Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Toyota Avalon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The consumer stated that while parking, she experienced sudden acceleration when she applied the brake. The vehicle collided with two other vehicles. The consumer was stepping on the brake when the vehicle surged forward. The vehicle had a history of EGR valve repairs. The vehicle suddenly accelerated at the service dealership as well. The problem had something to do with the throttle body injector. The vehicle accelerated up to 4K RPM's. The power steering pump, rack and EGR valve were replaced. Updated evoq 08/27/10 updated evoq 11/17/10
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. A service bulletin has been issued to all Toyota dealers to check for these problems and recommend repairs. The cost averages $1000. While asking Toyota customer service for help I was told to contact the ceo in Japan if not satisfied with the repair costs.
I purchased a 1997 Toyota Avalon xls with 55,000 miles on it from leith Toyota in raleigh north carolina in March of 2002. I now have 74,000 miles on it and have discovered that the power steering pump and complete power steering rack needs to be replaced at the cost of $1200.00. I do not understand why I should be responsible for this. I have reviewed the ntsb website and there are numerous complaints of the same problem. Why is there not a recall? I tried to get the dealership to cover some of the costs and all they offered was a free rental. Maybe I should write oprah, seems everyone listens to her and see if she can make it public!
I noticed a wobble in the steering and took the car to a tire dealer. Dealer balanced tires and said all would be OK. In less than 10 miles wobble reappeared and took car to another shop of tire dealer. Wobble was less noticible and next day noticed power steering oil on driveway. I took car into Toyota and was told I needed to replace the rack & pinipn steering unit at a cost of 1200.00. I was able to negotiated price of repair down to 1044.15, apparently because I was a good customer. I yelled a lot!
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in any direction. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,970 and the current mileage was 96,000.
Seems I'm also the victim of a common 1997 Avalon problem. The power steering pump/rack were leaking and needed to be replaced. In reviewing all of the NHTSA complaints about this problem, it seems a recall should have occurred for this all too common (and expensive) problem.
Continuous loss of power steering fluid. Steering felt tight. Rack and pinion and power steering pump had to be replaced at 99,000 miles. Noticed a large number of complaints on NHTSA website for this problem.
Upper steering knuckle broke; caused vehicle to pull severely to right, hit curb, struck light pole, noisy, seemed to have mind of its own; repaired. Dual airbags deployed, causing personal injury.
I purchased a brand new 1997 Toyota Avalon for my wife. The vehicle has just recently turned over 29,000 miles, and obviously has passed the 3 year warranty. However, it has yet to reach the normal 36,000 mile warranty mark. On January 18, 2003 I noticed a large puddle of fluid underneath the car. I checked the fluid levels, and found that the power steering reservoir was almost empty. I took the car to the local Toyota dealership (where I purchased the car) and was informed that the power steering rack was leaking, and would have to be replaced at a cost of $850.00 plus tax, for a re-manufactured part. I contacted the customer service rep with the dealership, and was told that there was nothing they could do, even though the vehicle had such low mileage. …
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. Have had evrything done by a local dealer here in houston but much to my chagrin dealership guys never mentioned or acknwledged these known issues. Do wanna get rid of it but it would be unfair with the purchaser. So now keeping it and going to replace the front struts with mounts as well, hoping that crankling and rattling would go away completely. Spending more buck . …
Steering complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Toyota Avalon, 32% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Avalon steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 Toyota Avalon, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Avalon steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.