1997 Toyota Avalon Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 21%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Toyota Avalon, 21% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Noise coming from rear of car, upon inspection, rear suspension crossmember was rusted out. No other significant rust under car. Crossmember failed prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #10482650, filed 2012-10, 240,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178370, filed 2007-01, 51,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10141303, filed 2005-10“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”
NHTSA complaint #10894082, filed 2016-08, 139,000 miles“Failure of front struts assembly as evidenced by bouncing of front wheels and ratttling. Inspection by Toyota service dealer found struts to be leaking. Dealer and manufacturer stated that since the car was out of warranty on basis of time (3 years) even if not by mileage, they were not at fault. Following my problem, I found that a friend had asimilar problem on their rented 1998 model of the same car and turned the car in at the end of the rental instead of purchasing it.”
NHTSA complaint #738846, filed 2001-01Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
| 2000 | 13 | 8% |
| 1999 | 14 | 15% |
| 1998 | 19 | 11% |
| 1997 | 26 | 21% |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% |
| 1995 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Avalon
40 complaintsBrakes
11 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 30, 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