Tl* the contact owns a 1997 toyota camry. The contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, she was advised that the front passenger side struts were leaking oil. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000. Updated 12/30/13
1997 Toyota Camry suspension problems
70 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 70
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Front22
- Front: macpherson strut14
- Rear: shock absorber3
- Front: shock absorber2
- Rear1
- Front: control arm: lower arm1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota Camry suspension problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Toyota Camry owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My rear suspension cross member is rusted and broke into two pieces on the drivers side close to the mounting bolts.
Car : 97 toyota camry le 4 cylinder three major problems 1) blue smoke at cold-starting (mileage: 87 miles -aug. 2001) engine gave off blue smoke from the exhaust when cold-starting in the morning. After replacing valve stem seals (paid around $1000 to a toyota dealer for the repair), the problem was solved. 2) power steering rack & pinion leaking (mileage: 87kmiles -aug. 2001) power steering rack & pinion leaked and a mechanic replaced it with a new one. 3) egr vsv failure (mileage: 100 kmiles -oct. 2004) check engine light came on. Obd ii scanner says "insufficient egr flow." a mechanic replaced egr vsv and the problem was solved. 4) front strut mounts failure ((mileage: 87 kmiles -aug. 2001) both front strut mounts made noise. After a toyota dealer replaced it, the problem was solved.
A onging problem relating to the crunching/chunking sounds coming from the suspension area(front). Numerous complaints to the toyota officials has not even merited a minor concern. Estimations to fix the strut assembly varies from $500-$700 dollars. Seems like to me that with all these complaints about the same thing, with the same year and make vehicle, somebody would get the message that there might be a problem. If they cared.
While driving at 65 MPH there was severe vibration in the front end also, had problem with the automatic transmission.
My engine seized and needs complete replacement due to this oil sludge problem. As a result of the gelled oil, one of the pistons broke off creating a hole in the engine and the motor mount became displaced from the engine, causing the engine block to crack while I was driving the car. I bought the car used from greer toyota in millbrook, ny in august of 2001 and was told that one of their mechanics would complete a thorough inspection before the car was turned over to me. I have since had the oil changed every 3,000 miles by a trusted mechanic. During that time, I had to replace the oxygen sensor at my own cost, but did not have any other problems until this month. Now in addition to the engine, it appears that my struts are failing as well. I am in the process of submitting a claim for the engine.
Crunching /rattle from front struts when traveling over bumps or dips in road. The struts were replaced and I was advised at time of the installation that the new struts would not resolve this issue. This was a design flaw and no resolution exits.
It is impossible to align vehicle's camber to specifications without replacing major suspension parts. *ak the manufacturer does not manufacture an adjustable driver's side suspension component to adjust camber. *ak the only way to align the car is either to buy costly new suspension parts from toyota or resort to an aftermarket cam bolt.
Front suspension rattles terribly. Struts were replaced, did not solve problem. Toyota is aware of a design flaw and refuses to fix the problem. The federal safety agency should force a recall.
The lower control arms on both the right and left side of my vehicle had to be replaced because the rubber corroded. I was informed that this type of deterioration does not normally occur.
Questions about the 1997 Toyota Camry suspension
Does the 1997 Toyota Camry have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 70 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Toyota Camry, 13% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Camry suspension problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Toyota Camry suspension?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota Camry have bad suspension?
The Toyota Camry model years with the most suspension complaints are 2007 (96 complaints), 1998 (71 complaints) and 1997 (70 complaints).
Other 1997 Toyota Camry problems
Brakes 108Engine 103Airbags 55Electrical 40Transmission 35Acceleration 30Seats 30Steering 30Body 26Seat belts 26Lights 23Fuel system 15Tires 15Visibility 9Locks 6Wheels 3Driver assistance 1
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