1998 Toyota Camry: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Toyota Camry: 2 recalls, 600 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #99V307000 · 1999 · 540,037 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel set nut May not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Why it matters: This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #01V012000 · 2001 · 53,061 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. Owner notification began February 23, 2001.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 31 mention a fire, 45 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (112): the most common themes are noise or vibration (51), brake failure / soft pedal (30).
- Engine & cooling (92): the most common themes are fire / smoke (34), stalls / loses power (14), noise or vibration (14).
- Speed control / throttle (83): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (22).
- Suspension (70): the most common themes are noise or vibration (39), steering problems (8).
The 1998 Toyota Camry has 600 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 35 Camry model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 511). Complaints peaked in 1999 (166 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 85,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (555 complaints, 3 recalls), 1999 (501 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Toyota Camry.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Toyota Camry, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Toyota Camry problems?
Owners have filed 600 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (112), engine & cooling (92), speed control / throttle (83).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Toyota Camry get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Toyota Camry repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.