VehicleVerdict

1997 Toyota Avalon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 Toyota Avalon sits mid-pack among Avalon years: 155 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 122, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 43 reports (28% of the total).

155

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

13

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Avalon years?

Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted449 complaints1995: 92 complaints1996: 121 complaints1997: 155 complaints1998: 205 complaints1999: 113 complaints2000: 220 complaints2001: 168 complaints2002: 148 complaints2003: 353 complaints2004: 252 complaints2005: 303 complaints2006: 449 complaints2007: 311 complaints2008: 417 complaints2009: 110 complaints2010: 51 complaints2011: 130 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 187 complaints2014: 123 complaints2015: 63 complaints2016: 33 complaints2017: 17 complaints2018: 31 complaints2019: 92 complaints2020: 13 complaints2021: 29 complaints2022: 13 complaints
Avalon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Toyota Avalon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4328%
Suspension2717%
Brakes128%
Transmission106%
Tires & Wheels106%
Engine85%
Speed Control85%
Electrical System64%
Airbags53%
Seat Belts53%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Other43%
Lighting32%
Seats32%
Fuel System32%
Body & Structure21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 1997 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V156000BrakesSeptember 17, 1997 · 18,746 units

Defect

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 IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“UPPER STEERING KNUCKLE BROKE; CAUSED VEHICLE TO PULL SEVERELY TO RIGHT, HIT CURB, STRUCK LIGHT POLE, NOISY, SEEMED TO HAVE MIND OF ITS OWN; REPAIRED. DUAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 6, 1997 · crash

“THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS BROKEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE VEERES TO THE LEFT WHILE ON HIGHWAY AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 10, 1999 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 6, 2000

“TIRE FAILED OUTSIDE SIDEWALL NEAR JOINT BETWEEN TREAD AND SIDEWALL.TIRES NEAR END OF LIFE 6/32" IN CENTER A BIT LESS ON OUTSIDE.BUT STILL, NEVER HAD A TIRE COME APART LIKE THIS BEFORE,DANGER ON THE FREEWAY...WIFE DRIVING ALONE...I'M SHAKEN...NEW TIRES IMMEDIATELY...NOT BRIDGESTONE. *AK (TIRESIZE:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 4, 2001

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 7, 2005 · crash

1997 Toyota Avalon — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota Avalon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Avalon: 155 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1997 Avalon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (43 complaints), suspension (27 complaints), brakes (12 complaints).

Does the 1997 Toyota Avalon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Toyota Avalon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Avalon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalon years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2003, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2000, 1998, 2013. The cleanest record among Avalon years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.