VehicleVerdict

1998 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 751 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Camry year — the 1998 model ranks #12 of 43 Camry years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 65 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (140), engine (103), and speed control (86), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

751

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

87

Crash-involved

39

Fires reported

65

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted3,669 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 19 complaints1986: 35 complaints1987: 70 complaints1988: 88 complaints1989: 138 complaints1990: 160 complaints1991: 186 complaints1992: 646 complaints1993: 334 complaints1994: 364 complaints1995: 373 complaints1996: 567 complaints1997: 685 complaints1998: 751 complaints1999: 661 complaints2000: 577 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 1,183 complaints2003: 946 complaints2004: 798 complaints2005: 905 complaints2006: 393 complaints2007: 3,669 complaints2008: 1,139 complaints2009: 1,611 complaints2010: 764 complaints2011: 779 complaints2012: 807 complaints2013: 377 complaints2014: 637 complaints2015: 362 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 1,082 complaints2019: 551 complaints2020: 374 complaints2021: 192 complaints2022: 87 complaints2023: 85 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 198 complaints
Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes14019%
Engine10314%
Speed Control8611%
Suspension7810%
Airbags537%
Tires & Wheels527%
Electrical System385%
Body & Structure375%
Seat Belts355%
Steering345%
Lighting182%
Other162%
Fuel System162%
Transmission162%
Visibility & Wipers101%
Latches & Locks81%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)71%
Child Seat20%
Seats20%

Does the 1998 Toyota Camry have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

01V012000Speed ControlJanuary 16, 2001 · 53,061 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT. 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.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE OR REMAIN IN ITS MOST RECENT POSITION REGARDLESS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

99V307000SteeringNovember 1, 1999 · 540,037 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 TO 55 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK THE DRIVER SUFFERED A FRACTURED LEFT SHOULDER, MINOR INJURIES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS HEAD AND BRUISING TO HIS LEFT HIP. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT AN ANTILOCK BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 21, 2004 · crash

“OWNER DRIVING VEHICLE, CAME TO A STOP, BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, ENGINE BLEW A ROD THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT BEYOND RECOGNITION WITHIN 15 MINUTES. VEHICLE INVESTIGATION FOLLOWED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUILD UP OF SLUDGE FROM ENGINE OIL. COMPANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 6, 2004 · fire

“PULLING 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY INTO PARKING SPACE. FOOT ON BRAKE. PUT INTO PARK. CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN ACCELERATING. TRIED REVERSE, DIDN'T STOP. TRIED PARK AGAIN STANDING ON BRAKES. DIDN'T STOP. WENT OVER CURB DOWN HILL INTO CREEK. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN FRONT OF CAR HIT BANK OF CREEK. SAW PUFF OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 11, 2006 · crash

“ALL 4 STRUTS WORN-OUT AND LEAKING ON A VEHICLE LESS THAN 60,000 MILES . DRIVING WITH BAD STRUTS WAS HORRIBLE! VERY LOUD RATTLING NOISE. WAS TOLD BY AUTO SHOP THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE 1998 CAMRY. THE RESULT WAS A REPAIR BILL OF $800.00. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE ALL 4 STRUTS SO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 20, 2004

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 TO 55 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK THE DRIVER SUFFERED A FRACTURED LEFT SHOULDER, MINOR INJURIES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS HEAD AND BRUISING TO HIS LEFT HIP. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT AN ANTILOCK BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 21, 2004 · crash

1998 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 1998 Toyota Camry reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 751 complaints put the 1998 model at #12 of 43 Camry years. It is one of the Camry years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (140 complaints), engine (103 complaints), speed control (86 complaints).

Does the 1998 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.