Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Tl* 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
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, the contact was notified that the driver side control arm was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, shortly after leaving the dealer the vehicle began to swerve from side to side abnormally. The vehicle was taken back to the local mechanic who was then unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the failure was not corrected. The failure and the current mileage was 130,000.
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 . …
The car has a serious flaw in the handling, ride and suspension!this car has the suspension that rocks like a boat; and even the smallest bump rattles the entire frame and reminds me of a thunder-like noise . I have always maintained servicing at the dealer, and have a history of complaining about it --nearly every time I took it in, I would ask to inspect it - seems like they never did a thorough required analysis, until recently the service director was nice enought to take it for a drive and confirmed that it needs all new struts and arms for $2000. Problem is it was always bad and could have caused other parts of the car to break prematurely and be replaced as well in car I've been in cars with working suspensions before and this one is ***** this wasn't the same car I test drove or Toyota has earned it's reputation on. Please launch an investigation
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.
Rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced/ leaking oil, and front strut support had to be repaired. Vehicle was rattling constantly from time of purchase. Also, had a brake problem. When brakes were applied there was sound. Only after brake pedal was applied a second time knocking sound stopped. In addition, driver's seat moved when making turns. Consumer felt unsafe in vehicle.
While driving consumer complained of wheels bouncing, could not tell if it was the front end or back end or both, when vehicle was inspected mechanic found nothing, but on 10-23-00 the problem increased and a rattling sound was evident, consumer was advised that front struts were leaking and needed replacement, and now vehicle is out of warranty consumer is requesting reimbursement.
Noise from front end when road not smooth or speed bumps. Finally took to repair shop and were told strut mounts worn, bushings bad at towers. Feel for struts to fail with this low a mileage is unacceptable. We have 5 yr/60,000 platinum extended warranty and they claim it is "usual wear & tear". Is it usual to wear out in 49,000 miles. 85% probably long dist. Highway miles?
So many suspension/struts problems with 1997 Avalon. So many complains on the web site. Talk to the service adviser at buena park Toyota and he told me the replacement parts are in back order because of so many failures. Please conduct an investigation about this falure since so many vehicles involve with the same problems. Thank you.
Suspension complaints in other Avalon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Toyota Avalon?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Toyota Avalon, 21% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is front › macpherson strut (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Avalon suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 139,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.