1997 TOYOTA AVALON PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Power Steering Issues:

  • Power steering rack leaks at 51000 miles and 99000 miles
    
  • Power steering pump makes noise and leaks
    
  • Continuous loss of power steering fluid
    
  • Power steering rack assembly leaking steering fluid
    
  • Excessive amounts of power steering fluid leaking
    
  • Steering wheel tight and difficult to turn
    

• 2. Suspension/Struts Issues:

  • Front strut mounting failed at 50000 miles and 99500 miles
    
  • Rear strut issues with rattling and shaking
    
  • Struts leaking and needing replacement
    
  • Front suspension bar broken causing veering
    
  • Front suspension making noises while turning
    
  • Struts failed and caused loud noises/rattles
    
  • Struts and arms needed replacement/repair
    
  • Upper and lower tie rods severed at low speed
    
  • Front suspension issues with moaning, groaning, and shaking
    

• 3. Transmission Issues:

  • Transmission flush and fluid replacement at 120406 miles, followed by complete transmission failure
    

• 4. Brake Issues:

  • Brakes faded when stopping
    
  • Soft and mushy brakes
    
  • Bang noise from brakes
    
  • Failure of a tire at high speed due to braking system assembly
    
  • Brake light stays on after brake released
    

• 5. Airbag Issues:

  • Airbag deployment in a non-accident situation
    
  • No deployment of airbags during an accident
    
  • Airbag deployment causing personal injury
    

• 6. Miscellaneous Issues:

  • Ignition system flaw causing car to roll after stopping
    
  • Alarm system design issues causing locking doors
    
  • Acceleration issues causing accidents and engine revving
    
  • Speed sensor failure
    
  • Rear cylinder head failure causing coolant leak
    
  • Tail light bulbs burning out multiple times
    
  • Traction control system shutting off gas to engine
    
  • Seat belt issues with retractors and restraints
    
  • Failure of ABS controller
    
  • Acceleration issues with cruise control
    
  • Acceleration issues causing accidents
    
  • Windshield wiper failures in rainstorms and highway situations