Complaints
155
Crashes
17
Fires
0
Injuries
13
Fatalities
2
Recalls
0
Worst 1997 Toyota Avalon Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#124 complaints
Steering:Rack And Pinion
Avg mileage:64,154 mi
#211 complaints
Suspension:Front:Macpherson Strut
Avg mileage:51,000 mi
#310 complaints
Suspension:Front
Crash-related:1
Considering a 1997 Toyota Avalon?
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Toyota Avalon.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering:Rack And Pinion | 24 | — | — | 64,154 mi | |
| Suspension:Front:Macpherson Strut | 11 | — | — | 51,000 mi | |
| Suspension:Front | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 5 | — | 155,831 mi | |
| Steering:Rack And Pinion:Rack | 6 | — | — | 83,732 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | 169,667 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 5 | 1 | — | 89,309 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Steering:Rack And Pinion
24
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
64,154
Suspension:Front:Macpherson Strut
11
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
51,000
Suspension:Front
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
9
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
8
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
—
Avg Miles
155,831
Steering:Rack And Pinion:Rack
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
83,732
Suspension Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
169,667
Automatic Transmission
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
89,309
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:Frontal
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota Avalon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Other Toyota Avalon Years
1997 Toyota Avalon — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 1997 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1997 Toyota Avalon has 155 NHTSA complaints, 17 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Steering:Rack And Pinion with 24 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1997 Toyota Avalon?
Top reported problems: Steering:Rack And Pinion (24 complaints, avg 64,154 mi); Suspension:Front:Macpherson Strut (11 complaints, avg 51,000 mi); Suspension:Front (10 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1997 Toyota Avalon?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 88,571 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1997 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA complaints for the 1997 Toyota Avalon include 17 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 13 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1997 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1997 Toyota Avalon as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1997 Toyota Avalon?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Avalon reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1997 Toyota Avalon
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99