2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has 3 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 0

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid recalls

Recall 20V-024: Air Bags

Reported Jan 17, 2020 · 2,891,976 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

Recall 15V-728: Forward Collision Avoidance

Reported Nov 3, 2015 · 30,812 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.

Risk: A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.

Recall 13V-505: Visibility

Reported Oct 17, 2013 · 9,795 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, model year 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV and model year 2014 Corolla vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Risk: A short circuit could cause inoperative windshield wipers, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Forward Collision Avoidance	5
Unknown or Other	4
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Air Bags	3
Seats	3
Structure	2
Engine	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Service Brakes	1
Power Train	1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 26,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 98,000 miles · reported Dec 29, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The contact stated that several instrument cluster warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was a hazard and could catch on fire. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Structure · reported Jun 20, 2019

When it rains heavily (Within the two months I have owned it), the roof and/or sunroof leaks causing water damage in multiple areas of the roof. The dealership cannot find a cause after the initial sunroof drain was cleared.

Unknown or Other · reported Jun 5, 2019

When I put the car in reverse, there is a very loud grinding noise as the retractable rear window screen tries to go up. When the car is put in gear there is a different grinding noise. The screen has frozen in various stages of up or down, but now is stuck down, obviously trying to raise. According to many posts online, including some from toyota dealerships, this has been an ongoing problem for over 10 years. It is a safety problem at night when the screen has been stuck in the up position and it is difficult to see out. It is also a safety problem because the noise is very loud and…

Unknown or Other · at 58,000 miles · reported Oct 24, 2017

Rear window shade will not retract. Stays in up position all the time. Hard to see at night. Dealer says there has been alot of shades that quit funtioning. Not covered under warranty. $1700 repair if want done. Can't even disable so it will retract and stay down.

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Jul 25, 2016

The contact owns a 2013 toyota avalon hybrid. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 15v728000 (Forward collision avoidance); however, the parts needed were not available. The contact believed that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the recall repair. The dealer inspected the vehicle and performed the temporary remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Other Toyota Avalon Hybrid years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 20142013

Compare all Toyota Avalon Hybrid years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 20V-024 (air bags), 15V-728 (forward collision avoidance), 13V-505 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (5 reports), followed by unknown or other (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 26,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.