1997 Toyota Avalon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › Avalon › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Toyota Avalon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Toyota Avalon. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. a condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
Owner complaints
125 complaints12 involved a crash8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon. While driving 40 mph, the rear passenger tire made loud noises. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lateral arm snapped off the subframe due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000. updated 11/03/16*lj *tr
- Tires
When I brought my car into the tire dealership where I had purchased my tires complaining of a shaking steering wheel (thinking one of my tires had lost a balance weight), that's when I discovered 3 of the 4 tires I had purchased a year ago september (and which had only 14,000 miles of wear) had all experienced the steel belt separating inside the tire. updated 09/02/15*lj updated 10/31/2017*cn
- Air bags
Making a left hand turn after stopping at a stop sign, going approx. 10 mph, the right front tire (only) bumped into a railroad track and the sensors told the car it had a front end collision and both airbags deployed even though no one was in the passenger seat. This explosion busted the front…
Making a left hand turn after stopping at a stop sign, going approx. 10 mph, the right front tire (only) bumped into a railroad track and the sensors told the car it had a front end collision and both airbags deployed even though no one was in the passenger seat. This explosion busted the front windshield, passenger side glass, knocked the front grill off, etc.. As the driver my face was cut and my left eye lens was blown out from the explosion and flying shrapnel and so I now have a transplanted left eye lens with a serial number and poor eyesight. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
The tubing from the filler neck to the fuel tank IS subject to rust. The rust results in holes in the tube. Fuel spills out during refueling and acceleration. *js
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Equipment adaptive/mobility · Latches/locks/linkages
Auto locking system locks doors while doors are open or closed and you are getting out of car or putting grocers in if ur keys are in car it still locks I have been locked out many times it IS very frustrating and dangerous especially when ur daughter borrows your car and gets HER9 month old baby…
Auto locking system locks doors while doors are open or closed and you are getting out of car or putting grocers in if ur keys are in car it still locks I have been locked out many times it IS very frustrating and dangerous especially when ur daughter borrows your car and gets HER9 month old baby locked in at 95 degrees at 11AM in florida in the sun in a parking lot.the locksmith could not open the door cause every time he pop the lock the system would relock it self immediately .this IS a real problem .some times it locks itself in seconds or mins.it has a mind of its own. *tr
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
I was on my way to college at 7:45 a.m heading highway 72 west. My car started to accelerated from 75mph to 100 mph. I pushed, pressed, and pumped my brakes that wouldn't work. I pressed down my emergency brake which did not work either. I traveled about ten to fifteen minutes before car just…
I was on my way to college at 7:45 a.m heading highway 72 west. My car started to accelerated from 75mph to 100 mph. I pushed, pressed, and pumped my brakes that wouldn't work. I pressed down my emergency brake which did not work either. I traveled about ten to fifteen minutes before car just suddenly came to a stop smoking from my tires and under the hood. I immediately jumped out of the car screaming thanking god for my life he spared. I was traumatized at this point. I did come to myself and dialed 911 for the fire trucks because my car was smoking so bad.next day toyota company said it was my coil pack and charged me to fix it but I am now terrified of this car and refuse to drive it anymore. I have since had severe nightmares every night since this accident that could've been deadly. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Noise coming from rear of car, upon inspection, rear suspension crossmember was rusted out. no other significant rust under car. crossmember failed prematurely. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, the contact was notified that the driver side control arm was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, shortly after leaving the dealer the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, the contact was notified that the driver side control arm was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, shortly after leaving the dealer the vehicle began to swerve from side to side abnormally. The vehicle was taken back to the local mechanic who was then unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the failure was not corrected. The failure and the current mileage was 130,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon. the contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in any direction. the dealer and manufacturer were contacted but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 95,970 and the current mileage was 96,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon xls. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph and making a turn. When the brake pedal was engaged, the vehicle abnormally accelerated to 60 mph. The vehicle would not stop or decelerate despite the contacts braking attempts. the contact shifted into…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon xls. