What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (1996–1999) Avalon?

Avalon owners have made 19 complaints about the 1996–1999 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 18th out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability, with some engine and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Avalon Generations

Common 1996-1999 Toyota Avalon Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Avalon owners have to deal with.

  1. Oil Sludge in Toyota Engines

    Toyota settled a class-action engine-sludge suit in 2007 that covered an estimated 2.5-million Toyota and Lexus vehicles made between 1997 and 2002. In that case, Toyota agreed to repair 'sludged-up' engines for up to eight years from the t…

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  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (1996–1999) Avalon Key Numbers

  1. 4 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 19 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 18th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 81 eligible generations.