1998 Toyota Avalon Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,183miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Toyota Avalon, 5% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,183 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“- the contact stated that while driving the 1998 Toyota Avalon at 45 MPH, the oil light turned on, and the engine lost power. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road. The contact restarted, and the vehicle was driven home. The mechanic advised him not to drive the vehicle due to the sludge build up in the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10180800, filed 2007-01, 121,900 miles“Was told that burning oil and smoking was due to sludge in valve cover, indicated that I had not had oil changes, and I have oil changes every 3,000 miles. I kept no receipts of purchases of oil filters and oil. May not be covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #748173, filed 2001-07“The engine contained sludge and was clogged, consumer stated that he is currently working with the Toyota dealer in an attempt to the repair problem and obtain full reimbursement from manufacturer for all costs including possible auto rental expenses while repairs are being made.”
NHTSA complaint #785953, filed 2002-04“Toyota Avalon 1998 stalling while at highway speeds. Toyota Avalon 1998 stalling at traffic lights and stop signs. January 29, 2007 nearly involved in a broad-side accident when car stalled beginning to enter roadway, oncoming traffic had to swerve around narrowing avoiding a collision. This is a problem with avalons and camrys that is well-documented by other owners on the internet. Dealership replaced air fuel sensor on january 19, 2007, car stalled again the very next day on highway. The car is now back in the shop as of january 31, 2007, with dealer unable to diagnose problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10181365, filed 2007-02“Unintended accerleration. Upon backing out of garage. Damaged drivers door and front quarter panel of auto. Driver doors impacted side of garage. The engine seemed to be racing. Engine was warm prior to accident”
NHTSA complaint #700592, filed 1998-11Related service bulletins
- 10061567Apr 23, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 57 | 16% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
| 2000 | 18 | 10% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% |
| 1996 | 19 | 17% |
| 1995 | 6 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Avalon
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsEquipment
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsTires
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota Avalon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology