1997 Toyota Camry: engine knocking or ticking

9 of the 555 complaints about the 1997 Toyota Camry describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

2023
1
2022
1
2019
3
2018
13
2017
3
2016
2
2015
2
2014
2
2013
4
2012
9
2011
7
2010
8
2009
11
2008
4
2007
27
2006
4
2005
13
2004
9
2003
6
2002
9
2000
2
1999
3
1998
4
1997
9
1995
2
1993
1
1992
2

What owners say

Filed Jun 13, 2007 · Tires · MA

While driving on I-95 approaching baltimore, md I began to feel a shaking in the steering wheel in the 1997 toyota camry, and then all of a sudden a loud knocking like something was wrong with the driver's side front tire. I thought I had a blowout. I steered the car to the nearest location on the side of the interstate and found that the tread separated from the continental - sportive metric 195/ tubules radial tire. This tire completely ripped off and bent the exterior car panel right in front of the bidder and to the left and below the hood which covers the wheel well and ripped up my wiring harness. A courtesy vehicle stopped to assist me and called it in to aaa who sent tow truck to bring me to a auto repair shop. I still have not the damage repaired. However, the repair man was able to reconnect the wires that powered the electronic fuel pump, power steering, lights, etc and replaced the fuses that blew. However the car will need some body/electrical work to repair the damage caused by the tire. I kept the tire and the pieces in the trunk.

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Electrical · 101,000 miles · OH · fire

While driving 35 MPH a knocking noise came from the engine, then the engine light illuminated. The vehicle stalled, and a fire started under the hood. The vehicle was totaled, then towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 93,000 miles · IL

Loud knocking heard from front right of vehicle. Toyota service department determined cause to be a bad cv joint. Additionally, during a routine engine oil change, I discovered an unusually large amount of beading sludge that had to be removed by hand to drail and fill the oil. I have read reports of the toyota engines producing sludge and I would like to know how I go about getting this fixed on their recall if one occurs.

Filed Jan 14, 2004 · Engine · OR

Vehicle was making a loud ticking noise. Took vehicle to the dealer, and dealer stated that the timing belt was loose and was rubbing against the timing belt cover.

Filed Nov 17, 2003 · Engine · 110,000 miles · MD

I bought a 97 toyota certified used car with a 100,000 mile warranty on 10-17-01, with 36,847 existing miles. I took this car to my toyota dealer 02/07/03:92588 mls. For engine knock noise and smoking on cold starts,also to check transmission vibration/chatter. They replaced the trans, replaced leaking gaskets and replaced worn valve guide seals. At this same time they were asked to check for anything related to the letter toyota sent me in regard to possible engine damage from oil gelling or sludge... On 05/16/03 with 98910 miles I returned to the same dealer with engine still knocking on cold starts. They found the oil pump shaft binding , crankshaft, rod and main bearings damaged. When I was informed of their intent to replace these parts I questioned the possible repair of rings and other upper engine components, knowing that metal particles could possibly affect and damage these. They advised me that no such work was intended or needed. They did proceed with replacement of the oil pump, crankshaft, rod bearings and main bearings... On 11/03/03 with approximately 110,000 miles I took my car to a local repair facility to check out whirring type noise from engine and oil light flicker at idle with engine warmed. They found both problems related to camshaft and cam bearing wear... I first sought assistance from the original toyota repair dealer, they refused any help. I next was refused any help by toyota motor sales corp customer assistance dept in calf (ref # 200311140813). Please help me if you can,I bought this car knowing it was supposed to be very reliable because of the approximately 35 miles each way getting to and from work.

Filed Dec 21, 2002 · Engine · CA

Consumer is concerned about sludge and oil gelling in the engine. The consumer reported seeing smoke from the vehicle. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled, the dealer recommended replacing the main bearings, rod bearings and the oil pump.

Filed Feb 8, 2001 · Suspension · MD

There is a knocking sound under right front of vehicle. Dealer has been notified.

Filed Jan 26, 2001 · Suspension · GA

Right front strut rod knocking while driving. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that part on back order for two to three months. Asking the federal safety agency help on this matter.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Engine · CA

Engine making knocking noise. Nm