1997 Toyota Avalon Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 295,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota Avalon, 9% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 295,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10578759, filed 2014-04, 295,000 miles“Brakes feel soft and mushy, front brakes aprox 9.5mm remain and rears aprox 9mm remain.test drove and adjust park brake. Adjust brake pedal height pedal to low, checked and reset pedal to specs, per cust rep air manual. 6 inches from the floor”
NHTSA complaint #9000593, filed 2000-03“Vehicle hydroplanes on the slightest wet pavement. Also pulls to the left or right due to wrong tires on vehicle. Toyota refuses to replace the bridgestone tires with an alternate make designed for this vehicle. Also ABS brakes engaged many times due to the sliding.”
NHTSA complaint #534132, filed 1998-04“Transmission failed, causing the transmission to lose internal pressure, thereby loosening gear connection. The result of the lost pressure causedllo the vehicle to lose speed suddenly, even as the engine continued to rev . The transaxle assembly failed.”
NHTSA complaint #521594, filed 1997-07“The ABS controller failed. This part controlls the ABS braking action. According to other repair sources it is highly unusual for this part to fail. This is a critical safety component since it controls the braking system. The manufactuer of the component is bosche and there have been safety bulletins through NHTSA about these parts. The dealer and manufacturer who were both contacted won't even discuss any problems with this unit. The car was involved in an accident shortly after we purchased it . The brakes appeared to fail causing a rear end collision.”
NHTSA complaint #703969, filed 1999-03Related recalls
- 97V156000Sep 17, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine…Covers: Toyota Avalon 1997, Camry 1997, Lexus ES300 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A 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…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A 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…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 13% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 1 | 10% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 7% |
| 2016 | 2 | 9% |
| 2015 | 11 | 26% |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 25 | 10% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 25 | 11% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 15 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 13% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
| 2000 | 22 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 13 | 7% |
| 1997 | 11 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 11% |
| 1995 | 11 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Avalon
40 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsTires
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Avalon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology