What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (1997–2001) Camry?

Camry owners have made 209 complaints about the 1997–2001 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 65th out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability, with some engine and body concerns.

Compare With Other Camry Generations

Common 1997-2001 Toyota Camry Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation Camry owners have to deal with.

  1. Oil Sludge in Toyota Engines

    Toyota settled a class-action engine-sludge suit in 2007 that covered an estimated 2.5-million Toyota and Lexus vehicles made between 1997 and 2002. In that case, Toyota agreed to repair 'sludged-up' engines for up to eight years from the t…

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  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (1997–2001) Camry Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 209 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 65th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 81 eligible generations.