1998 Toyota Camry Problems: 4 Known Issues
1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Toyota Camry has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Crossmember Corrosion on Salt-Exposed Camrys — Owner Reports and 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
1998 · All trims · All engines
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAGS (CSA), ONE OR BOTH OF THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS MAY BE TWISTED NEAR THE INFLATOR DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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-THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION. THE ACCELERATOR INNER-CABLE COULD WEAR AWAY AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota Camry problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Toyota Camry has 4 documented issues. Documented issues include: Rear Crossmember Corrosion on Salt-Exposed Camrys — Owner Reports, 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program, 5S-FE External Oil-Leak Source Diagnosis. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Camry reliable?
The 1998 Toyota Camry has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Rear Crossmember Corrosion on Salt-Exposed Camrys — Owner Reports and 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 1997-1999 Toyota Camry Rear Crossmember Corrosion on Salt-Exposed Camrys — Owner Reports?
Owner discussions document serious rear-crossmember corrosion on individual older Camrys exposed to road salt. They support inspecting an aged vehicle; they do not establish a fleet-wide defect, a shared inside-out mechanism, or a guaranteed progression. Material loss around susp… Severity: high.
What is the 1997-2002 Toyota Camry 1MZ-FE V6 Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program?
Toyota's Engine Oil Gelation Customer Support Program included 1997-2002 Camry V6 vehicles. Toyota's owner letter described engine oil gel as thickened oil that can restrict lubrication and identified blue exhaust smoke and excessive oil consumption as possible symptoms. The prog… Severity: high.
What is the 1992-2001 Toyota Camry 5S-FE External Oil-Leak Source Diagnosis?
Older 5S-FE Camry engines can leak externally from more than one gasket, O-ring, or shaft seal, but those locations are distinct wear and sealing conditions rather than one documented multi-point defect. Oil running down the engine can make a high leak appear to originate at the… Severity: medium.
What is the 1992-1999 Toyota Camry 5S-FE Vibration at Idle in Drive — Owner Reports?
Camry owner discussions document vibration while stopped in Drive on 5S-FE vehicles. They do not point to one common failed mount. Idle quality, misfire, exhaust or accessory contact, driveline load, mount preload and alignment, and the condition of each engine and transmission m… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.