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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
16,559 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 transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Toyota Camry Owner Comments

problem #14

Sep 152004

Camry 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

While driving, the made a loud clanking noise which seemed to be coming from the front. When the consumer stopped and the applied the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The mechanic informed the consumer that the problem could not be duplicated. The driver informed the mechanic that this problem continued to happen over and over and the problem is still there and has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information. The consumers radio went out in the vehicle. The vehicle passenger seat belt sticks. Vehicle trunk light does not work. The driver side adjustable handle does not work. The rubber on the motor mount does not last and breaks. The vehicle jerks repeatedly. The consumer stated that she currently has a permanent back problem due to the adjustable handle not working.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #13

May 062004

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at 65 mph there was severe vibration in the front end also, had problem with the automatic transmission.

- Greenville, NC, USA

problem #12

Dec 222003

Camry

  • 81,826 miles
The consumer can start the ignition when transmission is shifted in any position.

- Parrish, FL, USA

problem #11

May 102003

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

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

The automatic transmission was destroyed by pieces of metal.

- Madison Heights, VA, USA

problem #10

Nov 272001

(reported on)

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Upon changing gears from park to reverse gear automatically goes into neutral, please provide vehicle identification number, and further information.

- Placerville, CA, USA

problem #9

May 302001

(reported on)

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • 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! investigate and arbitration. If you need further details, you may contact me anytime home or work.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #8

May 082001

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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 #7

Oct 022000

(reported on)

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission leaked two times resulting in replacement of the gasket on the fluid pan.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #6

Apr 012000

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer took vehicle into dealer for regular preventive maintenance, such as 60,000 miles service check up in apr19 99. In August, 19 99 fluid was dirty. Consumer felt it should have been checked in Apr 1999. On 01-Apr-2000, consumer was informed that transmission needed to be replaced. Manufacturer would pay half of the $4000. The transmission remaining sluggish and without reverse action. The owner of the vehicle is asking the dealer to pay all the cost of repair.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #5

Jul 161999

Camry

  • miles
As my car crested a small hill on 7-15-99, the engine revved to about 4000 RPM and there was no power. It was like the car had shifted into neutral. The "check engine" light came on. I tried shifting to 2nd gear and then back to drive which then worked. This happened again about two blocks later. I took the car to wilkins Toyota the next day. They replaced a speed sensor. The car seemed ok but the same thing happened a few days later. I returned to wilkins Toyota 7-21. They replaced another speed sensor, saying Toyota had a defective lot. The same thing happened again a few weeks later. The "check engine" light came on but later went back off. Wilkins said the fault code would be stored anyway and bring it back. I did. They said there was no fault code and declined to do anything. At this time I contacted Toyota customer service on the internet but never received a reply. The car was then ok for a while (I was out of town for about three weeks) until the same thing happened on 10-27. I took the car to wilkins Toyota. They replaced yet another speed sensor which failed tonight after only 15 miles. This is dangerous. Two of the failures were on the freeway, including tonight's. I was unable to get the car into drive and had to use 2nd gear at igh rpms to keep up with traffic until I could exit. This is four bad sensors in 3 months and within 2500 miles. I believe something in the car is causing the failures because Toyota couldn't have so many bad ones or no one's car would run. Can you help?

- Mendota Heights, MN, USA

problem #4

Sep 071999

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

The transmission would hestitate when applying the gas. Would go short distances and make clanking/scraping noises. Pulled into gas station & was informed to tow vehicle to mechanic. Thought it was differential. There was a lot metal inside transmission.

- Long Branch, NJ, USA

problem #3

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Incorrect manufacturer part installed in transmission. Mjs

- Upland, CA, USA

problem #2

Oct 011998

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Mr. Salo stated that the transmission suddenly quits pulling when the gear should be shifted from the second gear to the third.

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #1

Oct 011998

Camry

  • miles
The automatic transmission suddenly pulls when the gear should be shifted from the 2nd gear to the 3rd gear, causing dangerous situations when entering busy interstate highways in heavy traffic.

- Apex, NC, USA

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