1998 Toyota Camry Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 600 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Toyota Camry, 3% of the 600 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I tried working with Toyota to resolve there issues, but becasue the warranty time is expired they won't assist in fixing there defects. I was told if I wanted to pay the $2,000.00 bill they would be happy to order the parts. The head lamps are so dim I have nearly hit deers in the road on 5 seperate occasions I know these can't pass fmvss requirement. The drivers seat is loose in the track and rocks when accelerating and stopping. The front struts mounting brackets rattle, shake, vibrate and bang. The steering wheel vibrates while turning. …”
NHTSA complaint #756058, filed 2001-12“On country road when going up and down hills, the low beam light shines only one or two car lenghts and is not a beam of light but a block of light which stops abruptly. There is total darkness beyond the block of light. These lights are a safety hazard. The dealer examined the lights and says are to specifications. Toyota regional and national offices advised to submit this issue to bbb auto line, which I did. Bbb auto line advises this is a design issue and hot subject to their program. I am now looking to the DOT for help. The headlams on low beam are not sufficient to see a sate distance. …”
NHTSA complaint #537186, filed 1998-06“Low beam (left) only illuminates about 3 car lengths ahead of car ,whereas the right low beam illuminates way out and a little to the right. Twice took vehicle to service dept. ,don't seem to understand problem.made slight adjustment on right beam. I believe there is a definite problem with the left beam and living in deer country this represents a safety problem! Plase help.”
NHTSA complaint #713573, filed 1999-10“About 20 feet out from head of driver the right headlight creates a shadow in front of vehicle about 20' to 40' front center of line to right shoulder. It is much worse on bright lights. Dealer contacted and was aware of the problem. Adjustments made, problem could nt be remedied. Problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #836706, filed 1999-04“Consumer has been experiencing problems with headlights. The consumer stated that the headlights only illuminate for a short distance. Also oncoming pedestrians couldn't be seen unless the vehicle gets very close. The manufacturer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #831442, filed 1998-11Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 12 | 2% |
| 2009 | 18 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 0% |
| 2007 | 26 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 18 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 19 | 5% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 7 | 2% |
| 1993 | 9 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 4 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsSteering
33 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 Nov 1, 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