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph and making a turn. When the brake pedal was engaged, the vehicle abnormally accelerated to 60 mph. The vehicle would not stop or decelerate despite the contacts braking attempts. the contact shifted into neutral and the engine was turned off in order to stop the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the throttle body cable did not appear to be stuck or defective. Once the vehicle was restarted, the engine rpms rapidly increased to 7500. After waiting five minutes the vehicle operated as normal. The contact stated that he would be taking the vehicle for diagnosis to determine the failure. the failure mileage was 297,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Driver was attempting to park in a legal parking space in the last row of parking lot on 9 mule rd toms river nj- nose in. weather good. car accelerated over the curb coming to rest in drainage ditch that backs to the lot. Air bag inflated and driver was pinned and neck broken. The car was…
Driver was attempting to park in a legal parking space in the last row of parking lot on 9 mule rd toms river nj- nose in. weather good. car accelerated over the curb coming to rest in drainage ditch that backs to the lot. Air bag inflated and driver was pinned and neck broken. The car was totaled and driver taken by ambulance to hospital. no past experience with unexplained acceleration - only time it ever happened. no other cars involved in accident and driver was alone in vehicle. police report filed. insurance company took possession of car. *cn
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
My father lost control of his vehicle, a 1997 toyota avalon and crashed into two utility poles on mission village drive, san diego, ca. He subsequently died of complications from his injuries to his head and lower extremities. The vehicle was completely destroyed. *Tr updated ivoq 09/02/10*jb update 9/19/2011*cw
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 toyota avalon. while driving approximately 65 mph, the contact heard a noise coming from the front driver's side seat belt system. suddenly, the seat belt retractor failed without warning. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin and mileages were unknown.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Steering › Rack and pinion
Continuous loss of power steering fluid. Steering felt tight. Rack and pinion and power steering pump had to be replaced at 99,000 miles. Noticed a large number of complaints on nhtsa website for this problem. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
I have been having the problem of suspension noise and when hitting bumps causing a loud thump in the front of the car. It sounds like your riding on tracks each time you hit a bump. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dealer serviced transmission with a flush and fluid replacement at 120,406 miles. also, timing belt was replaced and coolant flush done. eight weeks later, transmission failed completely. was on 250 mile trip, felt bumping which thought may be rough road condition, then when close to…
Dealer serviced transmission with a flush and fluid replacement at 120,406 miles. also, timing belt was replaced and coolant flush done. eight weeks later, transmission failed completely. was on 250 mile trip, felt bumping which thought may be rough road condition, then when close to destination, car would not move after stopping at stop light. diagnosis was complete transmission failure. dealer would not concede any responsibility to contributing to failure of transmission although dealer could not identify any other toyota avalon transmission failures. convinced action by dealer service resulted in transmission failure. *Jb
- Steering · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
1997 toyota avalon the power steering rack leaks at 51000 miles and IS a known problem to toyota. Also need to be repaired at 99000 miles the front strut mounting also failed near 50000 miles and IS failing again at 99500 miles. the power steering pump makes excessive noise and leaks. This…
1997 toyota avalon the power steering rack leaks at 51000 miles and IS a known problem to toyota. Also need to be repaired at 99000 miles the front strut mounting also failed near 50000 miles and IS failing again at 99500 miles. the power steering pump makes excessive noise and leaks. This problem started about 51000 miles as well. weakness in the steering makes this a dangerous vehicle. I contacted the toyota service center and they said they were well aware of the problems but the vehicle IS out of warranty. A service bulletin has been issued to all toyota dealers to check for these problems and recommend repairs. The cost averages $1000. While asking toyota customer service for help I was told to contact the ceo in japan if not satisfied with the repair costs. *Jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion
I have had my rack and pinion replaced on my car twice and I am having it repaired for the third time. the steering wheel looses power making it difficult to steer. I have not had any accidents. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Car was bought used in 2006 with 115,000 miles. The key can be taken out of the ignition when the car IS in any gear( rather than only when it IS in park) . This creates a very dangerous situation due to the fact that the car could begin rolling once you leave the car. This has already happened once without any consequences, but could be very dangerous in the future. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My spouse had driven our 1997 toyota avalon to our dentists office for a scheduled appointment. She pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine ignition switch and removed the key. While she was gathering her personal items to take into the dentists office with her she failed to notice…
