Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
I received a letter last year from Toyota explaining a gelling problem and to watch out for blue smoke coming from the tail pipe when starting the car. I went into sears for an oil change and they indicated that it looked like moisture was getting in the oil and it looked sludgy. I took the car to the Toyota dealership for them to check out this gelling. The letter indicated that Toyota would pay for the part/installation. I got the estimated back from Toyota and they said I did not have any gelling or sludge in the oil/engine, but that I did have rotted valve stem seals and head gasket leaks, and oil pan leaks and thats why there was blue smoke. The car is barely 7 years old and I have changed the oil faithfully at 3000 miles. I did not have the problem fixed, because I wanted a second opinion from a mechanic that was referred to me that is trustworthy. …
I was involved in a 5 car pile up on interstate 94, hit vehicle in front of me going at 45-50 MPH, and airbag did not deploy. According to Toyota, this is acceptable due to the particular type of frontal accident I had. If hitting a car at 45-50 MPH dead on is not a good enough reason for the airbag deploying then what is? Due to the airbag not deploying, I suffered a severe brain contusion with bleeding in the brain and loss time off of work. Earlier engine problem: oil sludge in engine, once repairs were done 6 months later engine mounts had to be replace front motor mount and dog bone, injectors and gaskets, why?, this was all replaced on the first engineering defect Toyota created and why should I pay a portion of their oil sludge engineering defects.
Without any lights or indication of a problem, while my husband was driving on the freeway in california, smoke began billowing out from under the hood. Within seconds, flames were seen, by the time he reached the side of the road, the engine was fully engulfed in fire. By the time he got out of the car, minutes, the dash was engulfed. It took 15 minutes for the fire department to put it out. This vehicle has had regular services per manufacturers requirements, plus a safety and engine examination approximately 30 days ago. No evidence of a problem of any kind was found at that time.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the driver started to hear a loud noise. A few miles later the driver saw orange flames coming from the hood. The driver threw dirt onto the engine to put the fire out. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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.
1997 Toyota Camry caught on fire while driving on I-87. Fire began somewhere under the front hood of the vehicle. Brakes failed while moving to highway shoulder. Passengers were immediately evacuated and the fire department was called to put out the fire. The car was completely destroyed by the fire.
While accelerating there was a loud bang and smoke came from the engine compartment. Upon inspection the driver noticed there was a hole in the engine. The dealer indicated that the engine blew due to lack of oil.
The following is a complant that was sent to Toyota motor co. It is not my wish to have to write under these circumstances. However I must, because of the things that have come to pass. My family has supported Toyota, and ofcourse all own Toyota due to the beautiful work and craftsmanship of Toyota. However my Toyota Camry has made me to doubt the strong feeling I once had for my car. I turned my car over to Toyota of louisville for service and the repair of oil sledging. I assume that the problem was fixed. However at the time I witnessed no symptoms. I simply did not want to wait until the problem occurred. So I had it serviced to avoid any problem. Later after having my timing belt replaced I started to witness a sluggish acceleration, and worsening gas mileage, the problem worsened. Eventually the check engine light flashed. And the oil light also. …
NHTSA investigations
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
Engine complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 102 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 18% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Camry engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Toyota Camry, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 12 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.