1997 Toyota Avalon Problems & Complaints

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 *TR

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*CN

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. *TR

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. *JS

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. *TR

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. *TR

NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR, UPON INSPECTION, REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. NO OTHER SIGNIFICANT RUST UNDER CAR. CROSSMEMBER FAILED PREMATURELY. *TR

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.

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.

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.

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. *CN

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*CW

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.

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. *TR

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. *TR

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. *JB

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. *JB

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. *NM

CAR WAS BOUGHT USED IN 2006 WITH 115,000 MILES. THE KEY CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR IS IN ANY GEAR( RATHER THAN ONLY WHEN IT IS IN PARK) . THIS CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD BEGIN ROLLING ONCE YOU LEAVE THE CAR. THIS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED ONCE WITHOUT ANY CONSEQUENCES, BUT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IN THE FUTURE. *NM

MY SPOUSE HAD DRIVEN OUR 1997 TOYOTA AVALON TO OUR DENTISTS OFFICE FOR A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. SHE PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE IGNITION SWITCH AND REMOVED THE KEY. WHILE SHE WAS GATHERING HER PERSONAL ITEMS TO TAKE INTO THE DENTISTS OFFICE WITH HER SHE FAILED TO NOTICE THAT THE GEARSHIFT SELECTOR WAS STILL IN THE DRIVE POSITION. (ACCORDING TO A TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER AND MANUFACTURER REP. THE KEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE UNTIL THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE KEY TURNED TO THE OFF AND LOCKED POSITION.) WHILE MY SPOUSE WAS IN THE DENIISTS OFFICE, AT SOME POINT IN TIME OUR AVALON TO BEGIN TO ROLL ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DOORS OF A BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO STORE. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE HAVE CHECKED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND GEAR SELECTOR IN ALL POSITIONS ON THE SELECTOR CONSOLE AND THE KEY WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS WITH THE AVALON BEFORE OR WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLES WE HAVE OWNED. *NM

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. *NM

DT: THE OTHER DAY THE CONSUMER PARKED CAR WHILE RUSHING AND TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND HIT THE NEIGHBOR'S FENCE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE KEY. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE HAD SOME TYPE OF SAFETY FEATURE TO KEEP THE KEY FROM COMING OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005. HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

LEAK IN POWER STEERING MECHANISM CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL,I.E. STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT.

COMPLAINT AGAINST TOYOTA OF GREENVILLE/TOYOTA CORP. *BF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL HAD BEE INITIATED. A SPECIAL PROGRAM WAS INITIATED FOR THE ENGINE PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE CONSUMER WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM

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.*AK

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 NHTSA COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS A RECALL SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED FOR THIS ALL TOO COMMON (AND EXPENSIVE) PROBLEM.*AK

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

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

WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT ON REVERSE TO BACK OUT FROM A PARKING LOT, THE CAR ACCELERATED FAST FORWARD, RUNNING INTO A POLE.*AK

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! *AK

1997 TOYOTA AVALON HAS AN IGNITION SYSTEM FLAW THAT CAUSE THE CAR TO ROLL AFTER BEEN STOPPED AND KEY REMOVED. SUBSEQUENTLY IT MAY NOT START AGAIN THE NEXT TIME WHEN KEY INSERTED. *LA

FAILURE OF A TIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE TREAD PORTION OF THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE CASING OF THE TIRE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLE OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS.*AK

I AM ON MY 3RD BATTERY IN SIX AND ONE HALF YEARS. I HAVE A 1997 AVALON, TOYOTA. NO INDICATION THAT BATTERY IS GOING, THE CAR JUST GOES DEAD. THE LAST TWO TIMES WERE AT NIGHT AND THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. APRIL 23, 2001 BATTERY WITH A 70 MONTH WARRANTY LASTED TILL AUG.26,2003.

I PURCHASED A 1997 TOYOTA AVALON XLS WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT FROM LEITH TOYOTA IN RALEIGH NORTH CAROLINA IN MARCH OF 2002. I NOW HAVE 74,000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND COMPLETE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1200.00. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. I HAVE REVIEWED THE NTSB WEBSITE AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL? I TRIED TO GET THE DEALERSHIP TO COVER SOME OF THE COSTS AND ALL THEY OFFERED WAS A FREE RENTAL. MAYBE I SHOULD WRITE OPRAH, SEEMS EVERYONE LISTENS TO HER AND SEE IF SHE CAN MAKE IT PUBLIC!

