1998 Toyota Camry: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Toyota Camry has 647 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. Owners most often flag oil consumption in specific model years (notably the 2007 model year) — isolated but noted as a known issue for certain generations. frequency: isolated.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

647
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
65
Crash reports
33
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Toyota Camry vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
130
hydraulic
121
engine and engine cooling
100
vehicle speed control
85
suspension
72

Recalls affecting the 1998 Camry

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 09E025000

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 REQUIREMEN

vehicle speed control

Campaign 01V012000

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-

steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Campaign 99V307000

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

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. The Camry is consistently cited as a benchmark for dependable, low-maintenance transportation capable of exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care. Owners

  • Oil consumption in specific model years (notably the 2007 model year) — isolated but noted as a known issue for certain generations. Frequency: isolated.
  • High-mileage wear items (e.g., EVAP system codes, ABS sensors, TPMS sensors) — expected issues on very high-mileage vehicles (150,000+ miles). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Camry.

Typical used price

Used Camry listings typically run $16,000–$31,195 across 2007 to 2026 model years.

Other Camry model years