1997 Toyota Camry XV20

Overview

Engines

2.2L four-cylinder, 3.0L V6

Walk away if you find

Engine oil sludge

On record

2 warnings, 3 recalls

What changed for 1997

• New model, a sedan in CE, LE and XLE trim, each with the four or the V6. Edmunds

Compare 1997 with 1996

Rare and special

• TRD supercharger kit

Colors

• Sunfire Red Pearl3K4, 1997–1998
• Ruby Pearl3L3, 1997–1998
• Classic Green Pearl6P2, 1997–1998
• Frosted Iris Metallic931, 1997–1998
• Blue Dusk Pearl930, 1997–1999

Sources: Toyota, Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

Interiors in the generation, years not known: Gray (Cloth) Toyota, Oak (Cloth) Toyota, Sage (Cloth) Toyota, Gray, Oak or Sage (Leather) Toyota

Specs

Engines

• 2.2L four-cylinder 5S-FE engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  133 hp, 3 hp more from 2000

• 3.0L V6 1MZ-FE engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  192 hp

Transmissions

• 5-speed manual A published reference
• Automatic Edmunds

Drivetrains

• Front-wheel drive A published reference

Trims

• CE Toyota, Edmunds, a published reference
• LE Toyota, Edmunds
• XLE Toyota, Edmunds

Packages

• Leather seats Toyota, Edmunds
• TRD supercharger kit (1997–2000) A published reference

Figures for the whole 4th gen

• Model codes: SXV20 (four) and MCV20 (V6) A published reference
• Introduced: September 3, 1996 A published reference
• Sales: The best-selling passenger car in the US from 1997 to 2000 A published reference

Rare trims and options

• Rare

  TRD supercharger kit Package

  A TRD kit for the V6, 1997 to 2000 A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one. Walk-away faults come first.

• Engine oil sludge All years

  Walk away if found

  Check: With the engine off, look under the oil filler cap for sludge, and watch the exhaust at start-up for blue smoke. Ask for the oil change records.

  In 2002 Toyota offered cover for sludge damage on 1997–2002 Toyota and Lexus models with the 3.0L V6 or 2.2L four, for eight years from first sale. A 2007 settlement covered Camry fours of 1997–2001 and V6s of 1997–2002, among about 3.5 million vehicles, for eight years and 120 days from purchase, ConsumerAffairs reports. Both have long run out. Samarins, an unofficial source, says to pass on a car that shows any blue smoke, and CarComplaints.com, another, lists a seized engine as the 1999's worst problem. Work Truck Online, ConsumerAffairs, Samarins.com, owners' reports (unofficial)

• Knocking from the front struts All years

  Check: Drive over bumps and listen for knocks from the front, and look at the strut mounts and the anti-roll bar links and bushings.

  Samarins, an unofficial source, says worn front strut mounts were common. An owner commenting under Curbside Classic's 1983 article reports a 1997 whose struts knocked against the body at about 100,000 miles, cured with new struts. Samarins.com, owners' reports (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1995–1998 Recall 99V307000

  The steering wheel nut may be loose, causing steering vibration and play. NHTSA

• 1997 Recall 97V213000

  The key interlock can jam so the key comes out with the automatic not in park. NHTSA

• 1997 Recall 97V156000

  Moisture can freeze in the brake vacuum hose after long use in extreme cold. NHTSA

Checked against NHTSA records on November 2, 2026.

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Avoid

  Cheaper made than the 3rd gen All years

  Less sought after

  SlashGear finds this one of the least troubled Camrys, with few complaints, investigations and recalls, but says owners don't praise it much and does not recommend one used. To Curbside Classic, an unofficial source, Toyota's savings left it plainer than the 3rd gen in both looks and build. SlashGear, Curbside Classic

Maintenance

• Timing belt, hard use 1997

  Replace every 60,000 miles Toyota

  Only for long idling or long low-speed driving, as in delivery, taxi or patrol use

Warranty when new