Engine seizure
Sell your 1996 Toyota Avalon for cash
The 1996 Toyota Avalon is a full-size car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 Avalon in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
ToyotaAVALON1996
1996 Toyota Avalon at a glance
| Body style | Large Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 1 configuration |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 Avalon's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a full-size car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 188,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Toyota Avalon recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Toyota Avalon. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1996 Avalon problems
Owners have filed 109 complaints about the 1996 Toyota Avalon with NHTSA. 10 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 10 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Vehicle Speed Control188,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling95,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling63,000 mi
- Visibility55,000 mi
1996 Toyota Avalon service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 51 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Toyota Avalon. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 3 defect investigations covering the 1996 Toyota Avalon.
Turn signal failures
There is no summary currently available
Turn signal failures
Consumers allege left and right turn signal functions fail while driving.Toyota dealers have replaced turn signal switches, but in one instance the new switch still failed intermittently.dealer mechanics instructed the owner to turn the hazard warning switch on/off to reset the switch.the hazard warning switch is conne
Selling a 1996 Avalon: questions
How much is a 1996 Toyota Avalon worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 Avalon that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 Avalons that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 Avalon?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 Avalon today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.