1997 Toyota Camry

1997 Toyota Camry

The 1997 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produces 133 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter V6 is also available, producing 194 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.

The Camry is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, there are some common issues that owners have reported.

Engine

• 2.2-liter four-cylinder
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, rough idle, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: #97V046000
• 3.0-liter V6
  • Ignition coil failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfiring, loss of power, rough idle, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace ignition coils
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual
  • No reported issues
• Four-speed automatic
  • Slipping gears
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips when shifting gears, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Five-speed automatic
  • No reported issues

Suspension

• Front strut mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, loss of electrical power, battery warning light
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working or flickering, turn signals not working
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear on the dashboard, especially in hot climates
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or cover with a dashboard cover
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows do not operate, windows may become stuck
  • Solution: Replace power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1997 Toyota Camry is a reliable vehicle with few major issues. The most common problems are relatively minor and cost-effective to fix. However, some owners have reported more serious issues, such as transmission slipping and dashboard cracking, which can be more expensive to repair.