Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 359 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota Avalon, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle speed control | 74 | 21% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 46 | 13% |
| Power train | 35 | 10% |
| Steering | 30 | 8% |
| Unknown or other | 19 | 5% |
| Structure | 16 | 4% |
| Air bags | 12 | 3% |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 2% |
| Engine | 7 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
In my 2006 Toyota Avalon XL on dashboard appeared SRS Airbag light. Unable to clear it.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The vehicles whole dash and lower part of dash has cracked everywhere. It’s gotten a sticky film on it which makes a glare on my windshield. Makes it difficult to see. If you are driving towards the sun it makes it very
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
When vehicle needed to abruptly stop to avoid an accident it failed twice resulting in collision
NHTSA complaint: Wheels
Master cylinder leaking from seal may be leaking into brake booster causing brake light to illuminate and no resistance w brake pedal have to press the break pedal all the way to slow down.
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
CAR INTERMITTENTLY COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, SO I HAVE TO PULL OVER WITH NO POWER STEERING, PUT IT IN PARK AND START IT BACKUP THIS OCCURS WITHIN 2 MILES OF STARTUP AND USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while attempt to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact mentioned waiting days later to start the vehicle and noticed the burnt odor com
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Dashboard sticky, cracking. Also extreme glare off dash causing sight distraction. Part of a recall and toyota would not assist
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact heard an abnormal noise as he pressed on the brake pedal; the
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 Toyota Avalon. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affec
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Priu
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THES
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT S
| Reliability raw | 49 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 83 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 76 | good |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 359 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and vehicle speed control is the most reported area with 74 of them (21%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 49/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2006 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 64/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.