1997 Toyota Corolla Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Toyota Corolla, 4% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Corolla equipped with cooper response touring tires, size: 175/65/r14. While driving 65 MPH, the contact felt a vibration coming from the steering wheel and the front passenger side tire blew out. In addition, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. The contact previously noticed bubbles on the sidewalls of both front and rear passenger tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10777736, filed 2015-09, 93,000 miles“Bought new tires at sears. Had tires balanced and front-end alignment. Service dept. Stated and showed me that the inner w/power steering tie rod (front left side)was loose and should be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10135770, filed 2005-09“Car swerved off road and spun around twice before hitting the guard rail head-on. Car totaled. No tire failure involved. Road clean/dry. No explanation for loss of control.”
NHTSA complaint #745231, filed 2001-05Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 10% |
| 2024 | 12 | 18% |
| 2023 | 16 | 22% |
| 2022 | 5 | 5% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 8 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 5 | 4% |
| 2017 | 13 | 7% |
| 2016 | 22 | 10% |
| 2015 | 15 | 7% |
| 2014 | 18 | 7% |
| 2013 | 39 | 19% |
| 2012 | 18 | 4% |
| 2011 | 43 | 7% |
| 2010 | 371 | 30% |
| 2009 | 382 | 26% |
| 2008 | 12 | 4% |
| 2007 | 43 | 5% |
| 2006 | 22 | 3% |
| 2005 | 22 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 2000 | 11 | 8% |
| 1999 | 9 | 6% |
| 1998 | 17 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 10 | 6% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Corolla
38 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsFuel 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 29, 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