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid)

• CVT Hesitation/Lag
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed response when accelerating, especially from a stop or at low speeds.
  • Solution: Software update of the CVT control module. If that fails, CVT replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $4,000+ (CVT Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, and clunking noises coming from the suspension.
  • Solution: Strut replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software update for the infotainment system. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Sensors)
  • Description/Symptoms: False alarms, failure to detect objects, or error messages related to the sensor system.
  • Solution: Sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No image displayed on the screen when reversing.
  • Solution: Software issue, or camera replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin during rain or car washes.
  • Solution: Cleaning of the sunroof drains, resealing the sunroof, or component replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, typically in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Toyota Avalon generally exhibits typical issues for a vehicle of its age and mileage. Engine issues such as timing cover oil leaks and water pump failures, and hybrid battery failures, are on the higher end of repair costs. Electrical issues can range from minor software glitches to more costly sensor replacements. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their maintenance budget when considering purchasing or maintaining this vehicle. Overall, while some issues can be costly, the Avalon’s reputation for reliability suggests that these problems are not universally experienced.