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1997 Toyota Camry steering problems

30 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
75,000
crashes
5
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    11
  • Rack and pinion
    2
  • Linkages: rod: relay: connecting
    2
  • Column
    2
  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    1
  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    1

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 steering problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202024

Related recalls

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported November 1, 1999 · 540,037 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk
This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

Recall number 99V307000 · Recall details

What 1997 Toyota Camry owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Steering · HI · 1 injury

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.

Filed Jul 28, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · CA

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 *ln ...updated 10/01/15*bf the consumer stated using a different ignition key seemed to have alleviated the problem. Updated 10/13/15

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 Nov 27, 2010 · Steering · 176,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Feb 21, 2010 · Steering · 75,000 miles · WI · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Jan 20, 2010 · Steering · 150,000 miles · NE · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 toyota camry which was purchased in september 1997. While driving at speeds of less than 30 MPH in wet and icy conditions, the steering wheel completely came off of the steering column into her hands. The vehicle swerved all over the road and barely missed crashing into a residence. The contact had no control over the vehicle and proceeded to crash into a snow bank. She was able to travel home safely without incident and replaced the steering wheel loosely back onto the column. The dealer was contacted and stated that the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v307000, steering wheel and handle bar recall was performed on the vehicle and they would not have any further liability for the failure. She had no knowledge of the prior recall repairs performed on the vehicle. She then contacted the manufacturer which stated that they had no records of the repair; however, her VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer at the owner's expense by tightening the steering wheel bolts. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 16, 2010 · Steering · 156 miles · NE

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.

Filed Oct 6, 2008 · Steering · 110,000 miles · IL · crash

Tl*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.

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 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 steering

Does the 1997 Toyota Camry have steering problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Toyota Camry steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V307000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Camry have bad steering?

The Toyota Camry model years with the most steering complaints are 2015 (105 complaints), 2007 (81 complaints) and 2004 (80 complaints).

Other 1997 Toyota Camry problems

Brakes 108Engine 103Suspension 70Airbags 55Electrical 40Transmission 35Acceleration 30Seats 30Body 26Seat belts 26Lights 23Fuel system 15Tires 15Visibility 9Locks 6Wheels 3Driver assistance 1

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