FaultScore report
Owners have filed 155 complaints about the 1997 Toyota Avalon with NHTSA between 1997 and 2016. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 28 worst.
FaultScore 54/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Avalon.
How this is worked out155
Complaints
17
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
2 complaints report a death.
99,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
3%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
5 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,500 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,500 mi
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 220,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 97,500 mi
Median failure at 170,000 miles
Median failure at 142,206 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 142,206 mi
Median failure at 189,500 miles
Median failure at 142,206 miles
Median failure at 60,000 miles
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Toyota Avalon 4-DR. | — | — | — | — |
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ENGINE SEIZURE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NOTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN THE ELIMINATION OF VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES THAT CAN INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Brakes
UNDER EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURE OPERATING CONDITIONS AND INFREQUENT BRAKE OPERATION THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT CONDENSED MOISTURE FROM A SURGE TANK MIGHT SEEP INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE AND FREEZE. OVER TIME, THE ICE MAY ACCUMULATE AND EVENTUALLY PLUG THE HOSE, THEREBY ELIMINATING THE VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES. THE INCREASED PEDAL PRESSURE REQUIRED TO APPLY THE BRAKES COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT. CORRECTION: BRAKE VACUUM HOSE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEWLY CONFIGURED VERSION.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
AIR BAGS
MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, GOING APPROX. 10 MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE (ONLY) BUMPED INTO A RAILROAD TRACK AND THE SENSORS TOLD THE CAR IT HAD A FRONT END COLLISION AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH NO ONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS EXPLOSION BUSTED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, PASSENGER SIDE GLASS, KNOCKED THE FRONT GRILL OFF, ETC.. AS THE DRIVER MY FACE WAS CUT AND MY LEFT EYE LENS WAS BLOWN OUT FROM THE EXPLOSION AND FLYING SHRAPNEL AND SO I NOW HAVE A TRANSPLANTED LEFT EYE LENS WITH A SERIAL NUMBER AND POOR EYESIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10676454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AT 7:45 A.M HEADING HIGHWAY 72 WEST. MY CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATED FROM 75MPH TO 100 MPH. I PUSHED, PRESSED, AND PUMPED MY BRAKES THAT WOULDN'T WORK. I PRESSED DOWN MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH DID NOT WORK EITHER. I TRAVELED ABOUT TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE CAR JUST SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP SMOKING FROM MY TIRES AND UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR SCREAMING THANKING GOD FOR MY LIFE HE SPARED. I WAS TRAUMATIZED AT THIS POINT. I DID COME TO MYSELF AND DIALED 911 FOR THE FIRE TRUCKS BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SMOKING SO BAD.NEXT DAY TOYOTA COMPANY SAID IT WAS MY COIL PACK AND CHARGED ME TO FIX IT BUT I AM NOW TERRIFIED OF THIS CAR AND REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I HAVE SINCE HAD SEVERE NIGHTMARES EVERY NIGHT SINCE THIS ACCIDENT THAT COULD'VE BEEN DEADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10578759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AT 7:45 A.M HEADING HIGHWAY 72 WEST. MY CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATED FROM 75MPH TO 100 MPH. I PUSHED, PRESSED, AND PUMPED MY BRAKES THAT WOULDN'T WORK. I PRESSED DOWN MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH DID NOT WORK EITHER. I TRAVELED ABOUT TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE CAR JUST SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP SMOKING FROM MY TIRES AND UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR SCREAMING THANKING GOD FOR MY LIFE HE SPARED. I WAS TRAUMATIZED AT THIS POINT. I DID COME TO MYSELF AND DIALED 911 FOR THE FIRE TRUCKS BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SMOKING SO BAD.NEXT DAY TOYOTA COMPANY SAID IT WAS MY COIL PACK AND CHARGED ME TO FIX IT BUT I AM NOW TERRIFIED OF THIS CAR AND REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I HAVE SINCE HAD SEVERE NIGHTMARES EVERY NIGHT SINCE THIS ACCIDENT THAT COULD'VE BEEN DEADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10578759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A LEGAL PARKING SPACE IN THE LAST ROW OF PARKING LOT ON 9 MULE RD TOMS RIVER NJ- NOSE IN. WEATHER GOOD. CAR ACCELERATED OVER THE CURB COMING TO REST IN DRAINAGE DITCH THAT BACKS TO THE LOT. AIR BAG INFLATED AND DRIVER WAS PINNED AND NECK BROKEN. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND DRIVER TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. NO PAST EXPERIENCE WITH UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION - ONLY TIME IT EVER HAPPENED. NO OTHER CARS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND DRIVER WAS ALONE IN VEHICLE. POLICE REPORT FILED. INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK POSSESSION OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10322708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY FATHER LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE, A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON AND CRASHED INTO TWO UTILITY POLES ON MISSION VILLAGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA. HE SUBSEQUENTLY DIED OF COMPLICATIONS FROM HIS INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND LOWER EXTREMITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 09/02/10*JB UPDATE 9/19/2011
