Vehicles / Toyota / Camry / 1998

1998 Toyota Camry

600 federal complaints (751 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 116 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 42 model years of the Toyota Camry →
Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 28 hwy
Federal complaints
600
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
140
Engine & cooling
103
Speed control
86
Suspension
78
Air bags
53
Tires
47
Body & structure
37
Seat belts
35
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 121 complaints01 years old: 51 complaints2 years old: 28 complaints3 years old: 36 complaints4 years old: 35 complaints5 years old: 47 complaints56 years old: 27 complaints7 years old: 16 complaints8 years old: 15 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 11 complaints1011 years old: 18 complaints12 years old: 20 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 5 complaints15 years old: 4 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 3 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 465 of 600 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 11 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 21 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 31 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 36 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 13 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 18 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 13 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 161 of 600 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

140 complaint records1 fire report8 crash reports
"WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE, BUT VEHICLE WILL STOP. DEALER REPLACED BRFAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

103 complaint records23 fire reports1 crash report
"THERE WAS A HOLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK IN WHICH OIL SPRAYED ONTO THE EXHAUST CAUSING A FIRE.*JB(CLAIM#32-V387-711)..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Speed control

86 complaint records2 fire reports27 crash reports
"WHILE SLIGHTLY APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCELERATING INTO A BUILDING.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02079
opened Oct 2002
closed Mar 2003Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
ODI'S DATA ANALYSIS FOUND THE FIRES RATES TO BE CONSISTENTLY LOW AND EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONG SIX MODEL YEARS AND SIX DIFFERENT ENGINE CONFIGURATIONS.ODI EXAMINED A VARIETY OF ROOT CAUSES, THOSE BEING DETONATION (RESULTING IN OIL PAN PUNCTURE FROM CONNECTING...
DP02004
opened Apr 2002
closed Jun 2002Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE SEIZURE

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
01V012000Vehicle Speed ControlVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT.Normally free
99V307000SteeringVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2001027
2001-02-07
Engine423On certain vehicles, the accelerator cable housing could be deformed at the cruise control actuator-to-throttle body connection. The accelerator inner-cable could wear away and eventually break.
1999211
1999-11-15
Steering21,454On certain vehicles, the steering wheel set nut may loosen and cause an abnormal steering vibration and looseness.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
Electrical SystemTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
T-SB-0218-17_Rev
Jul 2017
Air BagsTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner...
TSB018217
Jan 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2015
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 2015
EquipmentTSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches.
T-SB-0014-11 Rev
Oct 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement.
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0043-14
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-003-01 - OB
Jul 2014
Unknown Or OtherTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
T-TT-0010-10 Rev
May 2014
Back Over PreventionTech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
T-TT-0132-11
Feb 2014
EquipmentA key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2014
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
T-SB-0185-13
Dec 2013
VisibilityThe following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 2013
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-SB-0122-11 Rev
Nov 2013
SeatsBeginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Toyota may affect side...
T-SB-0071-11 Rev
Oct 2013
Power TrainThe purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0141-13
Sep 2013
Parking BrakeSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TC13-019
Aug 2013
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-SB-0054-13
Apr 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-PG006-00 Obsol
Apr 2013
EquipmentThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2013
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
TSB-0122-11
Sep 2011
Air BagsTOYOTA: INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR REPLACING THE SEAT COVERS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *PE
T-SB-0122-11
Sep 2011
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-SB-0071-11
Jun 2011
Power TrainSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
5200B
Sep 2005
SteeringSTEERING - POWER STEERING GEAR. REPAIR MANUAL CORRECTION. 00400-RM589-U2. '98 CAMRY. 00400-RM654-U2. '99 CAMRY. *TT
01005
Aug 2005
Power TrainA541E TRANSMISSION SOLENOID IDENTIFICATION. *TT
03704
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE BANK 1 AND BANK 2 A/F AND 02 IDENTIFICATION. VARIOUS TOYOTA MODELS. *TT
00804
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON 1MZ-FE ENGINE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 OR P0306. *TT
04004
Feb 2004
Unknown Or OtherOWNER RENOTIFICATION OF NON-COMPLETED SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGNS AND LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGNS. *MR
EG01302
Jul 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0440, P0441 AND P0446 STORED. *TT
SU00102
Mar 2002
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING REAR BEARING O-RING SERVICE TIP. *TT
TC02002
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT REGARDING VEHICLES EXPERIENCING ENGINE OIL GELLING OR SLUDGE. *TT
ST00801
Dec 2001
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING RACK END NOISE. *TT
TC01030
Nov 2001
Vehicle Speed ControlINFORMATION REGARDING CRUISE CONTROL ACCELERATOR CABLE. *YD
BO02601
Oct 2001
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *YD
BO02501
Oct 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING SUNVISOR VANITY MIRROR IMPROVEMENT. *YD
082001
Aug 2001
VisibilityINFORMATION ON SLIDING ROOF DIAGNOSTIC TIPS *ET
BO02001
Aug 2001
VisibilityINFORMATION ON SLIDING ROOF ASSEMBLY.*JB
T-PG007-01
May 2001
EquipmentReplacement vin plates.
AX00101
Mar 2001
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING RETRO-FIT INTERNAL TRUNK RELEASE KITS. *TT
351
Nov 2000
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING LEAKS INTO TRUNK. *TT

Showing 60 of 116 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Camry →