1997 Toyota Avalon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Toyota Avalon: 1 recall, 125 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V156000 · 1997 · 18,746 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (39): the most common themes are steering problems (27), leaks (22), noise or vibration (4).
- Suspension (26): the most common themes are noise or vibration (12), steering problems (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Tires (9): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (9).
The 1997 Toyota Avalon has 125 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 28 Avalon model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 122). Complaints peaked in 2001 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 99,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (109 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (178 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Toyota Avalon.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Toyota Avalon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Toyota Avalon problems?
Owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (39), suspension (26), transmission & drivetrain (9).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota Avalon get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Toyota Avalon repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.