1997 TOYOTA CAMRY — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

685

Owner Complaints

92 Crashes 31 Fires 3 Deaths

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

33

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

The 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY has received a total of 685 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 33 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (40 complaints), Air Bagsfrontal (34 complaints), and Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (31 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY, potentially affecting up to 890,649 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 99V307000 — STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

| 540,037 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.

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Recall 97V213000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 289,326 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 97V156000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

| 18,746 vehicles affected

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...

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

685 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 40 4 Crashes
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 34 31 Crashes 18 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 31 5 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 27 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 27 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 25 2 Crashes 4 Fires 1 Injury 1 Death
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 24 11 Crashes 2 Fires 7 Injuries 1 Death
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 23 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 23
Air Bags
Complaints: 18 13 Crashes 16 Injuries 1 Death
Seats
Complaints: 17 2 Crashes
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 14 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 14
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 13 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 12 3 Crashes
Steering
Complaints: 12 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 11 2 Crashes
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 11 3 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 5 Fires
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 10 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 10
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 7
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 7 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 7
Structurebody
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 6 6 Fires
Engine
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 6
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 6 2 Injuries
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 6
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 5 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 5
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 5
Power Train
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 4 2 Fires
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
Structure
Complaints: 4
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblysolenoid
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 3
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 3
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 3 2 Injuries
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Child Seat
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuumhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Child Seatretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Child Seattether Strapwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherownersserviceother Manual
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingback Up Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsunit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tank
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfluid
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11582832 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
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.
#11582832 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire
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.
#11535633 | STEERING | | N/A miles 1 Injury
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.
#11340044 | ENGINE | | 1,223 miles
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.
#11340044 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 1,223 miles
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.

View all Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 33 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TC01029 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

INFORMATION REGARDING KEY INTERLOCK SOLENOID. *YD

BO02501 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

SUBJECT REGARDING SUNVISOR VANITY MIRROR IMPROVEMENT. *YD

NV00700 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

EXPERIENCING WIND / ROAD NOISE HEARD AROUND THE DOOR MIRRIORS OF SOME VEHICLES STARTING WITH VARIOUS VIN RANGES. *TT

BO01500 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

THIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS PROCEDURES TO INSTALL DOOR MIRRORS. *TT

BO02199 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERRUPTION IN SUNROOF OPERATION NOT OPENING OR CLOSING. *TT

BO01999 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

EXPERIENCING WIND / ROAD NOISE HEARD AROUND THE DOOR MIRRORS ON SOME JAPAN PRODUCED VEHICLES. *TT

BR00199 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

CONCERNS WITH FRONT BRAKES MAKING A GROAN OR GRINDING NOISE FOR VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE CERTAIN VIN RANGES. *TT

BO03398 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE HAS BEEN REVISED IN ORDER TO PREVENT RATTLES CAUSED BY BROKEN CLIPS. *YC

BO03198 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

INFORMATION ON HOOD PROP ROD SUPPORT CLAMP IMPROVEMENT. *YC

BO03098 — STRUCTURE:BODY

INFORMATION ON REAR CONSOLE BOX IMPROVEMENTS. *YC

Showing 10 of 33 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY.

Investigation PE02079 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Closed

Opened:

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

Investigation PE97034 — POWER TRAIN Closed

Opened:

IGNITION INTERLOCK FAILURE

Other Model Years of the TOYOTA CAMRY

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Other TOYOTA Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report