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. I was able to negotiated price of repair down to $1044.15, apparently because I was a good customer. I yelled a lot!

- Portland, OR, USA

Steering rack failed right after warranty expired.

- Sharon, MA, USA

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.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

Seal on rack steering went bad and started leaking fluid. Dealer replaced rack, but consumer waited a month before part was available.

- Omaha, NE, USA

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 Camry with leaking steering racks. Also, need front strut mounts replaced, another apparently defective part in 1997 Avalons.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

Steering: Gear: Rack was leaking. Dealer notified, and replaced/repaired at consumer's cost. Provide further details.

- Pulaski, VA, USA