1998 TOYOTA CAMRY

3 recalls — 50 complaints

09E025000 May 11, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Remedy: 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.
42,540 vehicles affected
01V012000 Jan 16, 2001
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Remedy: 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.
53,061 vehicles affected
99V307000 Nov 1, 1999
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
540,037 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS Jul 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER LOSS CONTROL WHEN VEHICLE WAS HYDROPLANING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK, NECK, BRUISES AND GLASS CUT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT STATED INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT STATED LOCAL DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000
1 injured
ENGINE Dec 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
ENGINE May 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 11, 2017
EXITING A PARKING PLACE WHEN CAR SURGED AND ACCELERATED. COLLIDED WITH FOUR VEHICLES.
Crash
STEERING Mar 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND FELT LOOSE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL UP TOWARDS HER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OR WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V307000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
SERVICE BRAKES Aug 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED BETWEEN THE CONTACT'S TREE AND A NEIGHBORING HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED BETWEEN THE CONTACT'S TREE AND A NEIGHBORING HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Crash
POWER TRAIN Aug 7, 2016
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE BROKE. THE END THAT ATTACHES TO THE TRANSMISSION IS PLASTIC. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO SHIFT.
SEAT BELTS Apr 25, 2016
STARTING IN 2015, THREE OF THE 5 SEAT BELTS IN MY 1998 CAMRY DO NOT REMAIN LATCHED, OR FAIL TO INITIALLY LATCH. AS A (RETIRED) MECHANICAL ENGINEER, I DISASSEMBLED THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM. THE DEFECT IS IN THE ANCHOR MECHANISM WITH THE "PRESS" BUTTON ON IT. THE "PRESS" BUTTON HAS A METAL SPRING MOUNTED ON THE RED PLASTIC PART, AND THE PLASTIC HAS GRADUALLY CRACKED AT THE SPRING MOUNT. THIS METAL SPRING IS WHAT PUSHES THE METAL BLOCK THROUGH THE RECTANGULAR HOLE IN THE SHOULDER BELT COUPLER, WHEN IT IS PLUGGED INTO THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR AND LATCHED PROPERLY. EVENTUALLY, THE CRACK GROWS TO THE POINT THAT THE METAL SPRING CANNOT EXERT ENOUGH FORCE TO RELIABLY LATCH TO THE SHOULDER BELT. IT MAY INITIALLY LATCH AND FEEL SECURE, BUT CAN THEN COME LOOSE SEVERAL MINUTES LATER WHEN DRIVING THE CAR. I PLAN TO INCLUDE 3 PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM PART, ONE SHOWING THE CRACK IN THE PLASTIC. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS, SO THE SEAT BELT PROBLEM HAS NOT RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES TO MYSELF OR MY PASSENGERS. THE LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR SEAT BELTS, SO I BOUGHT NEW TOYOTA REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE DEFECTIVE BELT ANCHORS. WE LIVE IN THE DESERT, SO LONG-TERM HEAT AND COLD CYCLES COULD BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. THE SPRING HAS ITS HEAVIEST LOAD ON THE PLASTIC MOUNT WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS NOT ENGAGED, SO THE CRACK COULD POSSIBLY START, OR GROW, EVEN WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS NOT BEING USED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER FAILED. ALL THE OTHER GAUGES AND LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND WORKED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS Aug 10, 2015
THIS 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY LE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2003 FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. IT NOW HAS 64, 970 MILES ON IT, HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CONTAINS ALL ORIGINAL PARTS, AND HAS A FLAWLESS ELECTRONICS SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WHICH HAS BURNED CONSTANTLY FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, WHILE DRIVING. TO HAVE THIS SYSTEM CHECKED IS COSTLY, YET THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL ON THESE AIR BAGS FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL. IN ADDITION, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE OF ANY KIND REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE
AIR BAGS Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED COLLAR BONE INJURIES AND ABRASIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 31, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED COLLAR BONE INJURIES AND ABRASIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jan 26, 2015
I HAD USED THE COAST ON MY CRUISE CONTROL TO REDUCE MY SET SPEED FROM 78MPH TO 71MPH, AFTER ABOUT 50 YARDS, MY CRUISE CONTROL SPED UP ON ITS OWN TO ABOUT 76MPH BEFORE I TAPPED THE BRAKES AND CUT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF. AFTER ABOUT 3 MINUTES, I CUT THE CRUISE CONTROL BACK ON AND WENT TO USE THE SET BUTTON TO SET MY SPEED AT 71MPH. WHEN I PUSHED THE SET BUTTON, THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT 'LOCK IN' TO THE 71MPH BUT INSTEAD STARTED TO SPEED UP BEYOND 71MPH AND AT 75MPH I TAPPED THE BRAKE AND CUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE NEXT DAY, THE NEXT THREE TIME I WENT TO CUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND WENT TO PUSH THE SET BUTTON TO SET IT AT THE SPEED I WAS GOING, THE CAR ALWAYS TOOK OFF BEYOND WHAT I WAS WANTING TO SET IT AT AND CAUSING ME TO TAP THE BRAKES AND I WAS FORCED TO CUT IT OFF BECAUSE AFTER I HAD TAPPED THE BRAKE AND LET OFF THE BRAKE IT WOULD START TO INCREASE SPEED AGAIN. *TR
