Used Toyota Avensis 2015-2018 reliability
Category: Executive car
The Toyota Avensis is a spacious and comfortable long-distance cruiser with plenty of equipment included, but it's dull to drive.
What should I look for in a used Toyota Avensis saloon?
Interior
Toyota interiors are generally hard-wearing, but some of the plastics used in the Avensis are a little on the cheap and shiny side and can be easily scratched. Also, some Business Edition models have light-coloured inserts on the seats and door cards that can show up dirt.
Alloy wheels
Most Business Edition models were fitted with sensibly sized 17in alloys, but higher-spec cars had larger wheels that can be susceptible to kerb damage. Make sure you have a good look around before buying, because repairs can be expensive and a sign of potential suspension alignment issues.
DPF light
Keep an eye out for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) light. Most of the time, the trapped particulate matter will be burnt off, but the filter can clog if you do lots of short journeys, requiring you to either take a long drive or a trip to the dealer if it can't regenerate itself.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Avensis saloon?
EGR valve
This shouldn’t be a problem if you regularly service your car and frequently drive it on the motorway, but some diesel Avensis owners have mentioned having problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve clogging up. Watch out for a check engine light or a rough idle.
Sat-nav
The Avensis doesn’t have the greatest infotainment system, and its sat-nav can sometimes give owners trouble by taking them on odd routes. Have the software updated (which can be done while the car is being serviced) and this should hopefully improve matters.
Airbags
Examples built between 6 September 2016 and 21 October 2016 can have a problem with side airbags that might not activate in a collision. Check with your local Toyota dealer to make sure the remedial work has been carried out.
Exhaust bolts
The bolts on the exhaust system of 2.0-litre diesel models manufactured between 23 June 2016 and 27 October 2016 that can work loose. They’re close to the turbocharger, which makes them hard to spot, so ask your Toyota dealer if this work has been done.
Is a used Toyota Avensis saloon reliable?
Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough data to include the Avensis in our latest Reliability Survey, but Toyota as a whole managed a fantastic third place out of 31 manufacturers.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
