1997 Toyota Avalon suspension problems

Filed Aug 8, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 139,000 miles · KS

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

Filed Oct 30, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 240,000 miles · IL

Noise coming from rear of car, upon inspection, rear suspension crossmember was rusted out. No other significant rust under car. Crossmember failed prematurely.

Filed Mar 26, 2012 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Oct 1, 2007 · Suspension · MD

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.

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 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 Apr 19, 2004 · Suspension · NJ

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 . *ak 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 ***not*** this wasn't the same car I test drove or toyota has earned it's reputation on. Please launch an investigation

Filed Aug 27, 2002 · Suspension · NH

How many people must complain before something is done? There must be so many people that don't complain, but have these same problems! No safety defect listed.

Filed Mar 1, 2002 · Suspension · CA

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.

Filed May 11, 2001 · Suspension · TX

I took the car to the dealer five times before they acknowledged a problem with the struts, and another two visits to repair them. They will do nothing about the steering, despite all the complaints on this website.