SEAT BELTS Dec 14, 2014
BACK SEAT CENTER SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY Oct 3, 2014
DRIVER SIDE FRONT INTERIOR PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE BROKE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jun 29, 2014
I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND FOUND OUT THE CAR HAS RECALL. EVAP SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS: P0441/P0446 ON ALL MODELS. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHILE GIVING THE CAR GAS YOU CAN FEEL IT JERKING LIKE ITS NOT GETTING GAS AND WHEN THE CAR STOPS IT CUTS OFF. SO WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THEY SAY ITS A RECALL NOW I AM WONDERING IF TOYOTA IS GOING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PIECE IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND I NEED MY VEHICLE TO RUN PROPERLY. *TR
AIR BAGS Mar 8, 2014
CAR BEGAN "GOING OUT OF CONTROL" UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. AS IF I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. CAR CONTINUED STRAIGHT INSTEAD OF TURNING WITH THE ROAD, INTO A FENCE/TREE AND CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER RECEIVED FACIAL TRAUMA, CHEST TRAUMA, AND MULTIPLE LACERATIONS AND CONTUSIONS, REQUIRING SURGERY. *TR
Crash Fire
STEERING Mar 8, 2014
CAR BEGAN "GOING OUT OF CONTROL" UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. AS IF I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. CAR CONTINUED STRAIGHT INSTEAD OF TURNING WITH THE ROAD, INTO A FENCE/TREE AND CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER RECEIVED FACIAL TRAUMA, CHEST TRAUMA, AND MULTIPLE LACERATIONS AND CONTUSIONS, REQUIRING SURGERY. *TR
Crash Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE FINALLY BEGAN TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Oct 24, 2013
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMING TO A STOP SIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. ALL THE SUDDEN, THE CAR SPED UP AND THE BRAKE WAS FAILING. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CAR IN THE OPPOSITE SIDE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR TO THE CURB. I CHECKED THE BRAKE AND WAS FUNCTIONING. LATER, I HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO PIERCEY TOYOTA TO DIAGNOSIS AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES Oct 24, 2013
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMING TO A STOP SIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. ALL THE SUDDEN, THE CAR SPED UP AND THE BRAKE WAS FAILING. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CAR IN THE OPPOSITE SIDE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR TO THE CURB. I CHECKED THE BRAKE AND WAS FUNCTIONING. LATER, I HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO PIERCEY TOYOTA TO DIAGNOSIS AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Oct 24, 2013
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMING TO A STOP SIGHT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. ALL THE SUDDEN, THE CAR SPED UP AND THE BRAKE WAS FAILING. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CAR IN THE OPPOSITE SIDE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR TO THE CURB. I CHECKED THE BRAKE AND WAS FUNCTIONING. LATER, I HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO PIERCEY TOYOTA TO DIAGNOSIS AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *TR
ENGINE May 18, 2013
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. *TR
Fire
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Mar 3, 2013
THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURE KEY FAILS TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK OF THE CAR AND DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY. I ALSO HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT WEATHER OR ACCIDENT RELATED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 3, 2013
THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURE KEY FAILS TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK OF THE CAR AND DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY. I ALSO HAVE DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT WEATHER OR ACCIDENT RELATED. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Oct 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS STICKING AND BINDING. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V012000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
POWER TRAIN Sep 25, 2012
THIS IS THE 2ND TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED IN MY 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUP DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE FIRST ONE WAS GRINDING GOING INTO 5TH GEAR. THE SECOND ONE IS GRINDING GOING INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND LEAKING FLUID FROM THE MAIN SEALS. THE CAR ONLY HAS 3200 MILES ON IT PURCHASED APRIL 27, 2012. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 TO 40 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO DEPRESS FULLY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 230,000.
