Owners filed 555 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
08700087,000 milesMedian miles at failure
131 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
36
4
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal
33
30
0
18
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
27
0
4
1
Suspension
25
1
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
24
11
2
7
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
24
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
21
1
3
0
Suspension › Front
20
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
18
1
1
2
Seats
15
2
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar99V307000
Filed Nov 1, 1999540,037 vehiclesToyota Motor Co., Ltd.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
Electrical System › Ignition97V213000
Filed Nov 20, 1997289,326 vehiclesToyota Motor Co., Ltd.
Defect. VEHICLE 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 IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Risk. UNDER SUCH A CONDITION, SHOULD A DRIVER FAIL TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO "PARK" POSITION AND ALSO FAIL TO ACTIVATE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY DOWN A SLOPE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE KEY INTERLOCK SOLENOID.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist97V156000
Filed Sep 17, 199718,746 vehiclesToyota Motor Co., Ltd.
Defect. VEHICLE 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 YORK, NOTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE ELIMINATION OF VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES THAT CAN INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE VACUUM HOSE.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 13, 2024AL
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.
Steering1 injured
Filed Jul 31, 2023HI
The steering wheel is set off center to the right of the driver. Yes it is available upon request. Causes extreme back pains. Has not been inspected by police or insurance reps. Has not been inspected yet. No warning lights or messages in car dash for this. Since I had the car noticed this.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 18, 20201,223 milesVA
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.
Power Train
Filed Dec 3, 2019130,000 milesFL
BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND THE CAR RAN WELL BUT NOW THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. IT WOULD SLIP FROM TIME TO TIME BUT NOW IS OUT COMPLETELY. WHICH SEEMS TO BE VERY MYSTERIOUS. I WAS SEARCJING TO SEE HOW COMMO. THE PROBLEM IS OR HAS BEEN. I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT. HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON THE TRANSMISSION BUT DIDN'T SEE ANY...
Traction Control System
Filed Jan 22, 2019147,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V156000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A BRAKE VACUUM HOSE LEAK AND TRACTION FAILURE. THE TRACK OFF WARNING INDICATOR WAS RESET AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 2018100,000 milesCA
I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR A CONDITION THAT ALLOWS THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE TRANSMISSION STILL IN DRIVE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL EVENTS WHEN I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, REMOVED THE KEY AND IT STARTED TO ROLL AWAY DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING IN DRIVE.
Engine
Filed Feb 13, 2018150,000 milesWI
ENGINE IS BEGINNING TO USE ENGINE OIL BETWEEN CHANGES.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 9, 2017289,859 milesCA
SUMMARY VEHICLE 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 YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. SAFETY RISK THIS CAN RESULT IN THE ELIMINATION OF VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES THAT CAN INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH. YES, THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN CA, BUT THIS ISSUE PREVENTS TRAVELING TO COLD STATES IN THE WINTER UNTIL IT IS FIXED. MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER V03 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 97V156 RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 26, 201690,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END DRIVER SIDE COLLISION. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN BOTH A SIDE IMPACT AND FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (ACCIDENT NUMBER 2822). THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A BROKEN JAW AND NERVE DAMAGE THAT REQUIRED APPROXIMATELY 23 SURGERIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Feb 5, 2016CA
TAKATA RECALL 1997 CAMRY HAD A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND OFF, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATED AND EJECTED OCCUPANT OUT OF VEHICLE. ARE 1997 TOYOTA AIR BAGS GOING TO BE RECALLED?
Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2015CA
KEY WILL NOT TURN TO START CAR. STEERING WHEEL LOCK GOES IN AND OUT. EVENTUALLY (5-20 MINUTES) DO SOMETHING THAT WORKS (DON'T KNOW WHAT) AND CAR WILL START. WHEN IT HAPPENED ONCE, I FIGURED IT WAS AN ANOMALY. BUT IT HAS NOT HAPPENED FIVE TIMES AND I AM NOW IN CONSTANT WORRY ABOUT IT HAPPENING AGAIN. UPDATED 9/21/15 *LN ...UPDATED 10/01/15*BF THE CONSUMER STATED USING A DIFFERENT IGNITION KEY SEEMED TO HAVE ALLEVIATED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/13/15*JB
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 4, 2015123,000 milesAZ
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SOMETIMES STICKS AT A STOP WHEN PUSHED TO START MOVING FORWARD. I HAVE NOTICED THIS FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 28, 2015200,000 milesIL
BOTH LEFT REAR AND RIGHT REAR SEAT BELTS NO LONGER RETRACT, MAKING FOR AN EXTREMELY LOOSE AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 4, 2015100,000 milesIN
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 6, 2014IA
THE BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN NEEDING TO BE PUSHED NEARLY OR ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL THE BRAKE LINE WAS FIXED. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages
Filed Sep 30, 2014167,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 25, 2014177,000 milesOR
ON SATURDAY 8/23/14 I WAS DROVE ON SW WALKER IN BEAVERTON, OREGON WITH THE SPEED IS 45RPM. THEN I WAS SMELL THE GAS IN MY CAR. THE SMELL OF GAS MAKE ME HEADACHE VERY BAD. I DROVE HOME AND CHECKED UNDERNEATH FRONT OF THE CAR AND SEE THE LEAK LOOK LIKE OIL LEAK ON THE GROUND BUT THIS IS NOT THE OIL LEAK. IT IS THE FUEL LEAK. I OPENED THE HOOK TO CHECKED FOR THE LEAK TO FIND WHERE THE LEAK COME FROM? I FOUND THE LEAKED CAME FROM THE FUEL LINE FROM THE FUEL INJECTION CONNECTED TO FUEL FILTER. THE PIPE WAS CRACKED AND LEAD. MONDAY I DROVE 97 TOYOTA CAMRY TO AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIR THE FUEL LINE LEAK. THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP CHARGED ME $351.12 FOR REPLACED THE FUEL LINE TO STOP THE LEAK. *TR
Structure
Filed Aug 21, 201490,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Aug 12, 2014255,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DEFLATED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 255,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 9, 2014177,000 milesDE
MY CAR MADE A WINING NOISE AND THEN A LOUD POP. I MANAGED TO GET IT OFF RT 40 AND INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BRAKES WENT OUT AND THERE WAS SEVERE SMOKE. I DID ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW HALF WAY AND THEN SHUT CAR OFF TRIED THE UNLOCK BUTTON AND IT DID NOT WORK. I THEN CRAWLED OUT THE WINDOW AND RAN THE CAR IGNITED AND CONTINUOUSLY BURNED UP?
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.