1997 Toyota Camry Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 5%of 555 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 5% of the 555 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During cold weather the piston that releases the gas hatch door froze to the housing. When the driver attempted to release the gas door from inside the vehicle, the piston broke in half. Since the piston was frozen in place, the gas door would not open. Owners manual did not reference how to defeat the mechanism and driver could not fill with gas.”
NHTSA complaint #10019138, filed 2003-05, 72,000 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 2001, when opening driver's door from outside with the door unlocked the flat part of the handle that is flush with the outer body of the door broke off from the remainder of the handle fixed into the door leaving a sharp piece of plastic on either side of the handle area that must be pried up to open the door. In the same week, the rear driver's side door did the same thing. I was told by the dealer/service department that these plastics just don't hold up well in this sun. …”
NHTSA complaint #10005020, filed 2003-01, 50,000 miles“Trunk lid was cutting the wiring harness for the tail lights and the back up lights when opening and closing the trunk. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10079902, filed 2004-06, 160,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10470429, filed 2012-08, 150,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123420Oct 27, 2017TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 | 21% |
| 2023 | 5 | 8% |
| 2022 | 4 | 6% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 3% |
| 2019 | 7 | 2% |
| 2018 | 15 | 2% |
| 2017 | 10 | 7% |
| 2016 | 20 | 11% |
| 2015 | 13 | 5% |
| 2014 | 24 | 5% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 61 | 10% |
| 2011 | 63 | 10% |
| 2010 | 64 | 11% |
| 2009 | 225 | 17% |
| 2008 | 141 | 15% |
| 2007 | 403 | 14% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 3% |
| 2004 | 19 | 3% |
| 2003 | 29 | 4% |
| 2002 | 56 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 4% |
| 2000 | 20 | 4% |
| 1999 | 18 | 4% |
| 1998 | 35 | 6% |
| 1997 | 25 | 5% |
| 1996 | 26 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 6% |
| 1994 | 15 | 5% |
| 1993 | 21 | 8% |
| 1992 | 299 | 53% |
| 1991 | 16 | 11% |
| 1990 | 20 | 15% |
| 1989 | 10 | 9% |
| 1988 | 6 | 9% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
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 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 28, 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