My spouse had driven our 1997 toyota avalon to our dentists office for a scheduled appointment. She pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine ignition switch and removed the key. While she was gathering her personal items to take into the dentists office with her she failed to notice that the gearshift selector was still in the drive position. (According to a toyota service manager and manufacturer rep. The key should not have been able to remove until the gear selector was placed in the park position and the key turned to the off and locked position.) while my spouse was in the deniists office, at some point in time our avalon to begin to roll across the parking lot and crashed into the front doors of a blockbuster video store. Fortunately no one was injured. We have checked the ignition switch and gear selector in all positions on the selector console and the key will shut off the engine and can be removed from the ignition switch. We have never experienced this with the avalon before or with any other vehicles we have owned. *nm
- Steering › Rack and pinion · Suspension › Front
Bought used 97 toyota avalon at 96,000 miles couple of years ago. From day one, noticed crankling and rattling noise at the front and back. As the time went by, it got worse. Finally just had my rear struts replaced but the front IS still bad. Everytime going slow 20/35 mph I could hear things are…
Bought used 97 toyota avalon at 96,000 miles couple of years ago. From day one, noticed crankling and rattling noise at the front and back. As the time went by, it got worse. Finally just had my rear struts replaced but the front IS still bad. Everytime going slow 20/35 mph I could hear things are shaking, rattling. Now the delaer just told me that rack and pinion IS leaking too. Did a search on my own on the internet and found out that these happen to be known issues with avalon. Have had evrything done by a local dealer here in houston but much to my chagrin dealership guys never mentioned or acknwledged these known issues. Do wanna get rid of it but it would be unfair with the purchaser. So now keeping it and going to replace the front struts with mounts as well, hoping that crankling and rattling would go away completely. Spending more buck . Feel sorry for those who bought avalons at very low mileage. last but not the least one can easily find these complaints from different websites from lot of people , I think its about time somebody steps up and do something about it. thanks. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Dt: the other day the consumer parked car while rushing and took the key out of the ignition while the vehicle was in drive. The vehicle rolled backward and hit the neighbor's fence. the consumer had the key. it felt like the vehicle should have had some type of safety feature to keep the key from coming out of the ignition. This happened on september 12, 2005. Had not contacted the dealer. *Ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Leak in power steering mechanism causing sudden loss of power steering control,i.e. Steering becomes very difficult.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Complaint against toyota of greenville/toyota corp. *Bf the vehicle exhibited oil consumption problems. the consumer contacted the dealer who indicated the manufacturer was aware of the problem but no recall had bee initiated. a special program was initiated for the engine problem but the dealer refused to provide the consumer with any assistance. *nm
- Steering › Rack and pinion
1997 toyota avalon with 50,000 miles developed leak in rack and pinion steering. dealer refused to assist with cost of repairs due to expiration of warranty. defective parts replaced by a reputable mechanic.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine seizure
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244113TSB: 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 most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10207946POL: 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 be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10197476Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Product general information.
- 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10188913TSB: 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 most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. 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 most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
- 10133915Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
- 10132295This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
- 10132287California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
- 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
- 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131928A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair manual and TIS publications for specific repair instructions.
- 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10111390TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111197TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109492TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109404TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly.
- 10061620Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10061567Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10016637A541e transmission solenoid identification.
- 628696Special policy adjustment regarding vehicles experiencing engine oil gelling or sludge.
- 628688Subject regarding steering rack end noise.
- 627195Subject regarding shoulder belt anchor tape set.
Every Toyota Avalon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.