1997 Toyota Camry Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 6%of 555 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 6% of the 555 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 4 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.
“Bought the car used and the car ran well but now the transmission went out. It would slip from time to time but now is out completely. Which seems to be very mysterious. I was searcjing to see how commo. The problem is or has been. I thought there might. Have been recalls on the transmission but didn't see any...”
NHTSA complaint #11286748, filed 2019-12, 130,000 miles“I was not notified of a recall for a condition that allows the key to be removed with the transmission still in drive. I have experienced several events when I turned off the vehicle, removed the key and it started to roll away due to the transmission being in drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11139471, filed 2018-10, 100,000 miles“Loud knocking heard from front right of vehicle. Toyota service department determined cause to be a bad cv joint. Additionally, during a routine engine oil change, I discovered an unusually large amount of beading sludge that had to be removed by hand to drail and fill the oil. I have read reports of the Toyota engines producing sludge and I would like to know how I go about getting this fixed on their recall if one occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #10071232, filed 2004-01, 93,000 miles“When transmission is in reverse it hesitates and then backs slowly. I took the car in to sterling mccall Toyota in houston texas for all the recommended scheduled maintenance milage intervals. On one of the invoices I have it shows where the transmission should have been flushed when I took it the 60,000 service maintainence. I have paid for several major transmission service visits and the transmission problems on my car still exist. I have tried to work with the dealership ,on behalf of their negliance , inspite of all my service visits, my transmission has worsened. Please help! …”
NHTSA complaint #746158, filed 2001-05“The driver was able to remove the key without the lever being in park but neutral, the driver did not realize the vehicle was in neutral and as a result the vehicle rolled down driveway and hit a parked truck damaging the back of the car and damaging the truck. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #785506, filed 2001-08Related service bulletins
- 10109404Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109492Sep 30, 2014TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or…
- 10132084Oct 1, 2013The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or…
- 10061578Jun 13, 2011Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10016637Aug 1, 2005A541e transmission solenoid identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 | 7 | 11% |
| 2022 | 7 | 11% |
| 2021 | 12 | 8% |
| 2020 | 33 | 12% |
| 2019 | 115 | 29% |
| 2018 | 200 | 27% |
| 2017 | 6 | 4% |
| 2016 | 18 | 10% |
| 2015 | 36 | 13% |
| 2014 | 128 | 28% |
| 2013 | 67 | 24% |
| 2012 | 142 | 24% |
| 2011 | 49 | 8% |
| 2010 | 46 | 8% |
| 2009 | 51 | 4% |
| 2008 | 40 | 4% |
| 2007 | 266 | 9% |
| 2006 | 18 | 6% |
| 2005 | 84 | 12% |
| 2004 | 48 | 8% |
| 2003 | 40 | 5% |
| 2002 | 68 | 7% |
| 2001 | 15 | 6% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 18 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% |
| 1997 | 35 | 6% |
| 1996 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 25 | 8% |
| 1994 | 21 | 7% |
| 1993 | 29 | 11% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 8 | 5% |
| 1990 | 8 | 6% |
| 1989 | 6 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1997 Toyota Camry
108 complaintsEngine cooling
96 complaintsSuspension
70 complaintsAir bags
55 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsSeats
30 complaintsSteering
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 31, 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