Model year guide

1997 Toyota Avalon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Toyota Avalon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 29 on record.

1997 Toyota Avalon at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints132
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$1,246

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Toyota Avalon recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist NHTSA Campaign #97V156000 · 17/09/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NOTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMEL…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE VACUUM HOSE.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Toyota Avalon common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

1997 Toyota Avalon MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,800

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1997 Toyota Avalon worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,246
High
$1,900

From 26 comparable 1997 Toyota Avalon listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Toyota Avalon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,000
Fuel only$14,000
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Toyota Avalon trims & engines on record

Trims
XL · XLS
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 184 hp

1997 Toyota Avalon vehicles on record

1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B0VU137723 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS4T1BF12B3VU210745 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS4T1BF12B0VU212131 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS4T1BF12B0VU138645 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B6VU191401 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B3VU177066 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12BXVU205641 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B0VU175176 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS4T1BF12BXVU207583 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B9VU175015 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B5VU140522 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12BXVU189067 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B3VU143466 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS4T1BF12B0VU180278 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B8VU162384 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B1VU201087 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B4VU178999 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B6VU176591 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B5VU179997 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B1VU197672 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS4T1BF12B4VU199416 1997 Toyota Avalon 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B9VU140653 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B2VU145239 1997 Toyota Avalon XL4T1BF12B1VU208492

Other Toyota Avalon model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995

1997 Toyota Avalon — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Toyota Avalon have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1997 Toyota Avalon. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Avalon?

Based on 132 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, suspension, structure.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota Avalon get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Toyota Avalon at about 22 mpg combined (18 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 1997 Toyota Avalon worth?

Comparable 1997 Toyota Avalon listings run roughly $600–$1,900, typically around $1,246 (from 26 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.