THE VEHICLE'S ALUMINUM RIMS CAUSED THE TIRE TO LEAK AIR AND EXPLODE. *JB

FAILURE OF POWERTRAIN AT 48,000 MILES.

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 1997 TOYOTA AVALON FOR MY WIFE. THE VEHICLE HAS JUST RECENTLY TURNED OVER 29,000 MILES, AND OBVIOUSLY HAS PASSED THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IT HAS YET TO REACH THE NORMAL 36,000 MILE WARRANTY MARK. ON JANUARY 18, 2003 I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVELS, AND FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS ALMOST EMPTY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING, AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $850.00 PLUS TAX, FOR A RE-MANUFACTURED PART. I CONTACTED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WITH THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD SUCH LOW MILEAGE. HE SUGGESTED I CONTACT TOYOTA CORPORATE, BUT THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, THAT TOYOTA WAS NOT BEING VERY GENERIOUS WITH "GOOD WILL" COMPENSATIONS. I CALLED TOYOTA COROPORATE IN CALIFORNIA AND LODGED MY COMPLAINT. WHILE I HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM (IT IS NOW FEBRUARY 6, 2003) I WAS GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THAT NOTHING WOULD BE DONE TO HELP ME DEFREY THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS. I HAVE SINCE DONE CONSIDERABLE RESEARCH VIA THE INTERNET, AND ON THE NHSTA WEBSITE ALONE, I FOUND A LARGE PORTION OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT HAD BEEN FILED REGARDING THIS VEHICLE WAS THE RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING RACK LEAKING FLUID, AND REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. HOW MANY OTHERS ARE OUT THERE THAT HAVE NOT FILED A REPORT. I BELIEVE THIS PROBELM COULD RESULT IN SOME ONE BEING KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED SHOULD THE STEERING LOCK UP OR BECOME TOO HARD TO MOVE BECAUSE OF ALL THE FLUID LEAKING FROM THIS DEVICE. I FURTHER BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA SHOUL BE INSTRUCTED TO RECALL AND REPAIR, OR REIMBURSE ANYONE WHO HAS ONE OF THESE VEHICLES.

CAR HYDROPLANED IN LIGHT RAIN. TIRES ARE NEARLY NEW AND PROPERLY INFLATED. DT

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPLACED THE SEAL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. NLM

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON; THEN, CONSUMER CAN HEAR WATER IN ENGINE.THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

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. *AK

POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. *SLC

CONSUMER STATES WHILE PLACING VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD, ON THE SECOND OCCASION THERE WAS A MINOR COLLISION.*JB

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, CONSUMERS WIFES HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND THEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HITTING HER IN THE CHEST AT A GREAT IMPACT, CONSUMER WAS ALSO WEARING HER SEAT BELT, TOYOTA STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS WORKED AS DESIGNED. *SLC

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.*AK

WHILE HAVING VEHICLE SERVICED TECHNICIAN NOTICED RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS LEAKING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

I PREVIOUSLT WORKED WITH 2 OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY FAIL ON THEIR 1997 TOYOTA AVALONS. *AK

I HAVE SPOKEN TO 2 PEOPLE WITH 1996 TOYOTA AVALON AND THEY HAVE OR HAD THE IDENTICAL PROBLEMS. NO SAFETY DEFEC TLISTED. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON I-5 SOUTH OF OLYMPIA WA AT 3:30PM AT 70 MPH IN A DRIVING RAINSTORM. WE WERE IN THE LEFT LANE OF A VERY CROWDED 4 LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. SUDDENLY THE WINDHSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED. I TRIED THE WIPER SWITCH WITH NO RESULTS. MY WIFE AND I COULD SEE NOTHING OUT OF THE FRONT AND TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND WORK OUR WAY TO THE RIGHT SIDE BY LOOKING OUT OF THE BACK WINDOW AND REAR MIRROR. SEVERAL CARS JUST MISSED HITTING US. WHEN WE GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I TRIED TO MOVE THE WIPERS BUT THEY ONLY PULSATED. I FINALLY CONTACTED A TOW TRUCK AND WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL OLYMPIA TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE WIPER TRANSMISSION AND THEY HAD REPLACED QUITE A FEW. THE COST WAS $325.00. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S CAR AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND FEEL THAT WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE BEEN IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ONLY USED WHEN IT RAINS AND THAT IS A BAD TIME FOR THEM TO STOP. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR TIME TO PREPARE. I ASKED FOR THE OLD PART. IT IS ENTIRELY STEEL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A PLASTIC/FIBERGLASS BUSHING WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE WIPER MOTOR. THE PLASTIC/FIBERGLASS BUSHING FAILED. AGAIN, THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING.*AK

EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF POWER STEERING FLUID IS LEAKING FROM MY 1997 AVALON. IT ONLY HAS 37,000+ MILES ON IT. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEED TO REPLACE MY POWER STEERING ASSEMBY RACK WHICH WILL COST $1250. *AK

IT APPEARS THAT THE COMMON PROBLEM OF RACK AND PINION FAILURE HAS FINALLY OCCURRED ON MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT THE PART WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I ASKED THE QUESTION THAT IF YOU KNEW A PART WAS CERTAINLY GOING TO FAIL AFTER WARRANTY AND IT COST ROUGHLY $1000 WOULD YOU BUY THAT VEHICLE? I THINK THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATE FURTHER AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.*AK

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. OXYGEN SENSOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS HAD GONE BAD. CONSUMER WILL ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING IN A RAIN STORM WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE AUTO WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DIRECT, THE CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS WIPER TRANSMISSION BROKEN AND THE SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE THE WIPER TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS EXPLAINED TO ACTUALLY BE A LINKAGE ASSEMBLY. THE REPAIR COST (INCLUDING TWO NEW WIPER INSERTS) WAS $295.05. THIS WAS $182.65 FOR PARTS (LINKAGE $171.77, WIPER INSERTS @ $5.44 EACH), LABOR-MECHANICAL - $88.04, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - $4.40, SHOP SUPPLIES - $4.40, AND SALES TAX OF $15.56. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE AND NOT COVERED BY THE ADDITIONAL COVERAGE PURCHASED AT TIME AUTO WAS PURCHASED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ELECTRICAL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. WIPERS SHOULD NOT BE FAILING LIKE THIS ON A NEW OR RECENT MODEL AUTO. THESE WIPERS GAVE NO WARNING OF THE PROBLEM. THE STOPPAGE WAS SUDDEN AND ABRUPT AT A TIME WHEN THEY WERE MOST NEEDED.*AK

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. *AK

UPPER AND LOWER TIE RODS SEVERED AT LOW SPEED (PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE). IF FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHER SPEED, A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE ENSUED.*AK

NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM RACK AND PINION STEERING BOOT, DEALER REPLACED ASSEMBLY, PARTS HAD TO BE BACK ORDERED BECAUSE OF FREQUENCY OF PROBLEM, ALSO RIGHT SRTUT MOUNT HAD TO BE REPLACED,AND BACK ORDERED .*AK

SEAL ON RACK STEERING WENT BAD AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID. DEALER REPLACED RACK, BUT CONSUMER WAITED A MONTH BEFORE PART WAS AVAILABLE.*AK

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. *JB

TIRE FAILED OUTSIDE SIDEWALL NEAR JOINT BETWEEN TREAD AND SIDEWALL.TIRES NEAR END OF LIFE 6/32" IN CENTER A BIT LESS ON OUTSIDE.BUT STILL, NEVER HAD A TIRE COME APART LIKE THIS BEFORE,DANGER ON THE FREEWAY...WIFE DRIVING ALONE...I'M SHAKEN...NEW TIRES IMMEDIATELY...NOT BRIDGESTONE. *AK (TIRESIZE: P205/65/15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/65/15 )

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED DURNING A RAIN STORM, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

AFTER NOTICING OIL SPOTS ON PAVEMENT HAD MECHANIC CHECK VEHICLE. FOUND RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED/ DRIVER'S SEAT BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO TENSIONER TIGHTENING UP WITH TOO MUCH FORCE/ TIRES WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO BAD SUSPENSION/VEHICLE HAD ROUGH RIDE, AND STRUTS WERE LEAKING. *AK

RACK AND PINION STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS NO LONGER HELD ANY FLUID AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED REPLACED. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY FILED THE COMPLAINT, BUT OFFERED NO REMEDY AND WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME ISSUE. FROM OTHER RESEARCH THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COSTLY PROBLEM ON MANY OF THE '97 AVALONS. *AK

STEERING RACK FAILED RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. *SLC

DEALER REPORTS THAT THE PART FAILS SO OFTEN THAT THE PARTS ARE BACK-ORDERED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

