1998 Toyota Camry Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 92about this part
- Share
- 15%of 600 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,613miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 92 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Toyota Camry, 15% of the 600 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,613 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 19 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 10/19/10 my 1998 Toyota Camry was on file under the hood. When I park the car at stater bros and went inside to buy groceries . I head the cashier say someone car is on fire. I ran out from the parking lots and I saw my car in smoke under the hood. Fire department came and try to save my car. Now my car is total gone. Everything burn under the hood. I would never buy Toyota Camry again. Due to complaint about this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10361467, filed 2010-10, 150,000 miles“The engine in my Camry blew. The car was well maintained and running fine. The Toyota dealership informed me that they couldn't find any oil sludging/gelling. However, they couldn't explain why the engine blew. All they could tell me is that a piston blew through the engine. Since they claimed there was no oil sludging/gelling they refused to cover costs of repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10070653, filed 2004-01, 123,000 miles“I experienced a text book case of what I have learned is the Toyota sludge problem. I wanted to bring it in to my closest Toyota dealer but was told that if I did not have proof of oil change every 3000 miles (manual suggests 7500) not to bother because had no leg to stand on and was basically screwed.”
NHTSA complaint #10068716, filed 2004-01, 83,000 miles“My 1998 Toyota camery always burned some oil.then at about 108000 miles it started burning oil at a rapid pace. I brought it in to Toyota to have it looked at for the oil sludging problem ,which they know of.they said my engine is shot and I did not have the oil sludge problem, so they would not cover repairs.they said one reason I did not have this problem is because I changed oil every 3000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10104472, filed 2004-12, 108,000 miles“I brought my 98 Camry into Toyota city in mamaroneck, ny on 11/6/03 because of blue smoke that was coming out of the tail pipe. Seals were replaced but there was still leaking of oil. On 6/2/04 the Camry has more repairs done with gaskets and seals replaced but still there was oil leaking . I brought the car back to have the leak checked and I am always told there is no leak. I have smoke coming into the car from the engine area and put a quart of oil in every week.”
NHTSA complaint #10112094, filed 2005-02, 122,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10061567Apr 23, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 2% |
| 2010 | 15 | 2% |
| 2009 | 46 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 152 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 35 | 5% |
| 2004 | 30 | 5% |
| 2003 | 112 | 14% |
| 2002 | 107 | 11% |
| 2001 | 47 | 17% |
| 2000 | 54 | 12% |
| 1999 | 110 | 22% |
| 1998 | 92 | 15% |
| 1997 | 96 | 17% |
| 1996 | 76 | 18% |
| 1995 | 34 | 11% |
| 1994 | 41 | 14% |
| 1993 | 40 | 15% |
| 1992 | 32 | 6% |
| 1991 | 10 | 7% |
| 1990 | 14 | 10% |
| 1989 | 7 | 6% |
| 1988 | 9 | 14% |
| 1987 | 6 | 10% |
| 1986 | 4 | 13% |
| 1985 | 2 | 15% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Camry
121 complaintsVehicle speed control
83 complaintsSuspension
70 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsTires
41 complaintsSeat belts
35 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsElectrical system
33 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 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