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1997 Toyota Camry brakes problems

108 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 49,000. 12 crashes reported.

owner complaints
108
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
49,000
crashes
12
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    40
  • Foundation components
    23
  • Foundation components: disc
    12
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    7
  • Foundation components: disc: caliper
    7
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    6
  • Foundation components: drum
    3
  • Power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota Camry brakes problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Toyota Camry brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Grinding brakes 35Brake failure 15ABS 11

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assistReported September 17, 1997 · 18,746 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates for an extended period of time.
Risk
This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.

Recall number 97V156000 · Recall details

What 1997 Toyota Camry owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 18, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 1,223 miles · VA

Steering wheel and handle bar are loose. The electrical system including the ignition are not working properly. The service brakes and the hydraulic parts seems to wobble while driving . The exterior lighting headlights are so dimmed it is hard to see while driving at night. The vehicle is parked in front of my house.

Filed Jan 22, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 147,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 toyota camry. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the same symptoms as listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 97v156000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a brake vacuum hose leak and traction failure. The track off warning indicator was reset and the master cylinder was replaced. The manufacturer was notified, but was not able to assist. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.

Filed Aug 9, 2017 · Brakes · 289,859 miles · CA

Summary vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates for an extended period of time. Safety risk this can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash. Yes, the vehicle is driven in ca, but this issue prevents traveling to cold states in the winter until it is fixed. Manufacturer recall number v03 the federal safety agency recall number 97v156 recall status: recall incomplete

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Brakes · IA

The brake pedal began needing to be pushed nearly or all the way to the floor. This continued until the brake line was fixed.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Brakes · 167,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 toyota camry. The contact stated that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 100,000 miles · FL · crash

Tl* 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.

Filed Mar 3, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 74,000 miles · CA

Tl*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.

Filed Jan 23, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH · crash

Failed to stop on highway at 65 MPH. The road was icy but the vehicle's ABS was not working and the vehicle did not decelerate at all. I steering the vehicle to the ditch. I was lucky of not hitting other vehicles and I was safe. There is a problem with toyota camry's braking, it did not feel right!

Filed Sep 19, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 39,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 toyota camry. The contact stated that the engine light has been illuminating intermittently since august of 2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three different times for this failure. On the most recent occurrence, the contact was informed that it would cost $5,000 to replace the engine. The engine light currently remains illuminated, however, the vehicle is still being driven. Speed was not a factor because the light illuminates as soon as the vehicle is started. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 68,000 and failure mileage was 39,000. The front brakes were cracked and the rotors needed to be machined. The taillight bulb was replaced, the head gasket was leaking. The timing belt was replaced. Updated 10/10/07.

Filed Mar 14, 2006 · Brakes, Lights · 37,177 miles · NY

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.

Questions about the 1997 Toyota Camry brakes

Does the 1997 Toyota Camry have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 108 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 19% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 49,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Toyota Camry brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V156000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Camry have bad brakes?

The Toyota Camry model years with the most brakes complaints are 2007 (316 complaints), 2002 (173 complaints) and 2018 (165 complaints).

Other 1997 Toyota Camry problems

Engine 103Suspension 70Airbags 55Electrical 40Transmission 35Acceleration 30Seats 30Steering 30Body 26Seat belts 26Lights 23Fuel system 15Tires 15Visibility 9Locks 6Wheels 3Driver assistance 1

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