Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
Front driver's side strut rattle present for two years. On 03/30/03 during a drive at 56 miles/hr speed, strut rattle on the driver's side grew worse suddenly and front end of the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was immediately stopped on the shoulder of the road. On checking under the hood, the left strut center bolt came off completely and its threads were completely stripped. Strut came off the mount sleeve. After a new strut is put on the vehicle, the damaged strut is checked and its top threads (where the center nut gets fastened) were partially stipped.
It is impossible to align vehicle's camber to specifications without replacing major suspension parts. The manufacturer does not manufacture an adjustable driver's side suspension component to adjust camber. The only way to align the car is either to buy costly new suspension parts from Toyota or resort to an aftermarket cam bolt.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, she was advised that the front passenger side struts were leaking oil. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000. Updated 12/30/13
Front struts were a known defect, dealer told me, they bang loudly and May fail I fear. Dealer service dept told me the struts were known to be defective and should have been replaced but the previous owner did not know this. Now they are really bad, to
Crunching /rattle from front struts when traveling over bumps or dips in road. The struts were replaced and I was advised at time of the installation that the new struts would not resolve this issue. This was a design flaw and no resolution exits.
The front brakes make noise and produce a grinding sound when applied with normal pressure. The dealer stated that Toyota knows of the problem but can't fix it. My regular mechanic has had other complaints with toyotas from his customers. I can't understand why it can't be fixed. 2) on my 25,000 mile service I could not have my back tires rotated because they were cupped. I was told this is because of weak shocks on the car. My wife who weighs 100 pounds is the one who drives this car 85% of the time and with my two kids the total weight is less that 300 pounds. I noticed that the car would bottom out but did not expect to have poorly performing shocks. I am very dissatisfied with these two problems to the point that I wonder where else Toyota cut corners on quality. …
My engine seized and needs complete replacement due to this oil sludge problem. As a result of the gelled oil, one of the pistons broke off creating a hole in the engine and the motor mount became displaced from the engine, causing the engine block to crack while I was driving the car. I bought the car used from greer Toyota in millbrook, ny in August of 2001 and was told that one of their mechanics would complete a thorough inspection before the car was turned over to me. I have since had the oil changed every 3,000 miles by a trusted mechanic. During that time, I had to replace the oxygen sensor at my own cost, but did not have any other problems until this month. Now in addition to the engine, it appears that my struts are failing as well. I am in the process of submitting a claim for the engine.
Front end rattle-most severe when driving over bumpy roads and when driving car at the beginning of day. Noise abates some what after driving for approx. 15 minutes. Took car to Toyota dealer . Dealer said upper front struts need to be replaced. Confirmed by independent mechanic. Bought car used and noticed problem almost immediately. Car had 58000 miles at that time. Problem is getting worse. Seems that Toyota has a problem with this car and does not want to recall. I have owned Camry's in the past. Never had a problem like this. Even on high mileage cars inaddition the car sets to low to ground and mthe front end scraps when pulling into driveways or other steep inclines. I have owned cars and been driving for the past 45 years and have never had a problem with a car or truck of this nature.
Suspension complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 13% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is front (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota Camry suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.