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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,120 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Toyota Camry engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Toyota Camry Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Nov 102006

Camry 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a Toyota Camry 1998 model. The engine oil leaks non-stop. Several months back I received a notice of class action settlement with the Toyota company. It stated that all Toyota Camry 1998 had an engine oil leak defect, and as per the class action settlement I could take my car to a Toyota dealership and they would fix this problem at their cost. Also, that if I had incurred any costs trying to have this problem fixed on my own, Toyota will pay such costs to the owner. Accordingly, I took my car to the dealership. They took the copy of the notice from me and informed me that it does not apply to my car. I was told that they could check and fix the problem, but I would have to pay for it. If this was the case, then why was I sent a notice in the first place to take my car to a dealership for the problem fix? this has been a very frustrating and embarrassing experience. This is my complaint, and I request help in getting this problem resolved.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #24

Dec 082004

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,012 miles
We own a 1998 Toyota Camry VIN [xxx], and we are the original owners of this car. About a one and a half years ago, we replaced the idle speed control unit for approximately $400. The Camry had problems starting when it is cold, and the hayward California Toyota dealer wants to charge us another $400 to replace the same part that they replaced about 18 months ago. The part is a Toyota manufacturing part, and it cost about $250. Toyota has not recalled this part, and it should last longer than 18 months. I have talked with a number of auto repair shops, and they know that this part fails on the Toyota Camry. I have filed a complaint with Toyota corporation reference number [xxx], but I do not feel Toyota will address this problem. I have not heard from them, and I filed the complaint about two months ago. I am hoping that you will investigate this problem and let me know what you discover. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Updated 07/24/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #23

Nov 292002

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the electrical system.also stated that while driving the vehicle the vehicle started slowing down then caught on fire. Dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle had 70000 miles and there were going to get the vehicle as soon as they could.ph

- St.Albans, WV, USA

problem #22

Sep 162002

Camry

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving 65 mph on interstate 40 the engine seized due to oil gelation.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #21

Oct 062002

Camry

  • miles
While driving the vehicle engine stalled. Dealer has been notified.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #20

Sep 092002

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
I am concerned why it is that Toyota did not contact me with one of the letters telling me about engine gel until I contacted them about another engine failure that I had with another car. I have spoken with many that have the Toyota's that fall under the engine gel campaign and they too have not received letters about this potential problem. I am understand that Toyota headed off a recall by sending out these letters. I am telling you that there are a load of people that own these cars that know nothing about the impending damage to their engines. Could you please look into this asap.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

problem #19

Jan 181999

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While insured was driving vehicle caught on fire, Toyota representative stated cause of fire was a loose oil filter claim # 30-V068-383.

- Whippany, NJ, USA

problem #18

Jul 031999

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Insured stated that while tow truck was putting the vehicle on the flat bed the vehicle caught on fire and burned the tow truck, the cause of fire was a sjort circuit. Claim number 75-A137-314.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

problem #17

Jul 162000

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Insured was driving and pulled into drive way, the vehicle started smoking, when she opened the hood and toward the back of the vehicle, it caught on fire. Claim number 13-7008-586.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #16

Oct 052000

Camry

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Insured tried to start vehicle but it wouldn't start, lifted hood and the engine was on fire, 01-6209-199.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #15

Apr 012000

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

(04-1215-119) insured's vehicle caught on fire under the hood, cause unknown.

- Monroe, LA, USA

problem #14

Feb 181999

Camry

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
(35-W173-913) insured had just started vehicle when it began smoking and then caught on fire, claim states subrogation recovery against Firestone for a bad oil filter that caused an engine fire.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #13

Oct 012001

Camry

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle began making a clicking sound, then a bang sound, the insured stated the vehicle stalled, however was able to pull over and all of a sudden the vehicle began smoking and then burst into flames.(claim#38-J786-430)

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #12

Apr 282000

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, the insured noticed heat being generated from the brakes, the insured then parked the vehicle in the driveway and the vehicle burst into flames. Claim #05-4482-577.

- Ukiah, CA, USA

problem #11

Oct 191999

Camry 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Claim number 32-V073-594 - as consumer was leaving mobile station to have vehicle service for an oil change, vehicle engine caught on fire; the oil filter was missing and it was not attached to engine prior to the fire, examination of the flame patterns revealed that the engine oil from the missing oil filter sprayed onto the engine pipe and ignited causing a fire.

- Melville, NY, USA

problem #10

Aug 151999

Camry

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Claim number - 25-5305-204 - while driving, engine began to sputter and would not accelerate over 60 mph, vehicle began to smoke, consumer pulled to right shoulder, exited vehicle and smoke got intense, two minutes later, vehicle was engulfed in flames, vehicle was towed.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #9

Oct 012001

Camry

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle began making a clicking sound, then a bang sound, the insured stated the vehicle stalled, however was able to pull over and all of a sudden the vehicle began smoking and then burst into flames.(claim#38-J786-430)

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #8

Apr 132001

Camry

  • miles
The vehicle was installed with a non-Toyota, after market engine which caused the engine to develop a sludge, resulting in the vehicle being immobile, the consumer is requesting that Toyota honor the warranty and pay the cost to repair the vehicle's engine. Nlm consumer is requesting some restitution for some of the repairs and for some of the monthly payments.

- Dover, NJ, USA

problem #7

Nov 191998

Camry

  • miles
Engine stalled while at a stop light and while pulling into driveway, vehicle started right back up, consumer drove vehicle to dealer but they were unable to find anything wrong.

- Wellington, FL, USA

problem #6

Nov 191998

Camry

  • miles
Engine stalled while at a stop light and while pulling into driveway, vehicle started right back up, consumer drove vehicle to dealer but they were unable to find anything wrong.

- Wellington, FL, USA

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