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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,864 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 steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Toyota Camry Owner Comments

problem #12

Jul 312023

Camry

  • miles

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

The steering wheel is set off center to the right of the driver. Yes it is available upon request. Causes extreme back pains. Has not been inspected by police or insurance reps. Has not been inspected yet. No warning lights or messages in car dash for this. Since I had the car noticed this.

- Maunaloa, HI, USA

problem #11

Feb 262015

Camry 4-cyl

  • miles
Key will not turn to start car. Steering wheel lock goes in and out. Eventually (5-20 minutes) do something that works (don't know what) and car will start. When it happened once, I figured it was an anomaly. But it has not happened five times and I am now in constant worry about it happening again. Updated 9/21/15...updated 10/01/15 the consumer stated using a different ignition key seemed to have alleviated the problem. Updated 10/13/15

- Moreno Valley, , CA, USA

problem #10

Jun 122014

Camry

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the power steering and the brakes suddenly malfunctioned causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a ditch. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Deerfield Beach, FL, USA

problem #9

Oct 102010

Camry 4-cyl

  • 176,000 miles

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

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.

- Cypress, TX, USA

problem #8

Nov 152002

Camry

  • 75,000 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.

- Glendale, WI, USA

problem #7

Jan 142010

Camry

  • 156 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. I explained that I was told by the dealership that my vehicle was under the recall and that I was trying to see why they would have differing information. I could have been in a very bad accident Toyota clearly has a recall my vehicle fits the criteria it a 1997 and I don't understand why the would not take care of this issue.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #6

Oct 032008

Camry

  • 110,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. While attempting to make a right turn at 25 mph, the steering wheel suddenly locked in place. The contact crashed into a tree, but was unharmed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact did not notice any differences prior to the failure. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 110,000.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

problem #5

Feb 282008

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Camry. While driving 32 mph, the steering wheel locked, the brakes failed, and all the instrument panel lights illuminated. There was no warning prior to the failures. The vehicle lost complete power. The contact turned off the engine for approximately 30 seconds and the vehicle was able to be restarted. The failure has occurred three times. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 74,000.

- Valley Village, CA, USA

problem #4

Feb 102001

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,177 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. Thank you for your time and efforts on my behalf. Best regards.

- Nesconset, NY, USA

problem #3

Apr 052004

Camry 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles
1997 Toyota Camry ls popping noise in steering.

- Jeffersonville, IN, USA

problem #2

Jan 232003

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
The dealership South bay Toyota; gardena ca; 310-323-7800 is refusing to honor the recall for the steering wheel 99 V 307 000. The vehicle had an accident because of the defect stated in the recall and is presently at the dealership.

- Gardena, CA, USA

problem #1

Dec 102002

Camry

  • 75,041 miles
There was a problem with the rack and pinion. While driving the consumer heard a loud noise, viewed smoke coming from the engine area, and immediately the engine died. The dealer was contacted and stated that a rod had blown a hole through the engine block. Also, the turn signal malfunctioned. Scc dealer recommended engine block be replaced. Timing and drive belts replaced.

- Fremont, CA, USA

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