11 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Just got home did not smell or see anything unusual, went inside and maybe five minutes later I seen lots of smoke went outside and the car was smoking and flaming under the hood. Fire department had to come to put the fire out.
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.
On 2/21/2008 I was driving on the freeway and my auto burst into flames. My auto is a 1998 Toyota Camry 4cyl. I received notification of a class action lawsuit about two years ago stating that Toyota has an engine oil sludge defect on certain models. My auto is one of them. Additionally the notification I received stated that I can take my auto into Toyota to be repaired. Over about two years I took my auto in with all the paper work/documents and each time Toyota stonewalled me. Also I just went into Toyota for the same reason and with all the paper work on 2/14/2008 and again Toyota told me they knew nothing about this and they would not do anything. I am very much lucky to have survived this incident on 2/21/2008.
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Camry. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph on normal road conditions. There was an unintended increase in acceleration of 110 mph. Suddenly, the vehicle reduced speed. The driver was able to slow down. The failure occurrences were intermittent during highway driving. The identical failure occurred and the gear shifter was placed into the "park" position. The vehicle was able to slow down. There was smoke and flames coming from the hood area. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle ignited into massive flames. The police and fire department were called to the scene. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision facility. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 03/19/10. Updated 09/21/10.
Engine sludge. Not yet failed but inevitable if not repaired.
Currently experiencing oil sludge problem. My Toyota dealership has not committed to taking care of the problem. We are currently still working with them to see if they will take care of the problem.
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.
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.
The vehicle started smoking under the hood and then caught on fire. The vehicle was totaled.
Engine had to be replaced due to oil gelling.
Engine check light came on while driving. Dealership indicated that vehicle needed an air fuel reservoir sensor to correct the problem. Potential of problem not yet identified. Also, dealership indicated " this is was a common problem with these vehicles.