Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
There was a problem with the rack and pinion. While driving the consumer heard a loud noise, viewed smoke coming from the engine area, and immediately the engine died. The dealer was contacted and stated that a rod had blown a hole through the engine block. Also, the turn signal malfunctioned. Scc dealer recommended engine block be replaced. Timing and drive belts replaced.
1997 Toyota Camry le / many electrical problems related to various tail lights / turn signals / brake lights not working. Now it seems the headlights are burning dimly. New bulbs make no difference. Seems to be a design engineering issue overall with respect to electrical system on this year / model of car.
Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with the headlight poor visibility while driving at night. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that they are aware of this problem and have no solution at this time. Adjustment was made but problem continues to occur. Mfr. Notified, and informed consumer that they are the only consumer complaining about this problem. Manufacturer was going to send an engineer out, but he never showed up.
Tail light fuses keep blowing out. Vehicle taken to a repair shop and repairs split in the wire harness due to the trunk being closed onto it. Dealer contacted. Consumer states he was pulled over due to not having tail lights.
There is a blind spot on the driver's side headlights, causing poor visiblity when driving, can't see when making left turn. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has attempted to correct the problem, not able to correct it.
Interior and exterior lights at times operates intermittently due to a malfunction in the combination switch. Dealer has been contacted.
Headlight are aimed too low and are not very bright. Dealer claims it is normal and the headlights are properly installed.
Headlight complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 4% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Camry headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 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.