Most common 1997 Toyota Camry problems
Share of the 555 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Camry complaints by model year
Best Camry years: 2022, 2017, 2024. Years to avoid: 2009, 2018, 2007, 2002, 2008. Compare all years →
1997 Toyota Camry recalls (3)
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut May not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to a possible jamming of the lock pin of the key interlock solenoid, it is possible to remove the ignition key even when the shift lever of the automatic transmission is not in the "park" position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the key interlock solenoid.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1997 Toyota Camry:
Ignition interlock failure
Engine compartment fire
Odi's data analysis found the fires rates to be consistently low and evenly distributed among six model years and six different engine configurations.odi examined a variety of root causes, those being detonation (resulting in oil pan puncture from connecting rod), starter fires, various fuel related fires, leaking oil filters, wiring issues, improper repairs and brake fluid leaks.none of the issues examined had…
Engine seizure
What 1997 Toyota Camry owners say
Brakes all 108 →
Summary 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, north 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 extremely cold climates for an extended period of time. Safety risk this can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash. Yes, the vehicle is driven in ca, but this issue prevents traveling to cold states in the winter until it is fixed. Manufacturer recall number v03 NHTSA recall number 97V156 recall status: recall incomplete
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 97V156000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a brake vacuum hose leak and traction failure. The track off warning indicator was reset and the master cylinder was replaced. The manufacturer was notified, but was not able to assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Engine & cooling all 102 →
1997 Toyota Camry traveling at or about 30 MPH struck a standing/stopped vehicle from the rear. Standing vehicle struck rear end of car in front. 1997 Toyota driver sustained multiple, bodily injuries. Facial injuries include lip/mouth contusion, eye socket bruises from striking steering wheel. Steering wheel air bag did not open. Other bodily injuries includes large interior right knee hematoma, broken left foot requiring immediate installation of metal plate & screws & multiple bruises to both legs. Driver is ww2 vet & is scheduled for 3 weeks rehab in care facility. Car is currently a local salvage yard awaiting disposition within 2 days. Police report 902361501 on file at avon indiana police department & indicates driver air bag did not open.
In January my starter caught on fire while driving down the road, and again in April causing me to lose days of work. Caused positive cable to battery to melt.
Suspension all 70 →
Car : 97 Toyota Camry le 4 cylinder three major problems 1) blue smoke at cold-starting (mileage: 87 miles -aug. 2001) engine gave off blue smoke from the exhaust when cold-starting in the morning. After replacing valve stem seals (paid around $1000 to a Toyota dealer for the repair), the problem was solved. 2) power steering rack & pinion leaking (mileage: 87kmiles -aug. 2001) power steering rack & pinion leaked and a mechanic replaced it with a new one. 3) EGR vsv failure (mileage: 100 kmiles -oct. 2004) check engine light came on. OBD ii scanner says "insufficient EGR flow." a mechanic replaced EGR vsv and the problem was solved. 4) front strut mounts failure ((mileage: 87 kmiles -aug. 2001) both front strut mounts made noise. After a Toyota dealer replaced it, the problem was solved.
At speeds of 25 MPH or more the rear of the vehicle suddenly bounces sideways requiring immediate steering corrections constantly in order to aviod accidents. While driving in wyoming at 72 MPH , the rear wheels hit a crack in the pavemant causing the vehicle to bounce sideways and spin out of control and off the highway. I have since visited the dealer and learned that the shock mounts were defective and loose. I replaced the shocks and mounts/supports at a cost of over $1000 and still have the same problem. I am afraid to drive the car at speeds over 35 MPH and considering selling it and buying a safer vehicle.
1997 Toyota Camry engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota Camry a good car?
Based on 555 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Camry rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Camry at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota Camry?
The brakes — 108 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (102) and suspension (70).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Camry have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Toyota Camry, the most recent from November 1, 1999 (steering wheel/handle bar). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Camry?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2017 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2018, 2007, 2002 and 2008. See the full Toyota Camry years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.