ToyotaAvalon2020Overview/toyota/avalon/2020/base/

2020 Toyota Avalon

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Avalon.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2020 Toyota Avalon arrives in the reference record as a contemporary entry in the nameplate, pairing an eight-speed automatic with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while its lubrication system calls for 5.7 quarts of 0W-20 oil. Owner feedback for that model year totaled 10 complaints alongside three recalls, with the fuel and propulsion system emerging as the most-cited trouble area. Plotted against the Avalon's broader 1995–2022 complaint history—peaking at 359 reports in 2006 and reaching its lowest point at 8 in 2022—the 2020 sits squarely within a notably calmer stretch of the vehicle's reliability arc, indicating that the platform's heaviest-issue years were already well in the past.

Model year202220212020201920182017201620152014

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque76 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy22/31/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 47 Battery is vented to the outside. · 355 CCA battery, OE oil filter 90915YZZN1. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 47 Battery is vented to the outside. · 355 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnAUTOOEM · verified
Tire size235/45R18 94VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter90915YZZN1 alt 9672335028
Engine air filter17801F0020 alt 17801F0050
Spark plug9091901263 alt 9091901289
BatteryG951033112
Front wiper blades8521206250 alt 8522206250
Serpentine belt90916A2026
Thermostat1632647020 alt 1632631050
Cabin air filter871390E040

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length196.1 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase113 in
Curb weight3646 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined22 / 31 / 25 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume103 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Avalon of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.00 sec — 2020 TRD
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020TRD 3.5L V66.00 sec14.60 sec301 hpFWD
2019Touring 3.5L V66.00 sec14.60 sec301 hpFWD
2019Touring 3.5L V66.10 sec14.80 sec301 hpFWD
2019Touring 3.5L V66.10 sec14.60 sec301 hpFWD
2019Hybrid XSE 2.5L I-4 + Elec 1.6-kWh7.80 sec16.00 sec215 hpFWD
2021Limited 2.5L I-47.70 sec15.90 sec205 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.7 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, SAE J1703 · DOT3 · SAE J1704 · DOT4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 76 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid CapacityP710
Brake FluidSAE J1703 · DOT3 · SAE J1704 · DOT4
Engine CoolantTOYOTA SLLC
Engine Coolant Capacity9.1
Engine CoolantTOYOTA SLLC
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity5.7 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs12.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs12.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)70.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)63.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts76 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts65.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub217.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)1100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerDenso
Spark Plug TypeFK20HBR8

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.26-1.37 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.28-1.41 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum196
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum294
Residual Pressure98
Engine Compression1050
Engine Compression700
Engine Oil Pressure30
Engine Oil Pressure80

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 25.0; Rear: 25.0 /
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 79.0; Rear: 79.0 /
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 6.0; Rear: 6.0
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.0394; Rear: 0.0394 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 0.984; Rear: 0.414 /
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: 0.00196; Rear: 0.00591 /; Front: .0019; Rear: .0059
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .984; Rear: .414

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
17.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 12.07 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°18 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°18 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
127.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90° Step 3: 90°27 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
166.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90° Step 3: 90°66 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
127.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step: 90°27 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 66.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 90°66 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°22 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
116 point bolts45 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
145.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°45 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
145.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°45 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
145.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°45 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miBrake Vacuum Pump (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miHybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 Avalon sits at the low‑point of a long‑term downward trend in federal complaints, dropping to just 10 reports after a peak of 359 in 2006 and a sustained decline through the 2010s. Recall activity also fell markedly, with only three recalls in 2020 compared with a high of seven recalls in several years between 2005 and 2011; the subsequent years (20212022) show an even smaller recall count, indicating continued improvement. Technical Service Bulletins, while still present, decreased from a high of 511 in 2013 to 191 in 2020, reinforcing the pattern of fewer systemic issues as the generation matured. The few complaints that did arise in 2020 were concentrated in the fuel/propulsion system (five instances) with isolated reports on airbags, steering, and forward‑collision speed control, and there were no fire or crash‑related complaints. **Takeaway:** 2020 represents a comparatively clean year in the Avalon’s recent history, making it a strong candidate for a used‑car purchase from a reliability standpoint.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
191
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
10
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 10 complaints on record, top 6 components.

Fuel/Propulsion System5
Air Bags1
Steering1
Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance1
Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance1
Visibility1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V682000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020… Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were…

20V734000Air Bags:FrontalReported 25/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Toyota Avalon and 2020 Avalon Hybrid, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. Breakaway pins within the steering column, designed to absorb energy… Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 191 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
T-SB-0106-22 Rev22026-01-30Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0001-262026-01-28Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic…
T-SB-0055-24 Rev22026-01-07Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…
24TE042025-08-07EngineThe specific condition covered by this program is for a small engine coolant leak that…
T-SB-0058-23 Rev12025-06-13Electrical SystemThe air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Avalon. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2020 Avalon take?

5.7 qt of 0W-20 ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil, per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Avalon have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Avalon get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined mpg.