What the Toyota Avalon VIN decoder shows
Toyota ended the Avalon in the US after the 2022 model year, so every Avalon for sale today is used. Rare versions like the TRD (2020–2021) and the AWD (2021 only) are worth confirming by VIN. Our decoder shows:
- Generation and model year: 1st to 5th generation.
- Engine: 3.0L or 3.5L V6, 2.5L four or hybrid.
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (2021).
- Assembly plant: Georgetown, Kentucky.
- Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.
Toyota Avalon generations in the US
| Generation | US model years | Powertrains | Main US trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th gen (GSX50) | 2019–2022 | 3.5L V6, Hybrid, 2.5L AWD (2021) | XLE, XSE, Touring, Limited, TRD (2020–2021), Hybrid XLE/XSE/Limited |
| 4th gen (GSX40) | 2013–2018 | 3.5L V6, Hybrid | XLE, Touring, Limited, Hybrid |
| 3rd gen | 2005–2012 | 3.5L V6 | XL, Touring (to 2008), XLS, Limited |
| 2nd gen | 2000–2004 | 3.0L V6 | XL, XLS |
| 1st gen | 1995–1999 | 3.0L V6 | XL, XLS |
Good to know: in the US the Avalon was replaced by the Toyota Crown. The Avalon is still built in China for that market, but those cars were never sold in the US.
Which Avalon do you have? Models and engines
A badge can be changed or removed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Version | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| V6 and TRD (5th gen) | 2019–2022 | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS), 301 hp; TRD 2020–2021 |
| AWD (5th gen) | 2021 | 2.5L four (A25A-FKS), all-wheel drive |
| Hybrid (5th gen) | 2019–2022 | 2.5L hybrid, 215 hp combined |
| V6 (4th gen) | 2013–2018 | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE), 268 hp, 6-speed automatic |
| Hybrid (4th gen) | 2013–2018 | 2.5L hybrid (2AR-FXE), 200 hp combined |
| V6 (3rd gen) | 2005–2012 | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE), 268 hp; 5-speed automatic, 6-speed from 2008 |
| V6 (1st and 2nd gen) | 1995–2004 | 3.0L V6 (1MZ-FE), 192–210 hp |
How to read a Toyota Avalon VIN
Every Avalon has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
4T1 BZ1FB 3 K U 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | 4T1 | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (passenger car). |
| 4–8 · Vehicle descriptor | BZ1FB | Toyota’s codes for the body, engine, series, drivetrain and restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 3 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | K | The model year: K is 2019. |
| 11 · Plant code | U | The Toyota assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that vehicle. |
Avalon WMI codes and plants
| WMI | Built by | Which Avalon |
|---|---|---|
4T1 | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky | Avalons built in Georgetown, Kentucky. |
Source: NHTSA vPIC (4T1 = Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, passenger car).
Toyota Avalon model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S | 1995 | 6 | 2006 | H | 2017 |
T | 1996 | 7 | 2007 | J | 2018 |
V | 1997 | 8 | 2008 | K | 2019 |
W | 1998 | 9 | 2009 | L | 2020 |
X | 1999 | A | 2010 | M | 2021 |
Y | 2000 | B | 2011 | N | 2022 |
1 | 2001 | C | 2012 | P | 2023 |
2 | 2002 | D | 2013 | R | 2024 |
3 | 2003 | E | 2014 | S | 2025 |
4 | 2004 | F | 2015 | T | 2026 |
5 | 2005 | G | 2016 |
TRD, AWD or Hybrid: how to confirm
The Avalon TRD was sold only for 2020–2021 and AWD only for 2021, so few exist. The VIN shows the engine and drivetrain: a real AWD Avalon has the 2.5L four-cylinder, and a TRD has the 3.5L V6. A decode also confirms a Hybrid, which looks almost the same as a gas Avalon.
Toyota Avalon recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two Avalons of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any Toyota dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Important Avalon campaigns include:
- Airbag control unit (January 2020): 2012–2018 Avalon and 2013–2018 Avalon Hybrid were recalled because the airbag control unit can fail in certain crashes.
- Floor mats (2009): 2005–2010 Avalon were part of Toyota’s floor-mat recall because a mat can trap the accelerator pedal.
- Fuel pump (2020): 2018–2020 Avalon were recalled because the low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine.
- Pre-Collision System (2015): 2013–2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid were recalled because the system can brake unexpectedly over steel road plates.
- Passenger airbag sensor (2023): some 2020–2021 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid were recalled because a short circuit can stop the passenger airbag from deploying.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact vehicle and whether it is still open.
Common Toyota Avalon problems by generation
These are issues that owners and mechanics often report. They don’t affect every vehicle, but they are worth checking on a used one:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 5th gen (2019–2022) | Fuel pump and airbag sensor recalls | Recalls completed |
| 4th gen (2013–2018) | Airbag control unit and Pre-Collision recalls | Recalls completed, driver-assist warnings |
| 3rd gen (2005–2012) | The rubber section of the V6 VVT-i oil hose can fail and leak oil (Toyota replaced it under a service campaign); cracked dashboards; roof paint peeling on some 2011 models | Oil line replaced, oil leaks, oil pressure light, dashboard and roof paint |
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota Avalon
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used Toyota Avalon: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The engine and drivetrain from the VIN match the listing (V6, Hybrid or AWD).
- No open safety recalls, especially the airbag control unit recall on 2012–2018 models.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand, and odometer readings that go up steadily.
- On a 2005–2012 Avalon, confirm the VVT-i oil line was replaced.
- On a Hybrid, no hybrid warning lights.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, engine, drivetrain, plant and year. Packages, paint color and dealer-installed accessories are stored in Toyota’s build record, not fully in the VIN. A Toyota dealer can look them up by VIN.
Toyota Avalon VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a Toyota Avalon?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a Toyota Avalon VIN start with?
US Avalons are built in Georgetown, Kentucky, and start with 4T1.
How do I know which Avalon generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2019–2022 is the 5th generation, 2013–2018 is the 4th, 2005–2012 is the 3rd, 2000–2004 is the 2nd and 1995–1999 is the 1st.
What was the last year of the Toyota Avalon?
The 2022 model year was the last Avalon sold in the US. Toyota replaced it with the Crown.
Was the Avalon sold with AWD?
Yes, but only for the 2021 model year, with a 2.5L four-cylinder. The VIN shows if a car is AWD.
Does my Toyota Avalon have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact vehicle.
Is the Toyota Avalon VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other Toyota models
See all codes in the Toyota VIN decoder.
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Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and Toyota model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Toyota. Toyota and the Toyota logo are trademarks of their owner.