1997 Toyota Camry Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 555 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 1% of the 555 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11340044, filed 2020-07, 1,223 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670012, filed 2015-01, 100,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11582832, filed 2024-04“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10486341, filed 2012-11, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10132812May 1, 2014Tech 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 8% |
| 2023 | 5 | 8% |
| 2022 | 6 | 10% |
| 2021 | 7 | 4% |
| 2020 | 60 | 22% |
| 2019 | 81 | 20% |
| 2018 | 137 | 18% |
| 2017 | 11 | 7% |
| 2016 | 17 | 9% |
| 2015 | 24 | 9% |
| 2014 | 57 | 13% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 59 | 10% |
| 2011 | 36 | 6% |
| 2010 | 43 | 7% |
| 2009 | 208 | 16% |
| 2008 | 131 | 14% |
| 2007 | 377 | 13% |
| 2006 | 10 | 3% |
| 2005 | 21 | 3% |
| 2004 | 26 | 4% |
| 2003 | 52 | 7% |
| 2002 | 58 | 6% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 6 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Camry
108 complaintsEngine cooling
96 complaintsSuspension
70 complaintsAir bags
55 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsSeats
30 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology