Four problems related to starter have been reported for the 1999 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1999 Toyota Camry le 4cyl starter failed to disengage from flywheel causing fire. The starter kept running burning it out and also burning the positive cable to the battery. Damage to the battery is under investigation. I was sitting parked in a parking lot with the radio and the air on when I observed smoke coming from the engine then started to come into the car thru the air conditioning. I turned the car off but the smoke continued and the fire dept was called. After looking at the internet this seems to be a widely known issue with multiple postings. I have not seen a recall on this. It needs to be investigated. My insurer said that my claim will be denied due to mechanical failure. Toyota needs to he held accountable.
On Monday, September 2 the driver side lighted mirror on the visor fell off causing the two wires behind the lighted mirror to come loose and contact each other. This proceeded to short out filling the cars cabin with smoke. The car was stopped immediately on a local road, turned off and both my wife and 21-month old son were quickly removed from the car. I was notified of this occurrence by a local neighbor and upon my arrival saw a very frightened wife holding my 21-month old son and a smoke filled car. Upon restarting the car to return back to my home the car immediately began to make a very loud whining sound. After arriving back at my home approximately 1 minute away I turned off the engine only to find that the engine would not shut off. I then immediately opened the hood and began to disconnect the positive side of the battery. In the approximate 2 minutes this took, the engine progressively whined louder and louder until the starter began to smoke and the engine came to an abrupt stop. At this point I finally disconnected the positive side of the battery.
On Monday, September 2 the driver side lighted mirror on the visor fell off causing the two wires behind the lighted mirror to come loose and contact each other. This proceeded to short out filling the cars cabin with smoke. The car was stopped immediately on a local road, turned off and both my wife and 21-month old son were quickly removed from the car. I was notified of this occurrence by a local neighbor and upon my arrival saw a very frightened wife holding my 21-month old son and a smoke filled car. Upon restarting the car to return back to my home the car immediately began to make a very loud whining sound. After arriving back at my home approximately 1 minute away I turned off the engine only to find that the engine would not shut off. I then immediately opened the hood and began to disconnect the positive side of the battery. In the approximate 2 minutes this took, the engine progressively whined louder and louder until the starter began to smoke and the engine came to an abrupt stop. At this point I finally disconnected the positive side of the battery. Nlm.
Consumer started vehicle and starter got "stuck". Turned ignition to off position and removed key, but starter continued to turn engine. Vehicle than began to smoke, and almost caught fire. Consumer had to disconnect battery to stop starter from turning.