1997 Toyota Avalon problems
Owners have filed 155 complaints about the 1997 Toyota Avalon with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 27.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 17.4%.
Complaints155
Crashes17
Fires0
Injuries13
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Steering 27.7% · 43
Suspension 17.4% · 27
Power train 6.5% · 10
Tires 5.8% · 9
Vehicle speed control 5.2% · 8
Engine and engine cooling 5.2% · 8
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.5% · 7
Air bags 3.2% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 13 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota Avalon in this data, 1997 sits 11th by complaint volume. 2006 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 10 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 99,000 miles.
In owners' own words
It appears that the common problem of rack and pinion failure has finally occurred on my vehicle. I contacted Toyota and dealer and their response was that the part was out of warranty. I asked the question that if you knew a part was certainly going to fail after warranty and it cost roughly $1000 would you buy that vehicle? I think this should be investigate further and there should be a recall. Steering
Power steering rack leaking at 58,000 miles. Dealer estimate to repair is $1,370. Contacted Toyota - unwilling to provide assistance. Appears to be a common problem for avalons. Confirmed this with former Toyota mechanics who said they saw a lot of 1997 avalons and camrys with leaking steering racks. Also, need front strut mounts replaced, another apparently defective part in 1997 avalons. Steering
Rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced/ leaking oil, and front strut support had to be repaired. Vehicle was rattling constantly from time of purchase. Also, had a brake problem. When brakes were applied there was sound. Only after brake pedal was applied a second time knocking sound stopped. In addition, driver's seat moved when making turns. Consumer felt unsafe in vehicle. Steering
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…