1998 Toyota Camry

Introduction: The 1998 Toyota Camry was a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability and affordability. It was offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 2.2-liter inline-four engine produced 133 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-liter V6 engine produced 194 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

Engine 2.2L Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, engine overheating, rough idling
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from under valve covers
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, catastrophic engine damage if belt breaks while driving
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission Four-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, slipping gears, delayed engagement
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from front suspension, especially when turning or driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not crank or cranks slowly
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors will not lock or unlock remotely or from inside the vehicle
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop on the top of the dashboard, especially in hot climates
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters do not work or only work intermittently
  • Solution: Replace seat heater element
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary Overall, the 1998 Toyota Camry is a reliable vehicle with few major issues. The most common engine problems are intake manifold gasket and head gasket failures, which can be expensive to repair. Transmission issues are relatively rare, and the most common suspension problem is strut mount bearing failure. Electrical problems are typically minor and inexpensive to fix. The interior and exterior have some known issues, but they are not severe or widespread.