DecodedCars2011 Toyota Avalon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Xls
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,561 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2011 large car (18.8 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Toyota Avalon is a large car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,561 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 22% better than the 2011 large car average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Avalon — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Avalon →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Xls | 197.2 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 111 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,561 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Toyota Avalon.
Similar 2011 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota Avalon (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Impala | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System · Jan 28, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V047000 · 51,495 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Toyota Avalon vehicles manufactured February 9, 2010, to October 22, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the sub-woofer speaker located in the trunk may experience an intermittent electrical short which may cause damage to the integrated circuit (IC) in the audio amplifier. In some cases, the damaged IC may allow a constant electrical current flow to the sub-woofer.
- Risk
- A constant electrical current flow may cause the sub-woofer to overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the audio system amplifier and install a protective cover around the sub-woofer, free of charge. The recall began on July 1,2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Not every 2011 Toyota Avalon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Toyota Avalon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 16 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Visibility/Wiper — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,778 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Avalon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Avalon years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 8 |
| 2021 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2020 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2019 Avalon | 44 | 196.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 72 |
| 2018 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 25 |
| 2017 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
| 2016 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2015 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 54 |
| 2014 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
| 2013 Avalon | 40 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 103 |
| 2012 Avalon | 22 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 23 |
| 2010 Avalon | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 16 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →