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BrakesPart report

1997 Toyota Corolla Brakes Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
7%of 135 total for the year
Median mileage
76,110miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota Corolla, 7% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,110 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“Driving on sh 79 freehold boro when attempting to apply brakes to stop and make turn pedal went all the way to the floor without any warning and failed to stop vehicle. Pumped brake pedal in panic many times when vehicle pulled sharp right and while still pumping brake pedal and attempt to use hand brake vehicle finally slowed and stopped. Mechanic advised both brake lines in rear were not coated and fluid leaked from place where clamp strapped them to undercarriage of car. Lines were rusted as no protection coating was applied during manufacturing. …”

NHTSA complaint #10525946, filed 2013-07, 76,110 miles

“When stepping on the brakes, the front brakes make a very load clank. Load enough for people to turn and look at you. I took it to the dealer I purchased the car from , and they said all 1997 Toyota corollas do this, and that it was normal,they said there were no problems with my brakes. Now when I go got stop,I feel like its getting harder to stop. If you could rsvp me I'd appreciate it . Thank you.”

NHTSA complaint #743664, filed 2001-04

“When sitting at a stop sign the pedal will slip down to the floorboard half way, and when driving and going to apply the brakes, the pedal will slip away from foot. This happens often, and the vehicle has been in for repairs three times. They adjusted the brakes, and they still can't determine the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #831117, filed 1998-11

“Braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance, and sometimes vehicle won't stop at all,. Needs to apply emergency parking brake in order to stop the vehicle. Dealer is aware of problem, but cannot determine the cause. Please provide further information.”

NHTSA complaint #834825, filed 1999-02

“Locks on driver's and passenger's rear doors become jammed, and cannot be opened from inside or outside. Also, brake lights are preforming erratically . Please give any further details.”

NHTSA complaint #881211, filed 2001-02

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026317%
2025826%
20241015%
202379%
20221616%
202195%
2020248%
2019168%
2018118%
20172615%
20163014%
2015188%
2014176%
20132412%
2012112%
2011214%
201016613%
20091208%
2008268%
2007455%
2006354%
2005374%
2004143%
2003324%
200287%
2001129%
200096%
199975%
1998157%
199797%
19961310%
19952112%
199421%
199322%
1992610%
199123%
1989313%
198814%
198717%

Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Corolla

Seat belts
38 complaints
Air bags
29 complaints
Vehicle speed control
9 complaints
Electrical system
7 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Tires
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Corolla

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