Three problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Blue smoke come from tail pipe after car sit for a few days and the front right strut or something on that side rattle. The date is when I first heard the noise but the previous owner heard the noise a year or two after purchase,she had the struts changed and the noise is still there.
The steam seal valve is leaking oil to the chamber of the engine. The problem first started in April 2005. When the vehicle is cold and it is started there is smoke coming out of the tail pipe. The consumer is concerned that the vehicle may catch on fire.
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.