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND DROPPED INTO A DITCH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER WAS SUFFERING FROM BACK PAIN. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES, A CONTUSION, CHEST PAIN, A BROKEN RIB, AND SKIN DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS May 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN SHE VEHICLE VEERED INTO A SLIGHT DITCH AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND LANDED ON ITS ROOF. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES BECAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INVESTIGATED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 200,000. UPDATED 08/01/12*LJ
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS Apr 26, 2012
REAR, RIGHT SEAT BELT WAS FULLY EXTENDED AND WILL NOT RETRACT; EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RETRACT IT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Apr 16, 2012
IGNITION KEY JAMS, WILL NOT TURN TO START ENGINE, AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF. FREQUENCY OF JAMMING INCREASED UNTIL I SWITCHED TO USING THE SPARE "MASTER" KEY. IT WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE AND THEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. FINALLY, I USED THE "VALET KEY" AND IT HAS WORKED FINE FOR NEARLY 2 YEARS. WHEN I RECENTLY WENT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TO PURCHASE 2 NEW KEYS, AFTER NEARLY 2 HOURS I WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THE NEW KEYS COULD NOT BE PROGRAMMED WITHOUT THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION A NEW IGNITION MODULE (ON-BOARD COMPUTER) COSTING $1,812 INCLUDING LABOR AND 2 KEYS. TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE OFFICE HAS REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC RADIATOR HAD BECOME OVERHEATED AND FRACTURED. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THERE WAS A CRACKED IN THE RADIATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,740.
AIR BAGS Jul 19, 2011
TODAY MY WIFE WAS STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR WHEN 2 CARS CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE OUR CAMRY. IT BROKE THE FRONT BUMPER OPEN AND THE STYROFOAM SUPPORT INSIDE. THE IMPACT DID NOT SET OFF THE AIRBAG AND IT IS WITHIN THE FRONT END RANGE OF IMPACT. *KB
Crash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jul 19, 2011
TODAY MY WIFE WAS STOPPED IN A PARKING LOT DRIVEWAY WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR WHEN 2 CARS CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE OUR CAMRY. IT BROKE THE FRONT BUMPER OPEN AND THE STYROFOAM SUPPORT INSIDE. THE IMPACT DID NOT SET OFF THE AIRBAG AND IT IS WITHIN THE FRONT END RANGE OF IMPACT. *KB
Crash
SUSPENSION:REAR May 8, 2011
REAR SUSPENSION ISSUE THAT ALLOWS THE CAR TO BOTTOM OUT OVER SMALL BUMPS AND A CONSTANT BUMPING NOISE. THIS IS NOT JUST A ONE TIME INCIDENT. *TR
SUSPENSION:REAR Apr 17, 2011
CAR BOTTOMED OUT OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE EVAN AFTER I REPLACED SHOCKS AND MOUNTS FOR OVER 850 DOLLARS ON FRONT END. FIINALLY REPLACED FRONT AND REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS FOR 2000 DOLLARS AND CAR STILL BOTTOMS OUT AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE . CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT PROBLEM BUT NO DEALER WOULD ADMIT TO SUSPENSION DESIGN FLAW IN 1998 CAMRY SUSPENSION. OTHER FAULTS WITH ACCELERATION AND SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO GAS PEDALS WE'RE A NATURAL PROGRESSION IN CAMRYS THAT FOLLOWED. *TR
SUSPENSION:FRONT Apr 17, 2011
CAR BOTTOMED OUT OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE EVAN AFTER I REPLACED SHOCKS AND MOUNTS FOR OVER 850 DOLLARS ON FRONT END. FIINALLY REPLACED FRONT AND REAR SPRINGS AND STRUTS FOR 2000 DOLLARS AND CAR STILL BOTTOMS OUT AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE . CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT PROBLEM BUT NO DEALER WOULD ADMIT TO SUSPENSION DESIGN FLAW IN 1998 CAMRY SUSPENSION. OTHER FAULTS WITH ACCELERATION AND SERIOUS INJURIES DUE TO GAS PEDALS WE'RE A NATURAL PROGRESSION IN CAMRYS THAT FOLLOWED. *TR
STRUCTURE Mar 30, 2011
DEAR SIR OR MADAM, I HAVE 1998 CAMRY LE AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES CLUNKING AND BANGING NOISE WHEN I DRIVE OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE OR SMALL HOLE, BUT NOISE GETS MUCH WORSE WHEN I DRIVE OVER BUMPS OR HUMPS. I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE ACTION TO MY COMPLAINT AND THANK YOU ADVANCE FOR TAKING CARE FOR US AS A CONSUMER SAFETY. *TR
