1997 Toyota Solara problems
The Toyota Camry Solara, popularly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupé/convertible built by Toyota. The Camry Solara is mechanically based on the Toyota Camry and effectively replaced the discontinued Camry Coupé (XV10); however, in contrast with its predecessor's conservative design, the Camry Solara was designed with a greater emphasis on sportiness, with more rakish styling, and uprated suspension and engine tuning intended to provide a sportier feel. The coupe was launched in late 1998 for model year 1999. In 2000, the convertible was introduced, effectively replacing the Celica convertible in Toyota's North American lineup.
The second-generation Camry Solara debuted in 2003 for model year 2004, initially offered as a coupe; the second-generation convertible was introduced in the spring of 2004 as a 2005 model. Coupe production ended in mid-2008. Despite official statements that the convertible might be sold until 2010 if demand was sufficient, production was suspended in December 2008 and never resumed.
First generation (XV20; 1998–2003)
The Solara was created to appeal to a demographic of more sport-minded drivers than those who prefer the Toyota Camry sedan, while still needing "room and comfort." The Camry Solara thus aspired to blend "sporty" looks and style with spacious practicality. Prior to the production of the Camry Solara, the 2-door version of the Toyota Camry was simply known as the Camry Coupe. It was added to the third generation Camry lineup in 1993 for model year 1994 to compete with the Honda Accord and other cars in its class. However, due to it never being nearly as popular as the 4-door sedan of the Camry, the Camry Coupe was dropped in 1996 when the sedan was redesigned for model year 1997. A distinct successor went into development in the mid-1990s, resulting a winning design entry in 1995 from Warren J. Crain of Calty Design and Research. After design approval, production development ran from 1995 to the first half of 1998. Patents were filed at the Japan Patent Office on January 18, 1996, under 1020408 and November 14, 1996, at the United States Patent Office USPTO under D407350.
The first generation Camry Solara went on sale in the third quarter of 1998 as a 1999 model to replace the Camry Coupe. It was based on the mechanical platform of the previous generation XV10 Toyota Camry and was built at the TMMC facilities in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. This model featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 136 hp (101 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm, and a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 200 hp (149 kW) at 5,200 rpm, and 214 lb⋅ft (290 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engines are the same as the ones used in the fourth generation Camry, but slightly revamped to have a small gain in power (two and six horsepower, respectively). The V6 claimed a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 7.1 seconds.
TRD Solara
"The TRD recipe starts with a tasteful seven-piece body kit ($1675) available in all '99-'00 factory colors. To be sure the sporty look is backed by more straightline performance, TRD developed a supercharger kit (around $3300) for the 3.0-liter V-6 engine. According to TRD, it bumps horsepower to 262, a 62-horsepower gain over stock. Torque is also raised, going from 214 pound-feet to a much stronger 268. The TRD Solara we tested (equipped with five-speed manual transmission) produced a strong 0-60-mph time of 5.6 seconds compared with 6.9 for stock, a noticeable improvement on the street.
The Solara has been criticized as being too soft in the handling department, and TRD comes to the rescue. New parts include sport springs ($278) that drop the car 1.25 inches in front and 1.75 inches in the rear. Next, come a set of gas-pressurized front struts and rear shocks ($1230) and a larger rear anti-roll bar (price N/A). The final items are 17x7.0-inch TSW aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/45ZR17 Toyo tires ($1859). When installed on our test car, these parts dramatically improved the handling numbers over stock (see chart). On the road, the car is noticeably stiffer, telegraphing more road feel up to the driver. However, the ride is more than tolerable. Besides, we've driven plenty of sports cars that ride worse and don't handle as well. TRD will soon introduce a front strut tower brace as a part of the supercharger package that should further improve handling.
Other upgrades include a sport muffler ($391, nice deep tone), a quick-action manual shifter ($163, faster gear changes), and stainless-steel brake lines (price N/A) and carbon-metal brake pads ($70, improved braking performance).
Other upgrades include a sport muffler ($391, nice deep tone), a quick-action manual shifter ($163, faster gear changes), and stainless-steel brake lines (price N/A) and carbon-metal brake pads ($70, improved braking performance)." -
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The Toyota Camry Solara is also the first vehicle in the Toyota lineup, after their 1997 partnership agreement, to feature a JBL premium stereo option. All models came with a single-slot in-dash CD player and cassette deck from JBL. The SE models come standard with 15-inch steel wheels and hubcaps, upgradable to 15-inch alloy wheels. The Sports Package also adds a retuned suspension, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, an upgrade to 16-inch alloy wheels, retuned steering, minor trim changes and a rear lip spoiler.