NHTSA complaint #10304640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY FATHER LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE, A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON AND CRASHED INTO TWO UTILITY POLES ON MISSION VILLAGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA. HE SUBSEQUENTLY DIED OF COMPLICATIONS FROM HIS INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND LOWER EXTREMITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 09/02/10*JB UPDATE 9/19/2011
NHTSA complaint #10304640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SUSPENSION
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*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10894082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10894082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD PURCHASED MY TIRES COMPLAINING OF A SHAKING STEERING WHEEL (THINKING ONE OF MY TIRES HAD LOST A BALANCE WEIGHT), THAT'S WHEN I DISCOVERED 3 OF THE 4 TIRES I HAD PURCHASED A YEAR AGO SEPTEMBER (AND WHICH HAD ONLY 14,000 MILES OF WEAR) HAD ALL EXPERIENCED THE STEEL BELT SEPARATING INSIDE THE TIRE. UPDATED 09/02/15*LJ UPDATED 10/31/2017
NHTSA complaint #10730642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, GOING APPROX. 10 MPH, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE (ONLY) BUMPED INTO A RAILROAD TRACK AND THE SENSORS TOLD THE CAR IT HAD A FRONT END COLLISION AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH NO ONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS EXPLOSION BUSTED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, PASSENGER SIDE GLASS, KNOCKED THE FRONT GRILL OFF, ETC.. AS THE DRIVER MY FACE WAS CUT AND MY LEFT EYE LENS WAS BLOWN OUT FROM THE EXPLOSION AND FLYING SHRAPNEL AND SO I NOW HAVE A TRANSPLANTED LEFT EYE LENS WITH A SERIAL NUMBER AND POOR EYESIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10676454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE TUBING FROM THE FILLER NECK TO THE FUEL TANK IS SUBJECT TO RUST. THE RUST RESULTS IN HOLES IN THE TUBE. FUEL SPILLS OUT DURING REFUELING AND ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #10669434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
AUTO LOCKING SYSTEM LOCKS DOORS WHILE DOORS ARE OPEN OR CLOSED AND YOU ARE GETTING OUT OF CAR OR PUTTING GROCERS IN IF UR KEYS ARE IN CAR IT STILL LOCKS I HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT MANY TIMES IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN UR DAUGHTER BORROWS YOUR CAR AND GETS HER9 MONTH OLD BABY LOCKED IN AT 95 DEGREES AT 11AM IN FLORIDA IN THE SUN IN A PARKING LOT.THE LOCKSMITH COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR CAUSE EVERY TIME HE POP THE LOCK THE SYSTEM WOULD RELOCK IT SELF IMMEDIATELY .THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM .SOME TIMES IT LOCKS ITSELF IN SECONDS OR MINS.IT HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10652661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
AUTO LOCKING SYSTEM LOCKS DOORS WHILE DOORS ARE OPEN OR CLOSED AND YOU ARE GETTING OUT OF CAR OR PUTTING GROCERS IN IF UR KEYS ARE IN CAR IT STILL LOCKS I HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT MANY TIMES IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN UR DAUGHTER BORROWS YOUR CAR AND GETS HER9 MONTH OLD BABY LOCKED IN AT 95 DEGREES AT 11AM IN FLORIDA IN THE SUN IN A PARKING LOT.THE LOCKSMITH COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR CAUSE EVERY TIME HE POP THE LOCK THE SYSTEM WOULD RELOCK IT SELF IMMEDIATELY .THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM .SOME TIMES IT LOCKS ITSELF IN SECONDS OR MINS.IT HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10652661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AUTO LOCKING SYSTEM LOCKS DOORS WHILE DOORS ARE OPEN OR CLOSED AND YOU ARE GETTING OUT OF CAR OR PUTTING GROCERS IN IF UR KEYS ARE IN CAR IT STILL LOCKS I HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT MANY TIMES IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN UR DAUGHTER BORROWS YOUR CAR AND GETS HER9 MONTH OLD BABY LOCKED IN AT 95 DEGREES AT 11AM IN FLORIDA IN THE SUN IN A PARKING LOT.THE LOCKSMITH COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR CAUSE EVERY TIME HE POP THE LOCK THE SYSTEM WOULD RELOCK IT SELF IMMEDIATELY .THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM .SOME TIMES IT LOCKS ITSELF IN SECONDS OR MINS.IT HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10652661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AT 7:45 A.M HEADING HIGHWAY 72 WEST. MY CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATED FROM 75MPH TO 100 MPH. I PUSHED, PRESSED, AND PUMPED MY BRAKES THAT WOULDN'T WORK. I PRESSED DOWN MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH DID NOT WORK EITHER. I TRAVELED ABOUT TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE CAR JUST SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP SMOKING FROM MY TIRES AND UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR SCREAMING THANKING GOD FOR MY LIFE HE SPARED. I WAS TRAUMATIZED AT THIS POINT. I DID COME TO MYSELF AND DIALED 911 FOR THE FIRE