SUSPENSION:FRONT Mar 30, 2011
DEAR SIR OR MADAM, I HAVE 1998 CAMRY LE AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES CLUNKING AND BANGING NOISE WHEN I DRIVE OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE OR SMALL HOLE, BUT NOISE GETS MUCH WORSE WHEN I DRIVE OVER BUMPS OR HUMPS. I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE ACTION TO MY COMPLAINT AND THANK YOU ADVANCE FOR TAKING CARE FOR US AS A CONSUMER SAFETY. *TR
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER Feb 27, 2011
I NOTICE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY CAMRY THE NOISE IS CONSTANT IT MAKES A RATTLING NOISE IN THE FRONT AND THEN IT ALSO SQUEAKS IN THE FRONT. I BOUGHT IT TO PEP BOYS 6 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM IT IS A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT IS VERY LOUD. *TR
SUSPENSION:FRONT Feb 27, 2011
I NOTICE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY CAMRY THE NOISE IS CONSTANT IT MAKES A RATTLING NOISE IN THE FRONT AND THEN IT ALSO SQUEAKS IN THE FRONT. I BOUGHT IT TO PEP BOYS 6 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM IT IS A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT IS VERY LOUD. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jan 4, 2011
IT JUST STALLS FOR NO REASON. SOMETIMES IT STALLS AT A LIGHT SOMETIMES IT STALLS WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES IT WONT STALL FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jan 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE OCCURRENCE WAS INTERMITTENT. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V012000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS NOTIFYING THE DEALER TO VERIFY IF THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,390.
STRUCTURE Dec 1, 2010
1998 TOYOTA CAMRY (139K MILES) REAR DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD BREAK WHILE DRIVING. PURCHASED TWO REAR TIRES AND CAR ALIGNMENT MID OCTOBER. TWO WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD, FELT A PROBLEM WITH WHEELS, PULLED OFF ROAD, CALLED TOW TRUCK. TIE ROD HAD BROKEN INTO TWO EQUAL SIZED PIECES. TIE ROD WAS VERY RUSTED AND CORRODED AND MISSING THE SLEEVE THAT COVERS OVER BOTH ENDS. PART WAS EITHER DEFECTIVE FROM THE BEGINNING OR SOMEHOW LOST THE SLEEVE. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO ALIGN THE CAR. HOWEVER THE TIRE PLACE CHARGED ME FOR AN ALIGNMENT WHEN I BOUGHT THE TIRES. MORE ANNOYING WAS THE FACT THAT THEY NEVER INFORMED ME THE TIE ROD WAS DAMAGED/RUSTED AND LIABLE TO BREAK. I HAD NO INDICATION THE TIE ROD WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT A BREAK LIKE THAT IS RARE. FORTUNATELY I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY AND NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR INJURY. LASTLY I HAVE TIRES ROTATED TWICE A YEAR AT LOCAL TOYOTA PLACE AND WAS NEVER INFORMED THE TIE ROD WAS DEFECTIVE/ RUSTED AND MISSING THE SLEEVE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Nov 29, 2010
1998 TOYOTA CAMRY, FRONT HEAD LIGHT COVERS HAVE CLOUDED UP REDUCING HEAD LIGHT BRIGHTNESS AND DISTANCE OF HEAD LIGHTS EFFECTIVENESS. *BF
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 16, 2010
I HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT WON'T GO AWAY. SUPPOSEDLY IT WAS RELATED TO THE O2 SENSORS. THEY'VE BOTH BEEN REPLACED, TO NO AVAIL. A DUAL-CERTIFIED TOYOTA MASTER MECHANIC IS SCRATCHING HIS HEAD ON THIS ONE. THERE'S OBVIOUSLY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE AS IT'S BEEN PERFORMING WELL FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, WITH AN ENGINE LIGHT BURNING BRIGHTLY, REGARDLESS. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AS IT'S OBVIOUSLY A USELESS LIGHT, NOW, AND ALL I CAN HOPE FOR IS FOR THE BULB TO EVENTUALLY BURN OUT - AS I DON'T CARE TO GET INTO TEARING OUT THE DASH TO REMOVE IT. VERY VERY ANNOYING (NOW HAVE A PIECE OF BLACK DUCT TAPE OVER THE LENS BUT THAT'S HARDLY A FIX). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Oct 20, 2010
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. *TR
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 3, 2010
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING-LETTER FROM REGARDING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER WANTED TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. UPDATED 04/12/12