Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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).
My 1997 Toyota Camry ce has had, since it's very first year, an occasional but persistent and recurring issue where the driver's seat will spontaneously shift and relatch while I am driving. This occurs even if the seat has not recently been repositioned manually. It feels as if it is relatching on one side. The result is a sudden repositioning of the driver's seat of up to a few inches, and runs the potential hazard of loss-of-control if it were to occur at an inopportune time. No post-market modifications to my driver's seat have been made and this is all in reference to original manufacturers equipment. This vehicle was manufactured in November 1996 (1997 model year). I am the original owner, although it has been retitled. I absolutely love my Toyota, but wanted to ensure that this information was available for safety review. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated the driver side front seat involuntarily slides back with minimal pressure applied to the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure could not be repaired because the dealer was not familiar with the type of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated the front driver side seat would not longer move back or forward in the seat track. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was advised to replace the seat track. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 57,000 and the current mileage was 64,000.
Vehicle was at a stand still at a red light and vehicle was rear ended, impact speed 40-45 MPH. Both, driver's and passenger's side seats collapsed in the reclining position, vehicle was forced into another vehicle. Vehicle was a total loss. The air bag did not deploy during the accident.
Consumer states was hit from the rear by another vehicle traveling approx 25-30 MPH and in turn collided w/a vehicle in front. Both driver and passenger front seats buckled and collapsed backward. Consumer sustained severe whiplash injuries as a result. Mr
On sept. 15, 2009 I was hit from behind by a large truck while sitting at a stop light. The back of the seat fell down and I was thrown backwards to the back seat about 3 or 4 inches . The back of the seat laid flat down in the back seat.
Upon applying the brakes at almost any speed, the driver's seat slides forward as if it is not locked into place. This has happened on numerous occasions, although the seat had been locked into position. After an occurence, I have tried to see if the seat was locked by scooting forward manually (without use of the lever). It does not slide after doing this, giving me the impression that it is locked. The seatback of this same seat does not stay locked well either. Sometimes, just getting in the vehicle and leaning on the seat, causes it (seatback) to slip out of position (backwards).
When brakes are applied, mostly in wet weather conditions, vehicle does not want to stop. Also brakes make growling noises when brakes are applied. In addition, vehicle has visual problems; headrest , blocks view when looking out of rear window. Problem is with all 4 headrests. Headrest are too wide and high. Possible design flaw. Dealers are aware the problem. Please provide any further deatails.
Driver's seat track locking mechanism disengaged spontaneously while driving under normal operating conditions, allowing driver's seat to slide forward/backward. Driver made sudden stop, seat slid forward, lap belt squeezed driver's belly, rupturied amniotic sack. Dealer has no part to correct problem. Reported by lawyer.
Had to replace 3 motors in driver's power adjusting seat. Pin kept falling out. Dealer repaired first time. Currently, could not be repaired, seat has been loose. Dealer said new seat track needed to be installed at $1600. Add VIN and any other information.
Seat complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 1997 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 5% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › recliner (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Camry seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to seats 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.