Model year guide

1998 Toyota Camry

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Toyota Camry is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 137 on record.

1998 Toyota Camry at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints647
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$1,357

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Toyota Camry recalls 3

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

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.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #01V012000 · 16/01/2001

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar NHTSA Campaign #99V307000 · 01/11/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Toyota Camry common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 647 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1998 Toyota Camry MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,813

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1998 Toyota Camry worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,357
High
$2,400

From 129 comparable 1998 Toyota Camry listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Toyota Camry costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,065
Depreciation (5 yrs)$550
Total$14,615
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,357) with the same model 5 model-years older ($783), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Toyota Camry trims & engines on record

Trims
LE · XLE V6 · CE · XLE
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 130 hp · 2.2L 4-cyl 133 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 184 hp

1998 Toyota Camry vehicles on record

1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22K8W0221765 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22K2W0220451 1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22KXW0249177 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K4WU348170 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K8WU260013 1998 Toyota Camry XLE V6JT2BF22KXW0102084 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K6WU272774 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K7WU229416 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22KXWU382842 1998 Toyota Camry CE4T1BG22K3WU342571 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K1WU298361 1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22K0W0119165 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K1WU194310 1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22K7W0228528 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry CE4T1BG22K8WU217758 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K0WU339868 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K2WU305348 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry XLE V6JT2BF22K9W0119197 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K1WU321606 1998 Toyota Camry XLE V6JT2BF28K7W0144302 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22K3W0238800 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LEJT2BG22K8W0144301 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K8WU370589 1998 Toyota Camry 1998 Toyota Camry LE4T1BG22K8WU348835

Other Toyota Camry model years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1987

1998 Toyota Camry — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Toyota Camry have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1998 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota Camry?

Based on 647 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, vehicle speed control, engine.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Toyota Camry get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Toyota Camry at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 1998 Toyota Camry worth?

Comparable 1998 Toyota Camry listings run roughly $700–$2,400, typically around $1,357 (from 129 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.