1997 Toyota Camry Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 5%of 555 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 5% of the 555 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10367964, filed 2010-11, 176,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10312512, filed 2010-02, 75,000 miles“I was driving my 97 Camry I went to make a turn and the entire steer wheel spinned around like a spinning top. I had no control the car ran up on the curve. I called the dealership and was told that my vehicle did qualify under this recall but records indicate that they had tighten the steering wheel. I explain that I have no records of any repairs to the vehicle for recall. I then called the corp office for Toyota and was told that my vehicle did vehicle was not part of the recall and they have no info on the dealership making any repairs for this recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10299970, filed 2010-01, 156 miles“There is a significant amount of play and body roll with respect to the steering components/steering wheel of the vehicle. This has existed from date of purchase. Additionally, the braking system is not as responsive as that which I have experienced in all other vehicles. The depth which the brake pedal must be depressed is much deeper and requires a greater amount of pressure, than that of any other vehicle I have driven. Finally, the headlights provide poor visibility both in the amount of light emitted and in their low mounting or angle which they sit at. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152645, filed 2006-03, 37,177 miles“My 2002 Toyota Camry when the steering is turned sharply there is a popping noise every time.this manufactured product has a problem. The cruise control sticks at current speed.one of the bose speakers that has a lifetime warranty that was installed by the manufacturer is busted.”
NHTSA complaint #10110151, filed 2005-02, 50,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V307000Nov 1, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.Covers: Toyota Camry 1995–1998, Lexus ES300 1994–1998
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 10% |
| 2022 | 4 | 6% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 3% |
| 2018 | 61 | 8% |
| 2017 | 14 | 9% |
| 2016 | 25 | 14% |
| 2015 | 105 | 39% |
| 2014 | 22 | 5% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 58 | 10% |
| 2011 | 31 | 5% |
| 2010 | 25 | 4% |
| 2009 | 47 | 4% |
| 2008 | 32 | 3% |
| 2007 | 80 | 3% |
| 2006 | 28 | 9% |
| 2005 | 71 | 10% |
| 2004 | 80 | 13% |
| 2003 | 53 | 7% |
| 2002 | 43 | 5% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 13 | 3% |
| 1999 | 24 | 5% |
| 1998 | 33 | 6% |
| 1997 | 30 | 5% |
| 1996 | 37 | 9% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 33 | 12% |
| 1993 | 12 | 5% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
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 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsExterior lighting
22 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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