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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,272 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Toyota Camry engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Toyota Camry Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #31

Aug 122007

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,420 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Without any lights or indication of a problem, while my husband was driving on the freeway in California, smoke began billowing out from under the hood. Within seconds, flames were seen, by the time he reached the side of the road, the engine was fully engulfed in fire. By the time he got out of the car, minutes, the dash was engulfed. It took 15 minutes for the fire department to put it out. This vehicle has had regular services per manufacturers requirements, plus a safety and engine examination approximately 30 days ago. No evidence of a problem of any kind was found at that time.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #30

Sep 122004

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
At about 70K miles, my 1997 Toyota Camry starting exhibiting problems of huge amounts of smoke from tail pipe at cold startup. I understand that this is related to the engine sluge or gelling problem. I believe this problem is related to the tsb-628696 as noted in the NHTSA. However, Toyota has declined to cover the repair, but is willing to cover only the parts, but the labor is being charged to me. They are not honoring the extended coverage that they have announced for this tsb TC02002 and NHTSA item number: 628696. This is totally ridiculous

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #29

Feb 072003

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Defective engine in vehicle(1997 Toyota Camry le) leading to constant operative problems. The stated vehicle was requested for recall for engine malfunction last year and I had vehicle delivered back to bourne Toyota OF3069 Washington rd augusta, ga 30907 (706-868-5454) for technical service under recall. One day after recall work was done stated vehicle had to be returned now im faced with an engine replacment due to engine sludge build up. An problem that has not only been problematic in the Camry line but with the sienna, Solara, avalon, & Lexus models as well. However bourne Toyota says that engine sludge build-up is my problem due to me not getting the oil changed enough. The oil was change on periodic intervals since recall work was done and this is just an attempt by bourne Toyota to deny my claim and bill for repairs. It well documented how Toyota owners are experiencing engine failure due to oil sluge build-up are being denied warranty claims, an act that I feel as an loyal customer is utterly irreponsible on the part of the Toyota and there dealerships as well. Im an school teacher on an limited income and I bought this car from bourne Toyota in good faith and this whole situation has caused me financial burden in car rental bills so I can get to work. I ask for any assistance or direction in investigating this matter fully.

- Augusta, GA, USA

problem #28

Jan 192002

Camry

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While in motion, the vehicle suddenly made a screeching sound and stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed consumer of a hole in the engine block about 4 inches in diameter. The number 2 and number 4 connecting rods had come out and the piston rod was broken. Consumer no longer owns the vehicle.

- South Windsor, CT, USA

problem #27

Aug 072002

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
While driving consumer notice D a loud noise. Soon vehicle stalled. Dealer was contacted, technician noticed engine needed to be replaced.

- Trumbull, CT, USA

problem #26

Jul 262002

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Erlanger, KY, USA

problem #25

Jun 262001

Camry

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- North Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

problem #24

Jul 122002

Camry

  • miles
Midas in forestville, md did not put any oil in my car and now the engine is gone.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #23

May 292002

(reported on)

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While traveling on interstate 60 mph, enginecheck light came on. Owner eventually pulled over to find that engine had severe oil leakage and began to smoke.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #22

May 072001

Camry

  • miles
The engine failed and the vehicle would not start, the failure resulted in an explosion and a hole in the engine, the warranty on the car was for 60000 miles, the dealer refused to abide by the warranty stating that the oil was not changed properly resulting in sludge, the consumer believes the vehicles slanted engine could possible impede the flow of oil as it returnes to the oil chamber thus resulting in sludge. Nlm

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #21

Feb 052002

Camry

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #20

Mar 032002

Camry

  • miles
My husband was driving down the expressway at a normal speed, when all of sudden the engine started making noises. It was driven to the nearest safe place to stop, at which the engine ceased functioning. I'm told that the engine needs to be rebuilt for a cost of $4500. I presently owe $12,000 on this car. This is due to the so-called "oil sludge problem" and I demand immediate compensation in this matter. Evidently thousands of other customers have had similar problems. For more information: Features/2001overview/Toyota/Camry.tmpl.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #19

Feb 182002

Camry

  • miles
Engine has excessive amounts of smoke that is coming from rear of vehicle.

- Jackson, GA, USA

problem #18

May 072001

Camry

  • miles
The engine failed and the vehicle would not start, the failure resulted in an explosion and a hole in the engine, the warranty on the car was for 60000 miles, the dealer refused to abide by the warranty stating that the oil was not changed properly resulting in sludge, the consumer believes the vehicles slanted engine could possible impede the flow of oil as it returnes to the oil chamber thus resulting in sludge. Nlm

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #17

Aug 242001

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
Dealer says car not serviced properly....I have changed oil as required and contacted previous owner who says that he has done the same. No safety defect listed.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #16

Jun 282001

Camry

  • miles
Engine oil changed every 3000-4000 miles. I previously had Honda Accord with 186000 miles and no problems. There is an obvious defect with this engine!

- N. Merrick, NY, USA

problem #15

May 082001

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission makes a noise when car is placed in reverse or placed in drive and the engine dies leading to brake failure.

- Belmont, CA, USA

problem #14

Feb 242001

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
The brakes are constantly squealing, I was told this is normal....the car keeps dying when I am coming to slow down to take right hand turn. Has been dangerous problem, I drive through two rotarys, it has stauled around them. I am very concerned.

- Plymouth, MA, USA

problem #13

Nov 231999

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
Engines stalls approx. 15 min. After warmed up upon acceleration and will does not restart for at least 1 min.

- Pine Brook, NJ, USA

problem #12

Sep 012000

Camry

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

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