1997 Toyota Camry: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Toyota Camry: 3 recalls, 555 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V156000 · 1997 · 18,746 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
Electrical Vehicle recall #97V213000 · 1997 · 289,326 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the key interlock solenoid.
Steering Vehicle recall #99V307000 · 1999 · 540,037 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel set nut May not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Why it matters: This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 27 mention a fire, 59 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (100): the most common themes are noise or vibration (52), brake failure / soft pedal (19).
- Engine & cooling (96): the most common themes are fire / smoke (26), noise or vibration (18), leaks (14).
- Suspension (70): the most common themes are noise or vibration (36), rust / corrosion (3).
- Airbags (55): the most common themes are fails to deploy (30).
The 1997 Toyota Camry has 555 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 35 Camry model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 511). Complaints peaked in 1999 (118 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 87,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (417 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (600 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Toyota Camry.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Toyota Camry, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Toyota Camry problems?
Owners have filed 555 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (100), engine & cooling (96), suspension (70).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota Camry get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Toyota Camry repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.