In 2000, the SE and SLE convertibles were added to the lineup; these cars were built as semi-finished coupes, shipped to an American Sunroof Company (ASC) facility where the roofs were removed and convertible tops installed, and were then shipped back to Toyota for painting and final assembly. Claiming that the car's basic structure was designed for this treatment, Toyota made no suspension changes from the coupe. Toyota did strengthen the rocker sections by doubling them up, while adding steel bracing between the wheel wells, adding 171 lb (78 kg) over the coupe's weight. Nonetheless, the car was considerably less rigid than the coupe.
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Common 1997 Toyota Solara problems
The 1997 Toyota Solara, a midsize SUV, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues include engine problems, electrical issues, transmission issues, suspension problems, fuel system flaws, and brake problems.
One of the most prevalent engine issues is overheating, which can be caused by a low engine coolant level, clogged hoses, burnt out radiators, broken thermostats, a cracked head gasket, a faulty water pump, and oil leaks.
Electrical problems are also common in the 1997 Toyota Solara, with symptoms such as faulty spark plugs, dimming lights, the car failing to start, and frequent burning out of fuses.
Transmission issues are another common problem in the Toyota Solara model. Transmission failure is a common issue that can be caused by transmission slipping, unexpected gear shifts, rattling noises when shifting gears, timing belt failure, transmission fluid leaks, and flashing of the transmission warning light.
Suspension problems are also prevalent in the 1997 Toyota Solara. The leading causes are faulty strut mounts, control valve defects, and shock absorber flaws. These suspension issues affect driving, as the car rides roughly or begins to drift or pull when turning.
Fuel system flaws are a significant concern raised by NHTSA affecting most 1997 Toyota Solara vehicles. The common contributors are faulty oxygen sensors, exhaust manifold defects, defective intake manifolds, and defective throttle bodies.
Brake problems are also common in the 1997 Toyota Solara. Camry owners should not neglect the brake warning light whenever it comes on in the dashboard. The major brake failure signs are rattling noises when applying the brakes, brake pedal wear, and leaking brake fluid.
In summary, the 1997 Toyota Solara has several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues include engine problems, electrical issues, transmission issues, suspension problems, fuel system flaws, and brake problems. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help prevent some of these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
Is Toyota Solara a reliable car?
In terms of reliability, Toyota is known for setting a high standard, and the Solara is no exception. Although it had a production run from 1998 to 2008, certain years stand out as exceptionally dependable: 1999 Toyota Solara. 2001 Toyota Solara.
Is Toyota Solara fuel efficient?
EPA fuel economy: 20 miles per gallon city/29 highway. Fuel capacity/type: 18.5 gallons/unleaded premium recommended.
Why did Toyota stop making the Solara?
From model year 2005 to 2008, sales fell from roughly 50,000 units annually to just over 20,000. After the 2008 model year, the coupe was discontinued due to faltering sales, but the convertible, which accounted for the majority of units sold, continued to be produced.
Does the Solara have the same engine as the Camry?
The Solara was manufactured to replace the Toyota Camry Coupe from four years earlier (competition to the Honda Accord Coupe). It was designed to be a mid-sized car with sporty features and it had a four-cylinder engine with more power than the standard Camry.
1997 Toyota Solara car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Solara problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Solara vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Toyota Solara complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Solara.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE DRIVER AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-30
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN SHUTTING PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR WINDOW SHATTERED. GLASS FELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE,CUT SEAT, AND DID SOME DAMAGE TO OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED DID NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS HAPPENED. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Solara problems:
1997 camry common problems | Toyota Nation Forum
Aug 20, 2019 ... '97 will be a gen4 (are you located in the US?). You'll get sludging problems but not nearly as bad as the V6; beyond 100K valve stem seals will ...
Common 2000 Toyota Solara Problems: Brake Issues | JustAnswer
Apr 15, 2018 ... I have a 2000 Toyota Solara(6cyl). Having a brake issue. Pedal was spongy, bleed, got tight but over night lose - Answered by a verified ...
Reliability of 2.4L engine? | Toyota Nation Forum
Sep 3, 2007 ... How reliable is Gen 5 2.4L engine? I hear some reports of head gasket failure if overheating occurs. Is this a more common problem than the ...
Common 2000 Toyota Solara Problems: Q&A for 4-Cylinder Models
Jun 9, 2023 ... I have a 2000 Toyota Solara 4-cyl that sometimes will not respond to attempting to start my car. The key turns, the - Answered by a verified ...
1997 Camry a140e transmission problem | Toyota Nation Forum
Jan 20, 2016 ... Loss of reverse most likely caused by (1) pressure loss on OD clutch (easiest fix, transmission stays on the car), (2) damaged direct clutch ( ...
Other years of Toyota Solara
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