WHILE DRIVING FRONT SUSPENSION WOULD MAKE CLICKING NOISES. HAD NOT HIT ANY BUMPS OR HOLES WHEN IT DID THIS. FRONT TIRES FELT REAL LOOSE LIKE BOLTS AND NUTS WERE COMING OFF. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND BEEN INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH SUSPENSION. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

POWER STEERING RACK LEAKING AT 58,000 MILES. DEALER ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IS $1,370. CONTACTED TOYOTA - UNWILLING TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR AVALONS. CONFIRMED THIS WITH FORMER TOYOTA MECHANICS WHO SAID THEY SAW A LOT OF 1997 AVALONS AND CAMRYS WITH LEAKING STEERING RACKS. ALSO, NEED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS REPLACED, ANOTHER APPARENTLY DEFECTIVE PART IN 1997 AVALONS.

VEHICLE LEAKING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF POWER STEERING FLUID, PRIOR TO NOTICING THE LEAK THE CONSUMER WAS ACCELERATING FROM AN INTERSECTION AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT ALMOST CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND GO INTO A CENTER MEDIAN, DEALER STATES THE STEERING RACK IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND NEEDS REPLACED. *SLC

RACK AND PINION ASSEMBY BEGAN LEAKING FROM SEAL FAILURES ON THE INSIDE OF THE UNIT. *AK

VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION, MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENTEMENT/REPAIRS. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY. ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK

SUSPENSION OF MY CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT IS MOANING, GROANING, SQUEAZING, ETC. WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL, WHEN I DRIVE OVER A BUMP AND WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. VERY SCARY SOUND, SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG.

THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT STRUTS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 1995 AND THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST IN YEAR 2001. *AK

EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 004550 TIRESIZE: P205/65R15)

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

VEHICLE IS LEAKING STEERING FLUID DUE TO A BROKEN RACK AND PINION. PLEASE PROVIDE VIN AND ADDITONAL INFORMATION. *AK

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. *AK

DEALER MECHANIC TOLD ME IN STRICT CONFIDENCE THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON. COST TO REPLACE TWO FRONT STRUTS IS $743.00. ACCORDING TO MECHANIC, THE CONSEQUENCES COULD RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 35-40 MPH OIL LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF. ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR NOISES OR SMELL BEFORE ENGINE LOCKED UP.*AK CONSUMER HAD ASKED THE MECHANIC FOR THE OLD ENGINE BECAUSE IT NEEDED REPLACED, LATER THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE ORIGINAL ENGINE COULD NOT GO TO THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. *SLC

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?

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE (4) SETS OF BRIDGESTONE AND FIRESTONE TIRES ON MY '97 AVALON DUE TO HYDROPLANEING, POOR WEAR QUALITY AND SUBSTANDARD PERFORMANCE. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT FIRESTONE & BRIDGESTONE TIRES ON THIS CAR SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW. YET, I HAVE SPENT CLOSE TO $2000.00 AND ALOT OF MY TIME TO REPLACE TIRES THAT HAVEN'T HELD UP TO THE PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY "AS ADVERTISED"! ON 11/16/00, I SPENT AN ADDITIONAL $543.15 REPLACEMY LAST SET OF BRIDGESTONE TIRES WITH MICHILEN 205/60/15 TIRES. I ALSO HAVE A 1988 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER WITH 230,000 MILES ON IT. FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT NEW, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT BRIDGSTONE DESSERT DEULER'S ON IT. THE LAST SET OF B/S DESSERT DUELERS I PURCHASED FOR MY 4-RUNNER WERE SO POORLY BUILT, THAT I WENT THROUGH 8 (EIGHT) TIRES TO FIND FOUR GOOD ONES; BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL OUT OF ROUND AND HOPPING. ON 11/15/00, I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE MY 4-RUNNER TIRES WITH MICHELIN TIRES AS WELL. I HAVE BEEN A TRUE BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TIRE DIEHARD UNTIL THESE MOST RECENT PROBLEMS. BUT I GOT TO THE POINT THAT I FELT THAT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND I WAS AT RISK DUE TO THE POOR QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE HAD ADVERTISED THEIR TIRES TO BE. I AM REQUESTING A FULL INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA AND THE BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE COMPANY. I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION TO SUPPORT MY CLAIM. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT (904) 223-9549 IF YOU HAVE FURHTER QUESTIONS OR I MAY ASSIST IN ANY WAY. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. RESPECTFULLY, JOHN M. GRAVES. *AK (TIRESIZE: P20565HR15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P20565HR15 )

BRIDGESTONE PORTENZA TIRES (205-65-R15) EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE WEAR. *SLC

DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING RACK BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING. OWNER NOTICED NOISE WHILE STEERING, AND CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID TO FIND THAT IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO EMPTY. THE DEALER DIDN'T CHARGE FOR LABOR, SO I ONLY PAID FOR THE RACK ($600.00). CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT A RECALL, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NONE, AND THAT I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE DEALER PAID FOR THE LABOR. I AGREE THAT I WAS FORTUNATE FOR THAT, BUT FEEL THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN OUT .

DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING RACK BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING. OWNER NOTICED NOISE WHILE STEERING, AND CHECKED POWER STEERING FLUID TO FIND THAT IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO EMPTY. THE DEALER DIDN'T CHARGE FOR LABOR, SO I ONLY PAID FOR THE RACK ($600.00). CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT A RECALL, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NONE, AND THAT I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE DEALER PAID FOR THE LABOR. I AGREE THAT I WAS FORTUNATE FOR THAT, BUT FEEL THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN OUT .

FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CATCHES TOO FAST, AND CONSUMER CAN HARDLY MOVE AT ALL. *AK

I HAD TO ADD CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF POWER STEERING FLUID MONTHLY FOR PAST 3 MONTHS; DEALER SAYS RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR UNIT LEAKING; CAR OUT OF WARRANTY, COST TO REPLACE PART $1,500. I PAY PREMIUM PRICE FOR TOYOTA QUALITY, AND RACK & PINION SHOULD NOT GO BAD ON ANY CAR AT ONLY 63,000 MILES!!!! IF NECESSARY, I WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT TO GET REIMBURSED. *AK

STEERING: GEAR: RACK WAS LEAKING. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED/REPAIRED AT CONSUMER'S COST. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING STEERING FLUID ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS A WHOPPING 1,500 ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. *AK

BRAKES FEEL SOFT AND MUSHY, FRONT BRAKES APROX 9.5MM REMAIN AND REARS APROX 9MM REMAIN.TEST DROVE AND ADJUST PARK BRAKE. ADJUST BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT PEDAL TO LOW, CHECKED AND RESET PEDAL TO SPECS, PER CUST REP AIR MANUAL. 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR

BRAKES HAVE A BANG NOISE.*ET

THE AIR FUEL SENSOR HAS POSSIBLY FAILED. *SLC

WHEN ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGES TOO QUICKLY AND STAYS ENGAGED TOO LONG, SEVERELY REDUCING POWER AVAILABLE TO PROPERLY MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. *AK

MCPHERSON STRUTS ARE LEAKING AND NO LONGER GIVES ANY SUSPENSION. WHEN A BUMP IS HIT FRONT SUSPENSION RATTLES AND SHAKES. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

THE FRONT SUSPENSION BAR WAS BROKEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE VEERES TO THE LEFT WHILE ON HIGHWAY AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. YH

SLUDGE ENGINE

ON THE AVALON THE TURN SINGLES ARE ON THE SAME CIRCUIT AND GO THROUGA A RESISTOR IN THE EMERGENCY BLINKER SWITCH. THIS RESISTOR FAILED AND LEFT THE CAR WITHOUT TURN SINGLES OR EMERGENCY BLINKER LIGHTS. THIS CIRCUIT SHOULD BE REDESIGNED SO BOTH SYSTEMS ARE NOT INOP AT THE SAME TIME. *AK

STRUTS.

THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS BURNED OUT 5 TIMES, CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHTS TO BE INOPERATIVE. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

PROBLEM MANIFESTS ITSELF BY RATTLES THAT APPARENTLY ARE ON RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE.

WIND WAS BLOWING WHEN THE TRUNK LID FELL ON TOP OF THE CONSUMER HITTING HER ON THE NECK. *AK

DRIVER'S SEAT MOVES WHEN VEHICLE TURNS LEFT OR RIGHT. MOVEMENT IS DISRUPTIVE AND COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA OF THE SITUATION AT THE 5K SERVICE AND HAVE ESCALATED THE PROBLEM WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER. REFER TO CASE# 199904211159. I HAVE HAD REPEATED CONVERSATIONS WITH TOYOTA BUT NONE HAVE LEAD TO RESOLVING THE MOVEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *AK

REAR SEAT BELT WILL GET TIGHT ON THE CONSUMER WITHOUT THE CONSUMER MOVING, AND ALL THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR WON'T WORK PROPERLY. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER, AND THEY CAN'T DETERMINIE THE PROBLEM. *AK

