Six problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1997 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My chek enigne light came on when I was headed out for a 250 mile trip. I took it to the dealer and got theis list of problems. Timing belt replacment,water pump, reseal oil pan, replace engine pipe, transmission gasket and filter replacement oxygen sensor, a/f sensor, efi service, cam seal, crank seal, oil pump seal . Blue smoke coming from exhaust. I went on line and realized that I had oil sludge. Called toyaota, they told me to get it evaluated for oil sludge.
The following is a complant that was sent to Toyota motor CO. It is not my wish to have to write under these circumstances. However I must, because of the things that have come to pass. My family has supported Toyota, and ofcourse all own Toyota due to the beautiful work and craftsmanship of Toyota. However my Toyota Camry has made me to doubt the strong feeling I once had for my car. I turned my car over to Toyota of louisville for service and the repair of oil sledging. I assume that the problem was fixed. However at the time I witnessed no symptoms. I simply did not want to wait until the problem occurred. So I had it serviced to avoid any problem. Later after having my timing belt replaced I started to witness a sluggish acceleration, and worsening gas mileage, the problem worsened. Eventually the check engine light flashed. And the oil light also. However it was right before the engine threw a rod on the interstate on the way home from college for thanksgiving break. I would like to have my car restored to the state it was in before the special servicing. I would like to continue to do business with your company; I plan on purchasing from Toyota in the future. However this matter has placed me in salty waters, and as u can imagine that is not a very pleasant taste. I would like to hear something back from your office regarding this matter as soon as possible. Thank you for your time. Sincerely a faithful customer john r. Cummings jr.
There was a problem with the rack and pinion. While driving the consumer heard a loud noise, viewed smoke coming from the engine area, and immediately the engine died. The dealer was contacted and stated that a rod had blown a hole through the engine block. Also, the turn signal malfunctioned. Scc dealer recommended engine block be replaced. Timing and drive belts replaced.
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.
Timing belt,all engine belts, head gasket replaced (leakage), motor mounts replaced (causing excessive vibration). Mjs.
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.