1997 Toyota Camry: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota Camry first registered in 1997: we looked at the 238 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 238 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Toyota Camry?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Toyota Camry than on all cars registered in 1997.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usualToyota Camry12.6% All 1997 cars4.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
Common 1997 Toyota Camry MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1997 Toyota Camry MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Oil and fluid leaks31% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Brakes26% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres26% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions22% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Toyota Camry
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1997 Toyota Camry as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota Camry?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota Camry compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | 581 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 1,107 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 1,330 | Tyres 19% |
| 2004 | – | Too few tests |
| 2003 | 117 | Suspension 33% |
| 2002 | 334 | Suspension 35% |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | 180 | Suspension 33% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota Camry cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score