THE ABS CONTROLLER FAILED. THIS PART CONTROLLS THE ABS BRAKING ACTION. ACCORDING TO OTHER REPAIR SOURCES IT IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR THIS PART TO FAIL. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENT SINCE IT CONTROLS THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTUER OF THE COMPONENT IS BOSCHE AND THERE HAVE BEEN SAFETY BULLETINS THROUGH NHTSA ABOUT THESE PARTS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WHO WERE BOTH CONTACTED WON'T EVEN DISCUSS ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS UNIT. THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED IT . THE BRAKES APPEARED TO FAIL CAUSING A REAR END COLLISION.

WHEN CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IS PUSHED INTO "DECELERATE" MODE, VEHICLE DOES NOT DECELERATE. MUST PUSH SWITCH VERY HARD IN ORDER FOR DECELERATION TO OCCUR. UNLESS A GREAT DEAL OF FORCE IS EXERTED ON THE SWITCH IN A SITUATION WHERE YOU WANT TO COAST, THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM WILL ENGAGE INADVERTANTLY.

RIGHT & LEFT STRUTS FAILED. *YC

SPEED SENSOR FAILED.

TIRE BLEW OUT (BRIGGSTONE P205-65-R15). MJS

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING ACCIDENT. NLM

BRAKES FADED WHEN STOPPING. NLM,

CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION. YH

TRIP GUAGE FAILED. YH

CUP HOLDER FAILED. YH

THE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS ON AFTER BRAKE RELEASED. YH

FRONT SEAT BELT OUT OF ORDER. YH

WIRING FAILED. YH

HAND BRAKE RELEASE FAILED CAUSING THE LIGHT ON DASH BOARD TO SHOW BRAKE WAS ON WHEN NOT. YH

REAR CYLINDER HEAD FAILURE CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK ON TO SPARK PLUGS. YH

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).

WHENEVER MAKING TURNS OR CHANGING LANES, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD MAKE CLICKING SOUND OR NOISE & IT MOVES SIDE WAYS. *AK

ALARM SYSTEM DESIGN DOES NOT ALLOW FOR CONSUMER TO OPERATE VEHICLE WHEN LOCKING DOORS PRIOR TO STARTING ENGINE.

WAITING AT STOP LIGHT SUDDENLY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. VEHICLE DID NOT HIT ANYING OR WAS HIT. VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. *AK

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA (205-65-15) TIRES BLEW OUT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION.

VEHICLE HYDROPLANES ON THE SLIGHTEST WET PAVEMENT. ALSO PULLS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT DUE TO WRONG TIRES ON VEHICLE. TOYOTA REFUSES TO REPLACE THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES WITH AN ALTERNATE MAKE DESIGNED FOR THIS VEHICLE. ALSO ABS BRAKES ENGAGED MANY TIMES DUE TO THE SLIDING.

WHEN THE SPEED OF THE FRONT WHEELS IS GREATER THAN THE REAR WHEELS, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM SHUTS OFF GAS TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING ENGINE TO HESITATE.

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA (P205 65 15) TIRES BLEW OUT.

UPPER STEERING KNUCKLE BROKE; CAUSED VEHICLE TO PULL SEVERELY TO RIGHT, HIT CURB, STRUCK LIGHT POLE, NOISY, SEEMED TO HAVE MIND OF ITS OWN; REPAIRED. DUAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY. *AK

FUEL DAMPENER AND FUEL PUMP FAILED TWICE CAUSING FUEL LEAK AND FUMES TO ENTER VEHICLE.

THE SUNVISOR INTERFERES WITHN STATIC OPERATION OF THE CENTER REARVIEW MIRROR.WHENEVER EITHER OF THE TWO SUNVISORS IS OPERATED TO A LOWERED POSITION, THE REARVIEW MIRROR MOVES ON ACCOUNT OF THE CUTOUTS ON THE SUNVISOR TO ACCOMODATE THE REARVIEW MIRROR NOT BEING SUFFICIENTLY LARGE. *AK

TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO LOSE INTERNAL PRESSURE, THEREBY LOOSENING GEAR CONNECTION. THE RESULT OF THE LOST PRESSURE CAUSEDLLO THE VEHICLE TO LOSE SPEED SUDDENLY, EVEN AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO "REV". THE TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY FAILED.

FAULTY REASSEMBLY OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.