1998 Toyota Camry Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 6%of 600 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,250miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Toyota Camry, 6% of the 600 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ignition key jams, will not turn to start engine, and can not be removed when engine is turned off. Frequency of jamming increased until I switched to using the spare master key. It worked fine for a while and then the same problem occurred. Finally, I used the valet key and it has worked fine for nearly 2 years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455426, filed 2012-04, 65,900 miles“I have a check engine light that won't go away. Supposedly it was related to the o2 sensors. They've both been replaced, to no avail. A dual-certified Toyota master mechanic is scratching his head on this one. There's obviously nothing wrong with the engine as it's been performing well for the last couple of years, with an engine light burning brightly, regardless. It's very annoying as it's obviously a useless light, now, and all I can hope for is for the bulb to eventually burn out - as I don't care to get into tearing out the dash to remove it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10366466, filed 2010-11, 150,000 miles“The original manufacture key fails to unlock the trunk of the car and door locks intermittently. I also have difficulty starting the vehicle with the key. This problem is not weather or accident related.”
NHTSA complaint #10501135, filed 2013-03, 150,000 miles“1. The automobile would shimmy, shake and stop operating suddenly when the brakes were applied. This lead to several near accident scenarios. . When the automobile would shake violently and the engine would cut off it prevented the driver from proceeding on major highways and at intersections causing a dangerous situation. 3. The car was taken to a Toyota dealer for repair. Brake repairs were done but this was not the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093335, filed 2004-09, 45,000 miles“1998 Toyota Camry with engine and ignition coil problems. Customer states that the vehicle shut off without warning while exiting the highway. Mechanic determined that the vehicle needed ignition coils.”
NHTSA complaint #10203784, filed 2007-09, 40,325 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10238157May 30, 2023TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered…
- 10152205Jan 6, 2017TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles…
- 10111390Apr 10, 2015TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
- 10111197Apr 10, 2015TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 9 | 14% |
| 2022 | 9 | 14% |
| 2021 | 8 | 5% |
| 2020 | 68 | 25% |
| 2019 | 27 | 7% |
| 2018 | 68 | 9% |
| 2017 | 23 | 16% |
| 2016 | 21 | 11% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 55 | 12% |
| 2013 | 29 | 11% |
| 2012 | 62 | 11% |
| 2011 | 32 | 5% |
| 2010 | 25 | 4% |
| 2009 | 82 | 6% |
| 2008 | 48 | 5% |
| 2007 | 231 | 8% |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% |
| 2005 | 33 | 5% |
| 2004 | 37 | 6% |
| 2003 | 20 | 3% |
| 2002 | 36 | 4% |
| 2001 | 20 | 7% |
| 2000 | 31 | 7% |
| 1999 | 41 | 8% |
| 1998 | 33 | 6% |
| 1997 | 40 | 7% |
| 1996 | 26 | 6% |
| 1995 | 18 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 8% |
| 1993 | 20 | 8% |
| 1992 | 26 | 5% |
| 1991 | 23 | 15% |
| 1990 | 9 | 7% |
| 1989 | 11 | 10% |
| 1988 | 13 | 20% |
| 1987 | 6 | 10% |
| 1985 | 3 | 23% |
| 1983 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Camry
121 complaintsEngine cooling
92 complaintsVehicle speed control
83 complaintsSuspension
70 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsTires
41 complaintsSeat belts
35 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsSteering
33 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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