NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 610 owner complaints for the 1998 Toyota Camry. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (114) and engine and engine cooling (93). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.
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 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Camry model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 421 |
| 1997 | 558 |
| 1998 | 610 |
| 1999 | 590 |
| 2000 | 530 |
| 2001 | 330 |
| 2002 | 1,039 |
| 2003 | 818 |
| 2004 | 799 |
| 2005 | 721 |
| 2006 | 435 |
| 2007 | 3,616 |
| 2008 | 1,178 |
| 2009 | 1,412 |
| 2010 | 614 |
| 2011 | 625 |
| 2012 | 645 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 480 |
| 2015 | 271 |
| 2016 | 189 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 754 |
| 2019 | 400 |
| 2020 | 275 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 52 |
“1998 TOYOTA CAMRY FAILED BRAKING SYSTEM *GR THE CONSUMER STATED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, NEW BRAKES HAD TO BE INSTALLED EVERY YEAR AND EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC RADIATOR HAD BECOME OVERHEATED AND FRACTURED. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THERE WAS A CRACKED IN THE RADIATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,740.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED BETWEEN THE CONTACT'S TREE AND A NEIGHBORING HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Camry Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Camry Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Camry Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 610 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (114), engine and engine cooling (93), vehicle speed control (83). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Toyota Camry at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).