Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 1997 Toyota Avalon

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.

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.

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.

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.

I previouslt worked with 2 other individuals who have had their rack & pinion assembly fail on their 1997 Toyota Avalons.

I have spoken to 2 people with 1996 Toyota Avalon and they have or had the identical problems. No safety defec tlisted.

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

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.

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 .

Rack and pinion assemby began leaking from seal failures on the inside of the unit.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

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.

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.

Vehicle is leaking steering fluid due to a broken rack and pinion. Please provide VIN and additonal information.

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.

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.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

Consumer states that the rack and pinion is leaking. Dealer notified and replaced the seal. Feel free to provide any further information. Nlm.

While having vehicle serviced technician noticed rack and pinion steering was leaking. Dealer was notified. Please provide further information.