1998 Toyota Camry
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 600
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
23% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 600 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 33 |
| 1987 | 58 |
| 1988 | 69 |
| 1989 | 117 |
| 1990 | 136 |
| 1991 | 155 |
| 1992 | 569 |
| 1993 | 263 |
| 1994 | 306 |
| 1995 | 303 |
| 1996 | 417 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 600 |
| 1999 | 501 |
| 2000 | 454 |
| 2001 | 272 |
| 2002 | 953 |
| 2003 | 781 |
| 2004 | 638 |
| 2005 | 721 |
| 2006 | 317 |
| 2007 | 2,886 |
| 2008 | 933 |
| 2009 | 1,293 |
| 2010 | 603 |
| 2011 | 599 |
| 2012 | 590 |
| 2013 | 274 |
| 2014 | 455 |
| 2015 | 269 |
| 2016 | 182 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 745 |
| 2019 | 396 |
| 2020 | 274 |
| 2021 | 156 |
| 2022 | 60 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2025 | 146 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
23% · 139 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Toyota Camry. The contact was traveling 35 to 40 MPH when the brakes were depressed, but the brake pedal failed to depress fully to the floor. The vehicle then crashed into the rear end of another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-10
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 95 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, smoke started coming out from under the hood. After pulling over to the side of the road and turning off the engine, within 5-8 minutes the engine burst into flames. The car was a total loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-08
Vehicle speed control
14% · 85 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 1998 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The contact stated that he was unable to stop the vehicle when the brakes were applied.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-17
Consumer had two accidents in the past two months due to sudden acceleration. Dealer not notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-17
When pulling out in reverse in a parking lot the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and hit 4 cars. No injuries. Toyota indicated there was no defect within the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-21
Suspension
13% · 75 reportsMost commonly citing front and macpherson strut.
Air bags
9% · 53 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 1998 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the driver loss control when vehicle was hydroplaning. The contact depressed the brake, causing the vehicle to flip twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-20
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Toyota Camry. The contact was driving 65 MPH when she vehicle veered into a slight ditch and the vehicle flipped over and landed on its roof. The air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-01
During a 70 MPH frontal crash, the air bag did not deploy and the driver's head hit the windshield.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-31
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998Complaint volume 600 complaints filed for this model year.
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1999-11-30Steering99V307000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
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2001-02-23Vehicle speed control01V012000 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…
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…
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I
2002-04-30Defect petitionClosed 2002-06-20 Engine seizure
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2002-10-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-03-18 Engine compartment fire
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Toyota Camry — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 139 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 95 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 85 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V307000 · Steering
- Recall 01V012000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Toyota Camry reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Toyota Camry is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota Camry?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota Camry have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.