Makes›Toyota›Avalon›2008

2008 Toyota Avalon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Toyota Avalon
Pictured: 2019 Toyota Avalon XSE in Ruby Flare Pearl, Front Right, 09-05-2022. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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
197.2 in
Curb weight
3,561 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2008 large car (18.2 MPG).

Watch out for

  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 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 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 21% better than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Avalon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Avalon →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Xl/Xls197.2 in72.8 in58.7 in111 in61.8 / 61.4 in3,561 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Avalon3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22+21%$3,050404
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.2 MPG2008 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Toyota Avalon under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Toyota Avalon (this car)22 MPGNot rated5
2008 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2008 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated8
2008 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated2
2008 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated6
2008 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Chevrolet Malibu27 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (5)

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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles

Problem
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 affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
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 to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Toyota Avalon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

82Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
78,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting39
Electrical System15
Visibility/Wiper8
Unknown Or Other7
Vehicle Speed Control5
Steering5
Structure4
Service Brakes3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/07: 218/09: 318/10: 218/11: 118/12: 119/01: 119/03: 119/04: 119/07: 119/08: 119/09: 319/10: 119/11: 219/12: 120/03: 120/04: 120/08: 220/12: 121/09: 122/04: 123/01: 123/04: 124/10: 124/11: 118/0718/1119/0319/0819/1120/0421/0923/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Toyota Avalon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 39 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Visibility/Wiper — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota Avalon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Avalon years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2022 Avalon44196.1 in★★★★★08
2021 Avalon44196.1 in★★★★★227
2020 Avalon44196.1 in★★★★★410
2019 Avalon44196.1 in★★★★★572
2018 Avalon40195.3 in★★★★★225
2017 Avalon40195.3 inNot rated214
2016 Avalon40195.3 inNot rated425
2015 Avalon40195.3 inNot rated254
2014 Avalon40195.3 inNot rated4100
2013 Avalon40195.3 inNot rated4103
2012 Avalon22197.2 inNot rated423
2011 Avalon23197.2 inNot rated162

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →