“Brakes making a grinding noise. Have had replaced three times, the first time under a manufacturer replacement bulletin. The 2nd time the brakes were replaced was in 6/99 (bryan easler toyota...excellent service). Third time the brakes were replaced -- 9/2000 at 55,000 miles (toyota of concord). Grinding noise has started again -- 4 months after replacement with only 8,000 miles on them.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 11, 2001
“Brakes, drums and rotors have been replaced, adjusted or repaied due to problems with grinding, warping, squealing and brake loss, the vehicle does not stop safely at times. Nlm”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 18, 2000
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1997 Camry peaked in 1999, with 110 filed that year. Owners had filed 6 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 97V156000 in September 1997; 88 more have come in since. In 2024 owners filed 1 so far.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 1997 Camry.
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 rod), starter fires, various fuel related fires, leaking oil filters, wiring issues, improper repairs and brake fluid leaks.none of the issues examined had reports that indicated a trend when normalized for populaton and exposure.see attached report for full details.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
A 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. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. …
Showing the newest 6 of 15 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
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?
Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2014205,000 milesIN
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 2 YEARS THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER ASSEMBLY NEEDS REPLACED, LEAVING ME STRANDED ONCE AGAIN. MANAGED TO GET A FRIEND TO GET A REPLACEMENT PART FOR ME BUT NOW I CANNOT GET IT INSTALLED. THE KEY HAS TO BE IN THE ACC POSITION FOR IT TO GO IN BUT THE TAB THAT IT SLIDES INTO DOESN'T LINE UP. I HAVE BEEN A FAITHFUL TOYOTA CUSTOMER FOR 3 DECADES BUT THIS IS BEYOND FRUSTRATING! *TR
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jun 18, 2014100,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Suspension
Filed Nov 26, 201347,000 milesNJ
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*CN
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 18, 2013260,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 260,000.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 10, 2013CA
1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS AT A GAS STATION, AND ALMOST PARKED, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND WAS UNSTOPPABLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE CONSUMER AND HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED.
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 12, 201360,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCHES FOR ALL OF THE SEAT BELTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NOT HOLD THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT EACH LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED FOUR OF THE FIVE LATCHES IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Suspension
Filed Apr 10, 2013190,362 milesIN
MY REAR SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IS RUSTED AND BROKE INTO TWO PIECES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CLOSE TO THE MOUNTING BOLTS. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Nov 28, 201290,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE DRIVER STARTED TO HEAR A LOUD NOISE. A FEW MILES LATER THE DRIVER SAW ORANGE FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE DRIVER THREW DIRT ONTO THE ENGINE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 13, 2012150,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD DETACHED AND FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE HINGES FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 18, 2012177,559 milesTX
PLEASE SEE THE INFORMATION BELOW, AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME PURSUE THIS MATTER. AT THE VERY LEAST, I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST TOYOTA AND LUCAS OIL. > ATTORNEY COMMENT: THE WEBSITE FOR LUCAS OIL REGARDING ITS STOP LEAK PRODUCT SAYS THAT IT REPAIRS WORN SEALS WITHOUT RISK OF DAMAGE. > >ATTORNEY COMMENT: THIS SITUATION PRESENTS AN UNUSUAL ISSUE IE THE LIABILITY OF THE OIL LEAK PRODUCT FOR NOT WARNING AGAINST USE OF THE PRODUCT IN A CAR PRONE TO SLUDGING. > > I ADDED 1 QUART OF LUCAS ENGINE OIL STOP LEAK (PURCHASED AT PEP BOYS) TO THE ENGINE OIL OF MY 1997 V-6 TOYOTA CAMRY, WHICH CAUSED A ROD TO BE THROWN, KILLING THE ENGINE. (PRIOR TO THIS, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING FINE, BUT I DID HAVE A SLIGHT ENGINE OIL LEAK PROBLEM.) THE ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS $3,171.91. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAS 177,559 MILES ON IT. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I DISCOVERED THAT MY CAR ENGINE IS PRONE TO SLUDGE AND SLUDGE DAMAGE DUE TO DESIGN ERROR. HAD I BEEN AWARE OF THIS, I NEVER WOULD HAVE ADDED THIS PRODUCT. AS IT IS, NEITHER TOYOTA NOR LUCAS OIL POSTED ANY WARNINGS ABOUT USING THIS PRODUCT IN MY CAR ENGINE. AS SUCH, I CONTACTED BOTH TOYOTA AND LUCAS OIL FOR SOME RELIEF - BOTH COMPANIES DENIED MY REQUEST.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Dec 13, 201179,000 milesVA
BACKING DOWN ACCESS ROAD TO PARKING LOT, BOAT RAMP AND RECREATION AREA. HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN SUDDEN ACCELERATION ENDANGERED CAR AND DRIVER. DIRECTED CAR INTO THE SIDE OF A PARKED TRUCK TO AVOID CRASHING INTO AREA WHERE PEOPLE WERE WORKING, AND ALSO TO AVOID GOING INTO RIVER WHICH WAS VERY CLOSE BY. BACK END OF CAR STRUCK SIDE OF TRUCK THEN CAR BOUNCED OFF CAREENED TOWARD RIVER WITH ACCELERATOR STILL JAMMED. PRESSED FOOT DOWN HARD ON BRAKE AND PULLED UP E BRAKE UNTIL CAR FINALLY STALLED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 3, 2011159,108 milesMA
CONNECTING ROD FAILURE. WHILE I WAS CHECKING MY BATTERY, THE ENGINE EXPLODED, BLOWING A 4" HOLE ON THE ENGINE BODY AND SPREADING PIECES OF THE CONNECTING ROD AROUND THE YARD. NO PRIOR SIGNS HAD INDICATED ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. ENGINE WAS RUNNING FINE UP TO THE LAST SECOND BEFORE THE EXPLOSION. *TR
Seats
Filed Jun 7, 201157,000 milesMD
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 Speed Control
Filed Jan 27, 2011143,057 milesCA
WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, PREPARED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN PARKING IN THE CARPORT STALL THERE WAS INSTEAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE CAR "JUMPED" OVER THE CONCRETE CURB ON THE FLOOR AND BROKE THROUGH THE CARPORT WALL. ANOTHER PROBLEM OCCURRED SOME YEARS EARLIER WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. FRIGHTENING AS IT WAS I MANAGED TO REACH DOWN AND MANUALLY RELEASE THE PEDAL.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jan 4, 201180,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE CRASHING INTO THE VEHICLE BEHIND IT. NO ONE WAS INJURED CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Tires
Filed Dec 8, 201065,000 milesNE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH GOODYEAR KELLY NAVIGATOR GOLD TIRES. THE TIRE SIZE WAS P195/70/R14 AND THE DOT NUMBER WAS M7RW17KR2407. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATES, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPEN, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUISHING NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE BELT SEPARATED WITHIN THE TIRE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND OFFERED TO PRORATE THE PRICE TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF NEW TIRES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering
Filed Nov 27, 2010176,000 milesTX
I HAD NOT USED MY VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS AND WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT EARLY IN THE MORNING, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND WAS NOT SPINNING BACK INTO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER MAKING A TURN. THE STIFFNESS WAS LESS PRONOUNCED AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A BIT. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 22, 2010150,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, SPUN AROUND TWICE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT SUFFERED NECK INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Seats
Filed Apr 20, 201060,000 milesWA
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.
Unknown or OtherCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 30, 2010MA
ON MARCH 13, 2007 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:30 P.M. AS I WAS EXITING A PARKING LOT AND TURNED LEFT ON PAGE STREET IN STOUGHTON, MASS. MY 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY STARTED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS A CAR WITH TWO OCCUPANTS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT APPROXIMATELY 1/5 OF A MILE IN FRONT OF ME. AS I ACCELERATED FASTER AND FASTER WITH MY 9 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT I TRIED TO STOP. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER STARTED TO SCREAM "GRAMS, WHATS WRONG WHAT'S WRONG" I KNEW I DIDN'T WANT TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AS THEY HAD NO IDEA I WAS SPEEDING TOWARDS THEM, AND I KNEW I WOULD SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILL THEM IF I HIT THEM AT MY ACCELERATED SPEED , SO AS I APPROCHED THE INTERSECTION I VEERED TO THE LEFT AS IT WAS AN INDUSTRIAL PARK AND MOST OF THE BUILDINGS WERE CLOSED., BUT, I DIDN'T MAKE THE COMPLETE TURN AND HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND SMASHED THRU IT AND MY CAR GOT CAUGHT ON TOP OF AN FIRE HYDRANT AND STOPPED.I REMEMBER HITTING AND THEN EVERY THING WENT QUIET MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS SCREAMING AND I ASKED HER IF SHE WAS ALRIGHT. SHE WAS COHERANT AND THE TWO PEOPLE THAT WERE IN THE CAR AT THE LIGHT KNOCKED ON MY WINDOW AND CALLED THE POLICE. I WAS REMOVED FROM MY CAMRY BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE I STAYED FOR TWO DAYS, MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BUT RELEASED. NO ONE BELIEVED ME THAT I DID NOT ACCELERATE THE CAR MYSELF. THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR STATED THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT STUCK AND THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THEY LOO
Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 2010100 milesCA
THE IGNITION PROBLEM WAS MAIN REASON THE TRANSMISSION LOCK UP. AND IT HAVE COOLING PROBLEMS. *TR
Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 2010100,000 milesCA
THE IGNITION PROBLEM WAS MAIN REASON THE TRANSMISSION LOCK UP. AND IT HAVE COOLING PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashFire2 injured1 killed
Filed Mar 7, 2010CA
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 70 MPH. ON CRUISE CONTROL. CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL WAS PUSHED. HOWEVER, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK. CAUSING THE A HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR WAS KILLED ON IMPACT. *TR UPDATED 9/29/11*CW
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Mar 4, 201095,000 milesNC
MY 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. I AM CONVINCED IT WAS NOT THE PEDAL BECOMING STUCK. I FELT THE PEDAL DEPRESS FROM MY FOOT AND THE CAR BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. I HIT THE BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT STOP THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING SO I SHIFTED IT TO NEUTRAL AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE BLEW. SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE HOOD BUT THE BRAKES WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT THIS POINT SO I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED BUT WHEN THEY ARRIVED THE FIRE HAD GONE OUT. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ALSO ARRIVED ON SCENE, BUT APPARENTLY THEY DID NOT FILE A REPORT BECAUSE THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. AS I WAS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK A DRUNK DRIVER CRASHED ABOUT 50 FEET FROM MY CAR, BUT THAT'S A DIFFERENT MATTER ALTOGETHER. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Mar 4, 2010RI
WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF A MOVING 1996 OR 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY THE DRIVER TURNED TO ME AND ASKED HOW I LIKED HIS MOM'S NEW CAR. I SAID I LIKED IT. AT THAT MOMENT THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING EASTWARD ON RT. 105 IN HOPE, MAINE. THINKING MY FRIEND (THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE) WAS IN CONTROL I FAILED TO PULL THE E-BRAKE SITUATED TO MY LEFT. THE DRIVER THEN LOOKED AT ME IN FEAR AS THE CAR CONTINUED ACCELERATING. DRIVER THEN JAMMED ON THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND EXITED THE PAVED ROAD TRAVELING EXTREMELY FAST (ABOUT 150 MPH'S). IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SLAMMING HEAD-ON INTO THE TREES LINING ME RT. 105 THE VEHICLE LAUNCHED INTO THE AIR FLIPPING END OVER END 2 FULL ROTATIONS BEFORE HALTING ON IT'S BASE . DRIVER'S MOM'S 1996, OR 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED DURING THIS ACCIDENT. POLICE AND RESCUE EVENTUALLY ARRIVED AND REMOVED US FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER A PASSERBY PHONED FOR HELP. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 24, 2010140,000 milesNC
I OWN A 1997 CAMRY XLE. IN THE PAST YEAR IT HAS DEVELOPED A "STICKY" ACCELERATOR WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO LUNCH FROM A STANDING STILL TAKEOFF. THIS NOW TYPICALLY OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES IN AN AVERAGE ERRAND RELATED TRIP. IT FEELS VERY MECHANICAL AS OPPOSED TO ELECTRONIC. THE ACCELERATOR IS NOT SLOW TO RETURN AND THE FLOOR MATS ARE DEFINITELY NOT INVOLVED. I HAVE SOUGHT NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR TO DATE. *TR
SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 21, 201075,000 milesWI
I WAS DRIVING ON AN OFF RAMP OF INTERSTATE I 94 AND COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR SPUN TO THE LEFT HIT THE BARRIER CONTINUED SPINNING AND HIT THE BARRIER ON THE RIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST. THERE HAD BEEN RAIN. THE ROAD WAS NOT SLICK. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 16, 201032,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT 45MPH HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE DRIVE AND MAINTAIN ITS SPEED EVEN AFTER THE CONTACT WOULD RELEASE HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SERVICED. THE CONTACT HAS NOTICED THE FAILURE SINCE THE DAY HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 14, 2010127,000 milesNJ
ENGINE FROZE WHILE ON NJ TURNPIKE. OIL COAGULATED INTO GOOK/MUDR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 28, 2010110,000 milesNJ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE PEDAL BEGAN TO STICK. THE DRIVER EXERTED AN AGGRESSIVE FORCE BEFORE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Complaints 1-50 of 555, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Camry years to avoid. Owners filed 555 complaints, against about 417 for a typical Camry year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (17%).
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota Camry?
The brakes: 94 of the 555 complaints (17%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (31%), loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (12%) and vibrates or shakes (7%). The typical report comes at 49,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Camry have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 99V307000, covered 540,037 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 87,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 49,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Toyota Camry?
Yes, 3 times. The latest, PE02079 ("ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE"), was opened Oct 22, 2002 and closed Mar 18, 2003.
Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Toyota Camry?
The manufacturer filed 129 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (18), the brakes (15) and the visibility (15). They include a service campaign, 04004, filed Feb 27, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
3 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
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.