TRUCKS BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SMOKING SO BAD.NEXT DAY TOYOTA COMPANY SAID IT WAS MY COIL PACK AND CHARGED ME TO FIX IT BUT I AM NOW TERRIFIED OF THIS CAR AND REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I HAVE SINCE HAD SEVERE NIGHTMARES EVERY NIGHT SINCE THIS ACCIDENT THAT COULD'VE BEEN DEADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10578759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS ON MY WAY TO COLLEGE AT 7:45 A.M HEADING HIGHWAY 72 WEST. MY CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATED FROM 75MPH TO 100 MPH. I PUSHED, PRESSED, AND PUMPED MY BRAKES THAT WOULDN'T WORK. I PRESSED DOWN MY EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH DID NOT WORK EITHER. I TRAVELED ABOUT TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE CAR JUST SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP SMOKING FROM MY TIRES AND UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR SCREAMING THANKING GOD FOR MY LIFE HE SPARED. I WAS TRAUMATIZED AT THIS POINT. I DID COME TO MYSELF AND DIALED 911 FOR THE FIRE TRUCKS BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SMOKING SO BAD.NEXT DAY TOYOTA COMPANY SAID IT WAS MY COIL PACK AND CHARGED ME TO FIX IT BUT I AM NOW TERRIFIED OF THIS CAR AND REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE. I HAVE SINCE HAD SEVERE NIGHTMARES EVERY NIGHT SINCE THIS ACCIDENT THAT COULD'VE BEEN DEADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10578759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10453006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10434983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON XLS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP OR DECELERATE DESPITE THE CONTACTS BRAKING ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CABLE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE STUCK OR DEFECTIVE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE ENGINE RPMS RAPIDLY INCREASED TO 7500. AFTER WAITING FIVE MINUTES THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD BE TAKING THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 297,000.
NHTSA complaint #10386401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A LEGAL PARKING SPACE IN THE LAST ROW OF PARKING LOT ON 9 MULE RD TOMS RIVER NJ- NOSE IN. WEATHER GOOD. CAR ACCELERATED OVER THE CURB COMING TO REST IN DRAINAGE DITCH THAT BACKS TO THE LOT. AIR BAG INFLATED AND DRIVER WAS PINNED AND NECK BROKEN. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND DRIVER TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. NO PAST EXPERIENCE WITH UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION - ONLY TIME IT EVER HAPPENED. NO OTHER CARS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND DRIVER WAS ALONE IN VEHICLE. POLICE REPORT FILED. INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK POSSESSION OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10322708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY FATHER LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE, A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON AND CRASHED INTO TWO UTILITY POLES ON MISSION VILLAGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA. HE SUBSEQUENTLY DIED OF COMPLICATIONS FROM HIS INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND LOWER EXTREMITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 09/02/10*JB UPDATE 9/19/2011
NHTSA complaint #10304640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY FATHER LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE, A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON AND CRASHED INTO TWO UTILITY POLES ON MISSION VILLAGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA. HE SUBSEQUENTLY DIED OF COMPLICATIONS FROM HIS INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND LOWER EXTREMITIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 09/02/10*JB UPDATE 9/19/2011
NHTSA complaint #10304640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. SUDDENLY, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10279577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10217515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
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.
NHTSA complaint #10217515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE PROBLEM OF SUSPENSION NOISE AND WHEN HITTING BUMPS CAUSING A LOUD THUMP IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR RIDING ON TRACKS EACH TIME YOU HIT A BUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10204557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DEALER SERVICED TRANSMISSION WITH A FLUSH AND FLUID REPLACEMENT AT 120,406 MILES. ALSO, TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED AND COOLANT FLUSH DONE. EIGHT WEEKS LATER, TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. WAS ON 250 MILE TRIP, FELT BUMPING WHICH THOUGHT MAY BE ROUGH ROAD CONDITION, THEN WHEN CLOSE TO DESTINATION, CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AFTER STOPPING AT STOP LIGHT. DIAGNOSIS WAS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. DEALER WOULD NOT CONCEDE ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTRIBUTING TO FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION ALTHOUGH DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY ANY OTHER TOYOTA AVALON TRANSMISSION FAILURES. CONVINCED ACTION BY DEALER SERVICE RESULTED IN TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10182427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10178370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10178370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.