Vehicles / Toyota / Camry / 1997

1997 Toyota Camry

555 federal complaints (685 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 118 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 42 model years of the Toyota Camry →
Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 28 hwy
Federal complaints
555
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
126
Engine & cooling
108
Suspension
71
Air bags
55
Electrical system
40
Power train
37
Steering
31
Speed control
30
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 66 complaints01 years old: 65 complaints2 years old: 39 complaints3 years old: 32 complaints4 years old: 38 complaints5 years old: 37 complaints56 years old: 43 complaints7 years old: 27 complaints8 years old: 10 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 12 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 9 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 7 complaints17 years old: 9 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 5 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 421 of 555 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 4 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 8 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 14 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 27 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 21 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 12 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 13 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 14 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 7 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 5 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 127 of 555 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

126 complaint records1 fire report12 crash reports
"TRANSMISSION MAKES A NOISE WHEN CAR IS PLACED IN REVERSE OR PLACED IN DRIVE AND THE ENGINE DIES LEADING TO BRAKE FAILURE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

108 complaint records12 fire reports3 crash reports
"DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES HIGH NUMBER OF STRUT AND MOUNT FAILURES ON 1997, 1998 AND 1999 CAMRYS. PROBABLY DESIGN DEFECT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Suspension

71 complaint records3 crash reports
"DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES HIGH NUMBER OF STRUT AND MOUNT FAILURES ON 1997, 1998 AND 1999 CAMRYS. PROBABLY DESIGN DEFECT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02079
opened Oct 2002
closed Mar 2003Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE 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...
DP02004
opened Apr 2002
closed Jun 2002Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE SEIZURE
PE97034
opened Jul 1997
closed Nov 1997Power TrainIGNITION INTERLOCK FAILURE - led to recall 97V213000

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
99V307000SteeringVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.Normally free
97V213000Electrical SystemVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO A POSSIBLE JAMMING OF THE LOCK PIN OF THE KEY INTERLOCK SOLENOID, IT IS POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY EVEN WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS NOT...Normally free
97V156000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE 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...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
1997204
1997-11-20
Other23,281DUE TO JAMMING OF THE LOCK PIN OF THE KEY INTERLOCK SOLENOID, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY EVEN WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
1997155
1997-09-15
Brakes4,825UNDER EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURE OPERATING CONDITIONS AND INFREQUENT BRAKE OPERATION THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT CONDENSED MOISTURE FROM A SURGE TANK MIGHT SEEP INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE AND FREEZE.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
TiresPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
TSB018217
Jan 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 2015
Electrical SystemTSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches.
T-SB-0014-11 Rev
Oct 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement.
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage.
T-TT-0010-10 Rev
May 2014
Back Over PreventionTech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
T-TT-0132-11
Feb 2014
EquipmentA key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2014
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
T-SB-0185-13
Dec 2013
VisibilityThe following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 2013
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-SB-0071-11 Rev
Oct 2013
Power TrainThe purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0141-13
Sep 2013
Parking BrakeSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-SB-0054-13
Apr 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-PG006-00 Obsol
Apr 2013
EquipmentThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2013
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
T-SB-0071-11
Jun 2011
Power TrainSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
01005
Aug 2005
Power TrainA541E TRANSMISSION SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION. *TT
4545
Mar 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling1997 CAMRY REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION. DIAGNOSTICS - ENGINE (5S-FE) 00400-RM503-U1. *TT 00400-RM654-U1. 1999 CAMRY. *TT
03704
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE BANK 1 AND BANK 2 A/F AND 02 IDENTIFICATION. VARIOUS TOYOTA MODELS. *TT
04004
Feb 2004
Unknown Or OtherOWNER RENOTIFICATION OF NON-COMPLETED SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGNS AND LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGNS. *MR
030503
Mar 2003
Electrical SystemPOWER DOOR LOCK CONTROL SYSTEM - REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION VOL II. *TT
SU00102
Mar 2002
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING REAR BEARING O-RING SERVICE TIP. *TT
TC02002
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT REGARDING VEHICLES EXPERIENCING ENGINE OIL GELLING OR SLUDGE. *TT
ST00801
Dec 2001
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING RACK END NOISE. *TT
TC01029
Oct 2001
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING KEY INTERLOCK SOLENOID. *YD
BO02601
Oct 2001
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *YD
BO02501
Oct 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING SUNVISOR VANITY MIRROR IMPROVEMENT. *YD
TC01023
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING OWNER RENOTIFICATION OF NON COMPLETED SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAINGNS. *ET
082001
Aug 2001
VisibilityINFORMATION ON SLIDING ROOF DIAGNOSTIC TIPS *ET
BO02001
Aug 2001
VisibilityINFORMATION ON SLIDING ROOF ASSEMBLY.*JB
T-PG007-01
May 2001
EquipmentReplacement vin plates.
AX00101
Mar 2001
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING RETRO-FIT INTERNAL TRUNK RELEASE KITS. *TT
351
Nov 2000
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING LEAKS INTO TRUNK. *TT
BO02800
Nov 2000
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN INTRODUCING A FIELD FIX FOR INCIDENTS OF MOISTURE AND ODORS PERMEATING INTO THE VEHICLE. THE QUARTER PANEL AIR DUCT FLAPS MAY HAVE BECOME LOOSE OR MISSING. REPLACING THE QUARTER PANEL AIR DUCT WILL REMEDY THE CONDITION. *TT
000523
May 2000
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERRUPTION IN SUNROOF OPERATION (NOT OPENING OR CLOSING). *TT
ST00200
May 2000
SteeringINFORMATION REGARDING A CHANGE IN THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *MR
SU00200
May 2000
Service BrakesTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING THE REMOVAL OF THE ABS SPEED SENSOR PRIOR TO REMOVAL OF THE REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION. *MR
TC00013
Apr 2000
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING OWNER RENOTIFICATION ON NON-COMPLETED SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGNS. *TT
EL00700
Apr 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO SUPPLEMENT THE REPAIR MANUAL TO ASSURE CORRECT CABLE ROUTING OF THE HEATER CONTROL ASSEMBLY DURING A SERVICE REPAIR, HEATER CONTROL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS. *MJS
119
Apr 2000
VisibilityTHIS ELECTRONIC MESSAGE STATES THAT A DETAILED BULLETIN WITH DOOR MIRROR INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS HAS BEEN ISSUED. *TT
NV00700
Mar 2000
VisibilityEXPERIENCING WIND / ROAD NOISE HEARD AROUND THE DOOR MIRRIORS OF SOME VEHICLES STARTING WITH VARIOUS VIN RANGES. *TT
BO01500
Mar 2000
VisibilityTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS PROCEDURES TO INSTALL DOOR MIRRORS. *TT
980616
Mar 2000
Service BrakesSUBJECT ON FRONT BRAKE NOISE 97-98 CAMRY L4. *MJS
EG00200
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CALIFORNIA EMISSION SPECIFICATION VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1133 PRESENT. *TT
SU00100
Jan 2000
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT

Showing 60 of 118 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Camry →