1997 Toyota Avalon steering problems

Filed Nov 9, 2011 · Steering · 95,970 miles · FL

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.

Filed Feb 9, 2008 · Steering · 99,000 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency website for this problem.

Filed Jan 10, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 51,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Sep 23, 2006 · Steering · PA

I have had my rack and pinion replaced on my car twice and I am having it repaired for the third time. The steering wheel looses power making it difficult to steer. I have not had any accidents.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · TX

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 . Feel sorry for those who bought avalons at very low mileage. Last but not the least one can easily find these complaints from different websites from lot of people , I think its about time somebody steps up and do something about it. Thanks.

Filed Aug 19, 2005 · Steering · 70,000 miles · PA

Leak in power steering mechanism causing sudden loss of power steering control,I.e. Steering becomes very difficult.

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Steering · GA

1997 toyota avalon with 50,000 miles developed leak in rack and pinion steering. Dealer refused to assist with cost of repairs due to expiration of warranty. Defective parts replaced by a reputable mechanic.

Filed Jun 9, 2004 · Steering · 113,600 miles · TN

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 federal safety agency complaints about this problem, it seems a recall should have occurred for this all too common (and expensive) problem.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · 86,500 miles · FL · crash

The consumer stated that while parking, she experienced sudden acceleration when she applied the brake. The vehicle collided with two other vehicles. *ak 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. *sc the power steering pump, rack and egr valve were replaced. Updated evoq 08/27/10 updated evoq 11/17/10

Filed Mar 13, 2004 · Steering · 83,732 miles · OR

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!