2005 Toyota Avalon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Xl/Xls
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 196.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,424 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2005 large car (18.1 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Toyota Avalon is a large car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,424 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 22% better than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Xl/Xls | 196.1 in | 71.7 in | 59.1 in | 109.8 in | 62.2 / 61.4 in | 3,424 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 (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +22% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Toyota Avalon under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Toyota Avalon (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Chrysler 300 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- 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 SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Oct 21, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V499000 · 728,544 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
- Risk
- A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Jan 21, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V017000 · 2,230,661 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
- Risk
- THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2005 Toyota Avalon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Toyota Avalon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 7 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Structure › Body — 6 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 132,000 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 2005 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 |
| 2011 Avalon | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 62 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →