Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the power steering and the brakes suddenly malfunctioned causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a ditch. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering wheel and handle bar are loose. The electrical system including the ignition are not working properly. The service brakes and the hydraulic parts seems to wobble while driving . The exterior lighting headlights are so dimmed it is hard to see while driving at night. The vehicle is parked in front of my house.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the engine light has been illuminating intermittently since August of 2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three different times for this failure. On the most recent occurrence, the contact was informed that it would cost $5,000 to replace the engine. The engine light currently remains illuminated, however, the vehicle is still being driven. Speed was not a factor because the light illuminates as soon as the vehicle is started. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 68,000 and failure mileage was 39,000. The front brakes were cracked and the rotors needed to be machined. The taillight bulb was replaced, the head gasket was leaking. The timing belt was replaced. Updated 10/10/07.
There is a significant amount of "play" and "body roll" with respect to the steering components/steering wheel of the vehicle. This has existed from date of purchase. Additionally, the braking system is not as responsive as that which I have experienced in all other vehicles. The depth which the brake pedal must be depressed is much deeper and requires a greater amount of pressure, than that of any other vehicle I have driven. Finally, the headlights provide poor visibility both in the amount of light emitted and in their low mounting or angle which they sit at. Thank you for your time and efforts on my behalf. Best regards.
Consumer states that brake light illuminated on the dash indicating brake problem, consumer states took to dealer and they stated brakes needed replacing. Consumer states brakes have been changed four times. Consumer feels there a defect in the brakes that are being put on vehicle. Mr manufacturer stated that the brake system met the satisfactory specifications-declined repair. The consumer requests reimbursement for the elapsed brake work on the date of 8/15/02 in the amount of $659.44. Scc
Tl contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. While driving 32 MPH, the steering wheel locked, the brakes failed, and all the instrument panel lights illuminated. There was no warning prior to the failures. The vehicle lost complete power. The contact turned off the engine for approximately 30 seconds and the vehicle was able to be restarted. The failure has occurred three times. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 74,000.
While driving vehicle on the road about 40-45 MPH with about 4 vehicles in front of the comsumer when he saw the vehicles stop, and comsumer tried to stop by stepping on brake pedal, but could not stop it on time and smashed front of vehicle or rearended. Air bags did not deploy during the accident. The shop said it was nothing wrong with the system.
Failed to stop on highway at 65 MPH. The road was icy but the vehicle's ABS was not working and the vehicle did not decelerate at all. I steering the vehicle to the ditch. I was lucky of not hitting other vehicles and I was safe. There is a problem with Toyota Camry's braking, it did not feel right!
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 108 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 19% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (40 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Camry brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-156 (power assist, Sep 17, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.