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1998 Toyota Camry: common problems and reliability
647 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Camry?The 1998 Toyota Camry has 647 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Toyota Camry vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Camry?
Across the 30 Camry model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2022) to 7,102 (2007). With 647 complaints, the 1998 Camry sits about the same as the model's median of 587.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Camry
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, 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.
vehicle speed control
Campaign 01V012000VEHICLE 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.
steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Campaign 99V307000VEHICLE 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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Camry. See the full Camry owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Camry listings typically run $13,998–$23,798.
Other Camry model years
Compare every Camry year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Camry against its rivals
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